Our Coaches

Sharon Stephan - Director

Since the age of 8, Sharon Stephan has devoted her professional career to the arts of drama and theatrics.

As a graduate from The Performing Arts College, Sharon has been cast in many major theatre productions including television and radio.

For the past 13 years she has professionally coached students of all ages. Her ambition for coaching has given her students the opportunity to participate in a magnitude of commercials and mini series for television.

Sharon ’s extensive background in entertainment continued to progress through writing, producing and directing television and theatre productions of her own.

Gail Lusted - Master Coach

Gail graduated from Nottingham University , UK , with a Drama B.Ed (Hons). She has spent 10 years in Aberdeen , Scotland where she was employed by the City Education Authority.

Included in her remit was Primary Visiting Drama Specialist, director of Aberdeen Children’s Theatre, actor/director of Mobile Theatre-In-Education and Drama Curriculum Support Teacher for the city’s schools/academies. Gail was also chairperson of Studio Theatre Group, starring in various productions and festivals and for the past two years has been employed by Australian Idol in Perth.

It is a great pleasure to have Gail on our team as master coach of Stargate.

In addition, Gail was photographer for the rock band "The Dentists" in the UK.  To veiw, go to website - www.thedentists.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Julie’s passion for acting began as a child where she acted extensively in local theatre. A self-confessed wordaholic she turned her attentions to writing and has had a number of poems and articles published. In recent years, her passion has taken her to university as a writer/ director/producer of films, currently studying at Murdoch University she is in her final year of a BA in Media specialising in film.

Julie has written, directed and produced - Documentaries, Music videos (which have been aired on Rage) and short films. In her latest Film ‘Butterfly’ which garnished her the award for best Screenplay  at the ‘Final Cut 2004’ film festival, she employed a number of  our  Stargate students and Sharon Stephan playing the lead was rewarded with a nomination for Best Actor. It is a delight to have Julie as a part of our team at Stargate.

James Pentecost - Script Writer

James' prowess in writing was acknowledged at an early age of 9 years old when he received an award in the 1994 Regional Eisteddfod for writing and speaking. His passion further broadened from then, when he began to write his own short stories, poetry and lyrics for music. Studying creative drama with Sharon Stephan for 5 years and TEE drama at high school, James is familiar with the actor’s point of view and has had the opportunity to act in short films and theatre. These years of acting experience have furthered his creativity and aided his interest for writing. As the drummer and lyricist in local band “The Dot Matrix Project”, with every new writing venture James undertakes, he brings a strong level of passion and enthusiasm, creating pieces ranging from the political to the absurd, to the comedic. Having written a majority of scripts for Stargate’s performances, our team is proud to announce James as our scriptwriter.

Micheal Gasmire - Cinematographer/Coach

At a young age, Mike was focused on becoming involved in the entertainment industry. This passion began with acting in school plays and amateur theatre, as well as writing and directing performances while still in high school. As an adult, Mike has turned his attention from the theatre to the screen, being involved in the production of over a dozen short films, documentaries and music videos. Diversity being the key, he has worked in virtually every role behind the scenes, including: writer, director, producer, cinematographer, editor, sound artist, special effects, wardrobe, make-up and even catering and acting.

An award winning filmmaker, Mike has had films screened at various festivals, including the Revelation Film Festival. He has also had articles published, and as a photographer has had his work publicly exhibited. Having recently completed his BA in Media Studies (Screen Production) at Murdoch University , Mike is beginning his Honours thesis in Screenwriting and Directing. It is with pleasure that we welcome Mike as a team member of Stargate Productions.

Peter Webb - Specialty Coach

Born in Papua New Guinea , Peter spent four years in the Royal Australian Air Force before being accepted into the WA Academy of Performing Arts. He graduated in 1991 and since then has worked as an actor, writer and director for theatre, film and television. His plays have been performed Australia wide and he also founded Melbourne rock band Grin Dogs. Peter has lectured in theatre arts at Notre Dame University , Self Devised Theatre

And Playwriting for WAAPA and is currently lecturing at the New School of Contemporary Arts, Edith Cowan University . Acting credits include Blue Heelers, Mercury, Gross Misconduct and Japanese Story. Writing credits include Micky.com, Colour and Whitefullas. Stargate welcome this bundle of knowledge to our team.

Gavan Ellis - Specialty Coach

Gavan is a qualified speech and drama Teacher with a diploma from Trinity College London. He began his career in Melbourne , in film and television. He then spent five years in London , working in the industry and completing his studies. Gavan conducts a course where you will learn how to audition successfully for film and television roles. The course combines theory with practical skills. You will learn how to give your best performance when you are placed in front of the camera. Gavan has worked in the industry for over 30 years and brings a wealth of experience to our team.