ABOUT US
At What Theatre Company, we believe in nurturing the next generation of performers. Located at Belmont North, NSW, we offer a dynamic range of performing arts classes including dance, drama, acting, and musical theatre.
Our programs are designed to inspire creativity and confidence in students of all ages, culminating in professional performances that provide invaluable stage experience. Whether through term-based classes, engaging workshops, or auditions for productions, we are committed to fostering talent in a supportive and vibrant environment.
Recent productions include “Showstoppers” concert, Catch Me If You Can the musical, Aladdin JR and Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR.
Upcoming production July 2026 The Addams Family Young part (Civic Theatre Playhouse).
Meet the Team
Co-Owner
Danny Folpp
Danny is a director, educator and performer with 18 years of stage experience. He trained under leading industry mentors at The Australian Institute of Music, igniting a lifelong commitment to the performing arts as both artist and teacher.
Recent performances include The Very Popular Theatre Company's MAMMA MIA! as Bill Austin, BILLY ELLIOT as Jackie Elliot, SUPERSTARS, and CHESS. What Theatre Company's CATCH ME IF YOU CAN as Frank Jr. Metropolitan Players' SHREK as Shrek, BEAUTY & THE BEAST as Beast. Chookas Entertainment's CHICAGO as Billy Flynn.
Recent directing credits include ADDAMS FAMILY YOUNG@PART, 13 Jr, MADAGASCAR JR, Aladdin JR, ANNIE, LEGALLY BLONDE, 12 ANGRY MEN, and SHREK JR.
His latest venture is co-founding What Theatre Company. Built
for budding performers of all ages to hone their craft in
performing arts with classes, musical productions and private lessons.
Co-Owner
Chauntelle O'Brien
Chauntelle has been dancing for 28 years in styles such as Classical Ballet (BBO & RAD), Jazz, Tap (LGTDA & BBO), Contemporary, Show Girl and National Character. Chauntelle successfully created and operated CADA (Chauntelle Alydia Dance Academy) for 6 years and has been a dance teaching for 19 years at various studios. During this time she obtained her Diploma of Musical Theatre, Diploma of Elite Performance (Dance), Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (The Actor’s Program), Diploma of Dance Teaching and most recently Certificate IV in Leadership and Management.
Chauntelle has been an active member of the entertainment industry from a young age, showing an interest in acting and dancing. Since then, she has gone on to be involved in commercials, short films, music videos, theatre productions and musicals.
Some notable roles include Molly Jensen from "Ghost the Musical" (2025), Bonnie Parker from "Bonnie & Clyde the Musical" (2024), Janet Van de Graaf from “Drowsy Chaperone” (2023), Yvette from “Clue” (2023), Miriam from “Fly By Night” (2016) and Sandra from “Trevor” (2017). Other production she has been in are Catch Me If You Can, Legally Blonde, Shrek, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Young Frankenstein.
She has also had the pleasure of choreographing"Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR" (2025), "Aladdin JR" (2024), Catch Me If You Can (2024), "The Little Mermaid JR" (2024), ”Witches of Eastwick” (2023), Jerry’s Girls (2023), “Shrek JR” (2023), “Urinetown the Musical” (2022), City of Newcastle Drama Association Award Ceremony (2021) and “Stepping Out” (2019).
Her latest venture is founding What Theatre Company. Built for budding performers of all ages to hone their craft in performing arts.
Tutor
Lilly Grant
Lilly has over 19 years of dance training and 14 years of vocal and acting experience. She has trained across multiple styles including Jazz (Comdance), Ballet (RAD), Tap (PDA), Hip-Hop, and Contemporary. Lilly has completed her Comdance Grade 7 Jazz Exam and up to RAD Grade 6 Ballet. In addition to her dance qualifications, Lilly has completed Trinity College London Classical Singing Exams up to Grade 7 and is currently working towards her Grade 8 certification.
Lilly has performed in numerous musical theatre productions across Newcastle, with credits including The Wizard of Oz (Metropolitan Players), Bonnie & Clyde (Stand & Deliver), Catch Me If You Can (What Theatre Company), Jerry’s Girls (Metropolitan Players), Witches of Eastwick (Stand & Deliver), Showstoppers (What Theatre Company), as well as multiple productions with Young People’s Theatre.
Her choreographic credits include The Drowsy Chaperone and Into the Woods (UoN Musos).
Alongside her performance and choreographic work, Lilly has extensive experience working with children aged 5–12 through her roles in after-school care programs and as a high school teacher.