Staff

Sharon Cruse

Owner & Director

Sharon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater Education from Taylor University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. Prior to Drama Kids, Sharon was a theater teacher in Charleston County Schools and the Gaillard Youth Theater Camp. She is certified to teach theater in South Carolina and has 12 years of administrative experience, 8 of which as a school Director of Fine Arts, where she was involved with over 20 fine arts performances a year. Having taught students in Primary through 12th grade, Sharon believes strongly in the incredible value of the Drama Kids experience. Please reach out if you have any questions about the programs we offer!

Megan Deshotel

Lead Teacher

With over a decade of experience, Megan is a scholar, dancer, choreographer and instructor specializing in integrating dance with strength training. Holding a BFA, MFA and South Carolina teaching license for South Carolina Board of Education. She continues to stay up to date with current research, explore new movements and participate in her own strength training program. Megan is excited to add Drama Kids to her experiences as she uses her skills to expand into teaching theater and acting.

Megan is not just a teacher but a mentor and inspiration to her students, encouraging them to reach their fullest potential by catering to their individual needs. With a passion for dance and fitness she strives to leave a lasting impact, one student at a time.

Katarina Fradenburg

Lead Teacher

Katarina is super excited to be teaching Drama Kids again! She previously taught with Drama Kids back in New York before moving to Charleston 3 years ago! She has a BFA in Acting and minored in early childhood education at Adelphi University! She currently teaches preschool in addition to Drama Kids! She loves all things dance and drama!

Catherine Frances Napper

Lead Teacher

Cat is a Chicago-Based teacher, improviser, writer and storyteller and holds a M.A.T. She was a longtime member of the Chicago Emmy award winning Improv group, The Illegitimate Players, and is a founding member of the independent comedy group, ImprovBus and the comedy duo, CatBomb, which perform in theaters and festivals all around the U.S. She has taught improvisation and theater classes to both adults and children in various venues throughout her career and directed several youth productions. As teaching young people is her passion, she is thrilled to be a part of the amazing Drama Kids staff!

Neoma Sanchez

Lead Teacher

Neoma is an actress and singer/songwriter based in Charleston. She studied Film at the American University of Paris and has worked professionally as a film actress and musician for the past 3 years. Neoma has experience screenwriting, directing, starring and composing projects, and continues to do so. With a background of teaching beginner acting classes outdoors, Neoma is super excited to join Drama Kids and continue this passion, in hopes to eventually teach more in depth about dramatic arts and film theory in her future!

Kristina Gaddy

Lead Teacher

Kristina’s love for theatre began in childhood, where she explored acting, costuming, and production, learning that drama is more than performance—it builds confidence, creativity, and courage. She enjoys helping students face fears, express emotions, and discover their unique strengths. With experience mentoring kids through ministry, outreach, and pastoral counseling, including working with children with special needs, Kristina brings heart and skill to the classroom. She also holds a Master of Divinity in Biblical Counseling, which shapes her thoughtful approach to guiding young learners. Outside of Drama Kids, she teaches art with Abstract Adventures in Summerville, paints, writes, and tends to her ever-growing collection of plants.

Nicolette Hochstetler

Lead Teacher

Nicolette is an actress with a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from the College of Charleston. She has experience performing on stage, directing, and acting in film, and she loves bringing stories to life in many different ways. With her background in teaching beginner theater classes, Nicolette is so excited to join Drama Kids and share her love of theatre and creativity with students while helping them grow in confidence and imagination.