ENTICING YOUNG LEARNERS TO READ BOOKS IS WHAT WE DO BEST!
New shows with new books are devised every year to create fresh and irresistible literary programs. Lots of thought, energy and creativity go into bringing these books to life and only the best of local and international authors are chosen for our shows.
Our team comprises of years of experience from the South African entertainment Industry, pulling on various professional talents, young and old. Careful scripting, creative costuming, innovative direction and a talented team of professional actors make up our recipe for success.
SHAELEEN TOBIN-SETZKORN | HOB DIRECTOR | COMPANY DIRECTOR
At the helm of the company, you’ll find the award-winning comedy actress Shaeleen Tobin, who has been a successful actress and businesswoman for the past 28 years. She is particularly well known for her roles as Patience in the TV series “The Coconuts” and more recently Yvette in “The Bedford Wives.” Shaeleen’s career has taken her on a journey through TV, film and stage, but her first love will always remain theatre. Now wearing the producer’s hat, she brings all of these loves together. Shaeleen is passionate about reading and children.
LAURA TOBIN-SETZKORN | W&W DIRECTOR | COMPANY DIRECTOR
Heading up our exciting Pre-Primary school program is our multi-talented Musical theatre performer and Entrepreneur Laura Setzkorn. After running her own Promotional Events & Entertainment business for 14 years she joined the Hooked on Books team. Her love and passion for children’s theatre, compelled her to create the wonderful world of Wiggly and Woggly - our loveable bookworms. Laura’s eyes for detail, passion for directing and working with young actors bring the Wiggly and Woggly shows to life.
THOMAS BARLOW | HOB DIRECTOR | Script Writer | CT Booking Agent
Blowing in from Cape Town we have our zany Director & Booking Agent Thomas Barlow. He has been involved with Hooked on Books for the past 20 years. Having studied drama, he’s always had an eye for the crazy, an ear for the sublime and a flair for theatrics. This combined with all his passion and talent make him a firecracker of a team member. Those who are fortunate to work with him never forget him. The combination of Shaeleen and Thomas make their Primary school shows legendary.
DINEO KOMANE | KZN DIRECTOR | LVL GP BOOKING AGENT
Dineo’s love of performing started from a young age and she went on to study drama at the Tshwane University of Technology. Before she knew it, she was performing on stages around the country. She then joined Hooked on books as a young actress. This is when her love for children’s theatre was born and in 2015 she was appointed as the Director for Hooked on Books Durban Primary school shows. Her passion for theatre and young actors keeps our young audiences inspired. She has been directing for Hooked on Books ever since.
MARGO OLIVIER | Social Media
Margo’s love of theatre and reading started at a very young age. She studied drama and completed her B. Hons degree at the University of the Free State. Margo started her career in children’s theatre, then honed her many communication and IT skills in the corporate world. She joined Hooked on Books in 2019 and is our Social Media Marketing GURU!
NAHTALIE PAUTZ | KZN & GP BOOKING AGENT | Marketing
Not a stranger to the stage and theatre herself, Nahtalie has happily joined Hooked on Books where she can also put her Virtual Assistance skills to the test. Nahtalie studied Child Psychology and received her Honours in Psychology while majoring in education. Her passion for education and theatre and her ability to find all things digital interesting is why she is an irreplaceable member of our team. We welcome her fresh ideas and digital knowledge with open arms.
WENDY COOKE TONNESON | Costume Designer
Bringing the vision of the Creative directors of Hooked on Books to life is a job that not many are brave enough to handle, but Wendy does it with flair and pizazz! Wendy’s background in art and design and her self-taught sewing skills, make her the perfect creator for all our costumes and props. Thinking out of the box and bringing all of our crazy book characters to life is what Wendy does best. No challenge goes unaccepted. She has been with the Hooked on Books family for 29 years now and we greatly value her.
Shaeleen, Laura, Thomas and Dineo all started their journey as young performers with Hooked on Books many MANY many years ago!