Who we are
The Story Behind Levelling Up
Levelling Up was created to address longstanding gaps within the performing arts industry, where performers with textured hair continue to be underserved. The initiative was founded by experienced professionals who witnessed firsthand the impact of insufficient training on both performers and hair and makeup teams.
These experiences highlighted the need for structured, practical education that could be embedded into how productions are prepared and delivered. Since its launch, Levelling Up has grown from a response to a problem into a working model integrating training, advocacy, and industry standards.
Mission and Vision
Our mission is to raise professional standards in hair and makeup practice through inclusive training, ensuring all performers are properly cared for within the industry. Our vision is an industry where textured hair is understood, respected, and embedded into standard practice rather than treated as an exception.
Principles
Our work is guided by the principles of preparation, care, accountability, and professional integrity, forming the foundation of how we train, support, and operate across the industry.
Meet the Co-Founders
Levelling Up was founded by leading professionals working across television, film, and live performance. Their work spans major productions and institutions, bringing both creative and technical expertise into the initiative. The team is supported by specialists across programme delivery, operations, and education, ensuring Levelling Up is both creatively led and professionally structured.
Koral Neil
Koral Neil works to create opportunities and improve representation for underrepresented creatives across the performing arts industry. A London-based actress trained at Identity Drama School, she has experience across film, television, and theatre, and is best known for her role as Jenny Marshall in Invasion Planet Earth.
Carole Hancock
Carole Hancock is focused on creating accessible pathways and driving greater equity within the industry. A Hair, Wig and Make-up Designer with over 30 years of experience, she has worked across theatre, film, and television on productions including The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Game of Thrones, and runs HUM Studio Wigs.
Cynthia De La Rosa
Cynthia De La Rosa creates inclusive pathways for underrepresented artists. A London-based Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer, she has worked across theatre, film, and television on projects including Killing Eve, The Crown, and Mary Queen of Scots, and is a BAFTA Breakthrough recipient.
Koral Neil
Experienced across film, television, and theatre, now working in Human Resources.
A London-based actress trained at Identity Drama School, she has experience across film, television, and theatre, and is best known for her role as Jenny Marshall in Invasion Planet Earth.
Carole Hancock
Leading hair, wig and make-up design.
A Hair, Wig and Make-up Designer with over 30 years of experience, she has worked across theatre, film, and television on productions including The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Game of Thrones, and runs HUM Studio Wigs.
Cynthia De La Rosa
Designing wigs, hair and make-up.
A London-based Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer, she has worked across theatre, film, and television on projects including Killing Eve, The Crown, and Mary Queen of Scots, and is a BAFTA Breakthrough recipient.
Giuseppe Cannas
The legacy of Giuseppe Cannas, co-founder of Levelling Up and a highly respected Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer.
He held key roles including Head of Hair and Make-up for The Lion King in Sydney and later Head of Wigs, Hair and Make-up at the National Theatre, where he led and developed a large department across stage productions and NT Live. He was deeply committed to fostering inclusive, respectful working environments and supporting the next generation through mentorship and education.
His legacy continues through the standards he set, the people he inspired, and the pathways he helped create for future creatives.
Programme Manager
Obi Rocque
Programme management and industry transition.
With over 20 years in corporate banking, she moved into the world of hair and wigs and developed a strong appreciation for the skill behind it. Her journey shows that your experience can still be useful, even when you move into something completely new.