Mylène Duijvestein (actress) was raised in the United States until the age of twenty- five. She finished her studies at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Ney York and has continued her acting career in both the United States and The Netherlands. Besides owning her own acting company, Actors in Action, she has performed on stage and on screen in many dramatic productions. Her comedy career was an eye-opener to both herself and her management when she began doing stand up in both English and Dutch. Mylène has the ability to speak both Dutch and English fluently.

Vannessa Thuyns (singer) received private singing lessons from Rolinha Kross and Cis can Draanen and began her studies at the Frank Sanders Musicalakademie. She immediately received a role of Jeanie in the European tour of HAIR, where she spent the next year touring not only Europe but many parts of the world. She continued her career at the Joop van the Ende production of ‘Oliver’ where she toured The Netherlands for another season. Television was the newest challenge as she tackled the role of presenter during 2 years of RTL shop, seen everyday during prime time television hours. Her singing career has never been put on hold as she toured with Chris Zeegers and Jon Secada. Her own aspirations to make a solo album are being worked on as we speak!

Singer / Songwriter Ben Littlewood (a born and raised Englishman) has played piano almost all his life. Having completed his law degree in Bristol, UK, both Love and passion for music took the upper hand and he crossed the water to Holland where he was accepted to study at the Rotterdam Conservatory of Music. After his music study Ben began recording, writing, and performing his own songs live throughout The Netherlands and the UK. He also followed his love for country music to Nashville Tennessee and hooked up with songwriter Rob Crosby (Martina Mc Bride, Ilse de Lange) to develop his writing skills. Many years of playing & singing behind him gave Ben the confidence to enter The Voice Of Holland where his performance of 'Time after Time', and his 'piano battle' with Guy Barzily ended up being some of the most talked about moments of the show - not to mention the fact that all of Holland was watching! Thankfully Ben's talent was also discovered by the Carpenstars team and he is looking forward to playing the challenging role of Richard Carpenter in his first theater tour.

Leon Zautsen (saxophone, harmonica, flute) has spent his life combining his musical talent with his talent as a industrial designer. He finished his studies at TU Delft in The Netherlands and on a whim decided to audition for the European tour of HAIR. He packed his suitcase and traveled the world as saxophone player for the next two years of his life. He has never laid his saxophone to rest as he has played the Hollands top artists like Mieke Stemerdink en in bands such as Sonny Griffin en Manifesto. Leon works as freelance industrial designer during the day and grabs his saxophone where he can. Leon has been the strength behind many of the stage props used in the Carpentstars show. The Carpenstars are thankful for his many talents!

Marc Schrader (sound & video editing) completed his study and began working for Koninklijk Conservatorium In The Hague. He has been the sound master behind Mini & Maxi, Annie, HAIR, and Herman van Veen. Television was something he wanted to discover as well and worked for Holland Sport, VPRO and NPS. Marc's love for apple took the overhand and he became a certified trainer for Final Cut Pro. He has taken on the Carpenstars tour because of his love for theater and continues working as teacher and coach for beeld and geluid.

Wilbo Kouwenhoven (light) studied drama but was intrigued by the technical aspects of it all. His love for all that happens behind the scenes grew and he became a lighting technician and designer. Wilbo has worked for Waterhuis, Artemis, Het Laagland, De Wetten van Keppler and Theater van het Oosten. He is currently a teacher at the Grafisch Lyceum in Rotterdam during the daytime hours. We are very thankful for Wilbo’s creative soul as he has made a beautiful lighting design for the Carpenstars show.