Creative ID: 127
Te Horo, Kāpiti coast.
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
Musical theatre, directing, choreography, musical direction, singing, dance, drama. My recent experience and training is in Broadway Jr shows. I am also a published author with a short story, a children's picture book, and more in the pipeline.
My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner with
I have directed various children's productions including most recently Mary Poppins Jr, Madagascar Jr, Annie Jr, all Broadway Jr shows at a primary school. Previous performance experience includes major roles in musical theatre productions of Chicago and Cats at a theatre society as well as minor roles in other musicals. I was choreographer for two productions (2012 and 2013), and Assistant Director and Choreographer for a production (2019). Many years ago I was Musical Director for a production at a College, Director of a musical theatre show which also won the Best Major Production in the Wellington Community Theatrefest awards.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
I am a trained teacher with experience teaching at secondary and primary level. I have worked with children's productions for many years, mostly at primary level and have worked with ages from 5 to 18. I have also been involved in writing for children. I have taught singing and drama as well as musical theatre. As a project manager and director for the recent Broadway Jr productions, I have led a team developing drama, singing, dance and ensemble skills in children. We have focused on building confidence, taking positive risks, developing characterisation and using student ideas in the process of creating theatre. We have involved children in all aspects of the production from technical to backstage, front of house as well as on stage. Building something from scratch as a cohesive team is key to producing a show where in addition to the audience response, each student gains so much.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
I am a creative practitioner with a passion for musical theatre. Having already established a working relationship with my local primary school, I am keen to continue to work in this area and to develop this in a more structured way. Being able to work as a professional rather than as a volunteer will greatly enhance my creative practice and future opportunities for professional development.