Creative ID: 782
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
I’m a theatre maker with experience and training in directing, acting and writing for live performance. I’m passionate about environmental sustainability, representation and accessibility in the arts; I'm a strong believer in the power of theatre to be a force for positive change.
The rehearsal room is my happy place! I adore working with students on established texts, workshopping new scripts, or creating improvisations and devised works. I've particular skills in character development (exploring movement, sound, and motivation) text analysis, and devised theatre. My focus in a class or rehearsal room is cultivating a collaborative and supportive atmosphere which enables students to be free to experiment, embracing failure as a stepping stone to success.
My goal is to provide specific positive and constructive feedback. Let's talk projects! I'd love to take stories written by your students, and transform them into live theatre works performed by them. Always keen to tailor the work to meet needs – happy to jump on board your existing project. A link to my updated CV and more about my work is available on request.
My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner
I'm an MFA (directing) Theatre graduate of Te Herenga Waka VUW and BPA Music Theatre graduate of NASDA (2008). My extensive training in theatre includes time at Howard Fine Acting Studio and Brave Studios of Melbourne, and an LTCL from Trinity College Speech & Drama.
My directing highlights include Paper Jam, a devised production including integrated Audio Description at BATS; The Addams Family Musical for Musical Theatre Gisborne, and How I Met My Dead Husband, Ophelia Thinks Harder for Wit Incorporated in Melbourne. I've performed in over 38 theatrical productions, and a few TVCs. My favourite roles include playing Gerry in That Time Everything Went Well and We Were Totally Fine which I co- wrote, Ginny in Outside In, and Macbeth in Macbeth.
My writing has been performed in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Fringe Festival and Midsummer Festival. Three of my plays have been published by Australian Plays and one was shortlisted for Playmarket NZ's 2018 Plays For the Young Competition. I co-founded an independent theatre company, and its drama programme and worked as Artistic Director until my return to Aotearoa in 2020. I have a number of current projects as well as giving private speech and drama teaching, and writing in progress.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
I spent five years teaching my own afterschool drama programme in Melbourne, which provided me with loads of experience engaging with tamariki. There I was the sole teacher, programme coordinator, fundraiser and administrator. I developed class content, directed and produced children's shows, and often wrote the works they performed. I’m proud to say this programme has continued to grow, despite my move back to Aotearoa. A list of more experience working with children/young people is available on request.
I taught predominantly primary aged children, but have worked extensively in theatre with undergrads and adults, and taught workshops and private lessons for teens. I continue to relish the opportunity to share my passion of theatre with young people. Special interests and common themes in my work: Capitalism, feminism, gender ‘roles’, environmentalism - climate crisis, speculating about the future.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
I believe all children should have the chance to express themselves via performance. In drama class I convert opportunities to share my passion for theatre and live performance. Establishing spaces for young people to build confidence, character, lateral thinking, as well as providing an emotional and physical, artistic outlet. A natural teacher and organised leader, I’m eager to share my experience and training with the next generation. My practice is constantly evolving – there is no better learning than teaching, than doing. I’ve found that students constantly surprise me by what they come up with in rehearsals/performance. I’m interested in giving them the space and support they need to make discoveries and bold offers. This in turn enhances and inspires my practice. Working with students (especially those devising their own work), and being free to test activities and develop exercises that draw out story, improves my technique as an all-round theatre maker and especially a director.