Profiles

Brooke

Brooke grew up doing both New Zealand Speech Board and Trinity College Speech and Drama exams so it is a privilege and a joy for her to now teach the syllabus. She went on to work professionally at the Court Theatre in Christchurch as a teenager and then trained at Toi Whakaari- the New Zealand Drama School. She has since worked in film, television and theatre in New Zealand, Australia, the US and Canada.

Brooke has been a speech and drama teacher for the last 7 years teaching students from 4-18 years old. She is passionate about inspiring confidence and creativity in young people through speech and drama lessons.

In 2010 Brooke won "Best Performance" in the NZ Herald Best of Theatre Awards.

Profiles

Mel

Melissa is an actor and comedian, originally from Sydney. She has an associate degree in Acting from the Theatre of Arts in Los Angeles.

Since moving to Auckland 3 years ago, highlights of her screen work include Jonah, Shortland Street and feature film All About the Afterglow.

As a comedian Melissa has performed at The Comedy Store in LA, The Classic Auckland and was selected to perform at the Laugh Riot Grrrl Comedy Festival LA. She loves working with children and having fun in class.

On the weekends Melissa loves roller skating, doing yoga and travelling.

Profiles

Amy

Amy Usherwood is a Kiwi NIDA graduate who has worked in film, television and theatre in both Australia and NZ.

Her screen credits include Shortland St, Hillary and Ladies in Black; and her theatre credits include Pop-Up Globe summer season 2018/19, Crimes of the Heart, Sweet Phoebe, Ache and for Sport for Jove in Sydney.

Amy is a skilled and experienced teacher covering many specialties and has taught all age groups, from small children through to adults.

She has taught drama with NIDA open Program, Sport for Jove and Pop-Up Globe.

Profiles

Jess

Originally from the UK, Jess trained with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and obtained her gold medal in Acting.

Jess loves getting back to her dramatic roots, working with children to gain confidence and grow their creative talents! She is a screenwriter, storyliner and editor and has worked in England, Australia and New Zealand for notable TV productions such as Cold Feet, Shortland Street and Neighbours.

Jess loves the underwater world and has an advanced certificate in scuba diving - her favourite creature is the manta ray, which she managed to spot on a recent trip!

Profiles

JJ

Diploma in commercial dance and musical theatre (Wellington Performing Arts Centre).

JJ is a working actress in the NZ screen industry, having starred and co-starred on shows like Go Girls, Shortland Street, Stepdave and the Brokenwood Mysteries, she also co-produces webseries’ with her friends in their company Flat3 Productions.

JJ loves to have fun in her classes, and always be up on her feet and creating with her students.

JJ is used to being the odd kid, and champions embracing your individuality!

Profiles

Liz

ATCL with Trinity College of London.

Liz loves the Performing Arts and has been involved in many different areas, including travelling in a children’s entertainment group, speaking in high schools about health related topics, and teaching all ages from age 2 to adults. She has her ATCL with Trinity College of London and loves the skills speech and drama bestow on young people. She is passionate about young people building confidence to become people they are proud of and build lives they love.

Little known fact: Liz has talked about the birds and the bees to over 10,000 Kiwi kids!

Profiles

Lydia

Bachelor of Arts majoring in both Theatre and English Literature.

Lydia moved up from Wellington three years ago where she worked extensively in theatre.

She is passionate about helping young people find their own voice.

Lydia loves acting, and how you can use it to discover differences in yourself and learn to use those differences as strengths. She is a face painter, balloon twister and fairy who also helps run a motel.

Lydia is happiest when…
she is in a body of water, or dancing.

Profiles

Fiona

Gold Medal LAMDA qualification, BA Hons in English Literature and Theatre, Diploma from The Actors Program, Auckland.

Fiona has worked as a speech and drama teacher, actor and theatre director for the last 10 years.

Fiona's classes are lots of FUN and students are encouraged to play and stretch their imaginations, as well as being challenged and encouraged to make new discoveries each week.

Fiona is also a Writer/Producer and her drama ‘Constance’ came 2nd place in the 2018 TVNZ New Blood competition.

Profiles

Julian

Fine Arts in Theatre, Bachelor of Arts in Performance Studies.

Julian was born and raised in Hong Kong to Kiwi expats, taught English as a second language to kids aged 3 to 16 and has led drama workshops for children for the past 6 years. He loves watching confidence blossom in young performers who are still trying to find their voice. He is very passionate about arts education and believes performing arts to be just as important as academia. Julian more recently wrote and directed his own professional play that premiered at BATS Theatre in Wellington in February 2020. It was met with rave reviews and sold over 75% of its entire box office.

Julian also creates Tik Tok videos and has a follower count of over 80,000!

Profiles

Kylie

B.Education in Primary Teaching

Kylie is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator, driven by creating meaningful Performing Arts learning experiences for tamariki.

Kylie has specialised skills in integrating drama with other curriculum areas within a primary school context. Implementing student-led productions with a cast of over 100 students has been a highlight of her career. Kylie is passionate about fostering children’s development and confidence through the arts.

When she’s not in the classroom… Kylie enjoys the great outdoors, particularly sailing with her family exploring the treasures of Aotearoa.

Profiles

Nicole

Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts, majoring in Acting.

With extensive experience in children’s entertainment, Nicole has her own company Imaginaire Entertainment.

Nicole has a natural affinity with young people and has a caring, imaginative and enthusiastic teaching style.

She is passionate about working with children and inspiring them to grow into their own potential through drama and the performing arts.

Nicole loves… animals, especially her two cats Bella and Boston.

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Profile Category: All Teachers