Brett has worked as an actor, writer and director in the film and TV industry for over 20 years.
He is excited to share what he has learned with the next generation of actors, performers and entertainers.
He believes in the power of play and brings joy to each of his lessons.
Having fun is a great way to teach...
and more importantly, learn!
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.
Gold Medal LAMDA qualification, BA Hons in English Literature and Theatre, Diploma from The Actors Program, Auckland.
Fiona has been working as a speech and drama teacher, actor and theatre director for the last 10 years.
Fiona's classes are (most importantly) 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.
Fun fact about Fiona:
She moved from London to Tarras and spent 6 months as a sheep farmer!
ATCL in Musical Theatre, ATCL in Performance, NZ Speech Board Diploma
Acting Diploma through "The Actors Program".
Ben has had acting and theatrical success on both stage and screen and has a wealth of knowledge he's eager pass on to NZ youth!
Ben’s classes have a focus on inner confidence to help students lift themselves up and achieve whatever they put their minds to.
Fun fact about Ben:
His Favourite movie is "Grease", and when he was 4 years old he would watch it at least 3 times a day!
B.Education in Primary Teaching
Kylie is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator who is driven by creating meaningful learning experiences in the Performing Arts 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.
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.
ATCL in Speech and Drama
Kelly has taught drama for over 14 years and is currently the Deputy Principal of the Howick Children’s and Youth Theatre. She is an actor, director, and trained drama and ballroom dance teacher. She is involved in various types of theatre from Musical Theatre to Shakespeare. Her students hold a distinction average in the Trinity College of London examinations. Some of her students have been awarded 100% in their exams (which is very rare). Kelly is passionate about inspiring and motivating students to discover their full potential, unlock creativity and create long-term confidence.
Kelly loves… travelling and visiting new and amazing places around the world.
ATCL in Speech and Drama , LTCL in Teaching Speech and Drama, Acting Diploma, National Certificate in Film and Television Production
Holly’s classes are energetic and full of life. She inspires her students to be the best they can be by building their confidence, performance and communication skills!
And yes, if you’ve got that feeling that you “know her from somewhere”. It’s not from your gym, or from your local cafe… Holly is on Shortland Street, and is the starring talent and creative genius behind Auckward Love and (Insta-series) Millennial Jenny.
If Holly was a superhero… she’d be Elastigirl!
Janita has worked as an EA/PA in several big corporates as well as being an Office Manager of a start up business.
She says: “Held Held High is a place filled with positivity, encouragement and very passionate teachers and being part of this, where I am able to provide administration support is wonderful. My children Fletcher and Alana attend speech and drama lessons and the energy and excitement that they come home with is priceless.”
Janita’s passion is photography and she has her own “dream business”, mainly focusing on multi-generational family portraits.
If she was a superhero, Janita would be Iron(wo)man - “to be able to fly around would just be awesome!”
Masters in Drama (first class honours)
Erica works as an actor, voice-over artist and presenter with a Masters in Drama. She has also completed her Grade 8 Trinity Speech and Drama qualification.
Erica has worked with adults in building confidence and resilience, and is passionate about instilling these same vital life skills in children.
She has a son and believes unleashing creativity in children helps them discover and reach their full potential.
Erica also has... a small obsession with elephants, which she has collected from all over the world.
