Cherie Moore
Cherie Moore (BA Theatre & English) has been performing for many years, and is currently working as a singer, actor, vocal coach and director. She performs regularly in plays, musical theatre, children’s shows, and as a vocalist and entertainer. Cherie studied Theatre and English at The University of Auckland, and after many years of singing training, continues to extend her knowledge and practice through vocal master classes and study of the biomechanics of the vocal mechanism. Cherie is a passionate teacher who aims to guide her students to become emotionally engaged and engaging performers.
Vicky Yiannoutsos
Vicky Yiannoutsos has a BA in Film and Theatre Studies from Victoria University, and has worked in the industry for over 25 years as an editor, film-maker, and acting coach. She is an award winning film-maker who trained at the Jeremiah Comey Film Acting Studios in Los Angeles, and has been involved with PAS since she began training actors in New Zealand in 1989. She has taught at Toi Whakaari, Unitec, UCOL, Auckland University and held workshops throughout New Zealand. She shares her year between New Zealand and Greece.
Paul Norell & Stephen Butterworth
Paul Norell is well know for his roles in Lord of the Rings, Hercules and Power Rangers. He has tutored drama for thirty years and conducts Communications Skills workshops in the corporate world. We are delighted to have him here at PASNZ with his course in acting auditions, He has an inspiring, thorough and detailed style of working and allows for increasing confidence and strengths in performance through a deeper understanding of the roles auditions play in the world of performing arts.
Stephen Butterworth (BA, BDip) has over 20 years of experience in Stage and Screen throughout NZ and Australia. Known as a "triple threat" performer, his versatility takes him from performing in anything from local and international television/film to large scale Theatre and Opera. He fosters and selects young talent through ATC summer school and is on the panel of the Unitec Acting Major. He also works as an artist liaison co-ordinator for the Auckland Arts Festival.
C. Newall/P. Klassen/M. Pitch/E. Gordon
Carlene Newall (BPerf Arts, AkUni) made the leap from a love of dancing on the ground, to up in the air when a Flying Trapeze rig set up camp around the corner from her home. She has 20 years dance experience and ten years training and performing in aerial arts. In 2007 she worked as a tutor in the circus department of a performing arts summer camp in New York and amongst various other places, has taught for 5 years at PASNZ.
Paul Klaassen has been dedicated to circus for 10 years, with 8 years experience as a full time circus artist. His fortes are juggling, clowning, devilstick, poi, and fire performance. Paul has always taught in conjunction with performing. He has taught at more than 10 learning institutes, and is well known for sparking people’s interest and enthusiasm for the circus arts.
Eve Gordon works as an actor, producer, filmmaker, aerialist and costume-maker. Her physical theatre practice began with a degree in acting from UNITEC She was further inspired by Beth Kayes and Company Theatre Physical to explore the possibilities of physical extremes, resulting in circus training and performance on trapeze, rope, pole and tissue (silks) and in acro-balance.
Mitchell Pitch (Dip. Circo Arts) spent the last two years of his life living in Christchurch in order to gain his diploma in the Circus Arts. Known for his incredible passion for circus lifestyle and performance, Mitchell specialises in Aerial Acrobatics, Acro-balance and fire performance.
Paul Norell
Paul Norell is well know for his roles in Lord of the Rings, Hercules and Power Rangers. He has tutored drama for thirty years and conducts Communications Skills workshops in the corporate world. We are delighted to have him here at PASNZ with his course in acting auditions, He has an inspiring, thorough and detailed style of working and allows for increasing confidence and strengths in performance through a deeper understanding of the roles auditions play in the world of performing arts.
Gaby Thomas
Gaby Thomas (Unitec BPSA - Contemporary Dance) trained at the NZ School of Dance and Unitec. She has danced for Raewyn Hill, Black Grace and is currently working with Atamira Dance Collective. Gaby has been teaching all levels of contemporary dance - classes that are energetic and technically focussed, coordinating the body with its surroundings.
Felicity Molloy
Felicity Molloy is a dance practitioner who has contributed to New Zealandís contemporary dance community for thirty years as a dancer (Impulse Dance Theatre, Inside Out Theatre, Independance, Merchants of Venus, Limbs Dance Company and Auckland Ballet), choreographer, community teacher, conference organiser and administrator. She has been a Dance Lecturer at Unitec School of Performing and Screen Arts mentoring the technical and choreographic development of students for the past 14 years.
Kylie Harris
Kylie Harris gained her teaching diploma in RAD ballet in 1998 and taught for Rochelle Spence Dance Studio in Napier for 8 years. In 2003 she gained her Bachelor of Contemporary Dance from Unitec. From 2001 to 2003 Kylie taught on the children’s ballet programme here at PASNZ whilst completing her degree. She then worked overseas as a dancer and upon her return has been teaching here at The Performing Arts School and working in post production.
Rosalind Gardner
Rosalind Gardner (BA, Dip Teaching, ATCL) is an actor, author, director and trained teacher who has worked extensively with young people through Theatre in Education - Youth Theatre Verbatim, Christchurch (1990) Room to Move, Auckland (1998). Ros has tutored at the Auckland College of Education and currently teaches acting at Unitec where she devises and directs their annual school’s touring season of Spinning Tales. Ros’s play Once was performed at the 2004 Wellington Fringe Festival and Out Loud Theatre Company’s Talk at the 2003 Wellington Youth Arts Festival.
Sharon Vandermerwe
Sharon Vandermerwe (BA, Dip Proj Mngmnt) trained in RAD, Ceccetti and Vaganova ballet styles, and danced for a ballet company in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her roles included Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Gulnare (Le Corsaire), Peter (Peter and the Wolf), Sylph (La Sylphide), Gala solos including Raymonda and Paquita, and contemporary and experimental ballets in annual Dance Umbrella festivals. Sharon currently teaches classical ballet repertoire at CityDance and PASNZ, and offers private ballet technique classes.
Carlene Newall & Eve Gordon
Carlene Newall (BPerf Arts, AkUni) made the leap from a love of dancing on the ground, to up in the air when a Flying Trapeze rig set up camp around the corner from her home. Carlene has 20 years dance experience and ten years training and performing in aerial arts. In 2007 she worked as a tutor in the circus department of a performing arts summer camp in New York and amongst various other places, has taught for 5 years at PASNZ.
Eve Gordon works as an actor, producer, filmmaker, aerialist and costume-maker. Her physical theatre practice began with a degree in acting from UNITEC She was further inspired by Beth Kayes and Company Theatre Physical to explore the possibilities of physical extremes, resulting in circus training and performance on trapeze, rope, pole and tissue (silks) and in acro-balance.
Lucy Miles
Lucy Miles (Unitec, BPSA - Contemporary Dance, Dip Perf Arts 2002)
is co-founder of award-winning contemporary dance company BackLit Productions. Within the company she has danced, choreographed, produced and is becoming involved in audio and costume production. Lucy also freelances as a dancer and choreographer and teaches throughout Auckland and the North Island.
Debbie Newby
Debbie Newby (BPSA, UNITEC 2002) is a member of Company Theatre Physical and most recently devised and performed in OOH BABY BABY which premiered at Taranaki Festival ’09. Debbie also devises and tours shows throughout Auckland's schools and pre-schools. Her work in the television industry include roles in Shortland Street, Mercy Peak, Outrageous Fortune, and Legends of The Seeker.
Ascia Maybury
Ascia Maybury (BPSA, Acting, Unitec) has been performing for most of her life in various genres and areas. She was even on stage before she was born, as her mother cracked the ring master’s whip in a red leotard, with a very pregnant tummy. The last show was cancelled due to Ascia's birth. Her tap teachers are Sandra Rasmussen & Shaquelle Maybury. Ascia continues professional development and training with Independance and The Dust Palace.
Sue Haldane
Sue Haldane is one of New Zealands most highly experienced theatre practitioners and teachers. She is the Artistic Director of Theatre Frontier and has created and performed innovative and contemporary theatre for young people for over 15 years.
Stephen Ure
Stephen Ure studied drama for 3 years at The Sydney Acting School and has worked as a professional actor in theatre, film and television for 25 years. He has over a dozen feature film credits including The Lord of The Rings - The Two Towers, The Return of The King and Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. His aim for his students is for them to develop confidence, creativity and the subtleties and technique required for acting for the camera.
Georgia Wood
Georgia Wood is a singer, actress and voice coach. A graduate of the University of Auckland and Toi Whakaari The New Zealand Drama School, her vocal career encompasses musical theatre and a one-woman rock-opera, acappella and big band vocal harmony groups, lullabies, soul, cabaret, funk, r'n’b, and jazz. Her passion for the voice has led her to study bio-laryngeal mechanics with Cheryl McLeay and sound healing with Chris James and Karina Schelde, and her understanding and empathy of the courage it takes to express vocally with oneself as the instrument, makes her an excellent vocal facilitator.
Fiona Edgar
Fiona Edgar has worked as an actor, writer and casting director for the last 20 years. She wrote and performed in several comedy shows including A Girls Gotta Eat and I’m Gonna Marry Marvin. She performed in several NZ Television shows in roles including Fran Piper on Shortland Street, 2006. As a casting director she has cast numerous TV commercials as well as the movie Broken English which was nominated for three NZ best actor awards. She is keen for her students to develop focus, courage and dynamics.
Grace Crawford
Grace Crawford is a dancer, choreographer and dance teacher. She studied at Excel Performing Arts School in 2000, and toured internationally with them in 2001. She then completed her Bachelor of Dance and her post-graduate studies at AUT. She also performed with the hip hop company Alter Ego at events such as the 2004 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards and L'Oreal Runway.
Grace is currently involved in various hip hop events around Auckland, either as a dancer, an organizer or a volunteer. Grace is also a dancer in The Cuban Groove Dance Company, and toured around NZ with them in 2009.
Lauren Mann
Lauren Mann is a dancer, singer, actress and Zumba instructor who graduated from The Apollo Theatre school last year with a Diploma in Musical Theatre. She loves dancing and fitness and has found Zumba to be the perfect blend of both things. Come join her and lose weight whilst having and awesome time! See you there!!
Maylene Baker
Maylene Baker started dancing at three years old, studying ballet, jazz and tap. Maylene graduated from Millikan High School in Long Beach, California. Whilst there she took up cheerleading alongside her advanced dance studies. Upon returning to NZ to attend Auckland University, she danced at Burgundy’s, performed as a foundation cheerleader for the Warriors and managed the Sky City Cheer Team. Maylene has lived in Sydney, London and New York, furthering her studies in all of these cities. Maylene has recently ‘hung up her performing shoes” and now enjoys passing on what she has learnt and getting creative with her choreography.
Janine Burchett
Janine Burchett trained at Toi Whakaari NZ Drama School and was nominated as NZ’s Most Promising Actress in 1998. Janine worked extensively in
NZ theatre and television before moving to Sydney in 2002 to play Mrs Darling/Tinkerbell in Peter Pan. She co-devised the play 'Convict Women', which
was awarded an Enerco Australian Cultural Award and taught for The Sydney Dance Co. and the Australian Academy of Dramatic Art. Janine wrote and
produced the multiple international award winning children's film Gabriel, which continues to screen at film festivals around the world.
Joel Gallarde
Joel Gallarde is the founder & director of TRiPLe8FuNk Dance Company, based at University of Auckland and one of the most established Street Dance Crews in NZ. Joel has had extensive dance training around the world and has taught dance workshops internationally. He is a sought after choreographer and is a mentor for the youth and the community. His belief is that to achieve one's goals in dancing one needs discipline, and at the same time, the ability to have fun with it all!
Caroline Gray
Caroline was born in Zurich, Switzerland and began dancing at the early age of 4. She began her full time studies in Classical Ballet at the New Zealand School of Dance in 2006. After graduating with a National Certificate in Dance Performance, she decided to continue tertiary study and is now completing the final year of her degree in Contemporary Dance. Caroline has enjoyed working with some of NZ’s most accomplished choreographers and directors such as Michael Parmenter, Shona McCullagh, Neil Ieremia, Timothy Gordon and Matz Skoog; and anticipates an even more exciting future in dance.
Penny Dodd
Penny Dodd is a professional musical director and arranger, conductor and vocal coach with over 25 years experience in NZ, Australia and the UK. Recent work includes arranging and conducting "Symphonic Rock" in Sky City Starlight Symphony 2005, and a long spell as musical director for Coca Cola Christmas in the Park 1997 - 2005. She toured New Zealand in 2004 as conductor of Evita, and recently appeared with Helen Medlyn in their "Raising Hell" show at the Herald Theatre.
Eve Gordon & Mitchell Pitch
Eve Gordon works as an actor, producer, filmmaker, aerialist and costume-maker. Her physical theatre practice began with a degree in acting from UNITEC She was further inspired by Beth Kayes and Company Theatre Physical to explore the possibilities of physical extremes, resulting in circus training and performance on trapeze, rope, pole and tissue (silks) and in acro-balance.
Mitchell Pitch (Dip. Circo Arts) spent the last two years of his life living in Christchurch in order to gain his diploma in the Circus Arts. Known for his incredible passion for circus lifestyle and performance, Mitchell specialises in Aerial Acrobatics, Acro-balance and fire performance.
David Tillinghast
David Tillinghast (BA (Hons) Performing Arts, UK) was a full-time Performing Arts and Popular Music Lecturer in London for seven years and teaches singing privately, coaches, performs in a-cappella groups and is the musical director and choral arranger of a 'pop' choir. He has worked in the UK as a voice-over artist, session musician and vocal arranger. Five of his former students have had UK Top 20 hits. David was a long-time member of a successful touring band, headlining in venues throughout Europe and North America.
Megan Adams
Megan Adams graduated from the New Zealand School of Dance in 1995 and works as a dancer, choreographer, rehearsal director and teacher. Megan has tutored at TAPAC, UNITEC and Toi Whakaari (The NZ Drama School) and has worked in schools as a dance in education tutor for The Royal New Zealand Ballet. Megan was the Rehearsal/Assistant Director for Douglas Wright’s NZ and Australian tour of Black Milk and was Shona McCullagh’s Choreographic Assistant on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and King Kong.
Elizabeth Hawthorne
Elizabeth Hawthorne O.N.Z.M, is one of NZís best known actresses who has an extensive career in theatre, film and television. Her training began at Theatre Corporate where she was a member of the ensemble company, 1974 -1984. Later, 1984 - 1992 Elizabeth was a member of the resident company at the Mercury Theatre. In Auckland Theatre Company productions she is well-known for her roles in plays such as in A Streetcar Named Desire and The Graduate. Film credits include, Savage Honeymoon, The Frighteners and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - and in television, Spin Doctors and Shortland Street. Elizabeth teaches at Unitec, St. Cuthbert's College and as a guest at summer schools nationally.
Charene Griggs & Felicity Molloy
Charene Griggs (SA). Nat. Dip. Dance & Baccalaurus Technologiae Dance (2008), Tswane UofT. Pact Dance Co. (1995-1998), State Theatre Dance Co (1998-2000), South African Ballet Theatre (2000-2004). International artists work with Robert North (LCDT/Rambert), Scapino Ballet Rotterdam), Bebe Mille Co., Donald Byrd/ The group, Shapiro and Smith Dance, Batcheva), Maggie Sietzma (Expressions), Kenneth Greve (Royal Danish Ballet) and MBT Dance Theatre. Appointed Program Director (Dance Programme), Unitec SPASA in 2006. Rehearsal director (Michael Parmenter's Commotions Company - Tent, 2008) and dancer (Southern Lights Dance Co, Christchurch, 2009).
Felicity Molloy is a dance practitioner who has contributed to New Zealandís contemporary dance community for thirty years as a dancer (Impulse Dance Theatre, Inside Out Theatre, Independance, Merchants of Venus, Limbs Dance Company and Auckland Ballet), choreographer, community teacher, conference organiser and administrator. She has been a Dance Lecturer at Unitec School of Performing and Screen Arts mentoring the technical and choreographic development of students for the past 14 years.
John Watson
John Watson spent 10 years working as an actor in professional theatre companies before becoming involved in television and film. He has explored the mysteries of acting for the camera at PASNZ for over 17 years and brings this broad experience of both genres to his teaching. “Essentially, the process is about finding out a little more about yourself. It’s about being confident and relaxed with who you are and less concerned about perceptions of how you should be” So if you have ever wondered about acting for the silver screen, come along on Saturday mornings and find out! You will have the full support of a seasoned professional actor and a small group of fellow explorers.
Jane Evans
Jane Evans (BA (Hons), Perf Arts, Middlesex University, UK) first used Pilates in the rehearsal room with actors when she was a theatre director. Since then Jane has used Pilates with other performing artists including musicians, opera singers and dancers. Jane completed her mat training with Body Control in the UK before qualifying as a studio instructor with Polestar Pilates in New Zealand.
Jean Hyland
Jean Hyland's teaching practice is informed by many years of work as an actor for stage and television. She is also a widely experienced teacher and a scholar. Her professional qualifications include: MA Honours, (University of Auckland); Secondary Teachers College Diploma (Auckland); NZ Teaching Certificate; Diploma in Theatre, (Manchester Polytechnic, England); Graduate Diploma in Psychosocial Studies, (AUT), Post Graduate Diploma in Education (University of Waikato). She is working on a PhD research project about the lives of women in the acting profession (University of Waikato). She is a registered NZ teacher.
Clare Battersby
Clare Battersby holds a Graduate Diploma in Movement and Dance from the University of Melbourne. Clare creates and performs her own delightful outdoor events for children in Auckland parks. She has been a member of Playback Theatre for over thirteen years. "I love to encourage children to express their natural desire - to leap for the stars, roll across the earth and run through empty spaces."
Linda Cartwright
Linda Cartwright(MA Visual and Performing Arts, Cert. Higher Education) acted at Theatre Corporate and the Mercury Theatre for several years, has taught voice extensively, and was the founding Head of Voice in the Acting Major of Unitecís degree programme, a position she held for 15 years. She has studied the Linklater method of freeing the natural voice, with Cicely Berry of the Royal Shakespeare Company and, more recently, the Estill Model. ìMy aim is to help people find the joy in speaking, the delight in finding their own sound and the confidence that comes from getting the voice integrated with the rest of the body. If I have a dream, it is that we in New Zealand should talk "like princes" - that is, with clear tone, clear diction, good variation of pitch and pace and with a voice that generously communicates who we are at the deepest level.î
Aruna Po-Ching
Aruna Po-Ching is a lover of Polynesian dance forms and has performed all her life, acting, singing and dancing. She has studied other forms of dance including African, belly dancing, samba, salsa and other ethnic styles of dancing. Now Aruna has honed all her skills into this artform of Hawaiian hula that she studied in both Australia and Hawaii. Aruna has taught Hawaiian hula for many years for many various institutions, including overseas.
J. Hyland/ F Edgar
Jean Hyland's teaching practice is informed by many years of work as an actor for stage and television. She is also a widely experienced teacher and a scholar. Her professional qualifications include: MA Honours, (University of Auckland); Secondary Teachers College Diploma (Auckland); NZ Teaching Certificate; Diploma in Theatre, (Manchester Polytechnic, England); Graduate Diploma in Psychosocial Studies, (AUT), Post Graduate Diploma in Education (University of Waikato). She is working on a PhD research project about the lives of women in the acting profession (University of Waikato). She is a registered NZ teacher.
Fiona Edgar has worked as an actor, writer and casting director for the last 20 years. She wrote and performed in several comedy shows including A Girls Gotta Eat and I’m Gonna Marry Marvin. She performed in several NZ Television shows in roles including Fran Piper on Shortland Street, 2006. As a casting director she has cast numerous TV commercials as well as the movie Broken English which was nominated for three NZ best actor awards. She is keen for her students to develop focus, courage and dynamics.
Mark Clare
Mark Clare trained as an actor at the Drama Studio, London in 1989. Since returning to NZ he has worked extensively as an actor in theatre, film and television. He was nominated for a NZ Film and TV Best Actor Award in 1996 for his role in Trifecta a Montana Sunday Drama. As a screen actor he has worked in a large number of productions in many styles and gained a wide and comprehensive knowledge of the skills required of the modern screen. He has also worked as a producer, set builder, writer and director. His company The Green Staircase Theatre is currently touring.
