Dee started her acting career with Auckland Youth Theatre and since had vast experience as an actress/singer/dancer/director/teacher/choreographer working in theatre, film, radio, T.V. internationally. She has a Bachelor of Education, with particular focus on Drama and Twice Exceptional students. She has a Dance Diploma and a Certificate in Dance Movement Therapy from London.  “Dancing Dee” was a childrens’ entertainer and creative dance/drama teacher for many years and Creative Director for a dance programme in schools, teaching dance using sports moves. Dee loves the creative process of turning ideas into story and script and onto performance.

Dr. Mark Hamilton

Mark trained in drama and theatre arts at the University of Birmingham and University of Canterbury,  all the way through to his doctorate. Mark has created TV shows and performances for international touring. He has taught all age groups, from pre-school to adults, with a special focus on supporting people to express their creativity and build their confidence. Mark has worked in many different cultural contexts and celebrates everybody’s uniqueness.

“Hunter has always wanted to be in a play, and it is such a wonderful opportunity to experience this in an inclusive, safe and fun way. He is so enjoying his time with the group at Extraordinarily Creative and just loves going every week. Many thanks to the Tim Bray team, as this is exactly what we’ve been searching for! — Cushla S., grandparent

“You’ve been wonderful with her and she’s enjoyed her time. Thank you for creating an engaging and safe space for my daughter to feel comfortable and participate independently – she has grown in confidence and abilities whilst with the Tim Bray community, thank you! — Pippa R., parent

“This initiative provides a hugely needed creative group that is safe, knowledgeable, accepting and understanding of the differences these children have and how to help bring out the best in them. In 6 months they have taught our anxious and reclusive boy that he has a voice worth hearing, can have friends and most of all he has value in this world which we have struggled to achieve in the previous 11 years.” — Karen A., parent

“The drama class has been the BEST thing I have ever signed my son up for – and he’s done a HUGE number of things. I have never seen him so excited to attend anything before – he will get himself ready on time and ensure he is not late. He often wants to walk to class by himself (we live nearby) and will leave at least 10 minutes early to ensure he is not late. Drama clashes with some other activities but he has made it clear he does not want to miss drama and will miss other activities instead. The enthusiasm with which he goes and then the beaming smile afterwards is priceless – he was never this enthusiastic with any other class he has attended. I think he just finds joy and comfort in being with like-minded peers, not having to ‘mask’ in class and just being totally himself. I would sign him up for the next 10 years if I could.” — Monica C., parent

“My daughter is loving her Extraordinarily Creative drama sessions! They are carefully run, by caring staff, who provide a safe space where she can be herself and have fun with her peers. And as a parent, I can relax knowing that she is in good hands and is being cared for by people who understand her, in an environment that is tolerant and welcoming.” — Nicole B.,  parent

“I really appreciate that this programme was set up to begin with! Not many would have the courage to do so. My son really enjoys drama! I just love how I can trust the teachers to be in tune with his feelings and just fly with it in a relaxed manner, knowing how to encourage interaction in his way of expression without being surprised, shocked or offended. I have heard great things about Tim Bray, and I am thankful to be part of it as well as be part of it at an expense that I can afford because special needs classes often are expensive.” — Gjin H., EC parent

“The teachers are amazing, supportive, genuine and caring, the other kids are great and it is a neat environment to chat to the other parents without any judgement and feel a sense of belonging. We absolutely recommend the classes and would love to thank everyone involved for the way they welcomed and encouraged my son.” — Caprice C., parent

Hit the Stage! classes run during School Holidays

January 2025

The Rose Centre, 4 School Road, Belmont, North Shore

Monday 20 January – Friday 24 January

9am – 3pm daily

For ages 7-9 and 10-12

Performance on Friday at end of day

Pitt Street Theatre, 78 Pitt Street, Auckland CBD

Tuesday 28 January – Saturday 1 February

9am – 3pm daily

For ages 7-9 and 10-12

Performance on Saturday at end of day

*On the final day you may collect your child at 3pm as usual and return them at 4.30pm to prepare for the show OR your child may remain at the venue in our care until the show begins. If your child is to remain, please ensure they have food and drink to eat before the show. Please let us know by signing the sheet on Thursday. 

Enrolment links in the location tab below.

Hit the Stage! Tutors:

Rachel Constantine
Lead tutor 7-9yrs group at the Rose Centre

Originally from the UK, Rachel trained at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. She has over a decade’s experience as a stage actress and has spent many years touring UK theatres and schools, teaching acting and movement skills as well as producing and directing children’s stage productions 

Francesca Browne
Lead tutor 10-12yrs group at the Rose Centre

Francesca (Frankie) Browne is an actor, writer and director based in Tamaki Makaurau. She was a member of Massive Theatre Company’s Nui ensemble for 4 years and is a recent graduate of the master clown school École Phillipe Gaulier. Frankie has tutored with Tim Bray Youth Theatre Classes and Hit the Stage! Holiday Programme since 2019 and enjoys creating work with children and teens who may not typically fit into a regular drama class and finding ways for these children to perform. 

Enrolment links in the location tab below.

“I’m still thinking about the amazing show that the kids presented. It was so clever, and different!! Please pass on our thanks to all the other tutors. They really have planted a seed of inspiration in the kids. My son is never so motivated as he is around the Hit the Stage! performance, he absolutely loves it! Thank you to Tim and the team for supporting this fantastic work.” 
Terri C, July 2022 

“My daughter had the best week ever! Every day she was counting down the days and felt sad that it was nearly over. On the last day after the performance, she got in the car and cried and said it was the best day of her life. Thank you so much and to all the amazing tutors for being so wonderful and making the experience so great for her.” 
Zaneta, July 2022 

“He loved it so much in the last holidays he couldn’t wait to do it again!” 
Melissa, March 2018

“Our daughters have done a few different acting holiday programmes but their favourite (and ours) is Tim Bray Production’s ‘Hit the Stage’.  The the fact the children get to collaboratively write and produce the play with the tutors is fantastic – it’s quite amazing what they can do in 5 days!  Our girls find school hard work but they bounce during their week in this – for them it’s like they find their place, and they have a chance to really be themselves and be appreciated for their creativity”.
 Bernie, July 2018

“Both kids got a lot out of the experience and I would highly recommend this programme to anyone.
Helen, October 2020 

“My son attended the Hit the Stage! holiday programme last week for 7-13 year olds. He absolutely loved it and mentioned that he received some good feedback from his teacher regarding his facial expressions and improvisation.”
Andrena, January 2020

“She actually said she felt more confident after doing the programme.
Anita, October 2020

I like actually going on the stage and performing. It’s a bit more fun than the other stuff, like making the scripts and playing games. It’s very exciting.”
Student (7-9yrs class), July 2020

“I loved the play and loved playing with my friends.”
Student (7-10yrs class), January 2018 

“I enjoyed being able to create a show with only our ideas and imaginations. Also making good friends in the process.” 
Student (11-14+yrs class)

“I learnt some new games and how to become the character I was acting as. I also learnt skills from other kids in that class”. 
Student (11-14+yrs class)

Enrolment links in the location tab below.