Weekly Drama Classes
Let your children grow with us
Book into a class through our Location bars below
Tim Bray Youth Theatre encourages self-confidence and focus. It is an enjoyable way for members to explore their imaginations and to harness and express their creativity. Our 17–19 years Performance Class presents a performance each term.
Our Youth Theatre is more than just a weekly drama class. Members learn various drama techniques such as voice, characterisation, movement and scene work.
During the year students are invited to attend a rehearsal of each Tim Bray Theatre Company stage show to watch, meet and learn from our professional team. A question and answer session at the end of the rehearsal gives the students an opportunity to quiz the cast and crew about any aspect of the show.
In 2021 there will be opportunities for family and friends to observe their children’s work with an open class in Term 1, and a performance by each class for their family and friends at the end of Term 3. Finally, in Term 4, the students will host their last classes of the year and hope to invite keen family members to come along and have a go at some of their favourite drama exercises.
For class enquiries please contact Sara Dakin our Youth Theatre Manager at youth.theatre@timbray.org.nz or 09 486 2261
Fee: $175-$185 per term (depending on term length)
Fee for 14-16yrs 90min TAPAC class: $210-$220 per term (depending on term length)
Youth Theatre Terms & Conditions.
TBYT Child Protection Policy 2021
Youth Theatre classes run during School Terms
Term Three Class Dates:
MONDAYS
26 July – 27 September 2021
TUESDAYS
27 July – 28 September 2021
WEDNESDAYS
28 July – 29 September 2021
THURSDAYS
29 July – 30 September 2021
30 July – 1 October 2021
Full class times in the Location tabs below
Rachel Constantine
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
Monday 5-7 and 8-10yrs TAPAC
Wednesday 5-7 and 8-10yrs Browns Bay
Wednesday 5-7 and 8-10yrs Takapuna
Suzy Sampson
Suzy was a school teacher in Wellington and Rotorua (and recipient of the NZ Times Teacher of the Year Award) before moving overseas. She was accepted into the London Academy of Performing Arts and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in the UK. She has also trained at the Stella Adler Academy in New York and TVI Studios in Los Angeles. Suzy has experience in TV, Radio, Film and Stage and has acted, directed and produced theatre productions in Hong Kong, Singapore, Prague, London and New Zealand over the last 20 years.
Monday 11-13 and 14-16yrs TAPAC
Tuesday 17-19yrs TAPAC
Francesca Browne (Covering for Suzy Sampson in Term 3 2021)
Francesca Browne is an emerging theatre practitioner, screen-writer and director. She was a member of Massive Theatre Company from 2016, as a member of the Nui Ensemble and has been active as a performer in emerging artist showings. She has performed professionally for the charity Duffy Books in Homes around New Zealand Primary Schools and has also been a member of “Improverished,” an improvisational troupe known for its storytelling. in 2020 she was a cast and crew member of the Tim Bray Theatre Company show Greedy Cat.
Francesca is a tutor and emcee for Theatre Sports Youth programme in Auckland, and has been working in high-schools teaching improvisation techniques and comedy to students since 2018. She has been teaching with Tim Bray Youth Theatre Classes since 2019 and often leads our Hit The Stage! 5-day Holiday Programme where she works with children/pre-teens to devise piece of theatre together to perform to family and friends at the end of the week.
Rebecca Stubbing
Rebecca is an actor and improvisor who attended TAPAC’s drama classes. She participated in the Theatresports Youth Programme and is now an actor and tutor with Auckland improv company ConArtists and a member of improv troupes Improverished and The Fig Mints. She is currently working towards a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Auckland.
Tuesday 5-7, 8-10yrs and 11-13yrs Western Springs
Friday 5-7 and 8-10yrs Takapuna
“I cannot recommend Tim Bray Youth Theatre highly enough. It would be difficult to find a team of people with more heart, dedication, more passion, professionalism and energy, committed to doing a little bit of good in a chaotic word”
Vicky, May 2020
“The TBYT classes have been the perfect vehicle for my Luke to experiment and play on the fields of emotional intelligence and relationships, in a protected and guided environment”
Vicky, May 2020
“Yes, they are both LOVING it. Always chattering about what they did in class on the ride home!”
Kirsten, May 2018
“Jaime loved her time at class today which is a testament to your teachers. She normally struggles with all after-school activities, what a wonderful change.”
Lee, July 2018
Western Springs - enrol here
The Auckland Performing Arts School (TAPAC) 100 Motions Road, Western Springs
NB Term Fee includes GST and if paying by credit card there’s an additional card fee
Takapuna - enrol here
St George’s Church and Community Centre, 2 The Terrace, Takapuna
Browns Bay - enrol here
East Coast Bays Community Centre, 2 Glen Rd, Browns Bay
NB Term Fee includes GST and if paying by credit card there’s an additional credit card fee
17 – 19 years Performance Class
Learn your craft
Book into a class through our Location bars below
An exciting performance-focused class for young actors aged 17-19 who need a place to learn and to perform, who are passionate about theatre and all it involves. Join us and learn skills you will carry into future study and future careers.
Our weekly 2-hour classes are designed for young actors to work within a variety of theatre styles, scripts, and acting techniques as they prepare for each term’s performance. There are 10 drama classes per term plus the final weekend performance (you must be available on this day) directed by the class tutor and supported by the professional team from the Tim Bray Theatre Company. Specialist tutors will be invited to workshop with the students to deepen their understanding of their craft. If students show interest there will be opportunities to expand into stage management and other production tasks.
One scholarship in 2021 will be available for students enrolled in this class to apply for if they are continuing their studies in any area of the performing arts at a tertiary institution.
*TERM 3 GUEST TUTOR: TBC
For class enquiries please contact Sara Dakin our Youth Theatre Manager at youth.theatre@timbray.org.nz or 09 486 2261
Fee: $440 per term
Youth Theatre classes run during School Terms
Term Three Class Dates:
THURSDAYS 7-9pm
29 July – 30 September 2021
Full class times in the Location tabs below
Suzy Sampson
Suzy was a school teacher in Wellington and Rotorua (and recipient of the NZ Times Teacher of the Year Award) before moving overseas. She was accepted into the London Academy of Performing Arts and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in the UK. She has also trained at the Stella Adler Academy in New York and TVI Studios in Los Angeles. Suzy has experience in TV, Radio, Film and Stage and has acted, directed and produced theatre productions in Hong Kong, Singapore, Prague, London and New Zealand over the last 20 years.
Francesca Browne (Term 3)
Francesca Browne is an emerging theatre practitioner, screen-writer and director. She was a member of Massive Theatre Company from 2016, as a member of the Nui Ensemble and has been active as a performer in emerging artist showings. She has performed professionally for the charity Duffy Books in Homes around New Zealand Primary Schools and has also been a member of “Improverished,” an improvisational troupe known for its storytelling. in 2020 she was a cast and crew member of the Tim Bray Theatre Company show Greedy Cat.
Francesca is a tutor and emcee for Theatre Sports Youth programme in Auckland, and has been working in high-schools teaching improvisation techniques and comedy to students since 2018. She has been teaching with Tim Bray Youth Theatre Classes since 2019 and often leads our Hit The Stage! 5-day Holiday Programme where she works with children/pre-teens to devise piece of theatre together to perform to family and friends at the end of the week.
Guest Tutors
Specialist tutors will be invited each term to workshop with the students to deepen their understanding of their craft. If students show interest there will be opportunities to expand into stage management and other production tasks.
- Term 1 2021 – Michael Hurst
- Term 2 2021 – Carla Martell
- Term 3 2021 – TBA
“I cannot recommend Tim Bray Youth Theatre highly enough. It would be difficult to find a team of people with more heart, dedication, more passion, professionalism and energy, committed to doing a little bit of good in a chaotic world.
The TBYT classes have been the perfect vehicle for my Luke to experiment and play on the fields of emotional intelligence and relationships, in a protected and guided environment”
Vicky, May 2020
Western Springs - enrol here
The Auckland Performing Arts School (TAPAC) 100 Motions Road, Western Springs
North Shore - enrol here
Meadowood Community House | 55 Meadowood Drive, Unsworth Heights, Auckland
NB Term Fee includes GST and if paying by credit card there is an additional card fee
Hit the Stage
A 5-Day holiday escape for children and tweens.
Book into a class through our Location bars below
Under the direction of the Tim Bray Youth Theatre creative team, students will have the opportunity to explore their performance skills, build confidence, and create a unique piece of theatre, ready to ‘Hit the Stage!’ at the end of the week with a free entry performance for family and friends.
They will learn the creative and practical skills of devising and rehearsing a show with Tim Bray Youth Theatre professional tutors. The week is designed to build the young actor’s confidence and skill, incorporating aspects of stagecraft such as ensemble work, voice, movement, improvisation, characterisation, even singing and script work if required in the show. Fun and laughter are an essential part of the workshop as our young performers experience what it takes to get a show from the rehearsal floor to the bright lights of the stage.
Families are invited to watch the final performance at 5.30pm on the Friday evening at the venue.
*On Friday 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.
Sibling Discount: For each additional brother or sister, pay just $288.00 (inc GST)
For class enquiries please contact Sara Dakin our Youth Theatre Manager at youth.theatre@timbray.org.nz or 09 486 2261
Hit the Stage classes run during School Holidays
July 2021 at TAPAC, Western Springs:
Monday 12 – Friday 16 July
9.00-3.00pm
Final Performance: Friday 5:30pm
July 2021 at The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna:
Monday 19 – Friday 23 July
9.00-3.00pm
Final Performance: Friday 5:30pm
Francesca Browne
Lead tutor 10-12yrs group at TAPAC and 8-12yrs group at The PumpHouse Theatre
Francesca is a theatre practitioner, screen-writer and director. She is a member of Massive Theatre Company and improv troupe Improverished. Francesca was set on taking up study at Gaulier to release her inner clown, before the 2020 lockdown paused these plans. An experienced youth theatre tutor, she has been teaching improvisation and comedy to high school students since 2018. Francesca enjoys making work with children who may not typically fit into drama classes, finding ways for them to perform and exceed their expectations.
Jeremy Hinman
Lead tutor 7-9yrs group at TAPAC
Jeremy is a passionate theatre maker who spends a lot of his time directing and choreographing theatre works across New Zealand and Australia. He regularly utilises his dance training and performance skills to coach and teach students, both children and adults alike. Jeremy thoroughly enjoys working with children and helping to foster a playful creativity when it comes to self-expression and performance.
“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 enjoyed all of the week and holiday programme” Student (11-14+yrs class)
“Everyone was inclusive and wanted to let everyone have a go at everything” 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)
Western Springs - enrol here
The Auckland Performing Arts School (TAPAC) 100 Motions Road, Western Springs
NB Term Fee includes GST and if paying by credit card there’s an additional card fee