Holly Stokes 
Lead tutor for all classes 

Holly graduated from Unitec in 2015 with a Bachelor in Performing and Screen arts. Since then, she has been a part of some wonderful children’s theatre productions. She has taught drama to children of all ages and worked as a Chaperone for Tim Brays Shows. Alongside, Holly works as a Teacher aide with Oaklynn Special school and works with children with a variety of diverse needs. Growing up with a brother with autism, working with neuro diverse children is something very close to her heart. She loves the magic that drama and theatre can bring into children’s lives. 

Jeanita  Cush-Hunter
Assistant tutor for all classes 

Jeanita began teaching Drama in secondary schools in 1991 in Australia. She has a Bachelor of Education and also completed her Masters in Creative Writing in 2019 at Massey. She is currently a family consultant with The Children’s Autism Foundation.  

Our pilot classes will be at:  Meadowood Community House
55 Meadowood Drive, Unsworth Heights, Auckland

 5-7 Years / Tuesdays 4pm 

 8-10 Years / Tuesdays 5pm

 11-13 Years / Wednesdays 4pm 

 14-16 Years / Wednesdays 5pm 

Bookings for classes are made through Expressions of Interest. 

We have a limited number of  Gift a Seat™ scholarships to offer to children who may not otherwise be able to attend and who would benefit and thrive from our Extraordinarily Creative drama classes. These will cover fees for their class for one term.  

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“A positive, fun and safe place for children and young people with ASD/neurodiversity to use the creativity of drama and express themselves as never before.” 
Jo Sutton – General Manager, Children’s Autism Foundation.    

“It is difficult to understate the enormous impact the Youth Theatre has had on my life. My parents watched me transform from an angry, isolated loner into a chilled, socially competent individual who now runs two separate tabletop gaming clubs.” 
Luke Woolley, Youth Theatre student 

Hit the Stage classes run during School Holidays

April 2021:
Monday 19 – Friday 23 April
9.00-3.00pm 

Final Performance: Friday 5:30pm

Francesca Browne  
Lead tutor 10-12yrs group 

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 

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. 

Rebecca Stubbing 
Assistant tutor 7-9yrs group 

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. 

Holly Stokes 
Part-time assistant tutor 

Holly graduated from Unitec in 2015 with a Bachelor in Performing and Screen arts. Since then, she has been a part of some wonderful children’s theatre productions. She has taught drama to children of all ages and worked as a Chaperone for Tim Brays Show ‘We’re going on a bear hunt.’ Alongside, Holly works as a Teacher aide with Oaklynn Special school and works with children with a variety of diverse needs. Growing up with a brother with autism, working with neuro diverse children is something very close to her heart. She loves the magic that drama and theatre can bring into children’s lives. 

“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)