Weekly Drama Classes
Let your children and teens grow with us
- 5-7yrs
- 8-10yrs
- 11-13yrs
- 14-16yrs
Click for more information and to apply for the Mary Amoore Gift a Seat™ Scholarship.
Click to help fund the Mary Amoore Gift a Seat™ Scholarship programme.
Tim Bray Youth Theatre encourages self-confidence and focus. It is an enjoyable way for young people to explore their imaginations and to harness and express their creativity.
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 2023 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.
It is part of our kaupapa that our Youth Theatre programmes be accessible to, and inclusive of, people from diverse communities, particularly those who are physically disabled or have access needs, blind or low vision, Deaf or hard of hearing. For autistic and neurodivergent children and teens we also have our Extraordinarily Creative programme.
For class enquiries please contact Sara Dakin our Youth Theatre Manager at youth.theatre@timbray.org.nz or 09 486 2261
Fee: $198-$209 per term (depending on term length)
Fee for 14-16yrs 90min: $226-$248 per term (depending on term length)
Youth Theatre Terms & Conditions.
TBYT Child Protection Policy 2021
Mary Amoore Gift a Seat™ Scholarships
Full class times and enrolment links in the location tabs below.
Youth Theatre classes run during School Terms
Term 1 2023 Class Dates:
MONDAYS
13 February – 3 April 2023
TUESDAYS
7 February – 4 April 2023
WEDNESDAYS
8 February – 5 April 2023
THURSDAYS
9 February – 6 April 2023
FRIDAYS
10 February – 31 March 2023
Full class times and enrolment links 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: 5-7yrs and 8-10yrs Western Springs
Wednesday: 5-7yrs, 8-10yrs and 11-13yrs Browns Bay
Thursday: 5-7yrs 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: 11-13yrs and 14-16yrs Western Springs
Friday: 11-13yrs and 14-16yrs Takapuna
Jess Loudon
Jess graduated from the prestigious 2.5yr Conservatory Program at Atlantic Theatre Company in NYC in 2012. Her most recent Australian theatre credits include: The Works of William Shakespeare by Chicks (as producer and actor – Sydney Fringe Festival); Measure for Measure and The Servant of Two Masters (Sport for Jove); the National Tour of The Dream (Bell Shakespeare). Jess has has also performed extensively Off-Broadway in New York. Since 2021, Jess has had a recurring role as Beth Haynes on The Brokenwood Mysteries for TVNZ. In 2018, she joined Pop Up Globe Auckland to perform in their critically acclaimed Seaons as Queen Elizabeth in Richard III and Lady Stephanie MOuntjoy in The Taming of the Shrew. In 2019, Jess moved to Auckland permanently and worked as Head Tutor for the Revels (15-18yrs) for Pop UP Globe’s Education Department where she continued to pursue her two loves of Shakespeare and Theatre in Education. SInce the closure of Pop Up Globe, Jess has continued to teach Speech and Drama at a number of schools in Auckland.
Tuesday: 8-10yrs and 11-13yrs Western Springs
Lucy Dawber
Lucy is an actor, theatre maker and writer with a Bachelor of Performing arts from Toi Whakaari NZ Drama school. Since graduating from Drama school in 2019, Lucy has devised/written and performed in four original pieces of theatre, the latest of which is a solo show scheduled to perform at the Basement theatre in September 2022. Alongside performing in her own written work, she regularly performs with her award winning improv group ‘Bullrush’. Lucy also took part in a country wide tour for Life Education in 2020, traveling around schools and working with children all over the country. She has training in many performance areas including: skills for screen, devising skills, accents, physical theatre, stage combat, script analysis, script writing and clowning.
Friday: 5-7yrs and 8-10yrs Takapuna
Full class times and enrolment links in the location tabs below.
“I wanted to say a big thank you to the Tim Bray team for everything you do for our children. My children absolutely love their drama class, and their confidence has grown so much since they started classes at the beginning of the year. They both had a speech competition at school this term and my son chose to talk about why drama is for everyone and why, whether they are confident or shy, everyone should find a theatre group and sign up! He won the competition in his year level today and my daughter finished second! I am obviously super proud of them, but I also want to acknowledge the work that your amazing tutors have done with them as it has definitely helped.” — Sophie G., September 2022
“My daughter has LOVED her Tim Bray experience this term. I have been very impressed with the staff, and I know Brianna has felt supported, cared for, and very very happy.” — Jo S., September 2022
“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”. — Vicki, 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.” — Vicki, May 2020
Full class times and enrolment links in the location tabs below.
Term Time - Western Springs - enrol here
The Auckland Performing Arts School (TAPAC) 100 Motions Road, Western Springs
Note: Term Fee includes GST and if paying by credit card there’s an additional card fee
Term Time - Takapuna - enrol here
St George’s Church and Community Centre, 2 The Terrace, Takapuna
Note: Term Fee includes GST and if paying by credit card there’s an additional credit card fee
Term Time - Browns Bay - enrol here
East Coast Bays Community Centre, 2 Glen Rd, Browns Bay
Note: Term Fee includes GST and if paying by credit card there’s an additional credit card fee
Extraordinarily Creative
Weekly Drama Classes for autistic and neurodivergent children and teenagers to find their own voice and place
Click for more information and to apply for the Mary Amoore Gift a Seat™ Scholarship.
Click to help fund the Mary Amoore Gift a Seat™ Scholarship programme.
Drama classes and holiday workshops especially created for autistic and neurodivergent children and teens who skip to a different beat and who see and experience things in their own extraordinary way.
Extraordinarily Creative is a safe-haven where we celebrate everyone’s unique abilities and gifts. Focused on building confidence and developing skills to have a better experience of the world. In this class we embrace our students’ exceptional brains and energy, and through acting techniques, guide them in a journey of self-discovery.
Through drama exercises, students will play out emotions and experiences in class, allowing them to build on their emotional language and understand their feelings better. Interacting with classmates and tutors in the weekly classes will build communication abilities, grow social skills and create friendships.
Our aim is to provide a positive and fun programme in a safe and nurturing environment where children can use the creativity of drama and theatre to enhance their life skills and express themselves in extraordinary ways.
Our Extraordinarily Creative tutors have been trained by Jeanita Cush-Hunter of ACE (Autism Consultancy and Education) to fully understand neurodiversity and are equipped with strategies and tools to best support autistic, ADHD and neurodivergent children and young people in class.
For enquiries please contact Sara Dakin our Youth Theatre Manager at youth.theatre@timbray.org.nz or 09 486 2261
Bookings for weekly term time classes are made through Expression of Interest for Extraordinarily Creative.
Fee: $198-$209 per term (depending on term length)
It is part of our kaupapa that our Youth Theatre programmes be accessible to, and inclusive of, people from diverse communities, particularly those who are physically disabled or have access needs, blind or low vision, Deaf or hard of hearing. For autistic and neurodivergent children and teens we offer this Extraordinarily Creative programme.
Youth Theatre Terms & Conditions
TBYT Child Protection Policy 2021
Mary Amoore Gift a Seat™ Scholarships
Full class times and enrolment links in the location tabs below.
Jeanita Cush-Hunter – North Shore and East Auckland 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. Jeanita is a registered teacher in Australia. Jeanita proudly offers assistance to autistic children and their families through her private practice – Autism Consultancy and Education (ACE).
Click for a full list of Jeanita’s credentials.
Clementine Mills – East Auckland Classes
Clementine is a graduate of Actors Centre Australia and has been working in theatre across Aotearoa, Australia and the UK for the last ten years. She has worked in childcare from a young age and is enjoying applying that to working with children and young people in a creative capacity. She has been developing her teaching skills through Tim Bray Theatre over the last year and has previously been a volunteer for Star Jam.
Full class times and enrolment links in the location tabs below.
Extraordinarily Creative Drama runs on the North Shore and East Auckland:
Meadowood Community House
55 Meadowood Drive, Unsworth Heights, Auckland
Weekly classes:
- 5-10 Years – Tuesdays 4pm
- 11-16 Years – Tuesdays 5:15pm
Te Oro Music and Arts Centre
98 Line Road, Glen Innes, Auckland
Weekly classes:
- 5-10 Years – Thursdays 4pm
- 11-16 Years – Thursdays 5:15pm
$198-$209 per term (depending on term length)
Bookings for Term Time Weekly classes are made through an Expression of Interest Extraordinarily Creative.
Full class times and enrolment links in the location tabs below.
“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, July 2021
“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, March 2021
“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, March 2022
“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, March 2022
“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, March 2021
Full class times and enrolment links in the location tabs below.
Extraordinarily Creative - Term Time, North Shore - enrol here
Meadowood Community House | 55 Meadowood Drive, Unsworth Heights, Auckland
Term time weekly drama classes for autistic and neurodivergent youth
Note: Term Fee includes GST and if paying by credit card there is an additional card fee
Extraordinarily Creative - Term Time, Glen Innes - enrol here
Te Oro Music and Arts Centre | 98 Line Road, Glen Innes, Auckland
Term time weekly drama classes for autistic and neurodivergent youth
Note: Term Fee includes GST and if paying by credit card there is an additional card fee
School Holidays
Hit the Stage!
A 5-Day holiday escape for children and tweens
Click for more information and to apply for the Mary Amoore Gift a Seat™ Scholarship.
Click to help fund the Mary Amoore Gift a Seat™ Scholarship programme.
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 at the venue. Please see details under the Schedule tab.
It is part of our kaupapa that our Youth Theatre programmes be accessible to, and inclusive of, people from diverse communities, particularly those who are physically disabled or have access needs, blind or low vision, Deaf or hard of hearing. For autistic and neurodivergent children and teens we also have our Extraordinarily Creative programme.
Fee: $368
Sibling Discount: For each additional sibling, brother or sister, pay just $331.20 (inc GST)
For class enquiries please contact Sara Dakin our Youth Theatre Manager at youth.theatre@timbray.org.nz or 09 486 2261
Youth Theatre Terms & Conditions
TBYT Child Protection Policy 2021
Mary Amoore Gift a Seat™ Scholarships
Enrolment links in the location tab below.
Hit the Stage! classes run during School Holidays
April 2023
The Rose Centre, 4 School Road, Belmont, North Shore
Tuesday 11 April – Saturday 15 April
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.
Amy Usherwood
Lead tutor 10-12yrs group at the Rose Centre
Amy graduated with a BA in acting from NIDA, Sydney in 2007 and has performed professionally on stage and screen since then. She loves working with drama students of all ages (and has led many of our Hit the Stage! programmes over the years), encouraging and supporting their confidence and growth and believes the skills that drama students learn are ones that will help them in many areas later in life. Amy has tutored in Australia at NIDA, Sport For Jove Theatre Company, Shakespeare On Trial and in New Zealand with Tim Bray Youth Theatre and Head Held High. Her acting credits include M3GAN, Shortland Street, Hillary, The Brokenwood Mysteries, Pop-up Globe and Auckland Theatre Company. In 2022, Amy completed her post-graduate diploma in Psychotherapy at AUT and is currently studying for her Master of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy.
Lucy Dawber
Lead tutor 7-9yrs group at the Rose Centre
Lucy is an actor, theatre maker and writer with a Bachelor of Performing arts from Toi Whakaari NZ Drama school. Since graduating from Drama school in 2019, Lucy has devised/written and performed in four original pieces of theatre, the latest of which is a solo show scheduled to perform at the Basement theatre in September 2022. Alongside performing in her own written work, she regularly performs with her award winning improv group ‘Bullrush’. Lucy also took part in a country wide tour for Life Education in 2020, traveling around schools and working with children all over the country. She has training in many performance areas including: skills for screen, devising skills, accents, physical theatre, stage combat, script analysis, script writing and clowning.
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.
Hit the Stage! - Belmont, North Shore - enrol here
The Rose Centre, 4 School Road, Belmont
Note: Term Fee includes GST and if paying by credit card there’s an additional credit card fee