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DRAMA SCENE POSTAL: PO BOX 92 HABERFIELD NSW 2045 Tel / Fax: (02) 9716 6604 Mobile: 0407 235 914 Email:enrolment@dramascene.com.au
Drama
Scene Founder Head
Drama CoachDrama Scene Players Inc.President, Drama Arts Director
STEPHANIE WAITES
BA Theatre, Theory & PracticeTheatresports® Teacher Accreditation2007-08 Drama NSW
Committee - Arts Industry Promotions OfficerSt John Emergency
First Aid certificate
Proud Member of
Actors Equity since 1979
Trained in
Theatre, Drama, Voice, Singing, Dancing (RAD Ballet, FATD Tap, Jazz Ballet),
with fourteen years professional performance experience including title roles
in musical theatre productions and roles in film, television, voiceovers and
radio plays, Stephanie worked across Australia and in the United Kingdom and
the United States before establishing the Drama Scene studio in Sydney.
In response to working professionally from the age of 8 years and with 15 years
experience in working with pre-school aged children, school aged
children, children with special needs, teenagers, professional juvenile
performers and adults, Stephanie continues to write for children and to develop
a range of unique programs for children and young adults in the creative, practical and
performing arts.
Stephanie
also acts as a mentor to Student Primary Drama Teachers and in the past 10
years has run workshops for Drama NSW, Drama Australia and the Sydney
Theatre Company, training Primary Teachers to use drama in the BOS
Primary Curriculum.She has
presented at Conferences Australia wide on a range of topics from Puppetry for
5 year olds to developing performances from newspaper to using drama to teach
subjects such as Literacy, Maths and History.
In 2011,
Stephanie’s most recent play for 5-12 year olds, Puppy Wishes was
developed and performed in 3 Sydney Primary Schools and she was invited to the
Drama Australia National Conference held in Perth, Spaces Of Performance to present a workshop. Steph continues to pursue funding for the Drama
Scene Players Inc., particularly for projects promoting the work she and her Drama Scene trained Coaches
do using drama for children with Aspergers and with young people with special needs
and as a tool to encourage and teach resilience.
As a student of the Mc
Donald College of the Performing Arts, Sarah fostered her acting talents. She
went on to graduate from the Sydney Theatre School. Sarah has gained
extensive experience working with 5-7 years as an Assistant Drama Teacher for
the ATYP (Australian Theatre for Young People) in
Sydney every school holidays since 2007. Workshops have ranged in theatrical
styles and themes, including improvisation, standup comedy, physical theatre,
Shakespeare and even Horror. In 2010, Sarah performed in several plays
for the Short & Sweet season and at the New Theatre.
JACQUELINE BROWN(Jackie)
Jackie has extensive
experience in theatre and education, performance, writing, devising & drama
teaching. She has toured as a performer and workshop leader in Australia, the UK and Europe & has worked with
children & young people from ages 4-18. She has toured throughout Scotland
in 4 Generation Science tours and in over 2000
schools throughout Italy
with A.C.L.E’s theatre troupe Theatrino using
short comic sketches, fairytales and interactive theatre workshops to teach
English. As an Assistant Project Officer and Drama Workshop Leader with
the Barking Gecko Theatre Company, Perth’s leading children’s theatre
company for 4 years, Jackie researched projects and co-wrote a play for young
teens and devised and taught numerous after school drama programs. She
also assisted the Director in creating a Youth Writing Program. Recently
Jackie has written and facilitated original primary aged school holiday
workshops for ATYP (the Australian Theatre for Young People) in Sydney.
BEN BRUNNEKREEF
DIPLOMA
of Screen & Media
Ben trained at the
Actor's Centre in Surry Hills and recently graduated from the North Sydney Tafe
Film course. His combined interest in performance and all things visual led him
to produce his own showreels. Ben's experience on set both in front of, and
behind the camera includes feature films like Wolverine and Jingra, television shows like My
Place and Crownies and commercials for Carlton Draught and Blackmores.
From casting one of our Drama Scene players in a short film he had written and
Directed, Ben has developed a program that introduces children and young people
to be confident in front of the camera, learning specialised techniques and
acting skills and encouraging them to experience the technical side, igniting
the enthusiasm in many to explore sound, lighting and editing and special
effects.
WENDY BUSWELL
DIP
ED. Humanities (Sydney University)
MASTER
OF ARTS Theatre (UNSW)
Viewpoints
Training, Queen Street Studio 2008, 2010
Theatresports
Training, Impro Australia 1998
Wendy is an experienced Drama educator who has
been employed in both Australian and International schools. Her career
has spanned many facets of education from developing curriculum resources,
coordinating drama camps and festivals, marking HSC (Written and Performance)
to classroom teaching. Outside the education system she has worked as a
director, dramaturge and theatre critic. She has a passionate belief in
the importance of the arts in educating young people. She believes that
through watching, creating and being involved in theatre, young people have the
opportunity to explore themselves and their place in the world.
ZUZANA FORT(Zuzi) Bachelor of Arts - Drama Bachelor of Arts –
Communication – Writing/Directing Proud Member of Actors Equity
Zuzi studied at the University of Western Sydney – Nepean (Theatre) and at the University
of Technology – Sydney (BA Communication – directing and scriptwriting), she
also attended the Filmmakers College of Arts & Sciences and The
Australian Playhouse Studio where she trained in voice, movement, physical
theatre, experimental and street theatre. Since her graduation from UTS, Zuzi
has worked as an Actor, Director, Scriptwriter, Playwright, Coach, Drama
Teacher, Reporter, Editor, TV host as well as, after gaining her accreditation
from MEAA, a Stunt Performer. Zuzi’s stunt skills include body control, martial
arts, weaponry, abseiling, rap jumping, rock climbing,
horse riding, basic acrobatics, tumbling, she holds a jet ski and a speedboat
license, bronze medallion and a senior first aid certificate. Her stunt
portfolio includes doing stunts on the Superman movie, False
Witness, All Saints, Packed to the Rafters, Gladiators and Home and Away,
being Lara Croft and Wonderwoman for Plastic Wax Productions
and working for the Universal Studios in Terminator 2 – 3D and High Noon
Stunt Shows. Acting, however remains Zuzi’s passion; highlights include
performing Moliere at the Belvoir, acting with David Ritchie in Place
with the Pigs, playing Tiger Lily in the Peter Pan Launch at
Capitol Theatre, performing in plays by Sartre and Kohout and many others.
Zuzi’s teaching experience includes working for Hot M, Powerhouse Youth
Theatre, PAC Station, Art Umbrella ands specialist coaching in combat live
show and film fighting. Finally, Zuzi has been involved with community theatre
and has been working closely with refugees to help them express their
experience and discover their voice through self-devised theatre.
GRACE GIBSON
BACHELOR of Dramatic Arts - Performance Grace has a passion
for working with young people and children, often working as a volunteer with
youth groups and as a performer for fundraising activities such as The Children’s Hospital, Teddy Bears Picnic and The
Black Stump Festival. Originally from country NSW, Grace gained experience
teaching in a youth theatre in Wingham and with Theatre Rats Drama in
Taree. As well as being a favourite Drama Scene Coach, Grace currently
works part time at an English Intensive High School in Sydney.
ROSIE
MENZEL
Rose joined an after school Drama Scene group
when she was in Primary School and continued on, enrolling in school holiday
workshops for so many years, we had to offer her a job!As a Junior Coach, Rosie became a much loved
member of our Holiday Scene team through her High School years and children
came to know her and rely on her for her empathy, guidance and enthusiasm.Rosie is now studying early childhood and
working at a pre-school centre and continues to work with us as a most popular
member of staff during the school holidays,, now as an Assistant Coach.
DANIELLE O’KEEFE
Danielle
is currently the Director of music for Sydney Theatrical Productions. Finishing her
studies in London in 2004 Danielle has performed in musicals and operettas
around Europe, the USA and Japan. After returning to Australia Danielle has
been working on composing her own electronic opera "Cursed Hearts"
which was performed in August of this year through the ATYP season.
Danielle often facilitates theatre workshops at ATYP, AIPA and
musical theatre classes at Brent Street. Danielle is currently
directing a new Australian musical written for the Mardi Gras festival "Wonderland."
Her recent credits in sydney include: AD on "The Cunning Little Vixen
with Sydney Chamber Opera at Carriageworks, "For the
love of men" by Jerome
Parisse at Slide, "Polly Pocket is not a
Princess" by Maxine Mellor at the New Theatre, "At Sea"
by Vanessa Bates, "Listen" by Miki Oikawa, and "When
Will," a short musical by Joanna Harte at Nida. Last year
Danielle directed "Shock Nature Terrorism" by Nick Parsons for
the Brand Spanking New festival in Newtown. Danielle directed "Rent"
by Jonathon Larson, and was AD on Les Miserable at Nida. In 2007
Danielle worked on a Noel Coward collaboration in London at the Tritian
Bates theatre in the West End. Her Musical Directing credits include: The Magical
Land of OZ, Groovy, Threepenny Opera and The Matilda Women,
for which she also wrote the score. Danielle wrote "Dating @ speed"
and performed the show at the cabaret festival.
KATHRYN SKINNER(Kate)
BACHELOR of Performance, Theory & Practise
Proud Member of Actors Equity
Kate is a successful
jobbing Actor who has worked steadily in the Industry since graduating from
Theatre Nepean in 2004. She has appeared in a range of theatre
productions both here and in London. Now back home in Sydney, she is
extending her experience into Film and Television (you will often see Kate
popping up in commercials). Kate has specialised in Meisner training and
physical theatre and Shakespeare. Her teaching experiences include T.I.E.
workshops and speciality drama programs for GO GET holidays teaching a range of school aged children.
VAISHNAVI SURYAPRAKASH
FELICITY TCHORLIAN
BACHELOR of Creative Arts / Major in Drama and Music
Performance.
Felicity completed
her HSC at Newtown High School
of the Performing Arts in 2007and
was inspired to continue on her creative journey by completing a Bachelor of
Creative Arts, majoring in Drama and Music Performance at the University of
Wollongong, which she has now graduated from in July 2011. Felicity has kept
herself busy throughout the past 5 years performing on stage at theatre’s such
as, Pact Theatre performingin Wounds
to the Face & Soothsayers, Performance Space in Hamletmachine,
Fireface & Medea, and IPAC Theatre starring in As
I Lay Dreaming and Pre Paradise
Sorry Now. At the beginning of 2011 Felicity moved from on stage to on
screen, featuring in Australian and American films such as Careless Love,
Sellouts and True Face and also appeared on the American TV
Series Deadly Women. Felicity’s passion for theatre continues as she is
currently working on a post-dramatic version of Shakespeare’s, King Lear
at the Performance Space in Wollongong. She also loves to collaborate
with other young emerging artists, which she has done by performing in the 2011
Underbelly Arts Festival on Cockatoo Island as well as collaborating with Bodysnatchers
as part of the ‘Vacant Room residency’ at Pact Theatre.
CAMILLA VERNON BACHELOR Media Writing / Major
in Drama Performance DIPLOMA of Arts in
English Literature GRADUATE DIPLOMA in Psychology
A favourite Coach
with Drama Scene for the past 5 years, Camilla has recently completed her
Graduate Diploma in Psychology from Sydney University which she hopes to use in
combination with her theatrical background to pursue opportunities in Drama
Therapy.She has recently started as a
private tutor with Drama Scene where she uses personally tailored role-playing
techniques to help primary school aged children confront the many challenges of
school life (e.g. bullying, assertiveness, friendship dilemmas) in a fun and
non-threatening environment.In 2008 she
returned to us from three terms in America where she studied ‘Acting For Film’
at the New York Film Academy based at Universal
Studios in Los Angeles. She was also very fortunate to be granted a
Theatre Internship in acting and directing with Taproot Theatre Company
in Seattle one of the biggest theatre companies in Washington State that has
main stage productions an acting school and a touring company. Camilla
therefore retuned from the USA with new experiences in her favourite areas of
children’s theatre, improvisation, writing and acting. She also
specialises in teaching Shakespeare, modern and classical playwrights, actor's
technique, theatre history, educational/children's theatre, directing, scriptwriting,
alternative theatre, production and Theatresports®. Camilla has many
years experience coordinating children’s entertainment programs and teaching at
drama clubs and holiday camps. When Camilla was young, she competed in
Eisteddfods and completed Speech and Drama AMEB examinations.
*FAQ’s *Coaches *Contacts
Q. Does my child need to have previous creative arts or performing arts experience?Drama
Scene is ideal for all levels, an ideal place to make a first
exploration or to increase skills. We use original programs for all
sessions that have been designed by Drama Scene to respond to the
interests and skill levels of players. Sessions are conducted in a
friendly atmosphere that fosters a positive group dynamic and confidence
and encourages players to acquire new techniques and build on skills at
an age appropriate and individual level.
Q. How will I receive feedback on my child's progress?We
often invite family and friends to 'Sit & See Sessions' or
performance. Newsletters are sent home regularly and the website Player
Scene page updated (with photographs that can be printed at home).
Children are presented with certificates of progress and participation
and bi-annual reports. Coaches also welcome discussions with parents.
Q. Can my child join Drama Scene at any time throughout the year?
Our Rolling Curriculum means children may join a group at the
commencement of any of the four terms in a year. School holiday
programs run on both daily and weekly enrolment lengths and
participation in these events can be on a program by program basis.Saturday
programs run as either two or four week workshops and masterclasses and
participation in these events can be on a program by program basis.
Q. When are enrolments and fees due?As
all sessions run with the optimum number of players, an enrolment form
must be received at least 10 days before the first session. Fees for
School Holiday workshops are due 1 week prior to the workshop. Term
Fees must be finalised before the end of the fifth week of the term.
All fee payments are finalised with a tax receipt.
Q. Are there any additional charges?Drama Scene provides drama materials & resources, costumes, props, masks, music, art & craft supplies etc.
Q. What does my child wear to a session or workshop?School
uniforms are suitable for sessions during or after the school day.
Players should wear comfortable ‘play clothes’ to Sunday and school
holiday workshops and sessions. Players may be asked to remove their
shoes for safety reasons. Members of the Drama Scene Players, Sunday
Scene, Dramasceners or Players Stage Crew may be requested to wear all
black clothing (Theatre Blacks) to some rehearsals or performances.
Q. What does my child bring to a session or workshop?Please bring a bottle of water to every session. If required, the need for snacks and hats will be advised.
Q. What do I do if my child will be absent?It
is important that Drama Scene Coaches are made aware when any absences
are intentional as this allays any fears that a child has not arrived as
intended and also allows session planning suitable for participating
Players. Please call the Drama Scene office mobile on 0407 235 914 with
details of your name, your child’s name and the session your child will
miss. We cannot give refunds (just like on a sporting team, you do
not get a refund for missing a training session) - however, we do offer
catch up sessions - your child is able to attend any session any term
at another location to make up for a missed session.
Q. What do I do if there will be different arrangements for my child’s departure from a session?Even
if changes are temporary, please call the Drama Scene office mobile
0407 235 914 with details of your name, your child’s name and
information about any alterations. It is important Drama Scene Coaches
are aware of your child’s departure on all occasions.
Q. Can I watch my child’s session?We
appreciate your interest in the content of your child’s sessions with
Drama Scene. Please also appreciate that some children behave
differently in front of an audience and a parent or carer or any
non-group member in the back of the drama room can create the sensation
of an audience that influences Players responses in a session (increases
and decreases in confidence and focus etc.). For this reason we look
forward to inviting family and friends to v'Sit & See Sessions'
or presentation. We also encourage you to make a time to chat with
your child’s Drama Scene Coach after a session or please call the studio
office to discuss your child’s participation or progress in any program
– (02) 9716 6604.
Q.
Will photos or film be taken
of my child?Yes we may take images to give you as memories or to
put on to the website so you can identify which group you are looking up or to
put onto flyers and posters handed out at schools or to put into digital photo
albums etc. If you do not wish your child's image to be included please
let us know - at any time - throughout their participation with Drama
Scene. There is a reminder about this option on every Invoice you receive
from Drama Scene! If you opt out - we will make sure you child never feels
left out - for example, when we are taking a photograph, they can still dress
in costume but they might be given the special job of standing next to the
Coach with the Camera and helping to direct the shot or act out the facial
expressions for the children to mimic or perhaps they can assist the camera
operator with equipment etc.
Q. What if a child loses focus or is disruptive?At
the start of every Drama Scene program, Players agree to a ‘Drama Deal’
– a method of playing and working with other Players that is suggested
by group members and agreed by all.No child is ever
excluded from the drama room however we do not encourage children who
don't want to do drama to stay with Drama Scene.If a
Player aged 4 – 8 loses focus, they may be reminded of ‘Our Drama Deal’
and asked to participate as an audience member until the activity
changes direction (a maximum of 3 minutes).If a Player
aged over 8 years loses focus, they may asked by the group to
participate as an audience member until the activity changes direction.
A TYPICAL DRAMA SCENE DEAL 1.Be a good audience, play to make others look good. 2.No falling down. 3.No wrestling. 4.No gymnastics. 5.Have fun and leave with a sparkle in the eye!
