Coaches

STEPH –
Stephanie Waites

She / Her

DRAMA SCENE Founder (Head Coach and Writer)
Drama Scene Players Inc. – DRAMA & CREATIVE ARTS DIRECTOR / President
BA Theatre, Theory & Practice (Hons)
PROUD MEMBER OF ACTORS EQUITY since 1978
Theatresports® Teacher Accreditation
St John Emergency First Aid certificate
International Thespian Society, Life Member

Trained in Theatre, Drama, Voice, Singing, Dancing (RAD Ballet, FATD Tap, Jazz Ballet), with fourteen years professional performance experience including Title roles in professional musical theatre productions and roles in film, television, voiceovers and radio plays, Stephanie Waites worked across Australia and in the United Kingdom before establishing Drama Scene back home in Sydney in 2003.

In response to working professionally from the age of 8 years old and with fifteen years’ experience working with; pre-school aged children, school students, children with special needs, teenagers and professional child Actors, 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. This includes over two decades writing original, Process Theatre inspired programs for Drama Scene’s classes teaching 5-14 year olds.

Steph is trained in Improvisation and a former Judge for Impro Australia’s TSC (Theatreports® Schools Challenge).  She also acts as a mentor to Student Primary Drama Teachers and since 1999 she has been invited to run workshops training Primary Teachers to use drama in the NSW Primary School Curriculum for Drama NSW, Drama Australia and the Sydney Theatre Company. Steph has presented at Drama conferences Australia wide on a range of topics from Puppetry for 5 year olds to developing performances from found objects and using Drama to teach subjects such as Literacy, Maths and History. Specialisations include Acting Techniques, Voice, Movement, Mime, Improvisation, Musical Theatre, Puppetry, Mask, Characterisation, Shakespeare, Script Analysis, Playwriting, Playbuilding, Theatresports®, Monologue Creation, Theatre/Film Audition Technique and Drama Scene’s unique ‘DramaDance’ program.

Steph’s play for 5-12 year olds, Puppy Wishes was developed and performed in three Sydney Primary Schools and she was invited to the Drama Australia National Conference held in Perth, Spaces Of Performance to present a process 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; positive mental health in Teens, for children on the Autism Spectrum, for young people with Special Needs, as a tool to encourage resilience.

In collaboration with Ever After Theatre (the only NSW Company for Adults with an Intellectual Disability) and Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre, Stephanie ‘s DSP Inc. project from 2012 – 2018 was the facilitation of weekly Drama classes for Disabled children including children with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities and children on the Autism Spectrum.

Through DSP Inc., Stephanie Waites was also the Creative Arts Director for DS Teens original theatre projects – Time, 11.11, Space and DramaScener performances of group devised Play, Toyshop.

2020-2021 saw Drama Scene move on to digital learning and the discovery of Zoom as a tool to teach Acting On Camera & Onscreen. Stephanie Waites wrote and produced original “Zoom” Plays including, Zooming Off To Zigibob and SSSHh!, and she delivered online Drama programs to students across Australia with support from Create NSW & the NSW Government.

2025 brings the opportunity for a new cast of young Actors to experience the production of a Play as Steph is Directing a new project for Drama Scene Players in Sydney, March to September.

In her personal time, Steph is a volunteer with The Pyjama Foundation and she provides mentor care for children and young people living in Out Of Home Care / Foster Care, (and she always seems to be getting ready for another roadtrip or overseas adventure).

https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn569682

Amy Hack

Actors Centre Australia
Atlantic Theatre Company (USA)
Patrick Studios (Australia)

Amy has been working professionally across theatre, music theatre and film/television around the country for 15 years. Training at the Actors Centre Australia, Atlantic Theatre Company in NYC and Patrick Studios Australia for dance, Amy loves to explore different creative mediums within the Perfoming Arts Industry including writing, devising, choreographing and teaching. Amy has performed in various productions for Griffin Theatre Company, the Hayes Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare and other theatre companies across the country, at such venues as the Sydney Opera House and the Arts Centre Melbourne. Amy is thrilled to be able to share all she’s learnt about creative expression, play and story-telling with the next generation of artists.

Andrew Waldin

Performing Arts (Stage and Screen) – ACA
Diploma of Musical Theatre – NIDA

Andrew Waldin is a Sydney Theatre Award nominated actor who has worked all across the entertainment industry. Having completed a Bachelor of Acting and Diploma of Musical Theatre (ACA and NIDA), Andrew has gone on to make waves after performing in a principal role in Nice Work If You Can Get It at the Hayes, one of 2022’s most talked about productions.
Andrew has an immense passion for guiding the next generations of young actors and passes on his skills at various schools across Sydney. Andrew is also an ambassador and Head Presenter for the Beautiful Minds x Marnus Labuschagne project. Andrew has had the pleasure of working with Epic Games, George Miller, Simon Phillips, Mitchell Butel, Empire of the Sun, Woolworths Carols in the Domain, BMW and Destination NSW.

Carol Wimmer

She / Her

Carol Wimmer is a drama educator and director who has been involved in the theatre world for many years. As a teacher, she worked with the Board of Studies Drama Syllabus Committees from 1989 to 2000, and was the co-writer of the present Stage 6 Syllabus. She served on HSC Drama Examination Committees, as Assistant Supervisor of Marking and as Senior Examiner for the Written Paper and is currently the Co-ordinator for the Independent Schools Drama Trial Examination for HSC and the Preliminary Course. Her Drama text Acting in Person and in Style in Australia is widely used by Drama educators and Stage 6 students in Australia and New Zealand. Carol wrote and presented courses for Primary and Secondary teachers for the Board of Studies, The Department of Education and Drama NSW and directed Drama Festivals and camps.
For community theatre companies  Carol has directed plays such as Life After George, Shadowlands, The Book of Everything, Mr Bailey’s Minder and Things I Know to be True, and has written short plays commemorating historical events such as The Vinegar Hill Rebellion. She reviews theatre and opera for the national on-line and print magazine, Stage Whispers – as well as on her own blog Penlines. 

Cate Cunningham

She / Her

Recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Professional Service Award from the PTC (Professional Teachers’ Council)
Bachelor of Arts
Dip. Art (Education)
Drama NSW – Current Drama Australia Liaison Officer
ACAPTA – Australian Circus & Physical Theatre Association

Cate Cunningham has spent a lifetime immersed in the arts, first in Visual Arts, then Dance, then Corporeal Mime, Drama and, more recently, Circus. Now that she has left a full-time Secondary Teaching career to teach Drama part-time while pursuing her interests in directing, circus, writing, street and parade theatre, and commedia del’Arte, Cate is finally available to share her experience with our students, she is also currently presenting the Drama in the Secondary School course at Macquarie University. Her remarkable experience means Cate has taught all ages from pre-school to adult, and her student achievements include finalists in the first Theatresports® Schools Competition (TSC), equal first place in Class Clowns and a national standup comedy festival at the Melbourne Comedy Festival, the selection of Director’s Notes for OnStage, original work called I Hate Dolls, devised and performed by students with learning difficulties at the Page to Stage festival at The Ensemble Theatre, performers in the first international Rock Eisteddfod, and her ex-students have formed their own circus troupe. Cate has marked HSC Drama for over 12 years, and she has been an active Committee Member of Drama NSW for as long (including terms as President and her current role as Drama Australia Liaison Officer).

Chantelle Vella

She / Her

BA of Music Theatre 2010, Western Australian Academy of Performing

Improv Theatre Sydney
Master of Speech Pathology – University of Technology Sydney
Master of Health Communication – University of Sydney
Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) – University of Wollongong

Chantelle’s training at ITS has her on the path of being an emerging Improviser in Sydney. Chantelle is a creative Speech Therapist who has had a passion for drama, storytelling and performance from as young as she can remember. Over the last decade working within the healthcare industry, Chantelle has taken a strong interest in the intersectionality between the arts and health. She is dedicated to supporting young people to ‘find their voice’, inner-strengths and confidence through self-expression. Chantelle brings a positive energy to that stage and teaching others.

Dane Shedden

BA of Music Theatre 2010, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)

Dane began his performance training at a young age and in his last high school years was invited to attend Newtown High School of the Performing Arts. While in Sydney, he worked professionally in film, television, and various theatre productions. Eager to extend his skill set, Dane moved to Melbourne to study full time dance at Industry of Dance. While in Melbourne, he devised and performed his cabaret I’ve Got A Story at The Butterfly Club. He was later accepted into the WAAPA music theatre course and graduated in 2010.Dane has always had an affinity with children, their education, and children’s entertainment. This was instilled in him by influential teachers (over the years) who helped shaped his character and fostered his education. When he’s not performing, Dane runs drama workshops for children in early childhood centres with his company ‘Lyrebird Drama’, helping to make the arts a priority at a young age.

Ellen Bellew

Bachelor Of Musical Theatre – AIM

Ellen is a music and comedy performer based in Sydney who has experience infields from stage to screen. After a run of Weird Al’s Cousin shows at Sydney Fringe Festival in 2023 and co—directing the sold out Kids Choice Awards – Sketch Comedy Revue at Sydney Comedy Festival in 2022, she’s back for more in 2024 and continuing to put her Bachelor of Musical Theatre to good use.

Jane Leckie

Bachelor of Arts (Gender and Performance Studies) – University of Sydney
Master of Creative Arts Therapy – University of Melbourne

Jane is passionate about the power of play, drama and storytelling to transform lives and create meaningful change in the lives of young people.  Jane has studied acting at the  16th Street Actors Studio in Melbourne, completed the Musical Theatre Studio at NIDA and the Summer Residency at Guildhall in London. When she is not working with children, Jane is a therapy clown in Aged Care. She is about to complete her training as a Dramatherapist through the University of Melbourne.

Proud Member of Actors Equity since 2018

Jordana Wegman

UNSW – BA Theatre and Performance
Graduate – Improv Theatre School

Jordana is an Improviser and Comedian with a BA in Theatre and Performance from the University of NSW. She have been featured in the Sydney Comedy Festival as well as Sydney Fringe Festival and has worked with Directors such as Kevin Jackson, Tessa Leong and Imara Savage. Most recently she graduated from the Improv Theatre School and performed with her improv team in the ITS Smackdown Finals. Jordana has taught Drama and Public Speaking at numerous NSW schools.

Kelly Anderson

BA Performing Arts
Diploma Healthy Psychology

Kelly is a professional Sydney based actor with over 10 years’ experience in Australian film, TV and stage. Kelly has produced several short films as well as various theatre works. Kelly obtained a Bachelor of Performance from AIM Dramatic Arts in 2018. Most recently Kelly created a daughter.

Luke Visentin

Bachelor Fine Arts (Acting) – NIDA

Luke is an enthusiastic member of the Sydney acting community, and when not teaching, he can be found frequenting the stages and screens of Sydney. Luke Visentin graduated with a BFA in acting from NIDA in 2020. Luke loves to pass his skills on to the next generation. He believes that studying drama can enrich all of us, improving our confidence, communication, decision making, public speaking, abstract thinking, and our empathy. It’s also a lot of fun! He’s excited to share his enthusiasm for acting working with Drama Scene.

Matt Robson

Matthew is a Sydney based Actor, Improviser, Presenter, Musician and Model, with training from NIDA, AMAW and Acting Mastery. In addition Matt found time to complete a Bachelor Degree in Laws/Commerce. With over 10 years experience training, coaching and entertaining, Matt is passionate about working with and supporting children of all ages creatively and intellectually, and in growing their confidence and self-esteem. Matthew’s most recent role as Thomas Junior in Gibber’s production of the show Smashed saw him traveling in and outside of NSW to perform to audiences across the east coast of Australia. Matthew has studied under Kim Farrant, Ben Matthews, Donald Woodburn and Georgina Symes.

Rosie Niven

Masters of Creative Arts Therapy (Drama Therapy) – University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Arts (Theatre and Performance) – UNSW
Bachelor of Science (Psychology) – UNSW
Diploma of Speech and Drama – Trinity College London

Rosie is a Sydney-based Theatre Director who has worked in the Independent Theatre scene since 2018. She is passionate about supporting young people to involve themselves in the Creative Arts, and has worked in the youth sector for over 10 years. Rosie is a Production Co-ordinator for Independent Theatre Company, Theatre Travels, and is the co-curator of the company’s one-act play festival NO INTERMISSION, which celebrates emerging artists and groundbreaking work across the globe. Therapeutically, Rosie has worked with clients aged 3-103, and is drawn to the healing nature of storytelling and imagination. Her work with clients is conducted through a trauma-informed and strengths-based lens.  She is currently completing her Masters of Drama Therapy at the University of Melbourne.

Susan Jordan

BA – University Of NSW – Majors – Drama, English, History
Diploma Of Education – Sydney Institute of Education – Majors – History/Teacher

Susan is a qualified Teacher and Trainer, working in High Schools and special Education Programs teaching Drama, English, History and Literacy. She has worked extensively as an actor for over 40 years playing roles from Shakespeare to Sam Shepherd, working in dozens of independent theatre, film and television roles. She has extensive directing experience, directing plays in The Sydney Fringe Festival, Short and Sweet Short Play Festival, Bare boards at the Arts Theatre Cronulla, and many moved readings. Recent theatre includes The Merry Wives of Windsor , The New Theatre.

Proud Member of Actors Equity since 2018

Tahlia Merlino

Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance- NIDA 2018
16th Street Actors Studio Full Time Program 2019/20
PROUD MEMBER OF ACTORS EQUITY since 2018

Tahlia is a NIDA trained actor experienced in stage and screen and a graduate of Melbourne’s 16th Street’s Full Time Actors Studio Program.  Her recent theatre credits herself include New Theatre’s The Park (2022),  Factory Space Theatre Company’s, A Peculiar River (2019) and The House That Dan Built’s, Tender Young Creatures (2017/18).

Tahlia is an experienced Drama Tutor, working expansively with  ATYP, NIDA,  Ettinghausens and The Next Step Performing Arts and Arts Theatre Cronulla.

Ziggy Resnick

She / They

Bachelor Fine Arts (Acting) – NIDA
Diploma of Arts (Musical Theatre) – AIM

Ziggy is a professional actor, performer, writer and acting teacher working in Sydney and Melbourne. Graduating from NIDA in 2020, Ziggy has gone on to perform at some of Sydney’s most prestigious theatre spaces, and worked with some of Australia’s finest directors and theatre practitioners. Ziggy has honed her teaching craft as one that combines playful and contemporary skills with traditional performance practice. Ziggy considers being a young, industry professional as her greatest teaching skill, consistently working as an actor allowing her to build her repertoire as a teacher as one that is ever-evolving, relevant and engaging for young people.