Wendy Steeds is the founder and co-owner of Original Scripts Theatre School. She has been writing and directing for over 30 years and a majority of the scripts performed by the school have been penned by Wendy. She has also written a children’s book “Freddie’s Three Fat Fairies”. Wendy is a registered piano and singing teacher and has put hundreds of children through their exams with an outstanding pass rate. Wendy is also an accomplished actor and pianist in her own right, having acted in many Kidsfest productions and portraying character roles for Canterbury Ballet.
Sonia Hauschild is the co-owner and producer of Original Scripts Theatre School and has over 30 years of experience in accounting and administration. Sonia takes control of the day to day running of the school and is most likely to be found backstage build props and organizing tickets. Sonia is also an accomplished dancer, having gained distinction in BBO Ballet Exams and has also taught ballet. She has also performed in many stage shows however her incredible eye for detail and continuity led her to producing.
Nikki Bleyendaal has been a member of Original Scripts Theatre School since 1994, partaking in all manner of theatrical activities – acting, directing, dancing, singing and speech. She completed her Speech training through the New Zealand Speech Board examinations at Original Scripts, and is currently helping new students on their way to speaking success. She has been a member of many of the Kidsfest productions and thoroughly enjoys her role as a director within the school. Nikki was selected for the SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company in 2006 and performed at the Globe Theatre in London. Nikki has attained her Honours degree in Science and another degree in Arts at the University of Canterbury, as well as gaining a Diploma of Secondary Teaching at the NZ Graduate School of Education. Nikki is currently teaching at Christ’s College.
Beth Gallacher has been a member of Original Scripts Theatre School for the past 15 years. During that time she has performed in Kidsfest productions and also been a part of the Original Scripts Youth Company since 2009, travelling to the Wellington and Auckland Fringe Festivals. She has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Laws and now holds a position at the Simpson Grierson Christchurch Office.
Holly Chappell-Eason is the Co-artistic Director of Two Productions. She has a Master of Theatre Arts in directing from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School and Victoria University. She has worked as an acting tutor for Toi Whakaari and Whitireia Polytechnic. Holly co-founded Original Scripts Youth Company in 2009 where she was the Director. As part of Two Productions, Holly collaborates with Original Scripts Theatre School to produce works such as Kidsfest.
Pru South has been involved with Original Scripts Theatre School from a young age, performing in many productions including Kidsfest. She has an abundance of experience with children through nannying, sport coaching and working at a preschool. Pru has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning and now holds a position teaching at Redcliffs School.
Jamie Spyker has been a member of Original Scripts for 18 years. He has participated in multiple Kidsfest productions, taken further training at nationwide theatre workshops and been a part of developing several different devised theatre shows, some of which have been toured to Auckland and Wellington fringe festivals. He has recently graduated with a Masters degree in Mechatronics Engineering while simultaneously pursuing his passion for theatre after hours.
Tom Eason is the Co-artistic Director of Two Productions. He has a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Acting from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Classics from Canterbury University. He co-founded the Original Scripts Youth Company with Holly Chappell where he was the writer and composer. In 2014 he was awarded the Circa Award for Most Promising Male Newcomer. As part of Two Productions, Tom collaborates with Original Scripts Theatre School to produce works such as Kidsfest.
Grace von Huben has been a member of original scripts since 2006, performing in many class productions, kidsfest seasons and as part of the Two Productions Youth Company. Her experience growing up as an Original Scripts actor means she is passionate about bringing the OS philosophy into her directing and tutoring style. Outside of the theatre, Grace is an undergraduate BA student majoring in English and French, with a minor in Anthropology, at UC.
Amy Stewart has been a part of Original Scripts Theatre School for 12 years. In 2011, Amy studied Stage and Screen Arts for 2 years at Whitireia Polytechnic in Wellington. She has returned to Christchurch and is currently in her final year of gaining a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning, while teaching drama at Marshland School each week.
