Staff

Dale Hartley-Brown B.A. Canterbury University

L.T.C.L Teaching Speech & Drama Trinity College

School Director

Dale has been involved in theatre since her first role as Annie in 1987.  However, she began her professional career in 1993 shortly after gaining her ATCL in Speech & Drama.  Her first professional job in theatre, was as a cast member of Excalibur’s Theatre Restaurant where she performed for 5 seasons alongside Elizabeth Moody and Robert Gilbert.  In 1995 Dale graduated Canterbury University with a B.A. in Classics, enjoying studying the origins of theatre as part of her degree. Since then she has worked as a performer for Showbiz Christchurch, in touring cabaret shows and in the corporate realm and gained her LTCL degree in Speech & Drama.  Dale is also a trained classical singer and has extensive experience in theatre costuming, having worked professionally in this role also.

Dale’s love of teaching began in 1996 when she first took on students at her own school as well as teaching for St Margaret’s College. That year also heralded her first year as a director.  She has since directed more than 25 shows both at her own school and for various amateur societies and school in the district, but lately prefers to mentor others in this role.

Jessie-Jane Rosewarne BA Music Classical Performance / Vocal Health Cert

Singing Tutor / Musical Theatre

Jessie is an experienced vocal performer and educator, specializing in both opera and musical theatre. With a Bachelor of Music in Classical Performance and certification as a Vocal Health Practitioner, Jessie brings a strong foundation in vocal technique, vocal health and performance.

 As a Singing Teacher and Musical Theatre Tutor at her previous employment in the Bay of Plenty, Jessie has worked with students of all ages and stages. 

Jessie also works as a Musical Director, previous musicals including Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, Aladdin and Madagascar. The Addams Family’. She is currently working as Director for Footloose for Rangiora High school and Vocal Coach for Kaiapoi High School.

A seasoned performer of over 13 years, Jessie has appeared in musicals such as School of Rock, Avenue Q, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Peter Pan and multiple opera roles with NZ Opera and NZSM. 

With a passion for both teaching and performance, Jessie is dedicated to helping students develop their vocal skills and reach their full potential. 

Bryony Jamison ATCL Trinity College

Singing Tutor / Drama / Musical Theatre

Bryony began performing around the age of six in a French production of Snow White

then went on to take singing and acting lessons at the Hartley School of Performing Arts

in her teens.

She gained her ATCL in Speech & Drama through HSPA and her passion for theatre

landed her teaching, vocal coaching and directing roles with the school throughout the years.

Bryony’s performance credits include: Guys and Dolls, Blood Brothers, Oliver, Chicago, Beauty and

the Beast and Retrospective (North Canterbury Musicals); Cabaret and Rent (MUSOC);

Evita, Broadway Hitmen, Les Misérables and We Will Rock You (Showbiz Christchurch)

along with improvised shows and concerts with Black Peach Theatre Company.

Since lockdown in 2020 Bryony has worked as a professional soloist for organisations such as: Blackboard Theatre Collective, Reach for the Stars, Visionary Dance Studio, Christchurch Art Gallery, Playspace Productions, and has performed in multiple Drag shows.  She appeared as The Diva in The Entertainment Company’s production of Nouvelle. Recently she performed as Kate Sheppard in Showbiz Christchurch’s production of That Bloody Woman. Bryony wrote and directed Alice!  In 2022 for HSPA and is HOD for wardrobe and costume. This year she is looking forward to directing Rangiora Highschool’s production of We Will Rock You and continuing her work as an apprentice with the Jesters at The Court Theatre.

Hannah Thompson – ATCL Performance Speech & Drama. NZAMD & IDTA.

Preschool & New Entrants Song and Dance / Drama / Jazz 

Hannah started taking drama classes when she was five years old, which is where she first found her spark for performing! This led her to sit Trinity College of London exams for many years, completing her ATCL Diploma in Speech & Drama in 2021. Hannah has also studied ballet and jazz and sat various RAD, IDTA & NZAMD exams from five years old. Most recently NZAMD Gr 9 Ballet, NZAMD Advanced Stretch Leap & Spin and NZAMD Advanced Jazz. Hannah is also continuing her studies to become a high school English and Drama teacher through the University of Canterbury.

Hannah has taken part in many HSPA productions as well as ballet and jazz performances. With her most recent roles being Hermia in a Midsummer Night's Dream in HSPA’s Senior Show (2021), ensemble in CentreStage Rolleston’s ‘Mary Poppins’ (2024) and leading lady, Mollie Ralston, in CentreStage Rolleston’s ‘The Mousetrap’ (2024). 

After leaving high school she was assistant director for both Pinocchio (2022) and Sherlock (2023). She also debuted as a director in 2023 with HSPA’s Junior Show Winnie-the-Pooh. Continuing to direct the Junior show again in 2024, Sleeping Beauty, which was her first show with HSPA back in 2014! Hannah is ecstatic to be directing again this year. Now moving to direct the Senior 2025 Show, ‘ Rapunzel’ with her flatmate, best friend and former HSPA tutor, Michelle O’Brien. Hannah can’t wait to continue sharing her love of drama and dance with her students in 2025!

Kitty Jamison ATCL Trinity College Speech & Drama

Drama & Musical Theatre

Kitty has been involved with HSPA since she started taking lessons in 2009. She grew up at the school, taking drama and singing classes and performing leading and supporting roles in productions for many years. This led on to performing with North Canterbury Musicals for several years as well. 

After gaining her ATCL through the HSPA, Kitty joined the tutoring team in 2018 and taught drama from New Entrants through to Seniors over the next three years. During this time she took on many creative roles in productions including vocal coaching and assistant directing. She is proud to have been director of the 2020 Senior Production The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Wizard of Oz 2024. 

Kitty now has her Bachelor of Environmental Science and Geography at the University of Canterbury and is delighted to be continuing her involvement at HSPA in 2025 and looks forward to what this year has in store! 

Leanne O’Mahony BA Mus., Dip Teaching (Secondary).

Singing Tutor / HOD Singing / Show Vocal coach

Leanne trained as a classical singer but has been focused more on musical theatre and choral singing in recent years. She is a secondary school teacher with experience both in New Zealand and the UK, and her Degree in Music is from the University of Canterbury. Leanne enjoys helping others improve their technique and the teamwork involved in creating group numbers together. 

Leanne’s experience spans more than 20 years of Musical Direction and Vocal Coach work, not to mention extensive experience both in, and running top-end choirs and vocal groups through Burnside High school and other institutions. 

It would be difficult to find someone in North Canterbury with more knowledge and experience in this field, than Leanne O’Mahony.

Rachel Aitken  BBO, BAL, NZAMD, GWT

Tap / Adult dance

Rachel’s passion for the stage started at the age of four, performing in dance competitions, exams, teaching dance in Blenheim and Christchurch from wee dots to adults’ classes and recently returned performing on stage in Veterans Tap/Entertainment competition classes and sitting adult tap exams.

Rachel has choreographed shows in Blenheim Stepping Out with Blenheim Repertory Theatre, performed in many shows with Blenheim Musical Theatre since the age of 15 , as company/dance captain, and  first minor role as Erma in Anything Goes; Company with Showbiz Christchurch in ASB Bank Starry Nites; Company in Copacabana and in the NZ Federation Conference in Christchurch; Oliver with Riccarton Players as Mrs Sowerberry; first lead role Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers with Kirwee Players.

She has appeared in the TV series Shortland Street as an extra in Auckland (1993), playing a lead role of Patricia in the short film The Boy Who Dreamed of Space with Redoor Productions Ltd in Christchurch.

At end of year shows Rachel performs at the Special Children’s Xmas Party for special needs children and Dynamite Dancers – Rangiora. Rachel returned to musical theatre in 2025 performing in the musical Catch Me If You Can with NCMS as Carol Strong and Company.

Rachel has enjoyed reconnecting with teaching tap and other dance styles, where her true passion lies—sharing her experience, skills, and love of performing.… and a 5, 6, 7, 8!

Madison Tull ATCL Trinity College - Musical Theatre

Jazz / Hip Hop / Contemporary Dance / HOD Dance

Madison has been a student at HSPA since primary school. In fact, it is hard to remember a time when she was not part of HSPA. 

In her time here she has taken classes in Drama, Dance and Singing. Since 2015 Madison has completed many drama Trinity college exams, then switching to completing her Musical Theatre Trinity college exams in 2019. 2023 saw her pass her ATCL Trinity College Musical Theatre Exam. Madison has also completed many Dance exams, including jazz and contemporary Dance NZmade from grade 5-10 with high marks, as well as top of class. She has completed her grade 5 NZAMD tap exam with honors. She has also studied Ballet at Jenna McKenzie School Of Dance to further progress her technique. 

Madison has been in many HSPA shows from 2012 -2022 as a specialty dancer and many lead roles including, The Cheshire Cat in Alice in wonderland (2022) In 2021 she performed in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour dreamcoat, with the North Canterbury Musicals. For the last two years she performed in Visionary dance schools' yearly showcase. This included Jazz, commercial, contemporary, Lyrical, Tap and Hip Hop. This year she continues to progress her dance skills through Visionary dance school in all styles.  

Madison has been teaching Hip Hop, Contemporary and jazz  in our Junior and intermediate school department in 2022-2023. Now in 2024 she will also be teaching the senior/ advanced school department. In 2024 Madison Choreographed the Senior show, Wizard Of Oz. She will continue to choreograph in 2025. Madison is also studying Psychology at Canterbury University.  

Keirra Mahoney DNZM 

Hip Hop & Commercial

Keirra started dancing at the age of 7, and first joined HSPA as a student at the age of 9. This is when she truly found her passion for dance. She hopes to continue her time at HSPA as a tutor to help grow new dancer’s passion’s. Throughout her time as a dancer, she has trained in many styles which include, hip hop, commercial, jazz, contemporary, and more. 

Along Keirra’s years with HSPA, she has performed in many HSPA shows from 2019-2024. This includes performing onstage with her classes, and also featuring as a specialty dancer in her past 4 HSPA showcases. Keirra has also completed many dance exams, with her first exam in 2017 with JMSD performing Jazz. Continuing with HSPA’s hip hop exams through Dance NZ Made,  completing levels 6-11 over the course of 5 years, most recently achieving honours with distinction. She has also achieved the “Top of Class” awards from 2019 - 2022. As well as “Top of NZ” awards in 2021 and 2022. 

As of last year, she is continuing her study and performance with Visionary Dance Studios in Christchurch and was choreographer for HSPA Junior production. Keirra is very excited to meet every young dancer coming her way. She can’t wait to share her knowledge which she has gained from all her amazing HSPA tutors. She hopes to help new dancers progress in their passion, and pass on the great experiences which she has had throughout her years at HSPA. 

Makani Pockson - Grade 7 Trinity College.  Hagley Acting Course 2025

Drama & Musical Theatre

Makani has been attending drama classes at HSPA since mid-2017 and additional musical theatre classes since 2021. He has sat a Grade 7 and Grade 8 Trinity Speech and Drama exams and passed with distinction. 

2023 was Makani’s first year of tutoring, assistant teaching the junior and intermediate musical theatre classes. He completed the Hagley Community College Theatre program in 2024, plus he has experience teaching improv/theatresports; running an independent class since the beginning of 2024.

Makani’s performance credits include six HSPA shows; with his most recent being Dr Watson - Sherlock (2023)

Featured performer - Villainous Voices - Living City Theatre (2024)

Company - The Prom - Halswell Drama Group (2024)

Company - Be More Chill - MUSOC (2024)

Sammy - The Wedding Singer - Centrestage Rolleston (2025)

Randall - Bring It On - TheatreWise (2025)

He has also worked as Director's assistant for multiple Junior and Senior productions for HSPA.

Meg Kirwan ATCL - Performance Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre / Drama

Since 2018, Meg has been passionately involved in the performing arts, beginning with Drama classes here at HSPA. From there she quickly expanded to taking Jazz, Glee, Contemporary, Commercial, Musical theatre, and both Private Singing and Dance classes. 

Due to her love of singing, drama and dance she completed levels 6 to ATCL in musical theatre from Trinity college London. Throughout her years here at HSPA, Meg has performed in numerous shows with some of her favourite roles including Susan in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland.

Meg has also worked as Vocal coach for HSPA productions.

She is currently studying Speech & Language at Canterbury University 

Azaria Westeneng Grade 8 Trinity Speech & Drama (ATCL pending)

Drama

Azaria has been a student at HSPA since she was about 6yrs old.

In her time at HSPA she has worked through her Trinity College Speech and Drama grades achieving Grade 8 with Distinction in 2024. She has been a classroom assistant in drama since 2023 and completed her diploma in 2025 so she can be qualified in her area of expertise.

Azaria has attended HSPA as a student since 2015. This place has been her second home for as long as sheI can remember,  it is such a full circle moment that she is now able to teach here. 

Azaria has played various lead roles on our productions, with the most recent being Elpheba in our 2024 production of The Wizard of Oz.  Currently she is rehearsing in the role of Finn Walker in HSPA’s 2025 production of Rapunzel.

Azaria enjoys sharing more than a decade of theatrical experience and skill with her students.

Rhys Holyoake- Court Theatre Education Programme

Drama

Rhys has been a student at HSPA since 2019, first beginning in Drama before expanding into Singing. During his time at HSPA, he worked through his Trinity qualifications, achieving up to Grade 6, before continuing his training through the Court Theatre Education Programme.

Rhys has performed in a variety of productions, with notable roles including Frozen Jr. (2023), The Little Mermaid Jr. (2024), and The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition (2025).

Rhys has been a teaching assistant since 2023 and began working as a classroom assistant at HSPA in 2025. He also has extensive experience behind the scenes, having worked as Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director for NCMS productions of Catch Me If You Can and Little Women, as Lighting Designer for The Arsonists with DramaSoc, and collaborating with the Court Theatre to bring shows to life.

Rhys is super excited to rejoin the HSPA Drama department to share his performance experience and passion for theatre while supporting students in their creative development. 

Doreen Hartley

Accounts

With qualifications in Accountancy, Doreen has been administrator for HSPA since it's fruition in 1996.  Over this time she has proved invaluable managing accounts, administrating class lists, selling tickets for productions, planning advertising, paying staff and much, much more.  

Doreen enjoys the challenge of new systems and automation with a fervour that belies her age bracket (Sorry Mum!) keeping HSPA up to date and able to grow. 

Always at the end of the phone or email, 

Together with Dale, Doreen is responsible for the smooth running of HSPA on many fronts.

Jessie Rosewarne 

Administration

With experience in admin for other performing arts schools as well as running a cafe in Hurunui, Jessie comes with a ton of experience managing people and events.  Add to that an immense love of all things that involve spread sheets and we have a winner! 

Jessie is a caring, funny and devoted admin who will happily assist you with all of your enrolment adminstrative questions.