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.

Ava Berry BA Perf. Arts NASDA

Senior & Advanced Senior Hip Hop / Commercial

Ava has always loved performing, when she was just 5 years old, she was enrolled into her very first jazz class, where she instantly fell in love with dancing. She became involved in musical theatre and choir from the age of 8 and found her passion for all things Musical Theatre.

She continued to be involved within choirs and theatre, whilst adding to her dance styles with tap, hip hop, contemporary and ballet along with jazz throughout her schooling years. Ava sat AJDA Jazz and BAL Tap examinations achieving up to both Advanced tap and jazz grades. It didn't take long for her to realise that she wanted to take this passion and turn it into a career.

In 2021, Ava left high school after completing year 12 to study a Level 4 Certificate of Performing Arts at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) . After passing her year she successfully auditioned for the Bachelor of Music Theatre at NASDA. She has just finished her degree in 2024 and is super excited to see what's next for her.

Throughout her time as NASDA Ava played a variety of roles including Barnacles in 'Honk Jr' which toured around schools in Christchurch, Sir John Tremayne in NASDA's Second year show 'Me And My Girl’ and Parker and Mrs Meyers in her third year musical ‘Freaky Friday’ which she was dance captain for. In that same year Ava performed as Tantomile in ‘Cats the Musical’ with JK Performing Arts, her third year cabaret ‘Our Time’ in which she was a featured soloist and dance captain as well as performing in NASDA’S 30 year Gala. She has also danced at events such as Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, The Santa Parade and The Crusaders Half Time Show With JK Performing Arts and Epic Entertainment. 

Ava is very excited to be returning to teach at HSPA for her second year teaching Hip Hop and Commercial.

Bryony Jamison ATCL Trinity College

Singing Tutor / Advanced Senior Drama

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.

Catherine Hay TOSCA & ESTILL Voice Certifications

Private Singing / Intermediate and Senior Musical Theatre

Catherine has been involved in performing since a very young age, finding her passion for musical theatre in high school productions. Her first big roles outside of high school were with North Canterbury Musicals, where she was fortunate to play Amneris in Aida (2016) and Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde (2017). Since then, Catherine has appeared in many productions both in Christchurch and abroad, including a recent 5-month Australasian tour with Celtic Illusion (Base Entertainment) as the lead vocalist, Australasian tours of Madagascar and Cat in the Hat, and a Middle Eastern tour of Shrek the Musical (Showcase). Some career highlights include playing Elphaba in Wicked (NPOS), Phebe in As You Like It (Third Bear Shakespeare), Maid in Jesus Christ Superstar (The Court Theatre), and Oz in We Will Rock You (Showbiz). 

Catherine trained at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York, before completing her TOSCA and ESTILL voice certifications, and has since established herself as a vocal coach in Christchurch. Catherine has worked as a vocal tutor at NASDA and CSM, as well as a number of theatre schools across Christchurch. She has also toured with a number of productions as a swing performer and resident vocal captain. As a voice teacher, Catherine’s focus is on vocal health and ensuring that students understand their voice and are learning and practicing safe and efficient technique.

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

New Entrants Song and Dance / Intermediate, Senior, & Advanced Senior Drama / Senior 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!

Keirra Mahoney DNZM 

Hip Hop

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. 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. 

Kitty Jamison ATCL Trinity College Speech & Drama

Intermediate, Senior, and Advanced Senior Drama 

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).

Senior Singing / Private Singing / HOD Singing

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.

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.  

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

Junior, Upper Junior, and Intermediate Drama

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)

Meg Kirwan ATCL - Performance Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre / Upper Junior 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.

She is currently studying Speech & Language at Canterbury University 

Oliver Keating ATCL Trinity College - Speech & Drama

Junior, Upper Junior, and Intermediate Drama

Oliver has been part of HSPA for over a decade - as both a student and, more recently, a tutor. He has taken classes in Drama, Singing, Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Contemporary Dance in his time at the school. Throughout his years, he’s sat many exams. Most recently, in 2023, he completed his ATCL in Speech and Drama.

Oliver is endeavouring to continue his love for the theatre beyond the school. He has recently begun performing with Living City Theatre in Christchurch, and will soon appear in their season of Villainous Voices, alongside many other previous HSPA students.

Oliver’s time at HSPA has taught him many great skills. He hopes to continue to pass down the knowledge and passion this school has given him.

Rebecca O'Mahony Grade 6 NZAMD Tap Distinction

Tap / Junior Singing Group / Multi Genre Dance

Rebecca has been dancing for more than 14 years, she joined HSPA in 2012 at 5 years old. Over the years, she has trained in many styles such as ballet, tap, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre, commercial and more. 

In 2022, she passed her NZAMD Level 6 Tap with High Honours and won the DNZM nationals with her competition team. She was also the 2022 recipient of the senior scholarship at HSPA. 

Rebecca has perfomred extensively as a dancer and company member, in 2023 for HSPA she played the role of Moriarty in Sherlock and was in the company of Grease for the NCMS.

Rebecca has completed her DNZM level 11 contemporary and DNZM level 12 hip hop qualifications, and is currently furthering her dance training at Visionary Dance Studios. She is looking forward to meeting all the little performers coming her way!

Daniel Mathers 

Administration

Taking a year off of tutoring, Daniel Mathers has been working in the role of HSPA Administrator since the end of 2022. Daniel has previously taught classes in all departments of the school, and as such has great knowledge of how we tick. 

He has years of experience production managing shows for various companies, and has taken to our online systems like a proverbial duck to water!

He is a positive and friendly face who is popular with all ages of students, so if you have any questions about what class or tutor might be the best fit for your children, he is only ever an email away! 

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 Daniel, Doreen is responsible for the smooth running of HSPA on many fronts.