Our Team

MEET OUR TEAM OF INSPIRING ROLE MODELS.

When you are sending your children to an activity you ask yourself a few questions; What are the tutors like? Are they positive role models? Do they know their stuff? Will my children be safe? Will my children be inspired? We also ask these questions of all our tutors and staff. Hunter Drama has the most dynamic and inspiring team of creative artists working with young people in the Hunter region. It is our mission to inspire young people to be the best versions of themselves and our tutors practice what they preach. Every week they turn up as the best versions of themselves ready to rock the socks off our students.

Daniel Stoddart - Executive Director

Daniel is one of the Hunter’s most well established performers in our region. He is an actor, director, artist, producer, entertainer, singer, business owner, blogger, designer, entrepreneur, public figure, teacher and writer. He is a busy guy!

With credits to his name for performing, directing and producing events Daniel has over 14 years of theatrical and event experience in the Hunter, Sydney and beyond

Daniel is a Multi-City of Newcastle Drama Award winner with recent theatrical credits including The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) for Popular…

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Hayley Stoddart - General Manager

Hayley grew up dancing in the Newcastle area and eventually teaching for over 10 years It was this experience that saw her co-found the Musical Theatre courses here at Hunter Drama

Her theatre credits include City of Newcastle Drama nominations for Choreography for the productions Beauty and the Beast JR…

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James Chapman - Artistic Director

James is an actor, writer, director and producer born and bred in Newcastle He has worked as a professional performer for a decade and has appeared in numerous projects on stage and screen He holds an Advanced Diploma of Arts (Acting) and has worked as a workshop facilitator…

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Liane Morris - Media & Marketing Manager

Liane Morris is a communications and arts marketing specialist with a background in senior marketing, copywriting, publicity, sponsorship & events across arts, entertainment, and media She is a features writer for WCP Media and works freelance, across the creative and arts industries, festivals and events, women led businesses and…

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Brooke Page - Studio Manager

Brooke has danced and performed many different styles including Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Ballet and even Irish dancing from the age of 3 Since leaving school she turned her passion into teaching for the past 15 years After a year off from the performing arts she could not resist becoming…

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Siddha Crossley - Assistant Studio Manager

Siddha began her theatre journey right here at Hunter Drama, starting in Musical Theatre classes as a student She continues to nurture this passion through her role as a Tutor Siddha attended Newcastle High School, graduating in 2021

Her theatre credits include Charlie and…

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Alison Hodge - Head of Musical Theatre

Alison has more than 10 years of teaching experience, as well as many years of training both in Sydney and Newcastle Alison has trained vocally with Kym Parrish in Sydney, and within this time studied the Estill Vocal Method, with a heavy focus on vocal health and anatomy

Alison has…

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Tim Turner - Tutor

Tim is an actor, educator and entertainer, with a strong passion for teaching and instilling the joy of performance in young people Tim studied acting and theatre and holds a Bachelor of Arts/Communications majoring in Drama, Media Production and Public Relations from the University of Newcastle During university, Tim…

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Lelle Coombes - Tutor

Lesley has had over twenty years experience in theatre Lesley was artistic director of Maitland Jr Repertory Theatre from late 2009 – 2014, teaching drama and directing their annual productions Lesley has a passion for teaching and is a qualified primary school teacher with Masters and is currently working…

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Daniel Stranger - Tutor

Dan Stranger is a passionate director, accomplished theatre-maker, and dedicated performing arts
educator, who has been inspiring children and young people since 2009 Beginning his creative journey
in the UK, Dan honed his skills in scriptwriting and performance at the prestigious University of East
Anglia before further refining his craft in direction…

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Mikaela Whitehead - Tutor

Mikaela is a passionate and dedicated performing arts educator with a strong foundation in musical theatre After completing a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Music Theatre at the Australian Institute of Music, & Advanced Diploma at Associated Studios, Mikaela has written and stared in two of her original Cabarets…

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Ben Leighton - Tutor

13Ben Leighton comes from a decade long performing background After studying at the Australian Institute of Music majoring in Contemporary Performance, Ben worked as a backing vocalist for many Australian artists including Jessica Mauboy, Guy Sebastian and Ricki-Lee This lead to appearances on television such as The Voice, The…

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Jessie Edmonds - Tutor

Jessie Edmonds (she/her) is a passionate actor with a strong background in musical theatre and drama She has followed this passion by training with Hunter Drama in the “Pre-diploma of Musical Theatre” alongside other dancing, acting and vocal classes over the past 10 years Some of Jessie’s most…

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Evelyn Parkes - Tutor

Evelyn is passionate about all aspects of the Performing Arts Her journey began as a young student at Hunter Drama, where she later became an Assistant Tutor She is now thrilled to be part of an incredible team of Tutors, continuing to share her love for performance

She has extensive…

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Abbey Fotheringham - Tutor

Abbey is a passionate and dedicated performing arts educator with a strong foundation in musical theatre She is committed to nurturing young performers, helping them develop their skills and confidence both on and off the stage

Abbey trained at the National College of Dance and the Hunter School of…

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Allan Brady - Tutor

Allan Brady is an award winning indy filmmaker, comedy writer and music video director
He has worked with international record producers and some of Australia’s biggest domestic names, and his videos have generated millions of views Brady has worked for the University of Newcastle since 2011, lecturing and tutoring, editing,…

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Liz Pitham - Tutor

Liz is an experienced and dedicated educator with a strong foundation in teaching, drama and writing
Liz obtained a Master of Education at Sydney University in 2001, specialising in drama and English literature She also has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in theatre and literature from University of…

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Mya Abbott - Junior Studio Assistant

Mya is highly passionate about everything performing arts! Mya has grown up in the Hunter Drama Family as well as a student at Hunter School of Performing arts as well as a past student at dance studios across Newcastle and performer for Starstruck and other showcases around Newcastle Recently…

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Vicky Ellis - Co-Tutor

Vicky is a passionate and enthusiastic performing arts educator with a strong foundation in drama and a commitment to inspiring young performers She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Primary Education at the University of Newcastle, where she also serves as Vice President of the university’s Drama Club Since…

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NYAH LE - CO-TUTOR

Nyah Le is a dedicated performer/ creative, with a strong background in drama, music and musical theatre She graduated from HSPA in 2024 and went on to be a part of Sydney’s Talent Development Project She has first hand experience with Australia’s top casting directors as an AACTA…

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RORY COWPER - CO-TUTOR

Rory is a multi disciplined performer and educator who has had a strong love and passion for all things theatre since the age of 5 Since then, their passion and love for theatre has truly blossomed

Rory’s journey began at the age of 8 where they began dance lessons in…

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