NATALIE WRIGHT
SPEECH, DRAMA & ACTING
Natalie has a significant background in acting, singing and public speaking. Notable film, television and theatre experience includes roles in 'Shortland Street' (Core cast member), Xena, The God Boy (Auckland Theatre Company) and Anne of Green Gables (Auckland Children's Theatre).
Natalie also has a close association with local Theatre groups having been awarded a Zony Award for Best Supporting Acress for her role as Linda in the Stage Right Production of Blood Brothers, and most recently for her portrayal of Madame Morrible in the Tauranga Musical Theatre production of Wicked.
Along with her performing credits, Natalie has also been on the creative team as Director of 'The Little Mermaid Jr.' and 'Ladies Night.
Natalie launched her business 'Wright Performance' on the Autumn of 2018 and has never looked back.
Natalie holds her ATCL from Trinity College London for Speech & Drama
ELISE ROHDE
SINGING & MUSICAL THEATRE
Elise was performing as soon as she could walk. Making her debut in Madame Butterfly at age 4, she has been an integral part of Tauranga Musical Theatre ever since. During her 30 years with the society she has participated in more than 70 shows - often as a member of the creative team or as a mentor to youth.
Notable onstage roles include Gary Coleman in Avenue Q; earning a Zony nomination for Leading Actress and The Baker's Wife in Into The Woods.
Elise has worked in almost every department of Musical Theatre both as a volunteer and in corporate entertainment focussing mainly on sound engineering and music roles which she believes go hand in hand for any great performance. In 2019 she was awarded the Zony for 'Best Sound Design' for her involvement in the Tauranga Musical Production of Heathers.
Elise has also Musical Directed over 20 productions, most recently earning Zony nominations for Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Rock of Ages, Heathers, Jekyll & Hyde & Wicked; of which she was awarded the Zony for 'Best Vocal Direction of a Musical'.
Elise was proudly awarded a life membership to Tauranga Musical Theatre for her services to committee, youth and as President for many years and currently serves on the National Executive for Musical Theatre New Zealand.
AMY VAN LEEUWEN
JUNIOR SPEECH & DRAMA & GROUP CLASSES
Amy is a multi talented tutor who has trained in Dance, Musical Theatre & Speech & Drama achieving her ATCL in 2023.
Amy was nominated for Nationals in 2023 for both art forms and is regularly involved in local productions, most recently 'Matilda', 'In The Heights', and 'Jekyll & Hyde'.
Amy is a kind and nurturing tutor, working to get the best out of her students
HANNAH LEE
MUSICAL THEATRE
Hannah Lee is a trained early childhood teacher by day and a dedicated active member of the performing arts community in Tauranga by night.
Hannah serves as Vice President of Tauranga Musical Theatre and from her many years as a leader & director of the Tauranga Musical Theatre Youth Group, she brings a wealth of experience and understanding.
Hannah is also a performer in her own right having been seen recently on stage in 'Disco Inferno', ' That Bloody Woman' and 'Les Miserables'.
AADIT TANDON
JUNIOR ASSISTANT
Aadit is a multi faceted performer and a rising star in the Performing Arts in New Zealand.
In 2023 Aadit was the youngest nominee for Musical Theatre at the National Youth Performing Arts awards, and recently took out the coveted prize of the National Shakespeare School Nomination at the 2024 BOP Regional Sheilah Winn Sahkespeare festival.
In 2023 Aadit also won the 'Best Supporting Actor in a Youth Musical Award' at the the Zony Awards. Recent on stage highlights include 'Baker' in 'Into The Woods' (WRT), 'Spongebob' in 'Spongebob The Musical' (OTC) and 'Bruce' in 'Matilda' (TMT)
Aadit has been studying Speech & Drama and Singing with Wright Rohde Theatre for 7 Years and gaining Distinction at every level in both art forms.
Needless to say, we are thrilled to have Aadit assisting some classes at Wright Rohde.
