Claire is a Stage Door mum, whose Monday afternoons include recounting the highlights of drama class and often playing a theatre game on the drive home. Claire’s two sons have been hooked by drama since they joined Stage Door when her family moved to Whakatane from Glasgow.
Simone became involved with Stage Door back in 2015 when her 3 wee men started Stage Door Musical Theatre Classes & has been sprinkling glitter around ever since! Simone is involved in all areas at Stage Door, but as our costume lady extraordinaire, she can usually be found hidden away deep in our wardrobe store room or beavering away at her sewing machine.
Bonnie-Marie’s passion for performing arts stretches back as far as she can remember - she first started classes at Stage Door at the tender age of just seven! She has been a Stage Door student ever since, taking classes in Musical Theatre, Drama and Singing. Through the years we have loved seeing Bonnie-Marie grow and develop, both as a performer and as a committed, conscientious young woman.
Meet Jessie Rosewarne. As well as her work as an administrator at Stage Door, Jessie is also a professional Opera Singer, private singing teacher, certified Vocal Heath First Aid Coach, dog owner and sold out musical theatre lover!
Katie discovered a passion for theatre and music at a young age. Growing up in The United States near the famous Utah Shakespearean Festival, she enjoyed a childhood rich in theatre experiences. She first took to the stage at just 5 years old, but it was when she was 8, mesmerised by the musical "Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat" that Katie’s future was sealed - she knew she would be on stage performing in musicals one day!
Lily has been performing for more than half her life! At just 6 years old she first took to the stage, performing the role of Molly in Theatre Whakatane’s 2015 production of ‘Annie’. Since then Lily has been in love with Musical Theatre! Soon after, she began private singing lessons with Trace Tidd, regularly completing Singing Exams, competing in Singing Competitions and performing in shows and concerts ever since.
In 2022 we are excited to welcome to the Stage Door team Miss McKenzie Tidd - our youngest ever team member! McKenzie has grown up in and around the theatre, and Stage Door. She is passionate about music, drama and performing and in her short years has amassed a wealth of theatre experience, both on and off the stage.
Aeon first started classes with Stage Door Performing Arts Academy at just eight years old. They have been a Stage Door student ever since, taking part in both Musical Theatre and Drama classes. Back in 2017 Aeon was the recipient of Stage Door’s ‘Most Outstanding Newbie’ award. Since then the Stage Door team have loved observing Aeon as they grew and developed, both as a conscientious young person and as a performer.
As well as heading up the team at Stage Door, Trace is a regular tutor at the annual National Youth Drama School (NYDS), runs a private Singing Teaching studio, works professionally as a Performer, Musical Theatre Vocal Director and Performance Coach and is mum to two crazy little ladies.
Trish has been involved in theatre in one way or another for more than 30 years. She is well known to Whakatane theatre audiences, having taken leading roles in many major productions - including Evita, Les Miserables, Chicago, Annie, and The Addams Family - to name just a few.
Jessica Mordue joined the Stage Door - Performing Arts Academy Ltd team in 2018
She is highly skilled as an actress, experienced in contemporary, classical and musical theatre singing, and trained in jazz, ballet, tap dancing - Jess is a true ‘Triple Threat’ performer.
After her children joined STAGE DOOR back in 2015, Jude was hooked, and STAGE DOOR, theatre, and performing have since become a big part of the Jeffray household!
Jude officially joined the STAGE DOOR team in 2017 and took over as coordinator of our Accounts and Administration teams.
Stage Door are excited to have Evelyn join the team as one of our Preschool Class Tutors in 2021. Trained both in dance and as a primary school teacher, and with ample experience performing on stage, and as a mum to her very own ‘Twinkler’ - Evelyn is the perfect tutor to compliment our Twinklers team!
