Meet our team
We are a passionate team of professionals who strive to make a difference through education and the performing arts.
THEATRE IS
OUR LOVE
We employ a team of young, professional actors who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of students. Our performers are positive role models and are thoroughly trained in all aspects of student and staff interaction.
Our team of creatives, educators and mental health professionals develop high quality theatre and classroom resources to complement your school’s existing wellbeing, cyber safety and anti bullying programs. The administrative team is on hand to help make the booking process simple, efficient and stress-free for teachers and school staff.
Professional Performers
Eloise
Saving Lil & Archie + Cyberia
Hello! My name is Eloise and I am originally from Lennox Head in North Coast NSW. I’m so excited to embark on this journey and join the 2026 Brainstorm team! I’ve always loved performing no matter if it was for the stage or just my family in the kitchen. I recently graduated from UniSQ with my BA in Theatre (Acting) where I got to act, write and direct my little heart out! When I’m not out loving my job you’ll find me strumming my ukulele, going for walks or reading a book. I’m really passionate about theatre sparking conversations for change and excited to encourage this in the students!
Ryan
Saving Lil & Archie + Cyberia
Hi, I’m Ryan! I’m thrilled to be joining Brainstorm Productions in 2026 as a full-time touring actor. I’m a Brisbane/Meanjin-based actor, performer, and musician. In 2024, I graduated with a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Acting and Performance) through the University of Canberra and TAFE Southbank QLD. Performance has always been my passion, and I especially love inspiring others to pursue their own creative journeys. When I’m not acting, you’ll usually find me jamming on guitar with my band.
Jordan-Leigh
Verbal Combat + The Human Race + The Hurting Game
Hi! I’m Jordan-Leigh, a Lebanese-Australian actor with a passion for storytelling and performance. From a young age I was immersed in the arts, dancing, singing, playing sports and my saxophone. I was also part of an elite dance group, where I had the opportunity to learn from some of Australia’s top choreographers. I graduated from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Performance & Theatre (Acting), where I refined my craft. When I’m not on stage or in front of the camera, you’ll find me cheering on a soccer or basketball game or playing one myself. I'm so excited to be back at Brainstorm in 2026, inspiring students and sharing meaningful messages.
Annie
Verbal Combat
Hey! I'm Annie, an Australian with Macedonian heritage. Originally from Newcastle, NSW, I moved to Melbourne to study at Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance. When not performing, you'll find me learning Spanish, pilates teaching, or exploring a new cafe. I wholeheartedly believe in the significance of each topic presented in the Brainstorm performances and I'm so excited to be back in 2026 to see them evoke thought, conversation and healing in students.
Grace
The Protectors + Verbal Combat
Hello! My name is Grace (she/her) and I'm a passionate actor based in Naarm/Melbourne. I'm thrilled to be working with Brainstorm and doing what I love every day, educating kids through theatre. Throughout my training at CollArts (bachelor of acting) I've been lucky enough to build my credits inside and outside university. My screen work includes the films Sloane (Garden State Journal), Of Rust and Rot (SAE Institute), You’re Taking The Piss (RMIT), Honey and Sircus (Collarts). Stage credits include Peer Gynt (dir. Briony Dunn & Kitan Petkovski), Scenes From The Climate Era (dir. Kitan Petkovski), and Committed (dir. Andrea Powell). My skills include dance, physicality and collaboration and I can’t wait to develop many more.
Hunter
The Protectors + Verbal Combat
Hiya! My name is Hunter and I’m a Naarm/Melbourne-based actor who’s very excited to be part of the 2026 Brainstorm team. I recently had the pleasure of completing my Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) in 2024 at the Victorian College of the Arts. I started working professionally at a young age performing in the lead role of Jeremy Glass in the Melbourne Theatre Company’s production of ‘Poor Boy’. I’ve gone on to work in TV, most notably playing the lead role of Lucas in Network 10 children’s series ‘For Real’. I’ve also worked a lot in the audio space, having narrated the ‘Wranglestone’ audiobook series. In my spare time, I love to read, play board games and video games.
Hamish
The Human Race + The Hurting Game
G’day, my name’s Hamish and I’m super keen to be a part of the Brainstorm team for 2026! I grew up on a farm in the Hunter Valley, where I started acting with a youth theatre who create outdoor specific performances in locations such as barns, vineyards, galleries and playgrounds. Those early experiences taught me to adapt quickly, trust the story and work collaboratively in any environment. I later trained at NIDA in Stage and Screen Performance, where I strengthened my skills in acting, movement and improvisation. I’m passionate about live performance, film and musical theatre, and I’m driven by the way storytelling can shift perspective, spark imagination and bring people together.
Amy
The Human Race + The Hurting Game
Hey, I’m Amy, and I’m stoked to be working with the Brainstorm Team again in 2026! I recently graduated from the University of Wollongong, acting in PITY by Rory Mullarkey (dr. Mark Rogers), collaborating on and acting in Justified and Ancient (dr. Malcolm Whittaker), and acting in YEAH Nah by Lucy Heffernan (dr. Tim Maddock). I co-directed and produced Ubu by Adam Szymkowicz with my production company, Re|coup. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for others to experience the joy of theatre and inspiring creativity and excitement in young people. When I’m not on stage, you can find me curled up with a good book, doing arts and crafts, or belting out show tunes.
Isobel
The Human Race + The Hurting Game
Hi everyone, I’m Isobel! I’m super excited to join the 2026 Brainstorm team. I’ve been part of the theatre world for many years, usually cast as villains or male leads, my proudest moment playing Rumpelstiltskin at the age of 9, beard and all! I’ve since performed in and directed lots of shows, completed a Bachelor of Media & Communications majoring in Film and spent years as a drama tutor and children’s party entertainer. When I’m not chasing the spotlight, you’ll catch me watching movies, reading, or chatting with friends. I can’t wait to help bring stories to life that inspire, challenge, educate and brighten your day!
Max
The Protectors + Verbal Combat
Hi there! My name is Max, and I'm originally from Hobart but I've spent the past three years studying my Bachelor's degree in all things singing, acting and dancing at the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre (Griffith University). I've grown up around live music and performance all my life, and I love writing songs on guitar. Off the stage I'm an avid home baker and beach swimmer no matter the water temperature (#tasmanian). I'm super keen to be joining the Brainstorm team in Melbourne - touring shows like these helped inspire me to pursue theatre when I was in primary school, and it feels awesome to be giving back from the other side!
Rebecca
The Protectors + Verbal Combat
Bio coming soon!
Behind the scenes
Jenny Johnson
Writer & Artistic Director
Jenny has dedicated her life to creating meaningful live theatre experiences for children and young people. With a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Teaching under her belt, Jenny has extensive experience as a primary and secondary teacher, university lecturer and collaborator on numerous arts-based health promotion campaigns. Since co-founding Brainstorm in 1983, she has developed over 20 performances for schools. She has maintained her passion for education, the arts and positive social change, with a mission to enhance the health, safety and resilience of Australian students.
Sean Peter
Music Director & Composer
Since graduating with a composition major from Southern Cross University, multi award winning writer/composer Sean Peter has worked for many of Australia’s leading arts companies and TV networks. His work with ‘Giggle and Hoot’ and ‘Hoot Hoot Go’ has led to three AGSC Screen Award nominations, two Aria nominations and four national sold out concert tours. Sean is the arranger of the current titles for the iconic Play School, as well as a composer/lyricist for a number of ABC2 and Nickelodeon programs. Sean has been creating music and soundscapes for Brainstorm since 1999.
Dr Ameika Johnson
Clinical Psychologist
Ameika is a clinical psychologist with a Doctor of Clinical Psychology/Master of Science from the University of Sydney. Ameika has worked with clients across the lifespan, published research in a number of peer-reviewed journals and contributed to research at the Black Dog Institute, Karitane Toddler Clinic, UNSW and University of Melbourne. She contributes to the HUMAN KIND children’s books series and recently co-authored 'I Feel the World', a picture book that encourages children to explore emotions with curiosity and acceptance. Ameika contributes her expertise to Brainstorm's scripts, teacher resources, actor training, human resources and online content.
James Grant
Assistant Director & Fleet/Stage
James started working for Brainstorm in 2008 as an actor, after graduating from the QUT with a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Drama). James found his passion for education during his five years of touring, and went on to complete a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) at QUT. James works as a Director and Fleet/Stage Manager at Brainstorm, providing ongoing technical and creative support to our actors while they're on the road. James also works as a teacher at Shearwater Steiner School in Mullumbimby.
Kas Curtis
Manager
Kas has been involved in the live performance industry all her life, both onstage and off. She completed a Bachelor of Teaching at Southern Cross University in 1995 and worked in early childhood education before joining the Brainstorm team in 1999. She was delighted to discover that she could combine her theatre and teaching experience into one dream job. As Bookings Manager and Compliance Officer, Kas enjoys helping teachers engage their students in important wellbeing topics, while introducing a new generation to The Arts.
Tamara Gooley
Accounts Manager
Tamara has been working with Brainstorm since 2009 and currently looks after our accounts department. With her background in the media industry, Tamara has loved being part of a company that provides educational theatre to so many Australian students. A highlight of her work is seeing the faces of students light up when they're watching a Brainstorm performance.
Jane Eliott
Bookings Coordinator
Jane joined Brainstorm in 2022. Early in her career Jane spent time performing in and directing dance and theatre productions and touring schools with Theatre In Education shows. She has most recently worked in travel, which is where she has honed her exceptional organisational skills. Jane has also worked in aged care and runs a chapter of the Threshold Choir, which sings in small groups at the bedside of people who are seriously ill or palliative. She is excited to be back in the performing arts space, where her various skills can all be put to good use.
Jodie Harrison
Bookings Coordinator
Jodie joined the Brainstorm team in 2019. Jodie is a 'Jill of all trades', with previous experience working as a photographer, care worker, travel agent and bank teller! Jodie takes care of all the bookings for our Sydney schools, and loves hearing the feedback from teachers and students, and what they've gained from seeing the performances. She values being part of a great team that helps share live theatre and life skills with the next generation.
Peter Sainsbury
Bookings Coordinator
Pete joined our team in 2005 after a 22 year career in the banking and finance industry. He has worked with our Victorian schools for many years now and is committed to providing excellent service to every one of this clients. Without a doubt, Pete's favourite part of his job is being able to help and make a positive difference to the lives of young people.
Jocelyn Perritt
Bookings Coordinator & Production Support
Jocelyn joined the Brainstorm team in 2013, after working in Federal and Local Government. Coming from a multi-generation family of teachers and with a Bachelor of Communications, specialising in Public Relations, Jocelyn is passionate about using education and communication to bring positive change – and she believes Brainstorm does this with every single performance! In a testament to the impact and longevity of the messages in Brainstorm’s shows, Jocelyn still remembers seeing the very first Brainstorm show when she was in primary school 40 years ago!
Rachel Jackett
Assistant Director
Rachel has completed five tours with Brainstorm and began directing with the company in 2019. She has a BA with Honours in Drama from The University of Newcastle and had her professional start in the arts industry as Associate Director of Tantrum Youth Arts. Rachel is passionate about educating young people, and facilitates programs in schools and universities that give young people the tools to create social change. She is also a teaching artist for Monkey Baa Theatre, and continues to perform whenever she gets the opportunity.
Leigh-Anne Robinson
Education Consultant
Leigh-Anne is a Drama and English teacher with a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Drama) and Postgrad Diploma in Secondary Education (Drama & English) from QUT. She has taught at Marist College Ashgrove, Caulfield Grammar, Living School Australia, Berlin Metropolitan School, MLC Burwood and St Andrews Cathedral School. She is currently based in Europe, teaching at Copenhagen International School. Leigh-Anne has developed teacher resources and content for Brainstorm over a number of years, and works as a consultant on our scripts and performances.
Rachel Marley
Assistant Director
Rachel first began her professional career at the age of 9 playing Marta Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. She then went on a year later to play Annie in Annie, for which she won the Young Entertainer of the Year Award (Variety Heart). Having graduated from LASALLE College of the Arts (Singapore) with a BA (Hons ) Musical Theatre, Rachel has continued to work professionally as an actor, singer and director throughout Singapore, London, New York and Australia. She is passionate about using the arts to enhance the lives of kids and kids at heart. Rachel has completed 4 contracts as an actor with Brainstorm and is now one of our assistant directors.
Matthew Wells
Assistant Director & Movement Coach
Matt is a graduate of the University of Western Sydney and Ecole Jacques Lecoq (International School for Theatre Arts) in Paris. In 2010 he co-founded the London-based theatre company, Rhum and Clay, and has been working as an artistic director with the company ever since. Matt has been working with Brainstorm Productions since 2004 as an actor, director, choreographer and movement coach.
More creative credits
Costume Design & Creation: Loretta Egan
Additional Choreography & Movement: Neridah Waters
Digital Marketing: Barefruit Marketing
Website Design & Hosting: Digital Spice
Social Media: The Social Game
Photography:
Gillian Perry
Jacklyn Wagner Photography
Videography: Peter Frare, Simpatico Industries
Graphic Design & Illustration:
Discover
Read our articles on cyber safety, bullying, student wellbeing and the benefits of theatre in education.