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
Chris
Sticks & Stones Yrs K-6 + 7-11
Hiya! My name’s Chris and I couldn’t be keener to be jumping into the Brainstorm Team! After 5 years performing in sunny QLD in shows like 'Where in the World is Frank Sparrow?', 'PAST/PRESENT/FUTURE/TENSE' and '600 Ways to Filter a Sunset' (Queensland Theatre) and 'What We Saw in the Sorghum Fields' (THAT Pro Co.). I made the move to Melbourne in 2019, where I got my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from the Victorian College of the Arts. Since then I’ve toured through Victoria in The World According to Dinosaurs (Frenzy Theatre Co., VCE Playlist) and throughout Australia in Smashed! (Gibber Australia).
Alex
Sticks & Stones Yrs K-6 + 7-11
Hey there! My name is Alex (he/him) and I’m thrilled to be joining Brainstorm Productions in 2024. I caught the ‘performing bug’ in primary school at a young age and have loved it ever since. After finishing VCE at the VCA Secondary School (Theatre Arts), I completed my Diploma of Musical Theatre through Stage School Australia then moved to Ballarat, graduating from the Bachelor of Performing Arts. When I’m not performing, you’ll find me fiddling with my Rubik’s Cube’s & Kendama while either skateboarding or unicycling. I’m really excited for this opportunity to be able to share important messages about mental health and positive wellbeing through theatre.
Chelsea
Zanna & the Lost Code + Wired
Proud to be an Aboriginal woman of Palawa heritage, I'm a passionate and dedicated performer from Melbourne. In 2018 I relocated to Sydney where I graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art with a Diploma of Musical Theatre. I then completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) at Victorian College of the Arts. In 2022 I was honoured to make my professional debut in HIT Productions touring show ‘The Sapphires’ (dir. Tony Briggs). I was thrilled to tap into my Indigenous heritage to play the leading character Kay McCrae. In 2023 I was involved in the play development of ‘Saplings’ with ATYP and as Production Assistant and ASM for HIT Productions.
Liam
Zanna & the Lost Code + Wired
Hi! My name is Liam and I am super excited to be performing with Brainstorm again this year! I grew up on the Central Coast on a goat farm with dogs, cats, mice, guinea pigs... oh, and goats! I wanted to be an actor when I grew up, so I went on to perform in theatres and arenas such as the Capitol Theatre, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Town Hall. I have my Cert IV and Diploma in Musical Theatre playing roles in such shows as Godspell, Into the Woods and Grease, however I personally believe my breakout role was "The Tree" in The Wiz in year 5. I am very excited to go on this amazing journey again in 2024!
Bailey
Being Brave + The Flipside
Hey! My name’s Bailey and I was born and raised in the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. After doing my first tour with Brainstorm in Victoria I’m so excited to be returning for another year in my home state. I’ve been involved with theatre from the age of 14 and grew up partaking in many sports including soccer, hockey, Rugby League and water polo. After graduating school I completed a Bachelor Degree in Performing Arts at FedUni in Ballarat, and have performed in various films and stage shows since. When I’m not performing, you’ll probably see me at the beach or playing guitar. Keen to share some positive messages with many students across QLD and NSW!
Lilly
Being Brave + The Flipside
Hi! I’m Lilly and I am from Castlemaine, Victoria. I am so stoked to be joining the Brainstorm team in 2024. Ever since I was a kid I’ve been a natural entertainer, I taught myself to play guitar and write songs and found a passion for acting through drama classes. After I graduated school I undertook a three year Bachelor’s degree at Federation University Arts Academy in Ballarat, where I honed my craft. When I'm not performing onstage, I'm in the kitchen cooking up a storm and my favourite cuisine is Italian. I’m so excited to make a positive impact on students in QLD and NSW this year.
Bethany
Zanna & the Lost Code + Wired
Hello! I’m Bethany and I’m so stoked to be joining the Brainstorm team again for 2024. I have been performing on stage since the ripe age of 2 years old in dance, music theatre and acting. I was lucky enough to study for 4 years at the Actors Centre Australia, where I received a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Stage and Screen). When I’m not acting, you can find me outside, exploring the great outdoors by hiking or horse riding. I am so grateful to be able educate children and young people through storytelling and share in their excitement for theatre and performance.
Kieran
Sticks & Stones Yrs K-6 + 7-11
Hi, I'm Kieran and I can't wait to get started with Brainstorm in 2024! Performing is something that I've wanted to do for just about all my life as I was growing up in Melbourne's East. In 2021 I completed a Bachelor of Performing Arts at Federation University's Arts Academy. Since then I've developed a real passion for children's and educational theatre, performing, teaching and presenting in a wide variety of kid's shows and workshops in schools and outside of the school system. If I'm not performing it's pretty likely you'll find me engaging in sci-fi and fantasy in just about any medium, from TV shows to books to card games.
Adam
Zanna & the Lost Code + Wired
Hi I'm Adam! I'm a Singer, Dancer, and Actor from Sydney, Australia. My recent theatre credits include Sebastian in Moth (dir. Lu Bradshaw), Argan in The Hypochondriac (dir. Emily Ayoub and Jane Phegan), and Macbeth in Macbeth (dir. Tim Maddock). My dance credits include John in Scenes From Sophie (The National Ballet Studio), Principal Dancer in Elite Syncopations (The National Ballet Studio), and I have an Advanced Foundation Certificate in RAD Ballet. In 2023 I graduated from University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Performance & Theatre. I'm looking forward to performing with Brainstorm this year and maintaining a strong foundation in Theatre in all its forms.
James
Sticks & Stones Yrs K-6 + 7-11
Hi! My name is James and I’m stoked to be a part of the brainstorm team again in 2024. I grew up in bayside Melbourne, loving every moment living close to the beach. I have had a passion for live theatre ever since I was very young watching high school performances, I knew early on that this was a pathway I wanted to pursue. If I’m not performing, I’m probably outside running around playing cricket, soccer, basketball and pretty much any other sport. In 2021 I completed a bachelor of performing arts at Federation University, focusing on dance, singing and acting. I’m excited to share these shows with you all this year!
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.
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.
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 and Methodist Ladies College Burwood. Leigh-Anne has developed teacher resources and content for Brainstorm over a number of years, and has worked as a consultant on our scripts and performances.
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:
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Read our articles on cyber safety, bullying, student wellbeing and the benefits of theatre in education.
