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
Miriam
Zanna & the Lost Code + Wired
Hey! My name is Miriam and I’m super excited to be returning for another year with Brainstorm Productions in 2023! I hail from a big boisterous family in Brisbane, where I picked up my love for singing, acting, dancing and grooving. I studied at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre, a few good life skills, and a knack for writing. I am so thrilled to be jumping back into touring around Melbourne and Adelaide, meeting amazing young people and sharing the important messages of mental health and positive wellbeing!
Liam
Being Brave + Cyberia
Hi! My name is Liam and I am super duper excited to be performing in Being Brave & Cyberia 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 very VERY excited to go on this amazing journey!
Raphael
Sticks & Stones Yrs K-6 & Yrs 7-11
Hiya! My name's Raphael (he/him) and I'm from sunny Brisbane. I am ecstatic to be working for Brainstorm this year and to be able to share the gift of theatre with young people. If I was to describe myself in two words they would be Cheese Toastie, I'm obsessed! I've trained at Queensland University of Technology studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Drama and performed in various theatre, film and tv productions since graduating. I would say I spend most of my free time plonked in front of a speaker, or with headphones in, listening to and discovering new music.
Julia
Saving Lil & Archie + The Flipside
Hi! I'm Julia and I am very excited to be joining Brainstorm for 2023!
I've studied dancing, acting and writing, and since graduating I've been part of The Masked Singer, Dance Boss, and short films and plays.
I'm also currently completing my Bachelors degree in Linguistics and Marketing.
In my spare time I love to go to the beach, play my ukulele and spend time with my family and friends. I'm so delighted to have the opportunity to perform everyday and do what I love, all while sharing important messages through these wonderful shows.
Jake
Sticks & Stones Yrs K-6 & Yrs 7-11
G’day! My name 's Jake and I'm super excited to be joining the Brainstorm team and touring Sticks and Stones this year. I graduated from the Bachelor of Music Theatre (ECMT) and Diploma of Music Theatre (WAAPA). During my 4 years of training I had the pleasure of performing in Les Miserables, Songs for a New World, Urinetown and Legally Blonde. Originally from Perth, I come from a big Italian family. I grew up loving performing, with my debut playing the Big Bad Wolf in year 6 who blew the pigs' houses down with a saxophone. Although I love travelling, I miss my family and friends in Perth and my Nonna's Italian food. I love going to the gym, hiking, dancing and doing all sorts of wacky shenanigans.
Bethany
Being Brave + Cyberia
Hello! I’m Bethany and I’m so stoked to be joining the Brainstorm team for 2023. 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.
Clayton
Zanna & the Lost Code + Wired
Hi! My name is Clayton and I am super excited to be hitting the road with Brainstorm in 2023! Adelaide is my hometown, but I moved to Brisbane to study musical theatre at the Griffith Queensland Conservatorium of Music, where I developed my craft in singing, dancing and acting. I currently call Melbourne home. In my spare time you can find me cooking up a mean meal, partaking in a little bit of video games and watching/playing soccer. Can’t wait to share some amazing Brainstorm shows with you in 2023.
Tim
Saving Lil & Archie + The Flipside
G'day! I'm Tim and I'm stoked to be a part of Brainstorm's 2023 season! I've been performing since I was a kid growing up in Sydney, and after graduating school I trained for my Bachelor of Acting at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in Perth. Since then, I've performed in touring shows and at the 75th International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh. When I'm not acting, you'll usually find me playing catch with my dog Buddy at the park, or ripping along the pavement on my Penny board!
Bailee
Zanna & the Lost Code + Wired
Heya! My name’s Bailee, I’m from sunny QLD and I'm thrilled to be joining the Brainstorm team. To share a little about me: I dabble in scrapbooking, art and writing, I love board and tabletop games, and of course, the performing arts. Growing up, I participated in community theatre and my love for theatre and a sense of community flourished. In 2017 I commenced a Dip. of Musical Theatre, then an Advanced Dip. of Art (Music Theatre & Commercial Dance) with Australian Dance Performance Institute. In 2020, I moved to Ballarat to complete a Bachelor of Performing Arts with Federation University. I'm so excited to begin my journey contributing a positive impact on Australia’s youth.
James
Zanna & the Lost Code + Wired
Hi! My name is James and I’m stoked to be a part of the brainstorm team in 2023. 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 new 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
Marketing: Sarah Frare, Simpatico Industries
Digital Marketing & SEO: Digital Dominator
Website Design & Hosting: Digital Spice
Social Media: The Social Game
Photography:
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.
