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
Sebastien
Zanna & the Lost Code + Wired
Hey! My name is Sebastien and I am thrilled to be joining the Brainstorm team. I grew up in Adelaide and performed all through my schooling years in musical theatre, films, and plays. My favourite musical is Les Misérables and my favourite film is Interstellar. I recently completed a Bachelor of Acting with Distinction at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University. When I’m not performing, you can find me playing soccer, writing music or reading a great book. I’m excited to start touring and share positive messages with the students of SE Qld and NSW!
Hayley
Zanna & the Lost Code + Wired
Hi, I'm Hayley. I'm excited to be joining the Brainstorm team in 2025! I live in Brisbane, which is also where I studied at the QLD Conservatorium in the Bachelor of Acting, as well as at the Brisbane Academy of Musical Theatre in the Cert IV in Musical Theatre. Growing up I wanted to be a scientist, but I developed a passion for the arts once I discovered that talking, dancing and clowning around all day was a career path! I'm so grateful to be able to combine my passions of comedy, children's theatre and Australian work this year to create such a positive and important message for young people in QLD and NSW.
Mitchell
The Protectors + Verbal Combat
Hi! My name is Mitchell and I’m a Sydney based actor. I am super excited to work with Brainstorm Productions this year. I recently finished a Bachelor of Performance and Theatre (Acting Intensive) at the University of Wollongong where I honed my skills and performance abilities. My previous roles include Adam in ‘The Antipodes’ (dir. Matt Prest) and Lurch in the ‘Addams Family Musical’ (dir. Julian Batchelor). I can’t wait to stretch and improve my acting muscles and hopefully learn a few things on the way!
Josie
The Protectors + Verbal Combat
Hi! My name is Josie and I am so excited to join the Brainstorm team in 2025. I grew up in Dubbo, NSW and trained in dance and musical theatre from a young age. I have completed my Bachelor of Music Theatre (ECMT) and my Diploma of Music Theatre (WAAPA) and I got to spend 2024 in Asia, working on touring productions and seeing the world!
I am very excited to now get to travel around NSW with Brainstorm, I can’t wait to perform and explore the beautiful NSW beaches in my free time!
Niamh
Being Brave + The Flipside
Hi! My name is Niamh and I’m originally from Alice Springs, NT. Growing up in a small, rural town I took part in ballet, jazz and musical theatre from a young age. Some of my performance highlights include the role of Ursula in the Little Mermaid (dir. Steve Kidd) and Miss Hannigan in Annie (dir. Nicole Evans). In 2021, I made the move to the big city and completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) at Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne. I also started my Master of Teaching (Primary) in 2024. Growing up in rural Australia, I am deeply passionate about children’s access to live performance and I can’t wait to perform with Brainstorm in 2025!
James
Being Brave + The Flipside
Hi! My name is James and I’m stoked to be a part of the brainstorm team again in 2025. 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!
Jordan-Leigh
The Protectors + Verbal Combat
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 join Brainstorm in 2025, using my passion and experience to inspire students and share meaningful messages.
Amy
The Protectors + Verbal Combat
Hey, I’m Amy, and I’m thrilled to join the Brainstorm Team in 2025! I recently graduated from the University of Wollongong, acting in PITY by Rory Mullarkey (dr. Mark Rogers), collaborating on/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 I can’t wait to inspire creativity and excitement in young people. When I’m not on stage, you can find me curled up with a good book, walking, running, or belting out songs.
Annie
Being Brave + The Flipside
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 can't wait to see them evoke thought, conversation and healing in students.
Alex
Being Brave + The Flipside
Hey there! My name is Alex (he/him) and I’m thrilled to be coming back to Brainstorm Productions in 2025. I caught the ‘performing bug’ in primary school, started singing lessons and have loved it ever since. After finishing 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 Arts Academy with a Bachelor of Performing Arts. In my spare time, I like to play video games, read and learn silly skills like juggling, unicycling and Rubik’s cubes. I’m really excited for this opportunity to share important messages about mental health and wellbeing through theatre.
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, 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.
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.