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 compliment 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
Danielle
The H Team + The Hurting Game
Hi, I’m Dani! I’m very happy to be a part of the Brainstorm family again in 2022. I studied acting in Sydney and since graduating I’ve been actively performing, devising and writing plays for Sydney audiences. In my spare time I love to read, keep active and see a lot of live theatre. I've been working with Brainstorm since 2020 and I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to work with young people and share with them my love and excitement for theatre and the importance of mental health and wellbeing education for everyone at every age (peace sign emoji).
Charlotte
The H Team + Verbal Combat
Hi! My name’s Charlotte and I’m an actor born and raised in Brisbane. I’ve been dancing, acting, and performing since I could walk and talk. I graduated in 2021 from the Queensland Conservatorium where I received my Bachelor of Acting. In my spare time, I love cooking up a storm in the kitchen and hanging out with my two golden retrievers: Willow and Daisy. I am so excited to be joining the Brainstorm team this year; I count myself lucky to perform each day and share with kids the powerful messages in these wonderful shows.
Stephanie
Saving Lil & Archie + The Hurting Game
Hello! My name is Steph and I'm very excited to be part of the Brainstorm team again in 2022! I am originally from Melbourne, but I lived in Ballarat for three years while studying Music Theatre at Federation University. Prior to Brainstorm, I was lucky enough to perform in Opera Australia's production of Faust, as well as perform a self devised cabaret at Chapel Off Chapel. In my spare time I love reading, drinking tea and training in Shukokai karate. I've been working with Brainstorm since 2020 and I'm super thrilled to be touring again this year!
Karli Rae
Saving Lil & Archie + The Hurting Game
Hi, I’m Karli Rae and I’m so excited to be back touring with Brainstorm Productions! A fun fact about me is I’ve been lucky enough to tour in 5 different states of Australia! Originally from FNQ, I completed my acting degree at the University of Southern Queensland, where I was trained in voice and movement. Apart from performing and writing shows, I love to stay fit and healthy so most of my spare time is spent either riding a bike, doing yoga or hiking a new mountain. I am absolutely thrilled to be able to tour and listen to all of the kids’ awesome opinions about the themes in the shows!
Blake
The H Team + The Hurting Game
Hey Hey, I’m Blake and I’m from Penrith, Western Sydney. I love sports, adventure, a good laugh, my fam, travel, cooking, trivia/games, and long walks on the beach. I’ve worked mostly as an actor/performer, a professional development facilitator, and a kids entertainer since graduating from AIM - Dramatic Arts with a Bachelor of Performance. It’s simply fantastic to work in schools again with the amazing Brainstorm team, to use engaging theatre and the power of story to affect meaningful change for the young people of Australia. We’ve got faith in you 2k22, please be kind to us all. K thanks.
James
Sticks & Stones K-6 + Sticks & Stones 7-11
Hey, I'm James! I am a nature lover, adventurer and passionate actor. My calm place is meditating by the water on the beach or by a waterfall. I am touring the show ‘Sticks and Stones’ this year and I can’t wait to visit your school! After four years of acting school at Charles Sturt University and Actors Centre Australia I have a Bachelor of Performance (Stage & Screen Acting). I am beyond grateful to be out in the world working in a meaningful way with the awesome Brainstorm Productions. It is an incredible opportunity to be using storytelling to educate young Australians with these jam-packed and educational shows.
Isaac
Sticks & Stones K-6 + Sticks & Stones 7-11
Hey there! My name is Isaac and I’m beyond excited to be performing in 'Sticks and Stones' this year. I am a passionate actor who specialises in Musical Theatre, and I trained at NIDA (diploma) and VCA (Bachelor). I’ve been in more musicals than I can count, such as West Side Story, Sweet Charity and Les Miserables. Most notably I have performed as Toad in Wind in the Willows for the last 3 years. Aside from performing I love playing rugby and cooking. Who knows, maybe you’ll see me on Masterchef one day!
Tobin
Saving Lil & Archie + The Hurting Game
Hi there!! My name is Tobin and I am super excited to be joining the Brainstorm team and to be performing The Hurting Game and Saving Lil and Archie! I grew up in Warrnambool on the Great Ocean Road, however I then moved to Ballarat to complete my Bachelor of Acting at Federation Universities Arts Academy. When I am not performing you can find me out and about running or enjoying myself at the beach!
Weylin
The H Team + Verbal Combat
Hi there! My name’s Weylin and I’m super excited to join the Brainstorm team! As a child of two deaf parents I've always been a very visual person which lends itself very naturally to theatre! I’ve performed in ‘Neighbourhood Watch’, ‘Young Man’s Reflections On His Old Age’ and ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’. Some of my hobbies include go-karting, camping and reading. I’m so excited to be living out my dream of acting full time with Brainstorm and I’m super keen to be able to spread positive messages to young people.
Bailey
Saving Lil & Archie + The Hurting Game
Hi! My name is Bailey and I’m proud to be part of Brainstorm’s supportive community. Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland and moved down to Ballarat to complete my studies in Music Theatre and Acting at Federation University. I began performing at the age of 14 in an abundance of Shakespeare’s plays and have never turned back. I also have written plays, songs and choreographed Physical Theatre pieces. During my spare time I love partaking in nature walks, going to the beach and meditating. I am super excited to be touring with Brainstorm this year and can’t wait to share each of these play’s powerful stories.
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 Gillow
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 in 2010-11. Rachel is passionate about educating young people, and when she's not directing shows for Brainstorm she works as the School Outreach Officer at Charles Sturt University on the NSW mid north coast.
Lauren Marshall
Assistant Director
Lauren joined the Brainstorm family as an actor back in 2015, having just graduated from BAPA with a Bachelor of Music Theatre. Lauren loved Brainstorm so much, she toured and understudied on and off for the next four years between her other creative projects. Lauren first jumped on board the creative team as a movement coach in 2017 and was fortunate enough to move into the role of director in 2019. Lauren loves being a part of the Brainstorm family and passing on her knowledge and experience to new actors taking the stage.
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 schools such as Marist College Ashgrove, Caulfield Grammar, Living School Australia and the Berlin Metropolitan School. 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:
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Read our articles on cyber safety, bullying, student wellbeing and the benefits of theatre in education.
