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 diverse 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
Alex
Buddies + Cyberia
Hi! My name’s Alex and I’ve been acting for as long as I can remember! I hail from a small town in regional NSW and I got the chance to see Brainstorm shows while at school. I’ve trained at UNE, NIDA, and Felt Tip Theatre Company, and to be able to follow my passion and help kids in my career is almost too good to be true! I have a lot of individuals to thank for helping me over the years, but I’d just like to thank my parents’ cat, Fraggle, for always letting me cuddle him when I’m back home.
Miriam
Buddies + Cyberia
Hi! My name is Miriam and I’m super excited to be touring with Brainstorm Productions. I hail from a big boisterous family in Brisbane, where I picked up my love for singing, acting and dancing. I studied at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre. I’ve been lucky enough to be part of many wonderful shows, most recently Queensland Music Festival Youth Touring’s ‘Time Jump’ and ‘An Experiment with the White Earth’. I can’t wait to get back on the road!
Domenico
Buddies + The Hurting Game
Ciao! My name is Dom, I’m a small country town guy who is so excited to be living and working in the city, doing what I’m most passionate about: performing and education. I graduated from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Performance (Theatre) degree in 2017, where I discovered my passion for physical theatre. I enjoy gaming, reading and cycling, and whenever I can I go home to see my family and my three beautiful dogs. I’m thrilled to be touring shows that send such positive messages! Salamat!
Karli Rae
Buddies + The Hurting Game
Hi, I’m Karli Rae and I’m so excited to be back touring with Brainstorm Productions! After 2 years touring QLD and a year off living in Melbourne, I’ve decided to try something new and visit schools within the Sydney area! 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!
Callum
The Hurting Game + The Magic Words
Hi, my name’s Callum and I was born in Brisbane. After I completed The QLD Conservatorium Bachelor of Musical Theatre Course in 2018, I went on to play Cohen in Yank! A WWII Love Story (2019), and Isaac in Define “Adult” (2018). I’m a massive movie fan and have always loved performing theatre. I’m incredibly excited to be performing with Brainstorm again in 2021, which sheds light on some incredibly important topics that I am very passionate about discussing and dissecting.
Sheree
The Hurting Game + The Magic Words
Hey! I'm Sheree and I'm from Brisbane. I started performing at age 7 and never looked back! I graduated a full-time dance course at Village Nation Performing Arts, performed in countless children's shows, toured nationally with A Cabaret and performed at Adelaide Fringe Festival. I've spent the last few years teaching Dance and Musical Theatre to kids and even taught at a Summer Camp in the US before the whole world changed! I struck gold to work for Brainstorm last year and again this year as it combines my favourite things: travel, performing and teaching. What an adventure!
Stephanie
The H Team + The Flipside
Hello! My name is Steph and I'm very excited to be part of the Brainstorm team again in 2021! 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'm super thrilled to be touring these fantastic shows again this year!
Daniel
The H Team + The Flipside
G'day! My name’s Daniel and I’m an actor from the historical city of Ballarat. When my careers counsellor told me that a career as a Pokémon Trainer was unlikely, I decided acting was the next best thing. Having just completed my Bachelor of Acting for Stage and Screen at the Federation University Arts Academy, I was excited to commence my first ever tour with Brainstorm last year! I love the high energy and hilarity of 'The H Team' and how 'The Flipside' so accurately depicts the hazards and benefits of the online world. We didn't get to perform many shows last year due to the lockdown so I can't wait to share these stories with all our Victorian students in 2021!
Rachel
Cyberia
Hi, I’m Rachel! I made my stage debut at 9 in ‘The Sound of Music’. One year later, I played the title role in ‘Annie’, and received the Variety Heart Young Entertainer of the Year Award. In 2011, I graduated from LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore with First Class Honours. I completed the International Student Program at Broadway Dance Center, New York and last year was nominated for Best Actress in a Play–Professional in the Broadway World Regional Awards. I have recently debuted my Cabaret ‘Life After Tomorrow’ and directed ‘The Shape of Things’. I am very happy to be returning to Brainstorm to continue sharing important messages through exciting theatrical productions.
Carlo
Cyberia
Hey! My name's Carlo, I’m a Gold Coast boy born and raised! I graduated with a Bachelor of Musical Theatre from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, and performed a bunch of roles during my time there. Since graduating I’ve starred in Sweet Charity (Understudy Productions), Wicked (Matt Ward Entertainment) and Oh, What A Night (SKS Entertainment), among other works. I'm thrilled to be sharing my talents with Brainstorm Productions again in 2021, performing and educating children on important issues every day.
Danielle
The Magic Words + Cyberia
I’m 24 years old and very happy to be a part of the Brainstorm family again in 2021. I studied acting in Sydney and since graduating I’ve been actively performing, devising and writing plays for Sydney audiences. I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to work with children, educate and share with them my love and excitement for theatre. I love to read, sing and see a lot of live theatre. Like, a lot. Sometimes I’d be maintaining 2-3 shows a week on average. I wonder if I can keep my average up this year - challenge accepted!
Blake
The Magic Words + Cyberia
Hey, I’m Blake I grew up in Western Sydney (#represent), now I live in Melbourne. I’m a bit of a sports fan, especially for golf, a proud puppy parent (a Frenchy named Hank), and I’ve worked mostly as a performer, facilitator, and kids entertainer since graduating from AIM - Dramatic Arts with a Bachelor of Performance.
I love my family, travel, cooking, trivia, gaming, and the constant challenge of trying to keep all my plants alive.
It’s a privilege to work in schools with the amazing Brainstorm team for 2021 and use the power of story to affect meaningful change on the young people of Australia.
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 registered clinical psychologist and our mental health consultant here at Brainstorm. She holds a Doctor of Clinical Psychology/Master of Science from the University of Sydney and has worked with children, adolescents, adults and families. She has contributed to research at the Black Dog Institute, Karitane Toddler Clinic and University of Melbourne, with publications in the areas of parenting, child development and behaviour. Ameika loves applying her skills to her work with Brainstorm and other creative projects, such as her recent contribution to the HUMAN KIND children’s books series.
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 is now a qualified teacher and a Director and Fleet/Stage Manager at Brainstorm, providing ongoing technical and creative support to our actors while they're on the road.
Kas Curtis
Bookings 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.
Peter Sainsbury
Bookings Coordinator & HR Manager
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 his clients. He is also the Human Resources Manager, providing training and support to our young actors during their employment with Brainstorm. 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
Jocelyn joined the Brainstorm team in 2013 and currently looks after our QLD and SA schools. After completing a degree in Communications (Public Relations) at the University of Canberra, she worked in a diverse range of policy, public relations and customer service roles. Jocelyn loves working with an energetic team that share her values, something that isn't often found in other workplaces. She is passionate about building meaningful relationships with her clients and knowing that her work is making a positive difference to the lives of students.
Jodie Gillow
Bookings Coordinator
Jodie is the newest member of the bookings team, joining Brainstorm 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.
Tamara Gooley
Accounts Officer
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.
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 Post Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education (Drama and English) from Queensland University of Technology. Leigh-Anne has taught at a number of secondary schools across Queensland and Victoria, and has been teaching at the Berlin Metropolitan School in Germany since 2015. Leigh-Anne has developed teaching resources, lesson plans and online content for Brainstorm over a number of years, and has worked as a consultant on new 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
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.
