Meet the Instructors
Proud to be helping to evolve the next generation of theatre artists, our instructors come from a variety of backgrounds with a wealth of experience. Get to know them here.
Beth Fourie - Rising Stars Kaiwhakahaere
Beth is a passionate educator and theatre practitioner with over 25 years of experience teaching youth theatre workshops alongside her mum, Julie McPhail. Alongside her work in theatre, Beth is a dedicated primary school teacher who brings creativity, warmth, and enthusiasm into everything she does. She loves supporting students on their journey to discovering their confidence, finding their voice, and believing in themselves. Beth is deeply committed to creating positive, encouraging spaces where young people can grow, shine, and feel proud of who they are.
Elizabeth Cutts - Secondary Kaiako
This year marks Liz's 38th year in local theatre. Liz has tried her hand at all aspects of stage craft including running a small lighting company at high school and teaching a local youth theatre company in 2016. She been wardrobe coordinator for big local productions, head of props, choreographer, poster designer, and committee member for more than one local group. Liz says she has been lucky to have shared the stage with her mother, husband and four children. Getting the chance to teach our youth again is like a dream come true for Liz who is thrilled that she gets to impart all she has learnt over the years. "I'm in my happy place keeping our art alive and thriving with the next generations".
Dinna Myers - Rising Techs, Stage Combat, Shakespeare
Ms. Myers has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts from San José State University in California. She had been a professional producer, director, actor, instructor, and lighting designer for over 30 years. She is the Co-Founder of Silicon Valley Shakespeare and has directed, lit, and acted in over 100 productions. She is honoured to have this opportunity to pass on all she has learned to the Gisborne Community.
Julie McPhail - Rising Techs and Wardrobe Design
Ms McPhail has been involved in amateur theatre for over 20 years and worn a variety of hats, including costume design and construction, set and scenery design, acting, stage hand, front of house, and directing. For the past 16 years she has been teaching drama, writing and directing plays for schools and holiday workshops, as well as teaching weekly classes for a variety of age groups. Her interest in improvisation has been fuelled by attending workshops, taking part in team events, and organising and judging inter school competitions. Now she is at Evolution to pass on the passion!