Director / Writer Wendy is the founder and co- owner of Original Scripts , she has been writing and directing for over 30 years. The majority of scripts performed by the school have been penned by Wendy, making Original Scripts Theatre School unique within New Zealand.
Writing for both children and adults, Wendy has had scripts developed for the screen and many of her works have been performed at schools and festivals all over the country. A number of her short plays are being collated for our pupils to use in their speech exams, and she is currently developing her own children's books.
In 2001 one of Wendy's scripts was accepted for the Wellington Fringe Festival and performed by some of the school's adult actors. It was voted one of the most popular acts at the festival.
Wendy is a registered piano and singing teacher with 30 years experience and has put hundreds of children through their exams with an outstanding pass rate.
Wendy is an accomplished pianist and actor, having acted in many Kidsfest productions such as “Winnie the Poo” and portraying character roles for Canterbury Ballet.
Sonia Chappell
Producer Sonia is co- owner and producer of “Original Scripts” and with over 30 years of experience in accounting and administration, Sonia takes control of the day to day running of the school. Her passion for theatre and dance has seen her perform in many Kidsfest Productions, such as “Eyore” in Winnie the Pooh. She has also played character roles for Canterbury Ballet, and has acted for the adult company of Original Scripts. Sonia is an accomplished dancer having gained distinction in BBO ballet exams, she has also taught ballet.
Sonia has an incredible eye for detail and continuity, which makes her the ideal person for the Original Scripts production manager.Sonia has set up courses in broadcasting, film and television as a new venture for 2006. These classes are arranged by age and intended for all- from those who want to get professional results from their home video camera though to those who have what it takes to work in the industry. Sonia will continue to run the “Happy Ever After” casting agency, and build on the successes of the past 2 years. Many of the students on our books have been seen on screen and in educational brochures.
Holly Chappell
Director / Make up and Hair Holly has completed her theatre and speech training through Original Scripts and has been an enthusiastic member for fifteen years, performing in seven sell-out Kidsfest seasons. She has achieved every level of the Speech Board exams. Holly was trained in hair and make up by Marie Huston, since then she has worked for several major companies and schools. Holly has taught theatre at Primary Schools throughout Christchurch. She is currently teaching English and Drama at Shirley Boys High School after completing her Arts degree in English and Mass Communications at Canterbury University last year. Holly is teaching students across a range of age groups and directing them in their upcoming productions.
Paula Steeds-Huston
Choreographer / Guest Tutor Paula is currently a contemporary dance tutor at the New Zealand School Of Dance. After completing her training in Christchurch, she joined "Footnote Dance Company" where she performed and taught all over NZ and in parts of Australia for 5 years.
She then went on to teach, perform and direct in Australia and NZ before joining the teaching staff of NZSD, as well as extensive work in her dance career, Paula has performed for TV, Peter Jackson's "Lord Of The Rings" and the BBC's "Lost World". Paula has been involved with "Original Scripts" for 15 years. "I have had the privilege of working with some of the most talented young actors in this school. I feel honoured to be part of their journey to becoming amazingly creative actors when they reach Adult Company level".
Barbara Mulholland
Diploma in Speech and Drama (L.T.C.L.) Singing Tutor
Barbara is a registered, qualified and highly experienced classroom teacher with specialist skills in teaching music, speech and drama. She holds a Teacher's Diploma in Speech and Drama (L.T.C.L.).
Barbara loves to work, bringing speech, drama and music into the classroom situation. In the process she enhances the teaching environment for both teacher and student.
Barbara has worked in many schools throughout the South Island teaching music and drama. We are honoured to have her join us as a singing tutor.
Josh Wolfe
Director Josh has been involved with theatre and acting for 13 years, joining Original Scripts as a student in 1997. Since then, Josh has performed in numerous productions, including four sellout seasons of Kidsfest with the Company. Attending Christchurch Boys High School, Josh was awarded with colours in 2002 and 2003, and directed the school's award winning Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival entry in 2003.
In 2008, Josh completed a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Mass Communications. Hi is currently employed as a researcher for the long running TV show 'What Now'
Joanne Chalmers
Director
Jo has been involved with Original Scripts for 13 years as an actor, and backstage management. Jo currently works within our team as a relieving tutor. Jo has performed in several sell-out "Kidsfest" seasons. Jo brings a high level of physical fitness to our company, with a background degree of Sports Coaching, and as a qualified Primary School Teacher.
Nikki Bleyendaal
Speech Teacher
Nikki has been a proud member of Original Scripts Theatre School since
1994, partaking in all manner of theatrical activities – acting, dancing,singing, speech and helping out backstage with hair and makeup. She completed her Speech training through the New Zealand Speech Board examinations at Original Scripts, and is currently helping new students on their way to speaking success.
Nikki was selected for the SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company in 2006 and spent three weeks in London, training with the best, at the Globe Theatre. Since then, she has also been cast in productions with Top Dog Theatre Company, including Comedy of Errors and Elephant Man.
Nikki is currently working towards a double degree in Arts and Science at the University of Canterbury, majoring in English and Biology.
Thomas Eason
Director / Improvisation Tutor / Composer
Thomas began as a student of OriginalScriptsTheatreSchool in 2005. Since then he has performed in dozens of shows including four kidsfest seasons and composed two musicals, Continental Special: The Car that Flew and Timothy.
Thomas has obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and Classical Studies and has a passion for entertainment and education through theatre. In his spare time he also performs as the keyboardist in the Christchurch band, ‘Radio Ron’.
Teaching Staff 
Wendy is the founder and co- owner of Original Scripts , she has been writing and directing for over 30 years. The majority of scripts performed by the school have been penned by Wendy, making Original Scripts Theatre School unique within New Zealand. 
Sonia is co- owner and producer of “Original Scripts” and with over 30 years of experience in accounting and administration, Sonia takes control of the day to day running of the school. Her passion for theatre and dance has seen her perform in many Kidsfest Productions, such as “Eyore” in Winnie the Pooh. She has also played character roles for Canterbury Ballet, and has acted for the adult company of Original Scripts. Sonia is an accomplished dancer having gained distinction in BBO ballet exams, she has also taught ballet. 
Holly has completed her theatre and speech training through Original Scripts and has been an enthusiastic member for fifteen years, performing in seven sell-out Kidsfest seasons. She has achieved every level of the Speech Board exams. Holly was trained in hair and make up by Marie Huston, since then she has worked for several major companies and schools. Holly has taught theatre at Primary Schools throughout Christchurch. She is currently teaching English and Drama at Shirley Boys High School after completing her Arts degree in English and Mass Communications at Canterbury University last year. Holly is teaching students across a range of age groups and directing them in their upcoming productions.
Paula is currently a contemporary dance tutor at the New Zealand School Of Dance. After completing her training in Christchurch, she joined "Footnote Dance Company" where she performed and taught all over NZ and in parts of Australia for 5 years. 
Josh has been involved with theatre and acting for 13 years, joining Original Scripts as a student in 1997. Since then, Josh has performed in numerous productions, including four sellout seasons of Kidsfest with the Company. Attending Christchurch Boys High School, Josh was awarded with colours in 2002 and 2003, and directed the school's award winning Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival entry in 2003. 
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