Who is Drama Tree?
I was 10 years old when I wrote a play about a young girl’s journey to single-handedly take on the corporate world and save the rainforest (heavily into Sting at the time). My Year 5 class performed it at assembly with students dressed in culturally-appropriated feathers and warpaint (it was 1993). We finished off with a moving rendition of Michael Jackson's 'Heal the World'.
It's true, the play has not aged well...but that Friday arvo in the stuffy school hall, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
Just like that, I was hooked.
There is truly no camaraderie like that of the drama kids, who have permission to experiment, fail, be stupid, vulnerable and be their weird authentic selves.
I was trained in the art of storytelling by internationally acclaimed performer Donna Jacobs Sife, performing folklore and original stories at schools, festivals and cultural events; writing and performing angsty spoken word and university theatre productions of Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues.
I have been a primary school teacher for over 20 years, and a Drama Specialist since 2011. In addition, I have worked as a sessional academic lecturer and tutor in Drama Education for pre-service teachers at the Australian Catholic University, sharing my love for Drama as both a subject and a pedagogy.
I currently teach both primary and high school Drama at an independent school. Drama Tree is my passion project.
As a local resident and mum to two of my own fabulous drama queens, it is an honour to bring Drama Tree to the local community.
