Susanne Dell and Lynnette Leggett are preparing the next generation of talented young Kiwi performers for careers on stage and screen.
The experienced pair behind the Children’s Musical Theatre Studio run the not-for-profit company from their base in Howick’s Vincent Street.
They formed the studio in 2015 to stage musicals as a way to encourage participants and their families’ involvement in theatre through quality tuition in a safe and secure environment.
Dell has been involved in Auckland’s theatre scene for years as director, choreographer, production manager, actor and set builder.
Leggett is a primary music specialist who’s taught in Auckland schools.
She’s served as musical director and band player for numerous theatre companies in the city since 2008 and teaches music at Cockle Bay School.
Expansion saw the studio open premises in East Tamaki in 2019 before moving to its current Vincent Street base in November 2020.
Dell and Leggett say their studio’s mission is to “inspire and engage children through quality experiences that create community and nurture a love of the arts”.
Their previous students are encouraged to audition for community and professional productions.
Past and current pupils have been selected for tours and productions including The Sound of Music, Annie and Oliver, among others.
“Children’s Musical Theatre Studio is an active leader in theatre production and training,” Dell and Leggett say.
“We strive for excellence in theatre training.
“We use the medium of theatre to engage, enlighten and motivate children toward productive and fulfilling lives as members of society.”
They say they aim to provide broad access to theatre experiences by offering programming that reaches out across diverse backgrounds to engage all children.
“We work to ensure each and every student who has the curiosity or the passion for theatre has an equal opportunity to experience this life-changing art form.”
For more information on classes go online to www.cmtsnz.com.
