About Us | Encore Drama Academy

Meet our Team

Kia ora, I'm Denise Wakem

Director and Principal of Encore Drama Academy

Diploma of Teaching (Majoring in Music and Drama)

Our academy is so fortunate to be supported by such amazing teachers and I adore this work which I have now been doing for well over 16 yrs and have been a teacher of young children for well over 30 yrs. I am a trained singer and have a wealth of experience in stage performance.

Every minute has been so rewarding for me. Encore is all about providing opportunities for children to gain confidence and form relationships to be able to elevate their strengths so as they can communicate with confidence and empathy in a fun and caring environment.

Family has always played a very important role in my life and has also supported and greatly contributed to the success of our academy and I will always be grateful.

Poipoia te Kākano, Kia Puāwai.

Nurture the seed, and it will bloom.

Ngā mihi nui,
Denise

Email: phildeese@xtra.co.nz
Phone: +64 0272305463

Our Teachers

Tēnā Koutou. My name is Hariata Sanders

I am a recent graduate of Toi Whakaari, and currently a full time māmā. I was delighted to hear about this opportunity to teach as I firmly believe in affirming our tamariki. I believe that through creative outlets we are able to nurture our imagination, and embrace the infinite realm of possibility. I hope to encourage confidence, adaptability and most of all provide a fun, safe space that allows the students to take risks and further develop their sense of self. Tēnā tātou katoa.

Hello, I am Jordan!

A former student of Denise's at Helen O' Grady for nearly 10 years before turning to focus on drama and advanced stage work through high school. I have now spent a year teaching with and for Denise, which has unlocked a new passion in my love for drama. Being able to encourage and mentor younger generations with the same love for performance as I have had throughout my life.

I look forward to working with all my students each week, and am always happy to learn a new face and way to teach in a unique way suited to each pupil.

Hello I'm Brandon.

I am a drama teacher for Encore and I am very passionate about the arts.

I completed my studies at Te Auaha, gaining a Bachelor of creativity in acting. I love creating film and theatre, travelling, bush walks, and all other things arts related. I am currently creating theatre work with my own production company to be presented around our great city and I hope to keep expanding in that area.

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Oscar

"My time in Encore Drama Academy was a defining period of my teenage years. Denise and Phil's excellent teaching brought out the very best in me, encouraging and honing my performance skills to shape the artist I am now. They inspired a great confidence in myself and a fearlessness I carry to this day".