Formed in 1989 Hagley Theatre Company has launched many careers in theatre, film, television and radio. With a predominant focus on the practical nature of study our fulltime students have classes in acting, voice, physical theatre, music, dance, playwriting and stage direction - leading to public performance seasons. A self-contained, independent programme attached to Hagley College we help students achieve the skills necessary to compete in the performance arena, both amateur and professional.

StageOne started in 2005 following repeated enquiries from parents looking for better options in drama training. Parents and students like our structured classes, limited numbers (12 per class), strict enrolment procedures and variety of performance opportunities. With contacts all over the world StageOne uses the most up-to-date and relevant scripts available - some of which have never been seen before in New Zealand. 

In 2010 the programme has introduced separate tuition for Dance, utilising staff from Hagley Dance Company and the purpose-built facilities at Hagley College.

StageOne students will have a variety of tutors and directors throughout the year. Our staff are actively involved in the industry, continuing to enhance and display their skills through performance. Their varied practical experiences and first hand knowledge of performing are valuable tools in the classroom environment.

Darryl Low        Creative Director

Originally from Invercargill, Darryl moved to Christchurch and completed hisDiploma in Performing Arts in 2001. That same year he travelled to the USA where he taught and performed nationwide with the California Theater Centre. In 2002 he was appointed Associate Artistic Director for Hagley Theatre Company, a position he still holds today.

As well as overseeing the day-to-day running of Hagley Theatre Company Darryl also tutors Physical Theatre to both year levels and directs many of the Company's public seasons. 'Daz' works closely with Hagley College as their Arts CoOrdinator (incorporating Dance, Drama, Jazz and Music) and is also involved with the College's community education programme.

Currently studying towards his Bachelor of Education (Adult Education) through Massey University, Darryl is also a performer in his own right, a former improvisation champion who regularly appears on stage for Hagley Theatre Company and in independent projects.

As Creative Director Darryl is responsible for ensuring StageOne continues to hold its well-earned reputation for excellence in the teaching of performing arts to the youth of Christchurch.

Mandie Parry

As a student of the Sandra Gray School of Dance, Mandie was first trained as a dancer before the allure of theatre saw her study with Hagley Theatre Company in 2005/06. During her first year she appeared on stage in a number of roles and also undertook contracted work on short films and for TV2 KidsFest. She even had a regular gig as the LJ Hooker Bear!

Mandie's second year with HTC proved even more busy as she began co-directing (TV2 KidsFest) and then directing in her own right. In mid-2006 she joined the StageOne staff and in 2007 was appointed Associate Director for Hagley Theatre Company.

After leaving briefly to give birth Mandie has returned to once again lead our primary classes. She continues to organise outside contracts on our behalf, including an appearance at the recently held Cerebral Palsy Family Fun Day.

With three children and her own online business for brides (www.wherebridezillaroam.co.nz) it's quite possible that Mandie is the busiest person in the world.

Sheree Hawker

Sheree trained as an actor with Hagley Theatre Company in 2007/08 and during that time appeared in a range of diverse roles.

As a second year student she put her tuition in Directing into practice by attending the StageOne classes as a co-director and relief tutor, hoping her efforts would be rewarded with a more permanent position! Growth in the StageOne programme during 2009 saw her wishes realised and Sheree became a StageOne fixture.

Her ties with Hagley Theatre Company continue and in 2010 she has appeared on stage and co-directed as a member of the FOCUS initiative, a project for trainees funded by the Ministry of Social Development.

Sheree also works for Halswell Residential College as a residential carer and is looking to train further in social work once the FOCUS contract expires in August.

Damien McGrath

One of the original tutors from the very beginning of StageOne, Damien is also a graduate of Hagley Theatre Company. A recipient of a scholarship to attend the School of Mime in Finland (2002) Damien is a big fan of physical theatre and has used his skills and knowledge to create some fantastic performance pieces for StageOne.

Though he took some time out to travel overseas and complete his Bachelor of Education Damien continues to be involved in the theatre community. He is the founding director of Liminal Theatre and devises many of their public pieces, one of which premiered recently at the Wellington Fringe Festival.