About 

Hi, I'm Ruth -  the spearhead and founder of Raglan Theatre Academy. I'm an Actor, Dancer, Director, Producer and Creator.  I'm passionate about performance art and sharing the arts with my community and the youth.  I have a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies, and a Graduate Diploma of Secondary teaching in Drama and Dance, and I have directed and choreographed youth theatre for 17 years.  I love getting up on the stage, and have performed in many performances since I was four years old. For the moment, I leave it to our tamariki to shine, but I still do get involved in the occasional performance project here and there!

About Raglan Theatre Academy

Raglan Theatre Academy is Raglan's Youth Performing Arts school.  I opened the doors in 2015, and haven't looked back since. The school caters to young people from 7-18 years of age in Raglan and the wider Raglan area of the Waikato. At Raglan Theatre Academy students will study: performance and acting techniques, script work, physical theatre, devised theatre, improvisation, movement techniques, theatresports, mime and various theatre forms. This builds their confidence, and they get to meet new friends and have fun - all in a supportive environment. There are also extra performance opportunities and I work towards a major full-scale production each year for those in the Drama Production classes.

Production Team at show-time

Q&A with our Costume Designer Madeline Alexander
​(2015-present)

1. How long been involved in Raglan Theatre Academy?
Since the beginning with Ruthie, Peter Pan the very first.
2 What do you do at Raglan Theatre Academy?
Ruth & I join up and have a chat about her next show- listen to her vision and share ideas. The 1st of many meetings and then the creative ideas start to flow and I design and make the costumes, with the support of various parent helpers who are happy to help.
3. What do you love about what you do?
I love having the chance to be creative and watch it come to life alongside an incredible team of hard workers and passionate creatives. I also love watching the children grow in their confidence, acting/singing talents ,and being a performer.  Some of these kids have been here from the beginning, that’s pretty special to witness their journey and share a little piece of it.
4. Favourite show so far?
Owww that’s a hard one- they all have their own uniqueness I did love Peter Pan it was the very first one and it’s where it all began- and there’s always a little child inside of me.
5. Favourite thing about being part of the team and production?
​I get to share in the joy, tears, laughter, sweat and fun with others that are experiencing the same journey, on their own path - but all joining in the same direction.

Q&A with Make up & hair designer Angela Fisher
​(2015-present)

1. How long have you been involved with Raglan Theatre Academy?
I helped do some face painting with Peter Pan. It was an accident really, I was just there and Maddie was painting the kids and I offered to help.
2&3. What do you do at Raglan Theatre Academy and what do you love about it?
More of the same, face painting, hair and make up, and helping to make the kids really look and feel like their characters.
4. Favourite show so far?
Well they have all been amazing but I loved OZ because as a kid I really loved the film, it gave me the same buzz as glitter.
5. Favourite thing about being a part of the team and production?
I love being part of the team for many reasons. I love being part of what my kids are doing, I love that it’s so creative and unique, I love having made new friends and being connected to incredibly talented people and that’s not only just the kids, it’s the team! xxxx

Q&A with Props & Make up/hair designer Amy Hanna
​(2017-2023)

1. How long have you been involved in Raglan Theatre Academy?
The Hobbit was my 4th year being involved, with my kids starting the year of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and me making a few chocolate bars and giant lollipops!
2. What do you do at Raglan Theatre Academy?
A bit of this and a bit of that! Props pre show - so making and sourcing things on a looooong list that Ruth gives me (and then fixing them up along the way when they get broken or fall apart!) Then leading up to and during the shows, Angela and I plan and sort all the hair and make up to work in with Ruth's vision and Maddies fabulous costumes. We usually hand off some of the groups to parent helpers to do, and we split the leads between the two of us. If time allows I snap a few photos too.
3. What do you love about what you do?
So much! Firstly the kids! I thoroughly enjoy watching each character develop through rehearsals, and to see each student embody their character, and we support that with costume, hair and make up, until you see them BECOME that character. I really feel like we embellish what Ruth brings out in each student, and we lift our game to meet the level the students operate at, which is so high! I also love the creative process, and seeing all of our hard work come together each year. As a 'details' person I enjoy making props that while small, and maybe not be actively noticed, are a significant part of what makes the production so effective.
4. Favourite show so far?
Has to be Alice! I'm Alice mad so it's an easy choice. However, I really enjoyed the costumes this year with The Hobbit, and some really different make up than we had done before - made it interesting and exciting!
5. Favourite thing about being a part of the team and production?
The team!! I love working alongside other creatives who are passionate and excited to see a vision come to life, and to be able to share all the ups and downs that come along - and be totally supported by each other. No idea is impossible or too crazy, and we can work a solution to any problem that arises. Finally seeing the show is of course a highlight - it's a bit torturous watching one sided battles, and half scenes for weeks, so seeing it all together is pretty awesome!