DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE MUSICAL

CHOREOGRAPHER

Alisa began performing with NYT from the age of 7 with performance credits including Jetsam in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Aunty Em in Wizard of Oz; Tootles in Alver & Doy’s Peter Pan; Babette in Disney's Beauty and the Beast and has been part of their Extension Dance teams.

In 2016, she made her professional theatre debut as ballet girl Susan Parks In Auckland Theatre Company’s Billy Elliot the Musical at the ASB Waterfront Theatre.

Most recently, Alisa has been part of the creative team as an Artistic Intern for NYT's production of Alver & Doy's Wendy! The Peter Pan Musical and Disney's High School Musical. 

She's now stepping into the role of Assistant Choreographer for Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Alisa is looking forward to working with the creatives and the cast on this exciting show.

This April, Alisa was the Choreographer for NYT’s Show in a Week programme ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ !

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

James Doy (B.Mus L.T.C.L.) was one of the founding members of the National Youth Theatre Company, and has been the Musical Director since its inception in 2005. In 2012 James was appointed Chief Executive by the NYT Board.

Outside of NYT James has a resume including Christmas and Opera in the Park, Rob Guest, Max Bygraves and Shirley Bassey. In the world of musical theatre, James has played for many international touring productions including Les Miserables, Little Shop of Horrors, Porgy and Bess, Cats, Matilda and Wicked.

In 2014 James received the prestigious 'NZ Musician of the Year' award from the Variety Artists Club. James was the Musical Director of the NZ Opening Ceremony for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, composing, arranging, and working with artists from Sole Mio to Hayley Westernra as well as putting together a huge showcase for the music from each of the 14 participating nations. He composed the theme for Peta Matthias’s Taste series, which have been screened all over the world, and composed the full length musical Peter Pan for NYT in 2017.

DIRECTOR/PROGRAMME MANAGER

Seamus has been a part of NYT since 2008, when he joined the company for the production of Grease. Through his involvement as a cast member he has personally seen and experienced the impact of the invaluable skills and opportunities NYT provides.

He was Assistant Director for the company from 2012 to 2018, with personal highlights being his directorial debut with 2013’s Aladdin, and his final production of Shrek The Musical. In addition to his experience with NYT Seamus has worked with a number of other Auckland theatre groups, seeing him develop his performance, directorial and production skills in a range of disciplines.

Seamus’ primary passion is education, and providing young people with the skills, attitudes and mindset needed to be successful in any field they choose. Seamus is a qualified Primary Teacher, specialising in Pasifika Pedagogy, and brings his knowledge and understanding of the practice of teaching and learning. He believes in the value of education through the arts, and loves the opportunity that NYT provides for young people to grow and develop their confidence and real world skills in a fun and supportive environment.

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Andrew Furness is an Auckland-based sound designer and audio technician with extensive touring experience. Andrew was our sound designer & operator for Beauty and the Beast, Oliver! and The Wizard of Oz. Andrew has performed a number of technical roles for Auckland Theatre Company, including Audio Engineer for North by Northwest, touring Audio & Lighting Technician for Winding Up and touring Technical Stage Manager for Still Life with Chickens, which played in 20 venues across three countries. Andrew’s other sound designs include A Stab in the Dark alongside John Gibson, for Nightsong. Andrew also has considerable film industry experience, including Netflix’s Sweet Tooth and Power Rangers.