The Private Speech and Drama programme at the College provides tuition for students who wish to hone their public speaking and performance skills. During the course of the year many of the students work towards examinations in Speech and Drama or Communications with either the New Zealand Speech Board or Trinity College of London. There are also opportunities for our students to enter local competitions in both public speaking and Speech.
Ashton Brown
Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts (Acting for Screen and Theatre)
Saint Kentigern College old-collegian, Ashton Brown has just completed his sixth year as an Acting Coach, Speech & Drama Tutor, and Public Speaking Coach at the College. Since completing his degree at Drama School, Ashton has spent years working professionally as a writer for television, voice actor, character actor and stand-up comedian. You may have seen him on Shortland Street or heard him Power Rangers without even knowing!
Ashton works with students of all ages and ability levels. He is experienced at teaching all 8 grades of the Trinity College exams (Speech & Drama, Acting Skills and Communication Skills), as well as working with students who lack confidence in all areas of communication. Ashton firmly believes in creating a fun and open environment in which creativity can thrive.
Ashton is the Director of the Middle College Production and over the past four years has directed Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, Joseph and in 2020 he is excited about directing the upcoming musical - Shrek.
Brie Hill
Bachelor of Communications (Honours), Diploma in Acting (The Actors Programme)
Brie has over 16 years’ experience coaching and teaching Speech and Drama, Musical Theatre, Acting Skills and Singing to students across Auckland. She has been a member of the Saint Kentigern College private tutoring staff for nine years. Over this time 100 percent of her Saint Kentigern students have achieved Merit (80%) or higher in their Trinity College of London Speech and Drama examinations. She is passionate about equipping students with the creative, communication and confidence skills that will take each and every student far in their academic, performance and personal lives.
Brie is a graduate of The Actors' Programme and has been part of the New Zealand Theatre, Film and Television industries for many years. She played Sandra Withers in Shortland Street (2015) and directed, produced, wrote and performed in award-winning theatre productions created by Bits and Pieces Ensemble. Having trained in both Musical Theatre (Trinity College examinations) and Acting for over 15 years, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. She spent four years working in Radio and is still currently employed as a regular voice-over artist for commercials, television and film work. Most recently Brie won a NAPTA (Best Leading Actress in a Musical) for her role of Kate Sheppard in That Bloody Woman.