ABOUT US

Theatrics Academy of Speech and Drama (formerly Drama Kids Rotorua) was founded in 2010 when owner/operator Jennifer Wicks was teaching high school drama at John Paul College and began teaching Speech and Drama classes after school. Theatrics Speech & Drama Academy is now her full time operation and remains one of the most sought after drama programmes in Rotorua. 

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Jennifer's passion in life is the performing arts and teaching. She began studying Speech and Drama through both Trinity Guildhall London and Speech New Zealand at the age of 10 and continued to do so until she finished high school. 

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Upon graduating high school, Jennifer studied at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Arts in Christchurch. She then completed a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning through the University of Canterbury and moved back to Rotorua to receive her Speech New Zealand Licentiate Diploma in Speech and Drama teaching. Jennifer has taught Drama both as a curricular and co-curricular subject and has directed a number of successful productions and charity showcases. She is an accredited performance examiner with Speech New Zealand, has adjudicated numerous Speech and Drama competitions around the country, and enjoys performing in local plays and play readings when her schedule allows. 

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Jennifer is a qualified primary teacher with experience teaching both primary and secondary school, and 15 years experience teaching both Speech NZ and Trinity College London syllabi. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (BTchLn) from the University of Canterbury and a Licentiate Diploma in the Teaching of Speech and Drama (LSB). She is a Registered Teacher with Educators in Performance and Communication NZ (Reg. EPC NZ) and an accredited Performance Examiner with Speech New Zealand.