Team
Dr Pedro Ilgenfritz – Artistic director and senior tutor
Dr. Pedro Ilgenfritz is a theatre scholar, educator, and practitioner with extensive experience in creative, educational, and research settings. Originally from Brazil, he moved to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2000. His expertise lies in acting training, theatre creation and directing, preparing young performers for professional careers.
He was a senior lecturer at Unitec’s Performing and Screen Arts Department in Auckland for 18 years before becoming the artistic director of Hagley Theatre Company in 2024. He holds a Bachelor’s in Theatre from UDESC - Brazil (1996), a Master’s in Theatre Direction from Toi Whakaari & Victoria University of Wellington (2005), and a PhD from the University of Auckland (2023), focusing on Jacques Lecoq’s theatre pedagogy in Aotearoa.
Pedro started his career in 1992 as an actor with Grupo de Pesquisa Teatral Atormenta. He is an established theatre maker and director in New Zealand, with notable productions including The Spot (2005), Harmonious Oddity (2008), Alfonsina (2009), One By One (2011), Comic Interludes (2013), 2063 (2015), Leilani (2016), and Tea For Two (2023).
Danny Lee Syme - Dramatic Acrobatics tutor
Danny is a cross-genre circus and physical theatre director, producer, manager, choreographer, teacher and performing artist, with 20+ years of experience in Aotearoa/New Zealand and internationally. He was a founding member of the Christchurch Circus Trust, The Loons Circus Theatre Company and Circotica. He has trained in martial arts since youth & achieved an Oceania Gold Medal in Kung Fu/Wushu in 2014. He holds a National Certificate in Māori Studies, Diploma in Circus Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies, & has attained his Master of Professional Practice in Performing Arts. Danny is a hard-working individual who is an expert at his craft and has a passion for holistic innovation, play and promoting health and safety best practices. He regularly collaborates with various organisations sharing his skills and knowledge from community to high performance levels. Danny currently runs his own business; Altiora, Performing Arts Venue situated at the Arts Centre Christchurch - Te Matatiki Toi Ora.
Chantelle Rakich - Te Ao Haka
Chantelle Rakich holds a Bachelor of Musical Arts from the Ara Institute of Canterbury (formerly CPIT Jazz School). She began her career teaching itinerant vocals and piano while performing in jazz trios Shinzembi and Le Trio Fantastique, before transitioning into primary education. Since joining Hagley College in 2019, Chantelle has taught kaupapa Māori and now leads Te Ao Haka, with a strong focus on pastoral care for both ākonga Māori and tāngata tiriti. She is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive kapa haka environment for all learners and is also an active member of Te Kotahitanga o Waitaha, an adult rōpū. Chantelle is excited to continue building relationships with Hagley Theatre School and sharing the haka floor with its vibrant community.
More Information
History
Information about the school's history since its opening in 1988
Pedagogical Approach
Find out about our approach to theatre methodology and philosophy
Contact
Get in touch with us for enrolments, courses, and performances
Performances
Come and see our theatre projects, performances and community outreach
Te Puna Wai o Waipapa – Hagley College
510 Hagley Avenue, 8011, Ōtautahi Christchurch | New Zealand