About Us
MYC Theatre is a school of performing arts for ages 4 +. We provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to step on stage with confidence and produce annual productions for students to grow their experience and love of theatre. We also offer an acting class for students wanting to act on screen in films or for television. Our aim is to encourage and inspire creativity while providing a safe and fun environment for skills, confidence and friendships to grow.
Our Founder
Duncan Whiting MNZM, started Marlborough Childrens' Theatre in the 90's to spread his love of theatre and inspire the children and youth of Marlborough. With his wife Sheryl who took care of the wardrobe for productions and helped in classes, they took youth of Marlborough around the South Island to perform their Cushion Theatre productions. For 27 years Duncan taught and directed hundreds of students, some of which have gone on to be professionals in screen acting and theatre. A very talented and passionate man, Duncan achieved greatly and was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to theatre, he was also named as a Marlborough Living Treasure. Duncan first appeared on stage in Wellington in 1958 and went on to have a lengthy and celebrated career in theatre directing. His passion for every aspect of theatre showed in the productions he would stage with his eye for detail, vast knowledge of lighting, staging, set design, wigs and wardrobe.
Our Tutor
Samantha Baxter AASB
Artistic Director - Class Tutor - Private Tuition
I have been performing from a young age and performed in my first opera in Auckland at 8yrs old. Finding a passion for singing and performing arts I trained in classical singing for a number of years with Auckland based Singer, librettist and producer Dorothy Tomlinson, and trained in ballroom and Latin American dance with Stepz Dance Studio (Auckland). I have taken masterclasses with industry professionals such as Tim Beverage, Simon Manns and Dryw McArthur as well as local Marlborough talent. I have been involved in many productions in Auckland, Blenheim and Westport, and have had multiple roles in theatre including director, vocal director, producer, production manager, stage manager, props, wardrobe, set design and building as well as being on stage singing and acting. I have taught singing for over 15 years around NZ, Drama at Marlborough Boys’ College - managing productions and theatre workshops, and was the drama and music consultant for Rai Valley Area School for 2 years. I love to learn and to teach and have achieved the Advanced Diploma in Teaching Speech and Drama with Speech NZ under the mentorship of Pam Logan. I have completed with Distinction a Diploma in Body Language, a Certificate in Business Management and Speech NZ coaching programs in teaching their syllabuses and marketing/web design. I have worked with people of all ages - as an early childhood teacher and teaching singing, drama and visual arts in primary schools, secondary schools and adult classes around NZ. I have been a tutor at Marlborough Childrens and Youth Theatre (MCY) since 2018 and had the privilege of learning under the creative mind of the late Duncan Whiting and I'm honored to carry on his work as Artistic Director. My passion for performing has also extended to film, I currently teach the acting for screen class, and am developing introductory film makers workshops with some Marlborough film makers. I have been on screen as an actor and behind the camera as a director and like to take part in local film festivals and the NZ 48 hour film festivals with Random Directions.
Some highlights of my performing career so far are - Auckland Opera's seasons of Carmen & The Magic Flute, Singing at Auckland's Opera in the Park, Playing Eliza Doolittle in BMT's My Fair Lady, Vocal Directing BMT's Mary Poppins and playing a life long dream role of Carlotta in BMT's The Phantom of the Opera, I also enjoyed singing Sempre Libera from La Traviata for BMT's production of Priscilla. I now spend more time on the other side of the stage, having directed multiple shows, with stand outs being Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for BMT as well as Little Shop of Horrors.
By taking on the role of Artistic Director and Tutor for MCY Theatre, I hope to pass on my passion and knowledge of performing, theatre and film to all MCY students.
