About Us
Our History
Encore Speech & Drama Studio opened in 2000 by principal Mrs Kristie Thorne (nee Locke). Since then it has helped young
people grow into confident speakers and provides an avenue for drama and acting.
Many students have graduated with a recognised Diploma in Speech and Drama which they will have for life.
We work to provide a fun learning environment for all ages, and cater for the less confident children who require a boost, to
those budding young actors who just love drama and acting and demonstrate natural talent!
To be able to speak in front of an audience is a life skill and assists the child in so many ways at school and during their
lives. We have a passion for helping students achieve their goals and reach for the stars.
Our Teachers
Our teachers are all fully qualified with numerous IMEB recognised teaching diplomas and have a vast array of experience and various other qualifications. All of our teachers have a strong passion for developing your child and getting the best out of each child to ensure they are reaching their potential.
Meet our principal, Mrs Kristie Thorne. Kristie has created and maintained a fun and encouraging place to learn where all students thrive and reach their potential. She believes the key to success is tailoring programs to suit all students’ needs.
Kristie has been involved in Speech and Drama since the age of 6 when her mother, Dee enrolled her in lessons with Mrs Wilma Pitkin in Bathurst. Kristie went on to gain her Associate teacher diploma and Licentiate teacher diploma with the IMEB.
Kristie performed in many Eisteddfods during her youth and
has a love and passion for Speech and Drama and developing students skills. She also has a love for tennis and competed at state and national level. At the age of 14, she reached a ranking of number 6 in Australia for her age group in Juniors.
Kristie also attained a university Bachelor of Business
(Marketing) at Charles Sturt University in 2003. She also spent 6 months in USA on a tennis scholarship as part of the St Louis University Women’s tennis team.
Kristie is married with two children, Ruby & Harry.
Kristie is also an experienced Speech & Drama Eisteddfod adjudicator and IMEB Examiner.
Our Team
Nikki Collins
Operations Manager / Senior Teacher
Nikki is a highly qualified teacher who has attained a Bachelor of educational studies and a master’s of teaching (primary). Nikki also holds her Teaching Diploma of Speech and Drama through the IMEB.
Nikki’s caring nature and encouraging personality makes her a perfect fit for any child’s learning needs.
Ruby Gangemi
Speech & Drama Teacher / Tutor
Ruby has been teaching at Encore since 2019 and was a student of Encore from a young age. She loves teaching children and helping them build their confidence and develop a love for speech and drama.
Toby Gough
Speech & Drama Teacher / Tutor
Toby has been teaching at Encore since early 2021. He works part time as an announcer with Bathurst Broadcasters, is a Cadet Sergeant in the Australian Air Force Cadets, and has attained his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. The thing he enjoys most about teaching is helping young students develop the skills and confidence to allow them to be confident speakers.
Scarlett Hall
Speech & Drama Teacher
Scarlett is a wonderful role model and teacher who is currently attaining her Associate Teacher diploma as well as her Public Speaking Diploma through the IMEB. Her hard working nature makes her a valuable member of the team.
Kaleah Mack
Speech & Drama Teacher / Tutor
Kaleah started speech and drama at the age of 5 at Encore. She was a student of Kristie’s for 13 years.
Kaleah loves working with children and believes every child has potential to succeed in anything they set their mind too.
Harry Morrissey
Speech & Drama Teacher / Tutor
Harry has attained his associate diploma in speech and drama teaching and will be a valued member of our Encore team. Harry has been performing since a young age in both speech and drama and musical theatre. He has an outstanding knowledge of dramatic techniques and how to best understand and teach your child. Harry will also complete his licentiate exam in 2023.
Keely Toole
Speech & Drama Teacher / Tutor
Keely Toole is one of our much loved teachers at Encore. After graduating from school in 2021, Keely now works full-time at a well-known local marketing agency. Keely is a talented dancer and performer and has been involved in speech and drama at Encore since a very young age. She has attained her IMEB Associate Teacher Diploma. Keely enjoys seeing students gain confidence on stage and is a dedicated and talented performer.
Chelsea Allman
Speech & Drama Teacher / Tutor
Chelsea allman has been involved in speech and drama over the years competing in Eisteddfods in her youth. She loves working with children and boosting their confidence through dramatic activities to develop confident public speaking skills and other skills which can be used for life.
Ella Barrett
Teacher / Tutor
Ella is passionate about being able to grow the confidence of young children in public speaking and other school related activities. She enjoys creating a fun and engaging environment in a comfortable space where children can grow their knowledge and social skills.