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 Tutors
Samantha Baxter AASB
Artistic Director - Class Tutor - Private Tuition
I have been involved in the performing arts from a young age, making my debut in opera at the age of eight in Auckland. My passion for singing and performance led me to train in classical singing for several years under the guidance of Auckland-based singer, librettist, and producer Dorothy Tomlinson. I also studied ballroom and Latin American dance at Stepz Dance Studio in Auckland. Over the years, I have participated in masterclasses with industry professionals such as Tim Beverage, Simon Manns, and Dryw McArthur, as well as talented local artists from Marlborough.
Throughout my career, I have contributed to a wide range of productions across Auckland, Blenheim, and Westport, taking on multiple roles including director, vocal director, producer, production manager, stage manager, props, wardrobe, set design, and building, in addition to performing on stage as a singer and actor. I have taught singing for 18 years in New Zealand and served as a drama teacher at Marlborough Boys’ College, where I managed productions and led theatre workshops. I also served as the drama and music consultant for Rai Valley Area School for two years.
A lifelong learner and educator, I hold an Advanced Diploma in Teaching Speech and Drama from Speech NZ, achieved with the mentorship of Pam Logan. Additionally, I have completed a Diploma in Body Language with Distinction, a Certificate in Business Management, and have participated in Speech NZ’s coaching programs, covering syllabuses and marketing/web design.
I have worked with people of all ages, teaching singing, drama, and visual arts in primary schools, secondary schools, and adult classes across New Zealand. Since 2018, I have been a tutor at Marlborough Children’s and Youth Theatre (MCY), where I had the privilege of learning from the late Duncan Whiting. I am honored to now carry on his legacy as Artistic Director. My passion for performing extends to film, where I teach acting for screen and am developing introductory filmmaking workshops in collaboration with local Marlborough filmmakers. I have had the opportunity to work both in front of and behind the camera as an actor and director, and I actively participate in local film festivals, including the NZ 48 Hour Film Festival with Random Directions.
Some notable highlights of my performing career include performing in Auckland Opera’s productions of Carmen and The Magic Flute, singing at Auckland’s Opera in the Park, playing Eliza Doolittle in BMT’s My Fair Lady, vocal directing Mary Poppins for BMT, and playing Carlotta in The Phantom of the Opera, a lifelong dream role. I also enjoyed singing "Sempre Libera" from La Traviata for BMT’s production of Priscilla. In recent years, I have spent more time as a director, with standout productions including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Little Shop of Horrors for BMT.
As Artistic Director and Tutor at MCY Theatre, I am passionate about passing on my knowledge of performing, theatre, and film to the next generation of artists. I am committed to inspiring and nurturing the talent of all MCY students, fostering their growth and creativity in the performing arts.
Jessie Gatjens
Jessie started at MCY as a student, where she performed in productions such as The Jungle Book and The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon. This lead to helping out with a few classes, then costuming, props and set
and then Stage Management. Jessie has stage managed 3 MCY productions, and The Boathouse Theatre's season of Aladdin. She has been teaching our junior classes and has directed some of our Shakespeare groups and short plays. While currently studying for her Bachelor in Teaching (primary) Jessie is building her skills and knowledge in the performing arts. She is a valued member of our MCY family and we are lucky to have such a dedicated person helping us to develop and encourage our young students.