Jennifer Ward-Lealand

Since training at Auckland's influential Theatre Corporate in 1982, Jennifer has worked as an actor extensively in theatre, film and television for over 30 years.  She has excelled in both dramatic and comedic roles, as well as numerous roles in musical theatre and cabaret.  She also works regularly as a voiceover artist.

In 1989/90, Jennifer toured New Zealand and internationally with The Front Lawn, performing to sell-out houses.  In the mid-90's she moved to Australia to appear in the comedy television series Full Frontal and played Viola in the Adelaide International Festival's production of Twelfth Night.  She has performed to sell-out houses in Berlin, The Goat, and That Face (Silo Theatre), Twelfth Night and Le Sud (Auckland Theatre Company), Decadence (Licentious Productions) and most recently in August: Osage County for Auckland Theatre Company.

As an accomplished singer, Jennifer presents her own shows, Falling in Love Again and The Look of Love, Evocative/Provocative, at festivals and venues in New Zealand and Australia.

She has directed and tutored at Unitec, Toi Whakaari, ATC Summer School, Howick Little Theatre, Centre City Music Theatre, and the Performing Arts School.

Jennifer was a founding board member of the Watershed Theatre and a co-founder of The Large Group and The Actors' Program.  She is currently President of New Zealand Actors Equity, Patron of Q Theatre, and serves as a trust board member of Silo Theatre.  In the 2007 New Years Honours List, she was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit "for services to theatre and the community".

"I am thrilled to be working alongside my fellow artistic directors on what is truly a unique and effective course of performance study".

"I'm thrilled to be working alongside my fellow artistic directors on what is truly a unique and effective course of performance study.