2001
Wade is the founder of the Covert Theatre and its current Artistic Director. Wade is also the founding member of The Improv Bandits and has performed, studied, taught, produced and directed improvisation since 1994. He’s a double world improv champion having won titles in Calgary (2000) and Chicago (2002) and is regarded internationally as a leading authority in the art of improvisation. When he’s not performing improv, he’s on stage around the world as an in demand keynote speaker. You can find more about Wade at www.improvisedcomedy.com
Wade Jackson - 2001
Mark’s twenty years of acting credits span feature film, television, theatre and numerous countries. He can be spotted on TV in cameo roles in numerous adverts for different products. Mark has performed with the Bandits around New Zealand, in Melbourne, Hawaii, Chicago, Toronto, Vancouver and Belgium. He has appeared in three televised New Zealand International Comedy Festival Galas and created and hosted official late shows for the first two Auckland Fringe Festivals.
Mark Scott - 2001
Michael had to come to New Zealand to learn how to improvise. He calls himself a KiwiPom and embraces both steak & cheese pies and cream teas. He has performed in a wide variety of improv shows, including at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival. An improv highlight was performing ‘Introducing Harold’ at the 2010 festival, the first time that the world famous Harold format had been performed in New Zealand. As a Principal and father of two he has to make up stuff all the time. He prefers doing it on stage with the Bandits.
Michael Fletcher - 2001
Paul is a founding member of the Covert and became an Improv Bandit in 2002. He left in 2009 and then re-joined the Covert and Bandits in 2013. He had the fun of performing at the Chicago Improv Festival in 2004 and then returned 10 years later in 2014. He has also performed at the Hawaiian Improv Festival in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018 and in Rarotonga in 2016. Paul gets to use his improv skills daily but has found that he gets better results if he leaves his propensity for fabulous Shakespeare prose to the improv stage.
Paul Paice - 2001
Tom is a founding member of the Covert Theatre and after one season was quickly recruited into The Improv Bandits. His physicality makes him a dynamo on stage and brings a great sense of fun and commitment to the stage. Tom has tread the boards in many productions and has acted in numerous short films, TV shows, commercials and voiceovers. Being a full time actor means Tom is also well versed in the art of painting houses, landscaping, furniture repair, and simulated bank robberies. Tom performed in The Improv Bandits shows in Rarotonga in 2016.
Tom Kane - 2001
Matt got his first taste of Improv back when New Zealand had two TV channels and FM radio was the bright new thing. Since then he has performed in New Zealand, USA, and Japan where he discovered physical theatre can overcome a lack of language skills. An occasional tutor, Matt has also produced and performed in shows for the New Zealand International Comedy Festivals and seasons at the Covert Theatre. A personal highlight was performing in the Covert Theatre's 'Tales of War', a series of improvised dramatic monologues. He is also a strong believer in the value of Improv skills in everyday life - just ask him about it.
Matt Armstrong - Joined 2001
2002-2011
Gill performed in NZ’s first all female improv troupe show Femprov, which became Barbie is Dead in 2003 with shows in Auckland and Wellington. She became completely immersed in her job and neglected one of her true loves, performing improv. After a long break, she is back to exercise her funny-bone once again. Of late her main audience has been a classroom of undiscerning five year olds. She is now relishing the chance to behave like one!
Gill Berry - Joined 2002
Pree's first foray into comedy was to be pulled up on to the stage by the MC's at a stand up comedy show and left to fend for himself. He considers it his improv debut. It didn't deter him from joining the Covert Theatre 2 months later where he started doing improv and found that he loved it. Pree is a Sri Lankan born Kiwi who loves to improvise in work, life and play. He truly believes laughter is the answer to life's problems.
Pree Lecamwasam - Joined 2002
Half Irish, a wee bit of French, plenty of Kiwi and all crazy. Luke is a master of mayhem who delights in the dark side. He played the lead in ‘Private Dick’, the Covert’s long form film noir show debuting at the 2012 NZ International Comedy Festival. His ready wit and leading man looks balance his wooden acting beautifully.
Luke Stopford - Joined 2003
Willie is a master builder with his hands and also his mind. He built the Covert’s famous Ferris Wheel set and in 2014 attended the Loose Moose summer school in Canada. Willie finds improv gives him a greater perspective in dealing with life’s challenges and makes it more fun!
Willie Ashton - Joined 2004
CJ loves the sense of play with purpose that she gets from Improv. She considers it a brilliant creative outlet and a great counterpoint to her day job. She marvels at how she learns something every time she steps into a workshop or onto the stage.
CJ Le Mon - Joined 2011
Kay is a comedienne who is definitely not giving up her day job. She enjoys being mentally challenged and creating chaos. Improv allows her to live a life in which dignity is no object.
Kay Hammond - Joined 2011
2013-2015
Kevin found his way to the Covert through a mixture of acting, being Father Christmas at a department store and making things up on the spur of the moment during corporate presentations and training. When not working, he also writes novels, travel books and business guides.
Kevin Barron - Joined 2013
Sam immensely enjoys improvising with the Covert. He finds it makes a change from the day job where he sits at a computer writing code and is a great way to lose himself and be completely different person or three for the evening. He loves it but can’t speak on the audience’s behalf.
Sam Holmes - Joined 2013
Having grown up across the road from where the Covert runs it workshops, James finally got in on the act. He loves philosophy, his wife Judy, and dropping computer game references on brother Nik. We’re pretty sure he’s not a Vulcan.
James Ting-Edwards - Joined 2014
Narelle started off as a little performer and then lost her way. 20+ years later she has taken to the stage and it's loads of fun! She joined Covert to bring out her creative side and loves seeing what forms from nothing and getting to play and explore scenes with other adults.
Narelle Jackson - Joined 2014
Nik lives by the maxim "Life is Improv". He’s at his best when he’s open to change, willing to go on a journey, and fully present in the moment. He reckons, what better way to hone this practice than being thrown into a snake pit or stranded on a desert island with a bunch of fantastic people?
Nik Edwards - Joined 2014
Mike wondered if he'd taken the "step out of your comfort zone" idea a bit too far when he started doing improv, but now can't imagine life without it He is thrilled to be a part of this enthusiastic and fun group of people.
Mike Witt - Joined 2015
Alaine got free tickets to nearly all the shows at the Maidment Theatre in 2009 as her daughter was working there as an usher. She found the Covert productions addictive, and attended these each year (second row in the middle) until finally couldn’t stand it any longer and enrolled in the classes in 2015. Now she’s loving being on stage rather than watching.
Alaine Tasker - Joined 2015
2016-2018
Ambika has a case of early-onset mid-life-crisis, but is far too sensible to buy a sports car. She has instead wound up at the Covert exploring her creativity, the unknown and generally enjoying the ride.
Ambika G.R - Joined 2016
Tamara loves how improv allows her to play in ways that are not allowed when you’re supposed to be a grown up. Making something from nothing with a whole bunch of fantastic people is a total joy and feels suitably subversive in an increasingly distracted and disconnected world. Do improv. Save the world.
Tamara Androsoff - Joined 2016
Like all litigators Phillip is a failed actor. When he’s not pretending to be cautious, serious and learned, Phillip defaults to his true self – a puerile 12 year old – adventurous, playful and irreverent. Improv encourages these delinquent tendencies.
Phillip Rice - Joined 2016
Steve works in IT and got into improv to get out of his head. Others have said he's been out of his mind for years. Answers on the back of an envelope please....
Steve Robinson - Joined 2016
For years Evie was a news reporter and TV host on TVNZ, TV3 and Mediaworks. Then she did home reno shows, then lifestyle ads, then voice overs. Now she does improv comedy. It's like the Benjamin Button of performance careers, but with the normal signs of ageing.
Evie Ashton - Joined 2017
Jana believes that PLAY, for all ages, is a very important thing. It could be the key to world peace and our salvation. She is here practicing living at the edge of her comfort zone because creating with humans willing to be vulnerable turns out to be a very good time. Have you played today?
Jana Hoffman - Joined 2017
Alex performed theatre from the age of 10 and never stopped. She got into Improv during her theatre classes and started a troop of improv in Paris when she was 19. She left this troop when she moved to New Zealand. Improv is her passion, she has a great imagination and what better way to express this than joining the Covert Theatre.
Alexandra Continsoux - Joined 2018
Joel is a musician and itinerant guitar tutor by day, and is enjoying improvising in a different medium. He enjoys the camaraderie, vulnerability and spontaneity of group improv, but is mainly in it for the money.
Joel Vinsen - Joined 2018
Matias was born in Mendoza in Argentina and he's an IT Engineer. He realised he needed to pay more attention to the "here and now" and thought Improv was the best place to do it. Several years later, he reassures Improv is the best way to learn how to be present and encourages everyone to give it a try.
Matías Avaca - Joined 2018
Edith often overthinks things and struggles with the big questions; What is the meaning of life? Why are we here? Who let the dogs out? Other than that she is great fun at parties, and has been known to dance rather enthusiastically to 80's Pop tunes...sometimes. If she ever had to name a colour, she would call it Disco Tuesday’s.
Edith Fumarola - Joined 2018
Being a kindergarten teacher with under five year olds (experts at ingenious improvisation, swift scene changes and an unfazed acceptance of wildly unpredictable offers), Evelyn realised she needs regular exercise to keep her own imagination muscles match fit and to ensure that her playfulness tendons are at maximum stretch. In short: she does improv!
Evelyn Davis - Joined 2018
2019-2020
In 2017 Sinéad attended the NZ International Comedy Festival and stumbled upon an Improv show. It was during this show that she heard the call... so she answered.
Improv gives her the chance to channel the inner crazy, and it is cheaper than therapy, and flexes her mind in ways that yoga cannot.
Her alter ego is a mild mannered Anaesthetic Technician. Not as exciting. But you gotta pay those bills.
She lives by the mantra ‘Life is Improv’ and she firmly believes everyone should give it a go!
Sinead Ryan - Joined 2019
Elizabeth is an ex-publicist, law-student and mother. The stress of the latter two called for some relief. She considered yoga, but then remembered she hates it. Sleepless nights later, she realised previous years of acting classes, combined with an unfeigned love for improv comedy was enough of reason to do a Covert workshop. Although Elizabeth undoubtedly has a ‘face for radio’ and a very questionable wit, her subjective stage presence carries her through most shows.
Elizabeth Cracroft - Joined 2019
Vicki Millar came to Improv from musical theatre. She has been writing, producing and performing in her own original shows since 1996, in Australia, NZ and the UK. But the immediacy of Improv holds a special thrill for her, when scripts are down and bets are off!
Vicki loves connecting with people, both on-stage and off. She loves to present stories and performances that celebrate the awesome potential we each have, in this wonderful gift called life.
Vicki Millar -Joined 2019
having no, none, zero acting background,
Kevin comes to play,
But also for everything else that Improv offers, and in no particular order,
fun,
creativity,
psychological,
philosophy,
learn,
challenging,
teamwork,
play, oh, said that already,
communication,
being present,
to have a laugh, oh that is the same as fun.
Kevin Smith - Joined 2019
Yoong originally signed up to improv as part of professional learning and development to get better at thinking on her feet and gain more confidence in giving presentations. She stayed for the comedy, creativity and spontaneity.
Yoong Ru Heng - Joined 2019
DaveChilaro - Joined 2020
Jane believes improv is about freeing the spirit. Having had a ‘children should be seen and not heard’ kind of a childhood, and a career as marketing consultant which she took far too seriously, is it any wonder she is now having so much fun being childish, taking risks and proving how stupid she really is?
Jane Francis - Joined 2020
Elle's performing career started well, being picked for the starring role in the St Barnabas Infant school play aged 6.5. From then on it's been a steady decline to her last gig as a non-speaking tree. By joining the Covert Theatre, Elle's hoping to recapture the magic of her promising start by becoming a big kid again through improv.
Elle Collins - Joined 2020
Reece is a former school teacher, who enjoys the creative side of life. He knows there are many fine things to be discovered and explored, loves adventures outdoors and in, but will always find time for a good pie or a friend in need (holding aforementioned pie).
Reece Palmer - Joined 2020
Roger is a human being and not a synthetic life form. When not doing the comedy of improvisation, he enjoys regular human activities like breathing through his lungs, digesting complex carbohydrates, and blinking at a consistent frequency. His favourite chemical element is carbon.
Roger Smith - Joined 2020
Joachim is a digital creative by day, comedian by night, and exhausted by Sunday. Starting out in stand up in early 2019, Joachim found improv in late 2020 and loves both. He likes ten pin bowling outdoors and lawn bowls undercover, he’s a rebel like that. He’s hard to predict, like a guy who orders a large combo with a diet soda.
Joachim Hackshaw - Joined 2020
Nathan's had experience with cults before and improv is his favourite. He’s Scottish, loves vegetarian haggis unironically and studied martial arts for 16 years so knows how to hurt people (mostly himself). He is best at gibberish scenes… that might just be the accent though.
Nathan McIntosh - Joined 2020
Kirsten Keown - Joined 2020
2021
Julian enjoys theatre arts and self-development, so being a member at Covert Theatre is like a terrifying and exciting challenge come true. If you look carefully, you might see his knees wobbling while he is grinning! Enjoy the fun everyone!
Julian Pellizzaro - Joined 2021
Anand has dabbled in acting and theatre for several years but connected with the philosophies underpinning improv comedy. The application of spontaneity, play, and teamwork has motivated Anand to complete the Covert Theatre improv training and become a member of the theatre. The translation of ‘Anand’ in Sanskrit means ‘a state of happiness/joy’, and he feels this ten-fold when he makes others feel the same way.
Anand Patel - Joined 2021
Edna signed up for Improv 101 in the middle of the night during lockdown 2020, in an impulsive act of desperation and hope that she might one day be able to get out of the house and play with other humans again. Turns out it was the best decision she made that year, and so in addition to Improv, Edna is now working on a podcast and self-help book to empower others to transform their lives through sleep-deprived decision making.
Edna Novak - Joined 2021
Dec is funny, fast and funky. Taking comedic inspiration from a range of different influences including Tiffany Haddish, Alan Carr, Frisky & Mannish and Abandoman to name a few. Dec can do the macarena backwards and fit both legs behind their head. What's not to love?
Dec-McHale - Joined 2021
Darren first tried his hand at improv in 2003, but his hand said “no, I want to go and play drums,” so he spent 16 years conducting a samba band. His whole body has now decided improv is actually a good use of his time – no one could hear his jokes over the band, anyway.
Darren Cottingham - Joined 2021
Working in advertising, Michael is no stranger to making things up on the spot, and making it look good (citation needed). Accompanied by his enduring love of theatre, it was only natural for him to seek a place where he could fuse the two. He delights in entertaining and loves the freedom he finds at the Covert in expressing himself through play in its purest form, make believe.
Michael Bache - Joined 2021
Danielle Taylor - Joined 2021
Richard Lambert - Joined 2021
Peter discovered how he enjoys performing on stage after finishing his university studies. Peter especially loves Covert's safe and nurturing community vibe (as opposed to the academic environment). He hopes through improv to help liberate his creativity and self-expression against the monsters called fear and insecurity.
Peter Chou - Joined 2021
Ralph Corke - Joined 2021
Samuel has a unique perspective as a director of digital content, in that he offers a comedy drama sensibility. He has a compassionate handle of the fragility of the human condition and does not shy away from finding ways to challenge his audience. His work always has heart and is anchored in emotional truth.
Samuel Shelton - Joined 2021
2022
Kimberley is a hybrid – part Mexican chilly, part golden Kiwi. She has been doing her own form of improvisation in the classroom as a language teacher for more years than many people have been alive. As a self-diagnosed ambivert, she loves the way improv theatre allows her to combine her introspective tendencies with her need for connection - and she uses every opportunity to wax lyrical about it. Yep, she’s one of those.
Kimberley Gayosso-Robinson - Joined 2022
Alex signed up the next morning after watching a Rookie Improv show. That was the first bit of improv he had ever seen, and the course was starting in 3 days! Passionate for personal development, he looks for new ways to challenge himself and this was his next-level challenge. He stayed for the amazing community, the continuous challenge, and of course the laughs (often at himself).
Alex Bozga - Joined 2022
By day Darran is a corporate businessman, however by night Darran transforms into either a stand-up comedian, an MC quizmaster, or a practicing improv performer. Darran got into improv after interviewing improv performers on The Podcrastinators podcast that he jointly hosts and was encouraged to try it out. So, a year later he’s here wanting to be the best improv performer that he can be!
Darran Lees - Joined 2022
Karl has been making stuff up his whole life. In between his imaginary career as an astronaut, secret agent and race car driver, he has done some non imaginary things too. He's written a book or two, a few short films and ads that have tried to convince people to buy stuff. He's appeared on a reality TV show, died on Shortland street and put many people through tables as a professional wrestler. He stumbled into Improv while auditioning for a police line-up. He didn't get picked out, but now thinking about it, jail really wasn't his thing.
Karl Fleet - Joined 2022
Melanie is an early childhood teacher, mum, proud westie and lover of the performing arts. She finds that improv is a perfect antidote for taking life too seriously and relishes the laughter and connection it brings. She is passionate about singing and feels that improv has freed up her inner critic and given her more confidence to perform.
Melanie Smith - Joined 2022
Louise is a lot of things in life and now adds Improv artist to the list. Believing that all learning is lifelong, this experience has been one of the most fun and challenging at the same time. Keen to keep this journey going and see how far it can take her – watch this space!
Louise Pownall - Joined 2022
Brooks' story begins as seemingly every great improviser's does: being forced by his mum to attend introductory classes. Having emerged out the other side of a thirty week course, fighting tooth and claw with crippling imposter syndrome every step of the way - he now couldn't be more grateful. He has experience in acting on television and stage, but always with the safety net of a strong script and vigorous rehearsals. While showing up for literally every show remains a ball-clenching test of mental fortitude, with each performance his power grows and his ego swells. Now, if Brooks can just nail a convincing British accent, he will be truly unstoppable.
Brooks Alexander - Joined 2022
Chris been trying to escape a geek prison for 30 years and believes he has finally seen a way out. Improv has re-wired his brain and he hopes to re integrate into society soon. Learning the fast thinking, yes and, connection skills bring joy at the covert, and in the office.
Chris Harding - Joined 2022
Mathew Tonkin-Henwood - Joined 2022
2023
Sophia embarked on her improv theatre journey to quell her inner perfectionist and embrace play and creativity. She is now a dedicated enthusiast. As an audience member she's known for her "contagious" laughter, although according to her kids it's "embarrassing". Offstage, you can find her relishing life's sweet moments at the local ice cream shop.
Sophia Elise - Joined 2023
I arrived on the shores of NZ in 2012 from South Africa. I work in the corporate Health & Wellbeing industry. One of my core values is giving back to the community, you’ll find me on community patrol, donating plasma, participating in events raising money for significant causes. For me, improv is a harmonious blend of personal growth and philanthropy. I love my improv community, the friendships, the fun and creativity.
Russ Taylor - Joined 2023
Ollie was previously a kid, but now spends his time doing adult things like parenting, business management, and listening to too much Neil Young. At the Covert Theatre he finds that kid again. Reliving his glory days as an uncredited ensemble member in school productions.
Ollie Farnsworth - Joined 2023
Lee Hutchinson - Joined 2023
I joined the Covert Theatre to foster more creativity and spontaneity in my life and further my passion for stage performance, storytelling and playfulness. When I’m not at Covert you can find me meddling and pedalling medications and healing the sick in GP land or at one of the local poetry slams flexing my inner poet vixen. However, on weekends I’m most often found drinking tea and howling to the moon.
Lauren Brenner - Joined 2023
Joey Faust - Joined 2023
Hayley Purdum - Joined 2023
Farham Sattar - Joined 2023
Brodie Nicholl - Joined 2023
Ashley Wurzburger - Joined 2023
Laura Kroll - Joined 2023
Gabrielle Mentjox - Joined 2023
2024
Nicholas Mans - Joined 2024
Charles Byram - Joined 2024
Nicole Jones - Joined 2024