MEET OUR TEAM
The Hennessy Studio is a culmination of 40 years of education and experience. This means we can provide your child with an expert learning environment centred around creativity and encouragement to allow your child to prosper and get ahead quicker in life.
OUR DIRECTOR
RACHEL HENNESSY
Our children are the future custodians of our planet, and they need to get equipped for a rapidly changing world. Because the world now will stretch and challenge their creative and critical thinking skills. Children need their voices heard so they can influence the world around them for the greater good. The speech and drama space is a dynamic, energetic environment which allows children the safety to explore their creativity and unique ideas. A place where they can story tell and develop empathy and understanding of other people.
Let’s talk about experience because I’ve gained a lot. As a confessed introvert, I grew up knowing if I wanted to be heard or taken seriously, I needed to build confidence. And through finding a creative outlet which helped me do this then later lead me to my further studies.
- A Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of NSW
- A Masters in teaching from the University of Sydney
- A.T.C.L. (speech and drama) through Trinity College
- I’m on the committee of A.S.C.A (the Australian Speech and Communication Association) and The Inner West Eisteddfod.
I’m a devoted advocate of ongoing professional development and cherish learning from a wide variety of people. Those who share their unique learnings and experiences so I can give them to my students.
Speech and drama tutor
Molly Burnett
Molly graduated in 2018 from The Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (acting.) Her focus was on theatre, film, Shakespeare and vocal training. She trained for 2 years as part of the Ensemble at Hothouse Theatre as well as taking part in numerous short courses with N.I.D.A. and Victoria College Of The Arts. Molly loves working with children in a creative space. She brings her experience as an actor in her classes to inspire young people to express themselves with confidence and in a creative manner.
Drama tutor
Serena Dalton
Serena is in her final semester of studying a Bachelor of Arts (Theatre and
Performance and Anthropology) at The University of Sydney. She is an active
member of the The Sydney University Dramatic Society (SUDS) where she has
acted and directed in a number of exciting plays and projects during her time
studying at University. She has previous trained with N.I.D.A Open, completing an
Advanced Actors residency in 2019 and Acting Ensemble classes in 2017. In high
school she completed Trinity Guildhall acting exams (Grade 4-6), achieving
distinctions each year. She is passionate about empowering young people through
theatre, so that they are able to flourish into confident and creative young people.
drama tutor
Lillian Smith (Lily)
Lillian Smith is an alumnus of The Hennessy Speech and Drama Studio. She studied and trained at prestigious institutions such as N.I.D.A., Improvisation Australia and A.T.Y.P. and is currently studying Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Sydney, along with Chinese Studies. Lily’s been teaching drama, speech and E.S.L. for over 3 years. Lily has also trained in dance (ballet, tap, jazz and lyrical) and physical theatre, which she taught previously for 3 years. Lily enjoys learning languages, watching films and gardening. Lily’s bubbly personality ensures she’s popular with the kids and brings out the best in each of her students.
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Pavitra Ravi (Pav)
Pavitra Ravi is a Speech and Drama teacher who loves public speaking, sport and music. Pav began her learning at the Hennessy Speech and Drama studio when she was five years old, which fostered her creativity and lifelong devotion to the arts. An ASCA Diploma Graduate, Pav is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and Media and Communications, majoring in Journalism and Non-Fiction Writing at Macquarie University. After 10+ years of Speech and Drama experience and 3x years of teaching, Pav shares her gift of speech and drama with her students. She is an energetic and vibrant teacher who brings stories to life on stage.
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georgina pender
Georgina is an actor, writer, and improviser living and working on Gadigal Land. She is a graduate of the University of Melbourne and the Hub Studio Emerging Actors Studio. She has worked with locally and internationally recognised acting coaches including Lisa Robertson, Miranda Harcourt, Ben Matthews, and more. Georgina’s previous works include “Sweet Dreaming” Melbourne Fringe 2017, “Opheliamachine” Melbourne Fringe 2018, “Pillow Talk” La Mama Melbourne 2017, and “What-even-is-a-croque-em-
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Lisa Gorman
Lisa Gorman is an accomplished actress, drama teacher and storyteller; having toured with Theatre in Education for many years and co-founding her own theatre company. She has been teaching speech, drama and poetry for both primary and secondary schools for the past twenty years. She has run workshops on presentation, characterisation and performance for the English and Drama Teachers Associations as well as in the corporate sector. In 2000, Lisa was awarded the Studio Medal for excellence in communication by the Australian Speech and Communication Association (ASCA). In 2005, she established ‘Storytelling off the Page’ and developed a unique program, performing adaptations of syllabus texts for schools throughout NSW. Bringing stories and poetry to life is her passion.
What Our PARENTS Say
I enrolled my child when she was in Kindergarten. I wanted my daughter to have the ability to speak confidently and fluently in front of an audience and felt The Hennessy Speech and Drama Studio was the right place to send her. Rachel Hennessy, who runs the programme is friendly and approachable. She quickly identifies the areas in which a child needs to improve on and works well with the children. The best thing is the kids have fun and enjoy the classes.
Nishani (parent)
My 10-year-old has been attending Hennessey Speech and Drama since she was 5 and absolutely loves it. She attends both the weekly program and the school holiday workshops. I'd initially signed her up as she's very shy and wasn't comfortable speaking up in class. Her confidence levels have soared and she has competed in many Eisteddfods as well as had the opportunity to compete in Short Sharp Theatre productions. She enjoys the holiday workshops as it enables her to use her imagination and portray many different characters and make new friends. She loves all of her teachers and now wants to become a stage actress!
Sandra (parent)