
WE ARE
THESPA
THE SPACE OF PERFORMING ARTS
We are your one-stop shop,
your space of performing arts.
At THESPA, we are committed to bringing professional level performing arts training and education to New Plymouth.
Founders and husband and wife duo, Helena and Cameron have strived to make THESPA an inclusive, effective and cooperative environment for training across the three main performing arts disciplines: dance, singing, and acting.
We know that private lessons can be expensive, our hope is that by joining THESPA, you are getting all you need across a wide range of skills, all under the same roof.
However, a THESPA student is more than just a 'dancer', 'singer', 'actor', or 'musician'; they do it all.
Much like your more conventional sports, THESPA classes operate like a team-sport. While everyone may bring their own unique strengths, it is by working together, learning from each other and building each other up that we achieve success: confident, skilled and artistic performers and people.
Our THESPA GUESTS programme provides our Company students the opportunity to work with some of the best working performers, teachers and creatives. Our wide range of industry contacts help our students hear about the industry direct from the source, giving a realistic idea of performing arts in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Anyone can learn how to sing, dance, or act - all you need is the patience and enthusiasm to give it a go!

MEET THE TEAM
Introducing the passionate and highly skilled professionals who specialize in teaching and encouraging up and coming performers to reach their full potential.

HELENA McHUGH
Studio Director, Head of Dance
Helena McHugh is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) in Ōtautahi Christchurch, where she completed a Bachelor of Performing Arts majoring in Musical Theatre. As a student, she was Dance Captain of 42ND STREET, and choreographed EARTHQUAKES IN LONDON as well as multiple musical theatre ensemble numbers. Since graduating, Helena has had the privilege of working within Musical Theatre in Aotearoa. Credits include: Director, CHICAGO (NPOS); Director/Choreographer, CURTAINS (4th Wall Theatre). Choreographer credits include: SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL (NPOS); URINETOWN, THE LAST FIVE YEARS, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, MTI’s ALL TOGETHER NOW! (4th Wall Theatre); COCA FESTIVAL, CHRISTCHURCH WINTER FESTIVAL (2Productions);COCA COLA CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK (JK Performing Arts).
Helena grew up in dance classes, having completed NZAMD exams in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, as well as Advanced 1 RAD Ballet and other exams such as Trinity level 9 Speech and Drama, Musical Theatre, and Singing. Helena is passionate about all things theatre and dance and knows the heights people can acheive when they exceed their own expecations. Helena hopes that THESPA can continue to inspire many people old and new to step out of their comfort zone, try something new, and most importantly: follow their dreams. Helena, like many others, grew up being told that performing arts was not a “real” career: yet here she is. If you are passionate and driven enough; anything is possible.
CAMERON McHUGH
Co-director, Head of Music & Drama
Cameron McHugh is a professional educator, singer, performer and musician born and raised in Ōtautahi Christchurch. He is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) at which he composed original music for two shows, accompanied many performances and developed a strong passion for teaching and music direction. After graduating he went on the complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning to become a Primary School Teacher, now working at FITZROY SCHOOL. He also has completed a certificate in vocal pedagogy and technique from New York City’s biggest vocal studio: NEW YORK VOCAL COACHING for which he applies in his teaching both at THESPA, but at his own singing studio CAMERON MCHUGH MUSIC, where he teachers private vocal, piano and music theory lessons.
Cameron’s professional credits include: Bob Gaudio/Frankie Valli U/S, JERSEY BOYS (New Plymouth Operatic Society); Andrej, ONCE (The Court Theatre); Pianist/Host, LATE NIGHT PIANO BAR SING ALONG; Pianist, WHAT THE QUIZ IS THIS? (TAFT Cabaret Festival); Vocal Director, URINETOWN; Director, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS; Jamie, THE LAST FIVE YEARS; Featured Soloist, MTI’s ALL TOGETHER NOW! (4th Wall Theatre); Music Director/Arranger, OR SO THEY SAY (Blackboard Theatre Collective). Cameron has completed ABRSM Grades in Piano, Music Theory, Violin, Viola, Trombone, Singing, and Speech and Drama. Cameron has also completed NZAMD exams in Jazz, Tap, Ballet and Contemporary. Cameron is known for his sayings: “Strong and Wrong” and “Loud and Proud”; whatever you do, do it with confidence and the rest will follow. Music and drama has helped Cameron become the man he is today and he hopes his work at THESPA will do the same for many other tamariki over the years.


LAURA-LEE SCHUTTE
Musical Theatre Teacher
Laura-Lee began her peforming career at the age of five, harvouring a great passion for singing, acting, and dancing on stage. She completed her studies in musical theatre & dance at OAKFIELDS COLLEGE. Since immigrating from South Africa in 2022, she has already graced our local stages with credits such as: Featured Vocalist (Christmas at the Bowl); Solosit, HEAR ME ROAR (New Plymouth Operatic Society); Penelope Pennywise, URINETOWN (4th Wall Theatre).
Back in South Africa, she has appeared in shows such as: LIEFLING DIE MUSIEKBLY-SEL; HOT MIKADOHOT MIKADO; CARRIE THE MUSICAL; FLESH; THE CRADLE WILL ROCK; CALLING ME HOME; CURTAIN CALL. She was also involved with HOOPVOL, an educational theatre show that was nominated for a Naledi Theatre Award. Laura-Lee is the owner of BRAVO! STUDIOS for the past eight years, specialising in contemporary and musical theatre style singing and acting. She is fully qualified in Trinity Rock & Pop vocals, as well as trained by the world-renowned Cheryl Porter and her ‘THE VOCAL METHOD’ syllabus.
DREW NOBLE
Choreographer, Dance & Acting Teacher
Drew Noble is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) where he completed a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Musical Theatre). His professional credits include: u/s Bob Gaudio, JERSEY BOYS; KINKY BOOTS (G&T Productions); SHREK THE MUSICAL (Showcase Entertainment Group); Choreographer, CHICAGO (New Plymouth Operatic Society); Frank Cioffi, CURTAINS (4th Wall Theatre); AND THE WINNER IS..., LAUNCH TO THE FUTURE (Echelon Productions); KINKY BOOTS (Showbiz Christchurch).
In 2018, Drew was the recipient of the New Zealand Dance Awards’ PRO/AM MUSICAL THEATRE SCHOLARSHIP which earned him a trip to train at Broadway Dance Centre in New York City. Drew also regularly teaches dance and acting at other institutions around the country, most notably back at NASDA where he trained. He loves to help inspire the love and craft of musical theatre in others, and share his undying passion and dedication to the artform he loves
@drewnoble222


CHRISTINA HARVEY
Co-director
Christina, whose extensive experience in the performing arts world sets the foundation for our creative community. With years dedicated to nurturing artistic expression, Christina has proudly collaborated with her daughter, Helena McHugh and son-in-law, Cameron McHugh, fostering a love for the arts that runs deep in their family.
Together with Helena and Cameron, she has worked tirelessly to bring to life New Plymouth's premier performing arts space, a vibrant haven where artists can thrive, and shine. Christina has a passion to ensure that THESPA continues to be a beacon of inspiration and creativity for performers of all ages.