James is a NASDA graduate whom ChCh audiences will know as a regular on the Musical Theatre scene. He has in recent years played Javert in Les Miserables, and John in Miss Saigon for Showbiz Canterbury and he played Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Court Theatre. He is a singer, musician, dancer and actor, and this year he directed Moonlight Cabaret for start-up Theatre Company Moonlight Theatre. This will be James's first show with North Canterbury Musicals and we are very excited to have him.

​Briar’s first exposure to NCMS was as an audience member back in 2002. Twenty years later, with eleven shows for NCMS under her belt (onstage and off), Briar is thrilled to be stepping into the role of musical director for the 2022 production of Annie. Briar was the creative director of NCMS’ Retrospective, and has musical directed for MUSOC and Avonside Girls’ and Shirley Boys’ High Schools. She has also vocal coached and directed several shows for the Hartley School of Performing Arts. Briar has experience as a teacher of piano, drama and musical theatre singing, and currently teaches English and Drama at Avonside Girls’. She has performed onstage with a variety of societies, including NCMS, Showbiz Christchurch, Magnitude Productions and MUSOC. Briar is very excited to be working alongside James and Courtney to help bring this show to life!

​Courtney moved to Christchurch in 2020 and is the Teacher in Charge of Dance at Riccarton High School. She has recently directed and choreographed the musicals 'Footloose' for Riccarton High School and 'Cats' for Paraparaumu College. Courtney also has experience in event/sport performance and cheerleading.
After completing her Royal Academy of Dance ballet exams, Courtney completed a Bachelor of Applied Arts (Performing Arts) at Whitireia and is now currently working toward a Master of Contemporary Education part time.
She is really looking forward to getting back into the theatre, and we are really excited about having Courtney join our NCMS family as choreographer for Annie.

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