Collaborators

“I love how deeply respectful of their audience Cubbin are. The young audience is centred in every decision and creative choice, creating shows that are much more experiential than performative.”

Emma Newborn’s best known as one half of the acclaimed comedy duo The Bitches’ Box. Together, they’ve turned woolsheds into sell-out theatres, touring extensively across Aotearoa, Australia, and the UK. Emma has performed extensively on film and stage. She appears regularly with The Court Jesters and the Feminist Clown Posse. Her first feature film, Sons of a Bitch (writer/performer), is currently in production. Emma holds a Master of Screenwriting (First Class Hons), AUT, Tamaki Makaurau.

“When you’re a busy adult with grownup problems and worries, working on a Cubbin show and being able to connect with a young audience by going at their pace is a really special and grounding experience.”

Reylene is an Ōtautahi-based actor, improviser, and choreographer who began her career performing theatre for children, from family shows at The Court Theatre Shed to performing in 240 primary schools around Aotearoa with NZ Playhouse. She also performs regularly as an improviser in shows such as Scared Scriptless and Dungeons & Comedians. Her other theatre credits include Wolf Play, End of the Golden Weather (The Court Theatre). Reylene is also a Social Media Assistant at What Now!

“Cubbin creates a space for little ones and their families to be in the moment with each other. To slow down and connect in a way that’s unique and extremely powerful.”

One of Cubbin’s co-founders, Amy Douglas is an actor, musician, theatre maker and performance coach. Since graduating from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) in 2005 Amy has worked throughout Aotearoa. Amy is in a folk duo called The Swan Sisters and also writes her own music under the name Amy Grace. She has written numerous songs with Cubbin Theatre, as well as doing sound design.

“Cubbin Concert is my favourite show. Every song is so catchy and exploring the ideas of making music is really exciting! Watching babies and young children dance to the music reminds me how much I love playing the banjo”

Criss Grueber is an Otautahi based performer most known for his work with The Court Jesters over the last 15 years as a musician and an improviser. His overlapping experience with music and comedy has lead him to nominations for his work in New Zealand Comedy Fest and found him creating several shows and projects such as HOT PURSUIT, Dream Team, The Good – The Bad – The Completely Made Up, Scared Scriptless and many more.

“So much joy in everyday. New discoveries and fun!”

Hannah is a New Zealand born artist known for her enigmatic songs & live performance exploring themes of connection, identity, travel & memory. She has released two records of her music, Between Bodies (2022) & Siempre Tiene Flores (2024) and has toured across New Zealand, Australia & in New York. Described by Rolling Stone as an artist of ‘special songwriter status’, this year she will release her third record, Big Surprise – and is delighted to be involved in Me and My Nana.

“Cubbin feels like a warm hug, a million smiles and the wonderful sound of laughter. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that.”

Hillary has loved theatre and performing from a very young age and is grateful that sharing stories is her job. She is a versatile lady who loves to bounce between acting, directing, choreographing and performance coaching. She has a passion for sharing her passion which she hopes can be seen through her work and those she has the pleasure of coaching. Hillary is a firm believer in equality, inclusion and acceptance in the arts and the world alike. She is a proud member of equity and has an impressive soft toy collection.

Talia-Rae Tupu (she/they) is a Sāmoan theatre practitioner from Ōtautahi. Since graduating from the Pacific Institute of Performing Arts (PIPA) in 2015, they have worked in devised, applied, and traditional theatre, developing a keen interest in theatre for young people across Aotearoa. Talia-Rae is passionate about creating accessible theatre in unconventional spaces, and believes that theatre magic can be made anywhere. They are a board member of PAYPA and a first-time parent to a very high-energy one year old.

“When we make a show that cares for young people, it cares for a part of ourselves as well.”

Trubie has recently returned from a 5-month season at the Sydney Opera House as the Trickster in Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern. He is best known for being an entertainer and presenter on Sunday morning kids’ show What Now? (Whitebait Media). His other theatre credits include Every Brilliant Thing (The Court Theatre), Beauty and the Beast The Pantomime (GMG Productions), and Dungeons and Comedians (Little Andromeda). Trubie has performed as an improviser through New Zealand, the US and Canada.

“Working with Cubbin is always a treat, as every rehearsal is full of so much play. I really get to tap into my playful instincts and explore the world through a whole new lens.”

Jorja is an Ōtautahi-based actor and improviser with a passion for playful, engaging storytelling. You will most likely see her playing games of peek-a-boo in Bundle Baby. An award-winning actress, Jorja is also a core member of The Court Jesters, performing regularly in the long-running improv favourite Scared Scriptless. She is a proud member of Equity New Zealand.

“I get more from the audience than they get from me. What a joy to experience them come alive and gift their attention and imagination.”

Jake is a Christchurch-based actor who grew up in a big family, so he knows all about putting on little skits and taking an audience on a journey. Since performing for his family in the lounge of his childhood home, Jake has continued his tomfoolery to this day. Although the production value is wildly different, he still feels like that sensitive child who just wanted to express his love for life and the brilliant people in it. Credits include: Sportsball (Cubbin Theatre), Blood Brothers, Mamma Mia and My Fair Lady (Showbiz Christchurch).

“There’s nothing like watching the young audience completely light up during the show.”

William (he/him) is an Ōtautahi-based theatre maker, actor, director, tech, producer and teacher. William has produced 5 solo shows including, The First Annual Parnell Croquet Club Facebook Live Telethon. He has worked with The Court Theatre, Cubbin Theatre Company, Jolt Dance, Two Productions, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, COCA, Red Leap, What Now!, NASDA, The Crusaders, Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, Court Theatre Education, Showbiz Christchurch, Little Andromeda and The World Buskers Festival. He is a proud member of Actors Equity.

“I love the unique energy and care that Cubbin brings to their projects, and I always feel lucky to be involved. It was extra special to work on the 20th (!!) season of Up & Away in 2025.”

Juliet has worked on multiple Cubbin shows since the very first season of Up and Away in 2018, including touring Auckland, Nelson and wider Canterbury. Over the years, Juliet has worked in stage management at the Court Theatre, World Buskers Festival, GMG Productions and Christmas in the Park. As her day-to-day, Juliet works in sustainability and logistics, hoping to make positive change through global supply chain strategy.

Todd is a graphic designer, illustrator and mega fishing nerd. Todd has been helping people get their message out with shapes, colours and letters for 5 or so years and has worked with some cool crew, namely the Blink Boys and on various TV shows. He specialises in identity design — helping brands to be heard amongst the noise.
Todd created our poster and marketing material for Play Play. You can check out more of his work at toddbeeby.net.

Naomi Haussmann is a photographer based in Ōtautahi. Her creative eye has taken her around the world, and these rich experiences abroad have shaped her storytelling ability.
Naomi has worked with many of Aotearoa’s musicians, chefs, winemakers, fashion designers and theatre makers.
Naomi takes the gorgeous photos you see in Cubbin’s show galleries and advertising. You can check out more of her work at nayhauss.co.nz

Amy van Luijk is a wonderful artist and designer of many disciplines. Amy creates work for publishing and product and has collaborated with companies to create collections of products for interiors and textiles, as well as being commissioned to create illustrations for books, animation and editorial pieces. Amy’s clients include: TeNeues, Hodder & Stoughton, Crate & Barrel, Flow magazine, Land of Nod, Meri Meri, Riddle & Squizz, Martha Stewart Living, Grand Central Publishing, Simple Magazine and Nature Baby. She created Cubbin’s logo and our delightful illustrations. You can see more of her work at amyvanluijk.com