Wright Rohde Theatre is a home, a safe space to be brave for performers for all ages, working with industry professionals to collaborate and push the boundaries to achieve their performance goals.

Wright Rohde Theatre is a collaboration between Natalie Wright (Wright Performance) and Elise Rohde (Rohde To Stage Vocal Studio). Together, we offer unique, high-quality, professional opportunities in speech, drama, acting, singing, musical theatre and more.

With our combined years of experience, our focus is on nurturing, encouraging and developing your performance skills and help you reach your goals in the performing arts.

Natalie has a significant background in acting, singing and public speaking. The notable film, television and theatre experience includes roles in ‘Shortland Street’ (Core cast member), Xena, The God Boy (Auckland Theatre Company) and Anne of Green Gables (Auckland Children’s Theatre).

Natalie also has a close association with local theatre groups, having been awarded a Zony Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Linda in the Stage Right Production of Blood Brothers, and most recently for her portrayal of Madame Morrible in the Tauranga Musical Theatre production of Wicked. Natalie holds her ATCL from Trinity College London for Speech & Drama.

Meanwhile, Elise was performing as soon as she could walk. Making her debut in Madame Butterfly at age 4, she has been an integral part of Tauranga Musical Theatre ever since. During her 30 years with the society, she has participated in more than 70 shows – often as a member of the creative team or as a mentor to youth.

Notable onstage roles include Gary Coleman in Avenue Q, earning a Zony nomination for Leading Actress and The Baker’s Wife in Into The Woods.

Elise has worked in almost every department of Musical Theatre, both as a volunteer and in corporate entertainment, focussing mainly on sound engineering and music roles which she believes go hand in hand for any outstanding performance. In 2019 she was awarded the Zony for ‘Best Sound Design’ for her involvement in the Tauranga Musical Production of Heathers.

Elise has also Musical Directed over 20 productions, most recently earning Zony nominations for Mamma Mia, Mary Poppins, Rock of Ages, Heathers & Wicked. She was awarded the Zony for ‘Best Vocal Direction of a Musical’.

Elise recently also received a nomination for the TECT Volunteer of The Year Award and was proudly awarded a life membership to Tauranga Musical Theatre for her services to the committee, youth and as President for many years.