Rachel admits to having zero acting ability, but she has been part of The Court Theatre family since 1996 as a patron. In her opinion, The Court is a Christchurch taonga (treasure) and she is ridiculously excited about playing her part in making it outstanding.
At The Court Theatre, Rachel takes a lead role in delivering outstanding customer service. She believes it is absolutely vital for The Court’s audience to enjoy the whole experience of going to live theatre. “I want our audiences leaving The Shed raving about their night out”.
Rachel grew up in the Awatere Valley, just south of Blenheim. As a rural girl, she went to school in Wellington which is where she experienced the magic of the arts, theatres and galleries. Little old Seddon hadn’t developed a sense of culture yet (wine was on the horizon, though). She went to Otago and Canterbury Universities – finally graduating with Post Graduate Diplomas in Secondary Teaching and Museum Studies.
Rachel started her career volunteering at Canterbury Museum. After 15 years of awesomeness leading the Museum’s Education and Public Programmes and a short three-year stint with Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, she is now with The Court Theatre.
Rachel married Jeff and they have three pretty cool kids: Ben (17 years), Matilda (14 years) and Vesper (12 years). On weekends she can be found cheering on the sports side-line or in an audience laughing or crying and clapping.