Laurel Devenie

Theatre-maker
Director
Creative Collaborator
Performance Coach
Photo: Andi Crown Photography

Work with me

I'm a theatre maker, producer, and creative practitioner based in Te Tai Tokerau.

My work centres on supporting artists, collaborators, and communities to develop ideas, deepen their practice, and share their stories with clarity and integrity.

I work alongside artists, leaders, performers and professionals to support process, storytelling and presentation.

Photo: Kayla Ganley Photography

Artists and makers

Structured support or one off sessions for artists developing a new piece of work, wherever you are at in the process. From early idea generation to rehearsal feedback, online support, individual coaching, collaborative group weekends and outside-eye input in the room.

Photo: Kayla Ganley Photography

Directors and group leaders

If you're facilitating others — leading rehearsals, running workshops, or holding space for group process — space to design unique and potent sessions as well as time to reflect, recalibrate, and get clear on the purpose and shape of each step with nuance, care and deep focus.

Photo: Kayla Ganley Photography

Presenters and professionals

I support people preparing to share ideas publicly — presentations, keynotes, pitches, panels, helping you shape your material in a way that feels true and connects with others.

Photo: Anna Terwiel

Councils and organisations

Consultation in artist development, programming and strategy — especially with a regional lens. Support in thinking around sustainable pathways for artists and meaningful community engagement.

Photo: Kayla Ganley Photography

Actors preparing auditions

One-off or ongoing coaching for actors making work, rehearsing text or preparing audition scenes — focused, grounded work to sharpen your craft and support confidence in the room.

Ongoing Work & Collaborations

Through deep involvement with local arts initiatives, I understand the challenges and opportunities that artists face in regional communities. I aim to offer practical, contextual support that's informed by real-world experience of building sustainable creative practice outside major centres. The ongoing collaborations below represent long-term commitment and community-building that shapes how I work with artists and organisations.

Photo: Andi Crown Photography

About me

I trained at Toi Whakaari:The NZ Drama School and the John Bolton Theatre School. I’ve worked across professional and community-based arts practice throughout Aotearoa. Alongside acting and directing, I’ve taught, mentored and facilitated in a wide range of contexts with rangatahi, emerging artists, community members and professionals.

I’ve collaborated with companies including Silo Theatre, Auckland Theatre Company, Massive Company, Red Leap, Northland Youth Theatre, Unitec, and Script to Screen. I’ve performed in a wide range of screen and stage work — including three years on Shortland Street — and have directed or facilitated projects with rangatahi, emerging artists, community members and professionals.

I’ve been part of founding and growing ONEONESIX and the Whangārei Fringe Festival — two platforms that support local artists, nurture original work, and strengthen community connection through the arts.

Get in touch.

Email

Please fill out the form, send it and I'll get back to you in the next couple of days.