CHRISTINE BALL

My name is Christine and I am one of the casual box office/front of house staff at The PumpHouse Theatre. I am currently pursuing my dream of becoming an actor professionally. I have been a part of community theatre in Auckland since I was 9 years old and have performed in a lot of shows since. I was in 4 shows last year, 3 of which were performed at The PumpHouse. I have also just finished directing my first show ‘Benedict Cumberbatch Must Die’ by Abby Howells, which was also performed at The PumpHouse. So as you can tell, I LOVE theatre and I can’t stay away from The PumpHouse. When I have a moment where I’m not at work or at rehearsals, I love going for walks along the beach, going around local Op shops. I also enjoy going to Armageddon Expo conventions, collecting Lego, and watching The Lord of the Rings films.

What’s your favourite thing about The PumpHouse?

It’s so hard to just pick one favourite thing! As I’ve said I work and perform there, so it’s basically my second home. I have to say that the location is amazing, I love being able to look out and see the beautiful lake and the swans, it’s like its own little world. I love being in a building that holds so much history, I am always discovering new things about it. And I just love the feeling you get when you’re there, and you’re surrounded by people who have the same feeling. It’s a very special place.

What’s something you’re really good at?

Oh that’s a hard question…Building Lego? That counts as a skill right? Because I can build Lego pretty fast, especially the big sets. I have a knack for organising things like trips, parties, events. Oh, and I’m great at remembering movie quotes.

What’s your favourite theatre genre/style?

Oh no, another hard question! That’s tricky when I love pretty much everything about theatre. But my top 2 would have to be Musicals and Comedy…but I also enjoy a bit of Drama. Basically anything that can make me feel a range of emotions in one sitting, will make me happy.

EMERSON O’REGAN

My name is Emerson, I’m a History and Anthropology student at UOA. I play a lot of “cosy video games” like Stardew Valley and Minecraft, and I would really like to end up working somewhere in the heritage sector; hopefully in museums or archives!

What’s your favourite thing about The PumpHouse?

My favourite thing about the Pumphouse is the stories that come out of it and the whānau we have within the walls.

What’s something you’re really good at?

I am really good at procrastinating! If you need something done quickly, don’t ask me 😄 I’ll probably play video games instead!

What’s your favourite theatre genre/style?

My favourite style of theatre is any play that breaks the fourth wall! I like to be included!

VETTINIA ROSS

My family comes first, but theatre is a pretty close second. I enjoy keeping fit, and trained as a Pilates instructor a few years ago. I love living near the sea and our wonderful beaches – I challenge myself to do the midwinter swim each year (I don’t always rise to the challenge though!) I can tell you all the best places to buy ice cream – one of my favourites is Beach Café, Takapuna.

What’s your favourite thing about The PumpHouse?

I love the venue itself, its uniqueness, and the fact that wherever you sit you get a really good view of the stage – even with small children! The people are each pretty special too 😊

What’s something you’re really good at?

I’m really good at procrastinating and overthinking things. My neighbour says my home baking is really yummy and I make exceptionally moreish fudge too!

What’s your favourite theatre genre/style?

Musicals. Even after touring for over two years with 42^nd Street I never got tired of it.  I’ll happily go and watch anything. The standard of local community theatre is of such a high calibre. I’m in awe of one-person shows – how do they remember all those lines?! A stand out for me was Cassandra Woodhouse in Hanna – can’t wait to see her in Prima Facie later this year.

ZARA RIDLEY

My name is Zara, I completed a diploma in film and television in 2023. I have been involved in theatre tech since I was 14 years old.
Outside of work, I enjoy singing in choir and skating.

What’s your favourite thing about The PumpHouse?

My favourite thing about the Pumphouse is the atmosphere that makes the place feel like home.

What’s something you’re really good at?

I enjoy playing drums in my free time.

What’s your favourite theatre genre/style?

My favourite theatre genre is murder mystery. Agatha Christie is one of my favourites.

ADAM EASTHAM

Hey, I am Adam and I love performing arts and working with children. I am working on getting a teaching diploma so I can teach Musical Theatre and I can combine the best of both worlds.

What’s your favourite thing about The PumpHouse?

My favourite thing about The PumpHouse is the people that I get to work with. Every single person there is always so kind, caring and considerate. I love working with my PumpHouse family and I am honoured to be a part of something so amazing where theatre touches the community.

What’s something you’re really good at?

I am really good at singing and acting, whenever I have downtime you’re most likely to find me singing in my room at the top of my lungs (sorry Mum and Dad) or on stage in one of the local theatres. I’ve been singing and acting as long as I can remember and I hope to never stop.

What’s your favourite theatre genre/style?

My favourite theatre genre would have to be musical theatre without a doubt, not only do you get to meet amazing people but you get to sing act and dance – the three things I love most.

MATTHEW DIESCH

Actor, director, photographer, intimacy coordinator, you name it – if it pays I’ll do it!

What’s your favourite thing about The PumpHouse?

It’s a beautiful place and has 3 brilliant and different spaces to perform in.

What’s something you’re really good at?

Hmmmm, there’s nothing I’m as good at as I’d like to be.

What’s your favourite theatre genre/style?

I like something a bit dark.