The charismatic producer, director, writer, performer, acting coach, and casting director brings a wealth of global expertise to the classroom, thanks to the 20 years he spent working in professional British theatre and television. He relocated to Auckland after being appointed Director of South Seas Film and Television School, and more recently was Producer for West Auckland’s Whoa! Studios, where he created a children’s television series for NZ On Air and TVNZ.
Not one to sit on his laurels, Adam also writes plays for New Zealand’s premiere touring educational theatre group, The Ugly Shakespeare Company, and film reviews for Flicks.co.nz. Plus, he trains professional stage and screen actors through DramaTrain NZ, where he is founder and Artistic Director, and continues to write for stage and screen.
Now also teaching Speech and Drama to Years 7 – 13 at ACG Parnell, Adam is excited to be sharing his passion with a whole new student cohort.
“I have extensive teaching experience in Speech and Drama, English and training actors, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to share my knowledge with a school that emphasises quality teaching and learning, and believes in holding high expectations as a means to getting the best from everybody – students and staff alike.”
Adam shares the same philosophy.
“I have high expectations both of my students and myself. I believe in striving for excellence and, as Samuel Beckett once said, in failing so we can do it again and, “Fail better.” There is a lot to learn by trying, experimenting and giving things a go. After all, if we were all expert at everything from birth, we wouldn’t need to learn anything!”
Adam describes his love of teaching as an extension of his love of learning. He holds a BA (Hons), a PG (Dip) and recently gained his Master’s Degree, with Honours, from Auckland University, studying part-time while working.
Students stepping into one of his classes will be treated to high energy, fun and imaginative learning.
“My passion for my subject is pretty infectious and I think by emphasising how Speech and Drama are not just subjects to be studied, but skills to be put into practice, learners will have a lot of fun challenging themselves to try new things, set new goals and go far beyond their expectations.”
A strong advocate of the immeasurable benefits of a Performing Arts education, Adam believes the essence of Speech and Drama is communication, a vital skill not just for actors, but for anyone who wants, or needs, to communicate.
“From job interviews to social interaction, debating ideas, discussing political views and explaining new scientific advances, human relations rely on communication. For me, Speech and Drama are fun, but they are also vital skills for anyone wanting to succeed.”
Adam adds success is something we need to keep working on, not just today, but throughout our lives:
“I encourage my students to engage with and enjoy their education, and rise to every challenge. Education is not something that ends with school. Learning is for life. What students are doing at ACG, and later in university and in their careers, is learning how to process and utilise knowledge to improve not just their own lives, but the lives of others and those to come.”
The son of British sports photographer Monte Fresco MBE, Adam shares his father’s sense of humour and fascination with humanity, as shown by his favourite saying about acting, a quote attributed to American comedian George Burns:
“Acting is all about sincerity – and if you can fake that, you’ve got it made!”
