John Bayne

John Bayne, born and raised in Ōtautahi Christchurch, has performed with numerous esteemed groups across Aotearoa, including New Zealand Opera, Toi Toi Opera, and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

As a versatile artist, he served as tour manager for New Zealand Opera’s Opera in Schools project, engaging over 10,000 children nationwide. He has also been a chorus representative and assistant stage manager for New Zealand Opera and made his assistant directing debut with Luminaires’ acclaimed production of Heathers: The Musical.

He looks forward to working as an assistant director for Canterbury Youth Theatre’s inaugural production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. John recently sang in the debut performance of “A Magical Musical Mystery” composed by Alexandra Hope Watson.

A highlight of John’s career to date has been his work with Pop-up Globe throughout Australasia, where he served as an actor, swing, and vocal coach. He is a founding member of Third Bear and a former member of the Blind Cupid Shakespeare Company.

John has taught at Greenstone Academy and is currently a teaching artist at The Court Theatre.

John trained at The Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City.

Donna Alley

Donna Alley is an accomplished soprano whose versatile voice and dynamic stage presence have earned her a prominent place in Canterbury’s performing arts scene, gracing a wide array of productions across theatre, opera, and choral music.

Donna’s theatre credits include standout roles such as Carlotta in The Phantom of the Opera (Showbiz Christchurch, 2015), and Belinda in Noises Off (Canterbury Repertory Theatre ,2016). She has been a featured soloist in events, including The New Regent Street Spectacular at the World Buskers Festival (2021 & 2023), and The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Showbiz Christchurch, 2019), Broadway Hitmen (2018) and An Evening of Rodgers & Hammerstein Classics (2017).

Donna’s opera experience spans multiple iconic productions, including The Phantom of the Opera, Dido and Aeneas, and Die Fledermaus, with her talent also showcased in various roles with the Southern Opera and Canterbury Opera.

In addition to her theatre and opera work, Donna is an active and dedicated chorister. She has performed with distinguished choirs such as Voices New Zealand, Atlas Voices Ensemble and the New Zealand National Youth Choir.

Will Lynch

Will is a Christchurch-based performer who has performed with Showbiz Christchurch, the CSO Symphonic Chorus and Atlas Voices.

He co-directs Quantum Acoustics, the current Australasian silver medalist barbershop chorus, and sings with the 2024 men’s barbershop quartet champion Promenade.

This is Will’s second appearance for Ovation Theatre having performed the lead role of ‘Moritz’ in their 2023 production of Spring Awakening.

Will was recently a featured performer in a new cabaret called ‘Montrer’, presented by The Entertainment Company.

Alyssa Parkinson

Alyssa is an Invercargill born performer who moved to Christchurch to study a Bachelor Degree in Musical Theatre at NASDA.

In her time here so far she has been a Greenstone Academy student, a performer for The Entertainment Company and vocal student with Amanda Atlas.

Her career highlights include playing Agapi in Breaking Plates The Musical, Nicola in Kinky Boots and performing at Coca Cola Christmas in The Park 2022.

Her credits include “Kinky Boots” (Nicola) 2024 Showbiz Christchurch, “Freaky Friday The Musical” (Ellie Blake) 2024 NASDA, the world premiere of “Breaking Plates The Musical “(Agapi) 2023, “Into The Woods” (Snow White and Female Swing) 2023 Ovation Theatre , “Spring Awakening” (Anna) 2023 Ovation Theatre, “HONK! Jr” (The Cat) 2023 NASDA , “Me and My Girl” (Maid 1, Cockney, Ensemble) 2023 NASDA, “Faust.Us” (Mephistopheles) 2023 NASDA, “Alice In Wonderland Jr” 2018 (Alice) 2018, “All Shook Up” (Lorraine) 2017, “FAME” (ensemble) 2015