Jonathan Briden

- actor / teacher / director/ + STUDENT!

I’ve been teaching for a long time, and this year I’ve returned to university as a student, joining the University of Canterbury’s Master of Teaching and Learning programme. One of the things I’m really excited about is that it will also give me a chance to improve my knowledge of Te Reo Māori, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of Māori tikanga and our history as a country.

I remain passionate about the art of acting. It has a deep connection to everything it is to be human. It has changed my life in a profound way, and I have seen similar changes in my students.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to work with so many amazing people - teachers and students alike. You are my whanau, my family, my tribe, and I am immensely grateful to each and every one of you.

A lot of my recent work has been focused on building the local improvisation scene, with Impulse Theatre, and I continue to be involved with the group.

I’ve also been taking the work further afield. On this site, you will find details about the workshops I have on offer, shows I am producing, directing or performing in, and some of my personal thoughts on this beautiful art of ours. These will be less common as I balance my study commitments.

In 2021, I founded Screen Actors Group Ōtautahi to give local actors a chance to practice their screen acting. There are some big differences in stage versus screen performance, so these classes are vital for actors who want to take advantage of the growing number of film and television opportunities that are happening in and around Christchurch. Likewise, SAGŌ is in hiatus until such time as I have a handle on my study commitments.

I live in beautiful Ōtautahi / Christchurch, but travel regularly around Aotearoa / NZ and the world.

If you are interested in working with me, I’d love to hear from you.

Jonathan