Showbiz Christchurch
Next Generation Survey
The Next Generation Department purpose is:
Represent the interests of next generation performers, creatives, crew, musicians, etc
Contributing to the strategic direction of Showbiz Christchurch
Working alongside the Board of Management to deliver outcomes which support youth engagement in Ōtautahi's theatre scene
A priority in this position is creating pathways for hands-on experience to develop succession planning
Promoting opportunities for performance, mentorship and leadership
Objectives and purpose of the survey:
We'd love to hear your feedback on how Showbiz Christchurch is doing and what motivates you to volunteer. We’d also love to hear your ideas on how we can enhance the volunteer experience and attract more young people, ensuring the society continues to thrive for years to come.
We are specifically seeking feedback from those under the age of 35, but anyone can complete the survey..
Please complete our Next Generation Survey
Next Generation Department Members:
Georgia Lassen
Georgia is the Next Gen Representative on the Board of Management at Showbiz Christchurch.
In various backstage roles, her show highlights include Mamma Mia!, Kinky Boots, My Fair Lady, That Bloody Women (Showbiz Christchurch), and Beauty and the Beast the Pantomime (GMG Productions) . Currently, she is excited to be working with North Canterbury Musicals (NCMS) as Technical Director for their 2025 production, Catch Me If You Can.
Georgia holds an LSB in Speech and Drama Teaching and AASB in Public Speaking Teaching from Speech New Zealand. Georgia works as an itinerant Speech & Drama teacher and co-curricular drama teacher at St Margaret’s College. She also facilitates various workshops and intensives for schools around Christchrch, particularly in Shakespeare and improvisation. She has recently returned from Shakespeare’s Globe in London, experiencing what it means to tread the boards of The Bard’s theatre and completing a teaching professional development course.
Outside of her creative endeavours, she studies a Double Degree (Bachelor of Law and Arts) at the University of Canterbury. She is an active member of various organisations, including the Christchurch Youth Council, Law for Change, Youth Voice Canterbury, and Women in Law.
Daniel (Bobby) O’Connor
Daniel (also known as Bobby) has been involved in musical theatre since high school in Tauranga. After moving to Christchurch in 2020 to study Electrical Engineering, he has continued his passion for theatre. While working as a Project Engineer, he also manages to hold the role of President of MUSOC, the University of Canterbury Musical Theatre Society.
Never seen on stage, Daniel has been involved in many productions in Christchurch. Some previous credits include Spamalot, Curtains, The Addams Family, and Alphabetized (MUSOC) across multiple roles, including Production Manager, Sound Designer, and Musical Director. Daniel has also supported Showbiz in pack-ins/outs for multiple productions. Currently, he is the Technical Director for MUSOC’s 2025 Autumn production, Legally Blonde.
As President of MUSOC, he is passionate about increasing youth involvement in theatre and providing development opportunities. Daniel is grateful to have the opportunity to work with Showbiz to further build the theatre community in Christchurch.
Hiliary Schroeder
Hiliary’s theatre journey began in 2016 when she sought a creative outlet beyond her day job. After performing in Hair with North Shore Music Theatre, she returned to Christchurch and immersed herself in the local theatre scene, performing in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with North Canterbury Musicals and volunteering with Showbiz over the past seven years. At Showbiz, she has contributed as a backing vocalist in Sister Act, Wicked, and Broadway Hitman, and has supported productions behind the scenes as part of the wardrobe team for Les Misérables and My Fair Lady. She finds joy in every opportunity to be part of the arts, whether on stage or backstage.
With a Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications and 13 years in New Zealand radio, Hiliary recently traded in her headphones for rugby boots, taking on a new challenge as Head of Partnerships for Crusaders & Matatū. She now thrives at the intersection of her two passions, balancing her role in the world of rugby with her enduring love for the arts.
Anna Thomson
Anna has been an active member of the Dunedin musical theatre scene for many years, and has recently got involved with Showbiz since relocating to Christchurch in 2022.
Usually seen on stage, with credits for both Musical Theatre Dunedin and Taieri Musical, Anna was also a member of the executive board of MTD for two years, and stepped into production manager and wardrobe assistant roles for theatre restaurant productions in 2021. She has also been warmly welcomed into the wardrobe and FOH teams for Showbiz over their past few productions, and was fortunate enough to be back on stage as a member of the ensemble of Mamma Mia! this year.
Outside of her involvement in theatre, Anna is regional manager for a New Zealand retailer and has a BA in English/Linguistics and Theatre Studies from Otago University. She spends any spare time she has curating a seasonally rotating shoe collection.
