How the magic happens
Meet the team
Sarah Burren
Creative Director / Puppet Creator
Sarah Burren launched the Glow Show in 2017, after dreaming up the concept over several years. Sarah, a New Zealander, was based in London and Toronto for 15 years, and designed and made costumes for numerous TV and theatre shows, including Basil Brush’s attire for the BBC.
She also worked across Europe and in North America, making couture garments for a range of celebrities, including Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson in the mid-1980s.
She returned to Auckland in 1994 and has designed theatre, TV, film and spectacular live events including The America’s Cup Ball, Volvo Ocean Race, Sky City opening and Rugby World Cup 2011 as well as designing sets, costumes and props for over 50 children’s shows.
Sarah spent her formative years in Suva, Fiji. Her parents created sets, costumes and props for the Fiji Arts Club, fuelling her love of life, in theatre, from 8 years of age.
Robert Hunte
Production Manager
Robert has been making theatre for 20 years. Graduating with Unitec’s Diploma in Performance Technology he started working as a Venue & Theatre Technician, quickly finding a home as a performance operator.
In 2011 Robert returned to Unitec to run the Diploma he trained with and roll out the Production Design & Management discipline of the Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts. During this time he also started to Production manage and would eventually leave Unitec to Production Manage for Auckland Theatre Company, and New Zealand Opera, amongst many others.
Over time Robert has stepped into a technical producing role, focussing more on year-to-year logistics of season & production planning, budgeting, scheduling, and roll-out.
Alan Cochrane
Illustrator
Alan grew up in the Waikato but sweet-talked his way up to AUT for a Bachelor of Graphic Design.
Amongst managing to squeeze out some half decent projects at uni, some OK-ish illustration skills and a work ethic that must’ve impressed the late, great, Brent Chambers - founder of one of New Zealand's foremost animation studios, Flux Animation Ltd, something must’ve clicked, because for just shy of 20 years, and fresh out of uni, Alan pretty much became a part of the furniture at Flux! He also managed to climb those ladder rungs and look after some Head of Design stuff and Art Director-ish things there as well.
After 18 years at Flux Alan set out into a new exciting freelance career. With a wide range of styles kleptoed over the years, he can pretty much provide solutions to any illustration and design problems that are thrown his way.
Joshua Downs
Marketing Support
Joshua is a Auckland-based freelance theatre maker. He is co-founder of Seed Theatre Company, and though Seed he wrote/produced the original play Sunrise (funded by the Mental Health Foundation) for a sold-out debut season at the Pitt Street Theatre and an award-winning return season at Q Theatre as part of the Auckland Fringe Festival.
His directing credits include Bat Boy, Singin’ in the Rain, Hello Dolly!, The Addams Family, Heathers, and A Chorus Line. He’s also worked as a production assistant for Nightsong and the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and as music director and production manager for various other projects. He’s currently serving as the NextGen Representative on the Musical Theatre New Zealand (MTNZ) executive committee, and as a member of the Youth Advisory Panel for Performing Arts & Young People Aotearoa (PAYPA).
Kodez Kauri
Sound Engineer
Kodez has been a part of the GlowShow for the past 6 years. Bringing years of invaluable experience to The GlowShow Company, Kodez is a seasoned audio engineer with a strong background in theatre production. His expertise in crafting immersive soundscapes has enhanced countless theatrical performances, bringing stories to life through meticulously designed audio elements.
In addition to his work in theatre, Kodez has established himself within the live music scene, both locally in New Zealand and across international borders. His diverse skill set and keen ear for detail have made him a sought-after professional in the industry, consistently delivering outstanding results that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Whether behind the scenes in the theatre or concerts and festivals, Kodez's passion for audio and dedication to his craft shine through in every project he undertakes.
Rhed
Lighting Designer
Rhed is a Lighting designer extraordinaire based in Warkworth, Auckland and a mother of 3.
She designs Theatre, Live events, Installations across New Zealand.
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Irene Chapple
Publicist
Irene is co-founder and director of Better Aotearoa, the Glow Show's publicist and PR agency.
Irene has enjoyed media and comms leadership roles across the UK and NZ for the last two decades, and has directed and produced commercially and critically successful documentaries.
A former lawyer, she worked at CNN London for five years before returning to NZ for senior editorial roles. She specialises in strategic visual storytelling for clients who do good stuff for Aotearoa and the world.
Kate Schofield
Online Marketing
Kate is the founder and director of Morepork Digital, the dedicated marketing agency behind the Glow Show.
With 21 years of experience in the advertising industry, Kate has planned and bought media across all channels. Over the past 17 years, she has honed her focus on digital media, where her passion truly lies.
Known for her deep understanding of digital strategy and her innovative approach, Kate has driven successful campaigns that resonate with audiences and elevate brand presence.
Kate loves working with The Glow Show which is where her and Sarah met!
Kate Lang
Master Sculptor
Kate moved to Aotearoa from USA in 1971 with a BA/BSc degree obtaining honours in Zoology.
She is an illustrator and sculptor, working in the film and theatre sector from 80s onwards.
She was Lead sculptor for Pacific Renaissance Productions in New Zealand 1995-2001, and the entire Xena and Hercules TV series.
She was sculptor for displays, playgrounds, parades, throughout 2001-2015 including multiple sets and masks for The Louis Vuitton Cup Party, NZ 2002, and The America's Cup Ball, NZ 2003.
Kate lives in Northland and sculpts for multiple sculpture workshops and voluntary props assist for NZ community theatre groups.
Kate has sculpted featured items in the beautiful coral reef at GLOrewa!
Melissa Albom
Costume Creator
Melissa is a costumer and textile enthusiast based in Tāmaki Makaurau.
She is excited to bring an underwater world to life at GLOrewa! through the art of hyperbolic crochet.
