our story.
Pform.nz is a small family business founded in 1999 by Tracey and Michael Stretton. Both qualified teachers, Tracey and Michael were passionate about building self-esteem and character in young people and saw an absence of educational avenues which built children up through positive reinforcement and strong pedagogy rather than subjected to criticism and pressure.
Tracey graduated from The University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma in Teaching. She then furthered her training with a Higher Diploma in Teaching and a post-graduate Diploma of Dance and Drama in Education from the Auckland College of Education. Tracey has worked for the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and for the Ministry of Education as a Drama and Dance moderator and assessment writer and she has held Head of Drama and Dance positions at Kristin School, Avondale College and the Senior College of New Zealand. She has choreographed and directed numerous large-scale productions over the years including Peter Pan, Bugsy Malone, Little Shop of Horrors, The Wiz, Beauty and the Beast, The Music Man, Superman, Young Frankenstein, Battle of the Bands, The Sound of Music, Anything Goes, Grease, Shrek, Dr. Dolittle & Elf & Lion King. She has been an agent of furthering in Pform.nz's societal impact and has witnessed first hand over the years how the performing arts can change lives.
Michael graduated from the Auckland College of Education with a Diploma in Teaching and furthered his training with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland. He has taught children of all ages, from five year old New Entrants at Kristin School to students in The University of Auckland Foundation Program in their twenties. He has held the Head of English position at Ponsonby Intermediate School and English Curriculum Coordinator within the Academic Colleges Group. Michael is a gifted educator and has extensive experience and knowledge in education. He believes that as the company grows, the client experience should stay intimate and caring.
Tracey and Michael love being parents and are thrilled to have watched their three children, Rose, Pearl and Will, grow through their own performing arts education with Pform.nz. Rose has been integral in the growth of Pform.nz using her Commerce qualifications to structure the business. She is currently working in broadcasting in Los Angeles and is active on the Pform.nz Board of Advisors. Pearl leads a variety of high-profile portfolios within the business, with a particular focus on dance and musical theatre. Will is a gifted performer and teaches at many Pform.nz venues weekly.
Over twenty years since its inception, Pform.nz continues to deliver performing arts classes built on strong educational practices and proven pedagogy to develop life-skills in young people across Auckland by focusing on increasing confidence and independence, equipping them to success within and outside of the performing arts industry.
