Teaching

Cameron Johnson is a person we support at Greystanes Disability Services. For the last two years Cameron has been attending Tracey Hardwick’s Drama and Dance class for people with a disability on a Thursday afternoon in Katoomba. Cameron has thoroughly enjoyed his time at Tracey’s class and this has been a great opportunity for Cameron not only to enjoy having fun and participate in different musical activities. Cameron loves music and spends most of his time at home playing his collection of instruments and singing. Through the dance and drama class Cameron has been able to make new friends and build on his social skills and most importantly be active in his local community. This is difficult for people like Cameron who have a intellectual and physical disability. Greystanes Disability Services is grateful to Tracey Hardwick for her commitment to the people she is working with and for the effort she makes to enrich and empower people with a disability.

Cheryl Elliott

Tracy has been my drama teacher for the past four years. Under her tutelage I have learnt confidence, spontaneity and improvisation skills that have being of great help and my working life. In her classes I have had coaching is presenting and projecting, as well as interview skills. Thanks to these classes I have succeeded (twice) in finding permanent work. Both my presentation skills and ability to connect and communicate with individuals and improved immeasurably. For a person known as ‘neurodiverse’ I was pleasantly surprised to find myself so employable. I currently work for BEING Mental Health Consumers NSW Inc. Before the interview I had some intense questioning simulation in class which was a great help for my TWO ninety minute inteeviews. Furthermore I have watched and learned from Tracy’s interactions with people, many with disabilities, during rehearsals for the charity shows she puts on. Tracy puts a great deal of energy into organising these events and carefully coaches people with a variety of challenges to bring out the best in themselves. Somehow she manages two bring all these very different folk together to create the most delightful cabaret style shows. They have become annual favourites for locals who appreciate the absolute uniqueness of the performers and of each show as a whole. Tracy has skilled many of us up over the years, especially with regard to sensitive and appropriate behaviour in social situations which were previously experienced as confusing or intimidating. She has helped myself and others achieve their personal goals including enhancing employability. So far she has done so on a shoestring. With proper support her efforts could manifest at scale to benefit so many more who need a hand become contributing community members.

Jed Walker

To whom it may concern, Tracy Hardwick is an exceptional arts practitioner. I have been a student/participant of her theatre classes and performances for over two years and found them immensely enjoyable and enriching. I learn skills, have a fantastic time meeting and working a wide range of talented people and feel supported and held in the safe space she creates. A key component of the experience with Tracy is the interaction and collaborative work with young people who are neuro- diverse. Tracey is a gifted actress and director who is able to draw out their confidence and skills and the results are always a joy to see and be part of.  For everyone Tracy works she empowers them with skills and encouragement and confidence for all of us. I support and endorse, wholeheartedly this application I am available to discuss anything further Kind regards

Josie

Being in drama these past three years has made me learn a lot. I have adapted to being close to plenty of people as I can, and learn more about what friends like in life. From new to old faces, I feel like I’m in an environment that makes me feel secure around most people. The monologues and poems I have read and memorized are the key reminders that my brain power is always the one to count on when people forget their lines. I also endure in the games, and how they prevent you from being in a humdrum mood. And when I see people that are coping, I always want to enlighten myself and make myself certain that any day that someone will earn something possible will be possible enough. Drama is an overall fun, amazing place to go to, and while there are other clubs I would like to join, for now drama makes me at home.

Oscar Druker

I met Tracy Hardwick in 2017 when I joined her drama school to improve my social skills and vocal work, in order to better improve my performance in both the workplace and the classroom. When I first joined TSH drama I was extremely reserved, shy, and didn’t see myself as a performer. It was noted by my university that I struggled to convey any ‘vocal presence’ and was very softly spoken, which wasn’t ideal for presentations, which led to my decision to join a drama class. Since then, and with Tracy’s patient and understanding teaching, I have performed in several shows with other students in TSH drama. I have been involved in multiple productions with TSH drama performing monologues including a sketch “Toby the Devil” by Rowan Atkinson and “I Hate Hamlet” by Paul Rudnick, and participating in theatre sports and improv with other students in the adult improv group. Now I regularly receive great feedback from the audience after shows about how well I perform on the stage, and how I have a strong presence on the stage, which is in contrast to the feedback I received prior to commencing my time with TSH drama, and I feel that this improvement reflects greatly upon Tracy’s abilities as a teacher.

Tristram Hayley

I have come to know and enjoy very much, Tracy Hardwick’s impressive work with people with disabilities over the last few years. Her use of our premises for classes and rehearsals has afforded me the opportunity to see the wonderful way she works with special needs people to encourage them to step out and strut their stuff. I've seen young people come out of their shell, I've seen groups of disabled people work well together to produce a performance that is a delight to those who come to watch it. I believe that Tracy is providing a benefit not only to her clientele, but to all those who come into contact with them. I believe the exposure Tracey gives people with disabilities in this format, not only increases their confidence and self-esteem for every day life, but also helps break down many barriers for people in the community who may not interact with people with disabilities on other occasions through the concerts that are performed. At times Tracy's concerts have included audience members with a range of disabilities themselves, and I think it's wonderful that they can see people like themselves performing on stage as they do. I'm certain this inspires and encourages those who have many struggles in life, that anything is possible for them. Tracy herself is warm and personable, and has a gift in being able to relate to people with a range of disabilities in such a way that they feel loved, excepted and significant for who they are, as well as being able to inspire them to achieve significant events such as the production of the concert performances. I warmly commend this initiative to you and respectfully request that you look favourably upon her application.

Rev Ray Robinson

've been studying drama with Tracy Harwick for two seasons. During this time. I have made great advances in my understanding of and ability to perform for an audience, or a camera. Tracy is an experienced actor and excellent teacher, mentor and motivator. Tracy works with adults, young people and disadvantaged youth, and I have witnessed her professionalism and enthusiasm with each group in our performances. Our work on stage is well received by our audience, which is the most important indicator of the effectiveness of a performance and the performers I do not hesitate to recommend studying drama and improvisation with Tracy Hardwick. Regards, Rod Pennicuik

Hayley Druker

've been studying drama with Tracy Harwick for two seasons. During this time. I have made great advances in my understanding of and ability to perform for an audience, or a camera. Tracy is an experienced actor and excellent teacher, mentor and motivator. Tracy works with adults, young people and disadvantaged youth, and I have witnessed her professionalism and enthusiasm with each group in our performances. Our work on stage is well received by our audience, which is the most important indicator of the effectiveness of a performance and the performers I do not hesitate to recommend studying drama and improvisation with Tracy Hardwick.

Rod Pennicuik, Adult Drama student

Just a quick note to say a huge thank you for all the amazing work you have been doing with Ludo - we have seen a huge improvement in both his acting skills and his general communication and confidence since he started working with you in both the film and TV workshops, Showtime classes and private tutorial sessions in 2020 -2021. As a shy young man on the high functioning end of the Autism spectrum, it can be challenging for Ludo to try new things and put himself in the spotlight in small classes and he struggles with short term memory issues, spatial awareness and anxiety especially in new environments. However you have always been very patient, supportive and encouraging with Ludo (despite a few minor melt-downs) so he feels very relaxed and supported - and has even put himself ‘out there’ with audition tapes for various roles and a fantastic live performance at the end of year Showcase in 2020! He is really looking forward to continuing to work with you to improve his acting skills and confidence in dealing with people and trying many new things in 2021. Best wishes for all your theatrical and musical endeavours this year - hope 2021 is the best year ever! Warmest regards, Kylie Blakemore

Kylie Blakemore