WELCOME TO MY STUDIO
I offer acting, singing, and public speaking lessons to students of all ages.
Lessons can be booked in person in Wellington, or virtually from across Aotearoa New Zealand!
Acting Lessons
Whether you are working on a monologue, a song, a scene, audition sides, or are just looking to build your actor’s toolbox, I can help you apply techniques to better engage your imagination and find new depths in your performance.
In acting lessons, you will learn techniques for analysing text, creating compelling characters, making full use of your voice and body, navigating the business of acting, and continually growing your artistic perspective and agency.
Singing Lessons
Whether you are singing musical theatre, pop, rock, or classical, I can offer you new tricks and habits that will get you singing freely and healthily in your own unique voice.
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In singing lessons, you will learn to sing with increased flexibility, nuance, power and artistry, and how to work through tricky spots in your range. We will also focus on how to collaborate with the composer to maximise the impact of your voice on an audience.
Public Speaking Lessons
Whether you are presenting to a crowd of hundreds or to a small team of your peers, I can help you tackle your speech with the tools of an expert storyteller, improving your physicality, the quality of your voice, and your confidence.
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In public speaking lessons, you will learn to identify your objective and your audience, and gain techniques for applying that information to develop the character, structure, and content of your presentation for maximum impact.
Workshops and Masterclasses
When you attend a masterclass, you'll stretch your creative muscles in a supportive environment alongside a small group of other artists. Each masterclass will focus on a specific skill, like Acting the Song, Nailing the Audition, and Mastering the Self-Tape.
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When you sign up for a workshop series, you’ll get the opportunity to dive deeper into an area of focus, such as Acting Techniques, Musical Theatre Techniques, Professional Preparation, and Scene Study.
Komorebi Cottage
NOTE: I am currently in ÅŒtautahi Christchurch performing in 9 to 5 at The Court Theatre. Lessons at Komorebi Cottage will be available from Feb 2026.
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In-person lessons are held at Komorebi Cottage, my private studio in Tawa. The space gets its name from the Japanese word which describes the special kind of sunlight that is filtered through the leaves of trees. Komorebi Cottage is beautifully nestled into the bush, meaning you’ll experience this phenomenon frequently when taking lessons kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face).
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Komorebi Cottage is a 15 minute drive from central Wellington, and free street parking is always available. If you are travelling by public transit, you can take the local KPL train line from Wellington Station. The cottage is a 5-10 minute walk from Redwood Station (the second stop on that line).
The Details
In-person lessons
$85 for 45 minutes
$95 for 1 hour
Virtual lessons
$95 for 45 minutes
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Cancellation policy​
I have a 24 hour cancellation policy.
If you cancel your confirmed lesson fewer than 24 hours before your booking, there will be a $40 fee.
Lessons can be rescheduled any time up to 12 hours before your booking.
Bespoke lessons available on request
Are you wanting to work on a scene with a partner or small group?
Are you looking for feedback on a self-tape audition?
Get in touch at mayahandanaff@gmail.com with the details of your request to start a conversation!
Schedule a Private Lesson
My goal is to help you achieve yours.
NOTE: I am currently offering virtual lessons only, while I am in ÅŒtautahi Christchurch performing in 9 to 5 at The Court Theatre. In-person lessons will be available again in Wellington from Feb 2026.
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Begin the booking process by selecting a lesson length below.
You'll choose your lesson type (singing, acting, or public speaking) on the next screen.
