Kate Francis

Kate Francis is an experienced drama educator and somatic practitioner with over 15 years of teaching experience across public and private schools in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom. She facilitates drama through creative play, role exploration, and embodied storytelling, supporting students’ emotional growth, confidence, and self-expression in a safe and inclusive environment.

Kate’s teaching approach blends drama pedagogy with somatic practices, helping students develop communication skills, empathy, emotional awareness, and a strong sense of presence. Her sessions are inquiry-based and process-driven, encouraging students to explore real-world themes through improvisation, roleplay, and collaborative storytelling.

Her professional background includes early career work with Soho Theatre, Bush Theatre, the Edinburgh Festival, and British independent film. Inspired by an exceptional high school drama teacher, Kate has always been drawn to drama for its ability to create collaborative spaces where young people can explore ideas, emotions, and relationships with courage and curiosity.

Since becoming a certified somatic practitioner, Kate has integrated tools for emotional regulation, embodied confidence, and expressive movement into her drama teaching. She is particularly passionate about supporting students with public speaking, building confidence, and learning how to work effectively in teams to create theatrical stage productions and screen adaptations.

Kate believes the future belongs to emotionally intelligent, creative thinkers who can communicate clearly, collaborate with empathy, and adapt with confidence. Her mission is to nurture resilient, expressive young people who feel empowered to create, question, and lead—both on and off the stage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Communications and Public Relations

• Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary and Primary Drama and Media)

• VITA Certification

• Certified Somatic Dance Facilitator