LEADERS
Tony O'Rourke
Born and raised in the East of Auckland, Tony O'Rourke had a passion for music at an early age. Unfortunately, he also had a lot of people in his life (music teachers included) telling him he couldn't do music, and to just give up. This didn't stop Tony as he went on after high school to attend Excel School of Performing Arts in 2009. He was awarded Top Vocalist of his year. He has since continued to pursue his music career, featuring on multiple TV shows such as I AM TV, TAGATA PASIFIKA, and GOOD MORNING. He has also performed in front of the biggest crowd possible in NZ, at Christmas InThe Park (200,000 people live, another million on TV) and tours nationally and internationally with his band "Take 2" on The Revolution Tour every year. Tony is actively involved in Phoenix NZYP as an actor, vocalist and tutor. He has his eyes set on bigger things, outside of New Zealand, but has a strong passion for bringing positive music to Aotearoa. Currently working on Take 2's first debut EP/Album.
Gibson Harris
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From the far north of New Zealand, Gibson Harris is a talented musician and vocalist. Attended Excel School Of Performing Arts in 2009. He is fuelled by his passion for music and seeks to share his work on a international platform. Gibby is a trained vocal teacher with huge experience in the area of working with young people. Gibson is involved in Phoenix New Zealand Young Performers as a tutor, lead guitarist and vocalist.
Rasela Sosoli
Sela joined Phoenix in 2008 while she was still in high school. Through Phoenix she grew more confident as a performer and also as a person. Through some of the tutors in Phoenix she was connected to EXCEL School of Performing Arts at the end of 2008 and won a scholarship to
attend as a vocal major in 2009. She then progressed and made the Tour Team for 2010 where she travelled New Zealand performing at schools and various youth concerts for 5 months. She has just completed her Diploma in Creative Arts through M.I.T and is currently working as a session artist as well working towards becoming a proffessional vocal tutor.​
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Jason Wu
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Jason is one of the foundational students and now mentors beginning actors. He starred in the NZ feature film Matariki and has been involved in several stage performances. Jason believes that drama teaches you to push your imagination past what you already know, to be comfortable in your own skin. Jason is a graduate of UNITEC studying a Bachelor of Screen Arts. He plans to do a Diploma in Teaching and take his passion into the classroom.

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Jay Williams
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Actor, scriptwriter and director, Jay Williams is the founder and creative director of Phoenix Young Performers NZ. Jay specialises in all aspects of stage craft and believes that one important aspect of the creative journey is discovering the things you thought you could never do. He draws inspiration from Life and looks at ways to challenge and provoke the individual's that he teaches. "I want them to think for themselves, to trust their creative instinct; to be better people".
Hadleigh Pouesi
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Hadleigh Pouesi is a youth worker for the Auckland Council and uses his experience as a performing artist as a vehicle to engage young people. Hadz is the director of the 2008 World Hip Hop Champions Sweet & Sour Dance Crew and has choreographed many crews and companies both here and abroad. He has studied both Music and Dance at Auckland University and Excel performing arts school. Hadz has performed all over the world and has had the privilege of performing with great talents such as Boyz II Men, Stan Walker, Jessica Mauboy and many other artists.