Cory brings fun and energy to daily dramas

With the loss of her three siblings in the space of eight years, it’s no surprise that NIDA graduate Cory Newman makes the most of her days.

The director of many successful SPAT productions, drama teacher, vocal/music coach, singer, actor, trumpet player and budding fitness instructor has too many talents to be pigeon-holed.

As the founder and manager of Cory’s Studio for Performing Arts, she has helped many children and adults gain confidence in public performances, which often translates into greater success at school or work.

It’s the children who are her greatest delight with their creative and playful natures enjoying free rein in weekly drama workshops.

“Adults are more self-conscious and don’t consider the magical side of things,” said Cory whose students have been known to act as everything from giants to raindrops.

Cory comes from a musical family and attended the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Newcastle before moving to Wollongong to complete her Bachelor of Creative Arts. Three years ago, she and partner Matt moved to Stanwell Park but found it too small for her business, relocating to Helensburgh a year later.

The loss of two brothers and a sister to a degenerative genetic disease has made her conscious of life’s value and she tries to cram as much into her days as possible.

“You have to be busy,” she said.

On top of her already hectic schedule which includes part-time work at the Engadine Music Centre and the Ettinghausen School of Performing Arts, the 24-year-old has been studying to be a fitness instructor.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and it will make it easier to find work overseas.”

Cory and Matt head off on an overseas adventure on 15 May with no firm dates or destinations. “It could be for six months or a year,” she said.

She has left the running of the studio in the hands of local artists Louise Rooke, Darren Coggan, Sarah Quin and Gavin Leahy whom she has had to train and organise in between all her other commitments, plus going to the gym five to six times a week.

Far from looking stressed or harried, Cory Newman’s generous smile is her statement to the world that it’s great to be alive.