On Tuesday afternoons during the school term, the Little BIG House comes alive with Renee’s drama classes. Her journey began as a young dancer, twirling through jazz, ballet, and tap, before moving into a 25-year career in creative arts education. Now, she dedicates much of her time to nurturing creativity in children through drama. Through Enchanted Action and her classes at the Little BIG House, Renee inspires children to find their voices, tell their stories, and build lasting friendships.
Renee’s creative path began with dance as a child, before finding her true home in drama. “Drama is a transformative space in education,” she says. “Through stories, kids can explore, connect, and express themselves in ways that stay with them for life.” Today, she balances her business with teaching, educator training, and even producing creative resources for teachers.
When asked why she chose to work with primary school-aged kids, Renee lights up. “They arrive bursting with energy. It’s exciting and fun. But more than that, they’re looking for confidence, connection, and a safe space to be heard. My role is to balance that energy with activities that help them grow.”
Every class begins with a ritual: children gather in a circle, share their names with a fun action, and imagine putting on their “character cloak”, a symbol of creativity, respect, and transformation. From there, games, movement, and storytelling fill the space with laughter and learning.
Renee discovered Little BIG House while searching for a local venue to host her classes. “I was just looking for somewhere in the neighbourhood, and then I found this space that was so much more than I expected. Little BIG’s philosophy aligns beautifully with mine: it’s not just a venue, it’s about building community.”
She describes the space as “a dream come true for a drama teacher,” but more importantly, she values the support and connection with other hosts and volunteers. “Being a small business owner can feel lonely, but being part of the Tribe means I never feel like I’m doing it on my own.”
Already, Renee has seen friendships blossom among her students. “Some kids come from the same school, but many don’t, and yet they’ve formed their own little clan here. They know it’s a safe place to be themselves.” Parents, too, are connecting, carpooling, chatting after class, and attending sharing afternoons.
Looking ahead, Renee hopes to host more family events and continue building connections between children, parents, and the wider community. She’s even launched a scholarship program, offering families the chance to win a free term of drama classes. “Drama builds social skills and emotional intelligence. It’s another way of helping kids feel connected and confident.”
Renee sums up her journey with humility and heart: “I hope what we do here gives kids skills and experiences that resonate for life, and ripple out into the community.”
At Little BIG, we couldn’t agree more. Renee’s classes don’t just teach drama, they build confidence, friendships, and belonging.
Here’s more about Renee:
I’ve been a Summer Hill local since …
I moved into the Inner West around 25 years ago!
This community is special to me because …
They are diverse, accepting, creative and caring.
My favourite thing about the Little BIG House is …
People being part of something real and something special. A place where your humanity is acknowledged and belonging means something.
The event / program I’m running in the Little BIG House is …
Enchanted Action Kids Classes. I run a little after school drama class where we move around a lot, play games, use props, music, build skills and generally have a crazy fun time.
I hope this event / program will make participants feel …
a sense of connection, confidence and enjoyment through the friendships they make.
The top thing on my bucket list is …
To finish my Masters! I've been researching the power of Drama and Social Emotional Learning for children. I can't wait to get this finished not just for the personal sense of achievement but so I can help children to grow through drama, expressing their emotions, communicating with others through positive relationships and moving through the world with empathy. Goodness knows we need more of that right now.
I’m most grateful for …
My amazingly loving and supportive family!
The last Little BIG thing / action I did for someone else or received from someone was …
A stranger put a little note in a package I received. They didn't have to do that at all but it was a personal handwritten thank you, and it made me feel wonderful.