2021 WINTER LAB

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BOOK, MUSIC & LYRICS

Michele Gould is a performing artist, writer, activist, ukulele player and total dork who has trained in Musical Theatre at WAAPA and Principal Academy of Dance. Her debut musical, Passing, premiered at Fringe World 2021 and opened to sold out shows and rave reviews. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Science and, when not busy writing, is playing Dungeons and Dragons. Michele adores the creative arts industry and hopes to bring to it her passion for diversity, representation and also lots of fun! Photo by Christophe Canato

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DIRECTOR

Dean Drieberg is an in-demand creative. In 2020, he directed a reading of Harrison David Rivers’ This Bitter Earth for Antipodes Theatre Company and worked with Jarrod Draper creating his sold-out solo shows for Darlinghurst Theatre Company. This year he will co-direct Into The Woods for Watch This and Dial M For Murder for Smoke & Mirrors Productions. In 2019, Dean co-directed Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday In The Park With George with Sonya Suares for Watch This, receiving two Green Room Award nominations including Best Director. Dean directed Bare The Musical and Memphis The Musical for StageArt at Chapel Off Chapel. Photo by Jason Schembri

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ASSOCIATE ARTIST

Since graduating from the Ballarat Arts Academy in 2013, Aubrey has worked extensively as an actor, singer and theatre-maker. Aubrey regularly trains with the Present Tense Ensemble and has trained in Suzuki and Viewpoints with Anne Bogart and the SITI Company in New York, attending both their Saratoga Summer Intensive, Advanced Training in their NYC studio, and most recently their 25th Anniversary Symposium. Aubrey’s credits range from children's theatre to cabaret, vocals for corporate events to a cappella groups, fringe festivals all over Australia to major works in theatres. Photo by Maryna Rothe

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PERFORMER

Born and raised in Melbourne, Akansha has been singing since age 7, beginning her training in North Indian Classical Singing and adopting Western styles of singing at the age of 12. Akansha completed a three year Bachelor of Music Theatre at Federation University’s Arts Academy in 2019. Since graduating, Akansha has studied part-time dance at The Space Dance and Arts Studio as part of their F.I.I.T course, and has successfully begun teaching singing in her own vocal studio. When she is not performing, Akansha enjoys advocating for diverse representation in Australian theatre, song-writing and cabaret-writing, eating food, and travelling.

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PERFORMER

Kaori Maeda-Judge has a diploma in screen acting (Film and Television Institute) and a BFA in Music theatre (Victorian College of the Arts). Kaori has appeared as series regular Jasmine Udagawa on the Australian soap Neighbours, alongside Nazeem Hussain on his comedy skit show Orange Is The New Brown, and in numerous short films. On stage, Kaori has the pleasure to sing with people such as accomplished Broadway composer, John Bucchino, as a soloist in a concert of his work and alongside such Australian icons as John Waters, Tim Freedman and Brian Mannix in the cast of PARIS – A Rock Odyssey. In 2019, Kaori played Maemi as part of the original Australian cast of Lazarus (The Production Company). Photo by Amy Benjamin

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PERFORMER

Grace Sabbatucci studied a Bachelor of Music Theatre at Ballarat Arts Academy, where she performed in When Midnight Strikes, 42nd Street, Spring Awakening and Cabaret. During her education at the Arts Academy, Grace also wrote and performed her Cabaret Playing to Win and was selected to perform an additional season at the Ballarat Cabaret Festival. After completing her studies, Grace toured Australia with Connected (Echelon Productions). Grace spent two years as a Vocal Specialist at the Centre for Musical Arts in Dubai, where she performed freelance with various bands including the Abu Dhabi Little Big Band. Grace performed in TVGLI’s critically acclaimed Melbourne Fringe show Batmania, and for the past three years has been performing in the educational production You Throw Like a Girl. Photo by Scott Brownlee

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DRAMATURG

Sonya Suares is a multidisciplinary performer, dramaturg, director, producer and arts activist. In 2012, she founded Watch This, producing (and sometimes performing in/directing) Assassins, Pacific Overtures, Company, Merrily We Roll Along, A Little Night Music and Sunday in the Park with George to critical acclaim and a total of 18 Green Room nominations (2 wins), including a personal nomination for Best Direction of a Musical with co-Director, Dean Drieberg. Sonya has also served as General Manager of Red Stitch, Artistic Coordinator at Monash Academy of Performing Arts, and was a founding director of Poppy Seed Festival. She works tirelessly on panels and committees to promote better representation/inclusion in our sector. Photo by Josie Hayden

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PERFORMER

Dindi Violet is a proud Wiradjuri and Wongaibon woman, born and bred on Ngunnawal land (Canberra). A triple threat, Dindi has been performing and training from age 11, competing in eisteddfods and festivals across the country. In 2020, Dindi was accepted into Brent Street’s Diploma of Musical Theatre, and came into the public eye as a semi-finalist in the inaugural AOC Initiative. Dindi has performed with The People of Cabaret for Bloom Fest 2020, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, most recently making her Squabbalogic debut in Australian Made. This coming August, Dindi is set to feature in Burrundi Theatre's production Warengesda. Photo by Kate Williams

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WRITER

William Hinz is an Australian playwright, lyricist and performer, with a Masters of Writing for Performance from VCA where they were a recipient of the Orloff Foundation Family Trust. Their body of lyrical work includes Allentown and Sincerely, Us, the latter of which was invited to NMA’s “First Look” program at Hayes Theatre. Short plays include F*^% Off Geraldine!, R I N N A, Remote, Dullahan and The Curators. Longer form works include Genesis (which is currently being studied as part of the Queensland State syllabus and is published with Australian Plays) and Guerilla Sabbath, which recently sold out its premiere season at La Mama as part of Midsumma. Photo by Ruby Sam

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INTIMACY CONSULTANT

Amy Cater is currently undergoing a one-on-one Intimacy Coordinator mentorship with Ita O’Brien (founder of Intimacy On Set, UK), and is one of a few practitioners in Australia who are working in the role. She has worked on the films Slant (starring Sigrid Thornton) and Dark Web. Her upcoming projects include Cyrano (starring Virginia Gay) and Sunday both directed by Sarah Goodes with Melbourne Theatre Company. Within the IC community, Amy is a mentor and consultant on Sexuality and Gender best practice. Ita O’Brien seeks her counsel, as do many other prominent IC’s in Australia. Her lived experiences as a queer person and her work in LGBTQIA+ advocacy and education is a key component of her cultural influence in the industry.

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DRAMATURG

Meta Cohen is a queer composer, sound designer and dramaturg. Meta’s music has been commissioned by ensembles such as the Sydney Children’s Choir, Luminescence Chamber Singers and Mosaic Voices, and performed in diverse venues ranging from the Powerhouse Museum to the Sydney Opera House. In her theatre work, she specialises in sonic dramaturgy and musical thinking in theatre making. In 2019, Meta completed a Master of Dramaturgy at the Victorian College of the Arts. Meta is an associate artist at Alyson Campbell and Lachlan Philpott's queer performance collective wreckedAllprods, a resident sound designer in the New Ghosts Theatre Company’s IGNITE Collective and a resident dramaturg in the Theatre Works She Writes Collective. She is especially passionate about bringing queer, interdisciplinary and sound-driven work to the stage. Photo by Lachlan Woods

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PERFORMER

Born in Valencia, Spain, Juan moved to Australia in 2012 to pursue a career in the Performing Arts. After three years in Wollongong, Juan moved to Melbourne in 2016 to study Music Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts. During their time training, Juan appeared in Eddie Perfect’s Vivid White, played Paul San Marco in A Chorus Line and The Wolf in Into the Woods. Upon graduating they appeared in Mad World, Spring Awakening, ADAM by Frances Poet and joined the international cast of PAW Patrol Live! Photo by Andrew Raszevski

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PERFORMER

Kayla Hamill is a graduate of BAPA and the John Bolton Theatre School. In 2017, Kayla played the lead role in David Williamson’s new play Credentials as part of La Mama’s 50th year celebration. 2018 brought along beloved children’s author Elizabeth Honey’s play That’s Not a Daffodil, touring throughout regional Victoria. Kayla has performed in both the MICF as well as Melbourne Fringe, receiving nominations for Best Comedy and Best Cabaret. Kayla has worked as a Clown Doctor, working in hospitals as a way to ease a child’s pain and spread joy in and amongst the hospital setting. Photo by Jordan Barr

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PERFORMER

Zule (pronounced Julie with a Z) is a multi award winning TV and Theatrical Artiste, Singer, Songwriter and Screenwriter. Originally from Sydney, Zule studied performance at NIDA and Sydney Dance Company, then onto DW301 and VCA in Melbourne. Zule's self-written musical medical comedies Triage and Discharged are in high demand in arts festivals and medical events worldwide (@TriageCabaret). TV credits: Offspring, Please Like Me, Fancy Boys, Murder Calls, The Wrong Girl, The InBESTigators, multiple TV commercials including the face and voice of Coles Home & Car Insurance commercials. Theatre credits include Avenue Q (Gary Coleman) Australia Tour, RENT (Joanne), West Side Story (Anita), Godspell (Sartra) & Flowerchildren (Linda/Casey Donovan's cover). Photo by Andrew Raszevski

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PERFORMER

Katie Long is a Chinese-Vietnamese performer and artist hailing from Naarm (Melbourne). At Federation University Arts Academy, Katie had the privilege of performing in their graduating shows Seussical the Musical (Jojo Understudy) and Heathers (Young Republicanette) in 2019. Katie has also written and performed two original cabarets, Frolic Fest and Heroes. As a classically trained violinist, Katie has played in several orchestras for productions such as The Little Mermaid and Chicago. In the past two years, Katie joined the board of charity organisation Be You Inc., and has featured in Vidya Makan’s “I Need You To See Me”. Photo by Amy Gubana

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SOUND DESIGNER

ivia McKenna is an audio designer and artist, originally from Sydney and now based in Melbourne. She recently completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Design and Production), majoring in Audio Design at the Victorian College of the Arts. Olivia is interested in the adaptation of traditional theatre techniques and pieces to meet the expectations of modern audiences and the psychological impact of sound in performance by manipulating everyday sounds. She has recently worked as an audio designer for VCA productions of pool (no water) (dir. Leticia Cacéres) and Earthquakes in London (dir. Sarah Goodes). Her other professional credits include audio designer for Hedda GablerGablerGabler (dir. Mary Angley) and Sam I Am (dir. Dan Graham).

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ASSOCIATE ARTIST

Cameron Steens is a graduate from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with a Bachelor Degree in Music Theatre. There, he appeared in numerous shows including Rent (Tom Collins, dir. Adam Mitchell), The Crucible (Thomas Danforth, dir. Crispin Taylor) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Nick Bottom, dir. Trent Baker). He made his professional debut as Leon Czolgosz in Black Swan Theatre Company’s Assassins (dir. Roger Hodgman), his Melbourne debut as Benny in James Terry Collective’s Rent (dir. Mark Taylor) and was most recently seen in the world premiere of Mimma: A Musical of War and Friendship (dir. Adam Mitchell). He is excited to be returning for his second Winter Lab and his continued work on new developments. Photo by Cass Cheeseman

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PERFORMER

Mon Vergara is a Melbourne based actor. They began their performance training in 2017 at Showfit, and have since graduated from the VCA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre) with the class of 2020. Photo by Jackson Howe

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WRITER

Sam Hooper is a 2011 graduate of the VCA Bachelor of Music Theatre. Performing credits include King Kong Live Onstage (swing), Cats (swing), Funny Girl (ensemble), Cabaret (swing), and Mamma Mia (Pepper). As a director/choreographer Sam has worked on Catch Me If You Can (OCPAC), They’re Playing Our Song (Company 11), and 1&Only (Unlikely Productions). Sam has most recently been living in the UK where he has been assistant director on Lipstick: A Fairytale of Modern Iran (Omnibus Theatre), The Apologists (UK tour), as well as the librettist and performer of Death Suits You (Camden Fringe). Photo by Marnya Rothe

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COMPOSER

Vidya Makan is a critically acclaimed actor, singer and composer/lyricist, perhaps most well known for her performance as Catherine Parr in the original Australian cast of SIX (Louise Withers). She is currently working with Hayes Theatre to develop her original concept musical The Lucky Country. In 2020, Vidya directed, produced and wrote the viral sensation I NEED YOU TO SEE ME, taking a stand against racism in the entertainment industry. Vidya’s performance credits include Papa Ge in Once On This Island (Altitude Theatre) and Dot/Marie in Sunday In The Park With George (Watch This). Vidya endeavours to champion underrepresented voices in all of her work. Photo by Andrew Raszevski

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DEVELOPER

Phoebe Panaretos made international headlines after being handpicked by Baz Lurhmann to play the lead role of Fran in the world premiere musical adaptation of Strictly Ballroom The Musical (Helpmann and Green Room Award Nominations for Best Female In A Musical). Phoebe’s theatre credits include Singing in the Rain (Production Company, dir. Gary Young), the world premiere of Dream Lover - The Bobby Darin Musical (GFO, dir. Simon Philips), American Idiot (Shake and Stir, dir. Craig Ilott, Helpmann nomination). Most recently, Phoebe returned to Production Company in the Australian premiere of David Bowie's Lazarus (dir. Michael Kantor) for which she received unanimous praise.

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DEVELOPER

Alex Gibson-Giorgio graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), where he performed in Oklahoma!, Summer Rain, A Little Touch of Chaos (dir. Iain Sinclair) and Lil’ Abner (dir. Martin Croft). Alex is also a graduate of the NIDA Diploma of Music Theatre course and recipient of the Ron and Margaret Dobell Award. Other credits include Anything Goes (Opera Australia), Georgy Girl – The Seekers Musical, Disney’s Aladdin (Jafar cover), Mamma Mia, Yank! (Brisbane Powerhouse), and Everything’s Coming Up Sondheim (Chapel Off Chapel). Alex is currently in the UK, where he recently appeared in Rags The Musical (Park Theatre).

Photo by Evan Lever

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PERFORMER

Jordan Barr is a Melbourne-based stand-up comedian. Jordan was short-listed for Screen Australia's Smart For A Girl: ROAR initiative (2016) and was a finalist for the 2018 Rebel Wilson Comedy Commission. Jordan performed a return season of her one woman show How To Be Sexy at the 2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. She is also a Vic state finalist for RAW Comedy (2018) and a featured comedian on Triple J's Good Az Friday broadcast (2018). Recently Jordan completed a sold-out season of her show Zombie at the 2021 Melbourne International Comedy Festival and was a part of Upfront. Photo by Monica Pronk

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PERFORMER

Anton Berezin is an Australian actor, singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Berezin is best known for his roles in major commercial musical theatre productions such as Evita (2018-2019), Once (2014-2015), Doctor Zhivago (2010-2011), Wicked (2008-2009), The Producers (2004-2005), Cabaret (2002-2003), Cats (1999-2000) and many others. His film and Television work has included roles in Newton's Law (2017), The Divorce (2015), Jack Irish: Black Tide (2012) and Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012). He has been a prolific producer of Musical Theatre and Family Theatre through Life Like Company, a production house he established in 1998 with his wife, actress and writer Theresa Borg. Photo by Kurt Sneddon

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PERFORMER

Finishing early in New Zealand, Zenya toured with The Book of Mormon. In 2019, she made her podcast debut playing the role of Jessica in The Best Bagels in Town. In 2018, Zenya played the role of Sally Perks in Puffs the Play, as well as the role of Joanne in Rent and Rory/Sister Chantelle understudy in StageArt’s Bare. Other shows with StageArt include Squeak in The Color Purple, Lorrell in the Australian Premiere of Dreamgirls, Chrissy in Hair: The Victorian tour and ensemble in Hair: Summer of Love. Other productions include Origin Theatrical’s Connected The Musical & Lyric Opera’s Pygmalion. In 2015, she studied with Paul Malek at Transit Dance (Cert III in Dance). TV credits include: Bec Simmons in Neighbours, ABC’s The InBESTigators (Ally) and most recently Shaun Micallef's Mad As Hell and Sami in the TikTok series Scattered. Photo by Lewis Francis

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DIRECTOR

Trudy Dunn is passionate about the continued development and diversification of theatre in Australia, in particular that of new work that celebrates our many unique voices and perspectives. She began as a performer in Perth and worked in close association with the Midnite Youth Theatre Company, initially as artist in residence, then as production manager, choreographer and director. Prior to her recent move to Melbourne, Trudy was the Coordinator of the Diploma of Acting at WAAPA where she lectured in acting, script analysis, devising and stagecraft. She is currently completing a research Masters at WAAPA with a specialisation in Theatre Directing. Photo by Ben Hallam

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DRAMATURG

Margot Fenley has worked as an actor and acting teacher for over thirty years. As an actor, she has performed with State and independent theatre companies as well as on television. Margot has also had a significant career training actors, including establishing and running VCA Music Theatre (2009-18). Margot has directed cabaret and independent plays as well as multiple seasons of Macbeth for MTC’s Education program. In 2019, she took sabbatical at Tisch School of the Arts, New York and whilst there, created a play from long-form solo improvisation called Gruoch as part of an MFA to be completed in 2021. Margot has been a proud member of Actor’s Equity MEAA since 1991 and is represented by Ian White Management. Photo by Marnya Rothe

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PERFORMER

Nelson Gardner grew up in Bendigo, working as a labourer before pursuing an arts career in Melbourne. He graduated from VCA's inaugural Bachelor Of Music Theatre course in 2011 and has performed ever since. Most well known as the title role in Ned - A New Australian Musical, recent credits include the critically acclaimed, sell-out season of The Ghetto Cabaret at fortyfivedownstairs and The Dressmaker (originating the role of Teddy). Other performance credits include The Producers, Chess, Jesus Christ Superstar and Brigadoon (The Production Company), Beauty And The Beast (Adam Lowe Group), The Importance Of Being Earnest (Citizen Theatre), Merrily We Roll Along (MTC's Lawler), Company and A Little Night Music (Watch This).

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PERFORMER

Kala Gare is a Melbourne-based performer working between the Music Theatre and Music industries. Kala trained at VCA and graduated with a BFA in Music Theatre. Theatre credits include Bright Star (Pursued By Bear), Thoroughly Modern Millie (The Production Company), Master Class (Andrew Kay Productions), Maureen in Rent (Chapel Off Chapel), Olivia in Twelfth Night (Melbourne Shakespeare Company), and Anastasia Steele in 50 Shades! (David Venn Enterprises). Most recently, Kala was part of the original Australian cast of Six the musical in the chaotically brilliant role of Anne Boleyn. Kala is also a classically trained musician with a Diploma in Classical Piano. Her Musical Director credits include Songs for Swingin’ Lovers! (Chapel Off Chapel) and Legally Blonde Junior (Performing Artists Company). Photo by Kurt Sneddon

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PERFORMER

Lisa-Marie Parker is a versatile singer and actress whose career has spanned over 23 years. Stage credits include Jekyll and Hyde, American Song Cycle: A Double Bill, Sondheim on Sondheim, Legally Blonde, Blood Brothers, Atlantis: The Concert, Cats, John and Jen, The Sound of Music, Merrily We Roll Along, Mary Bryant, 1975: A Love Story, We Will Rock You, 1975: A Populist Opera, Les Miserables, McCubbin: A Musical Biography, Hello Dolly, Hair, Music Man, Call Me Madam, And the World Goes Round, Putting It Together, Songs for a New World, and Crusade: The Concert. Lisa-Marie is also a Freelance Music Theatre Voice Teacher, Audition Coach and Mentor. Photo by Chris Parker

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ASSOCIATE ARTIST

Cameron Steens is a graduate from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with a Bachelor Degree in Music Theatre. There, he appeared in numerous shows including Rent (Tom Collins, dir. Adam Mitchell), The Crucible (Thomas Danforth, dir. Crispin Taylor) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Nick Bottom, dir. Trent Baker). He made his professional debut as Leon Czolgosz in Black Swan Theatre Company’s Assassins (dir. Roger Hodgman), his Melbourne debut as Benny in James Terry Collective’s Rent (dir. Mark Taylor) and was most recently seen in the world premiere of Mimma: A Musical of War and Friendship (dir. Adam Mitchell). He is excited to be returning for his second Winter Lab and his continued work on new developments. Photo by Cass Cheeseman

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CREATOR

Reuben James is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Naarm / Melbourne. Beginning his career at 17, Reuben was a founding member of The Adelaide Independent Theatre Collective (2016), where he wrote and directed his first work All Things Unsaid (2017). Since, he has performed in Zebastian Hunter’s Dispersion (2019) and joined Origins Dance Company to perform in their 2021 season. Additionally, Reuben formed the multi-disciplinary company Variation Three (2020), where he strives to explore queer stories in new lights and break down the barriers between art fields. In their first year, they curated a series of dance films exploring queer isolation, and debuted their first work Bent at Midsumma Festival. Photo by Ken Crundall

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DRAMATURG

hillip Adams is founder and Artistic Director of Phillip Adams BalletLab. Phillip is a graduate of the VCA and his performing arts background spans a 30 year career in contemporary dance and more recently, visual arts. Phillip lived and worked in New York for a decade after being awarded the ANZ International Fellowship Award in 1988. His achievements and qualifications cover a range of creative ventures including commissions, touring, awards, residencies, mentoring and a highly regarded body of artistic works. Phillip has been commissioned by Australian Ballet, Chunky Move, Museum of New and Old Art, Guangdong Modern Dance Company (China), Dance Works Rotterdam (NL), City Contemporary Dance Company (HK) and Lux Boreal (Mexico).

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PERFORMER

Meg Ferrier is multi-disciplinary performance artist who focuses on the combination of contemporary dance and circus. She has studied at both the Victorian College of the Arts, completing a Bachelor of fine arts (DANCE) in 2016, and also the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) where she completed a Certificate IV in 2017 and Associate’s Degree in Circus in 2020. Meg is interested in the embodiment of high physicality and skill within in her circus ability, whilst being able tap into the vulnerability and realism of dance and movement. As she moves into her professional pathway, the endeavour to connect the two art forms fills her desire as an artist. Photo by Reuben James

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CHOREOGRAPHER

Freya List is one of Australia’s most unique and versatile storytellers. As well as being a prominent choreographer, movement director and educator, she is passionate about fostering community and has created valuable platforms for dancers to interact and inspire both in Melbourne and across the world. Most recently, Freya was nominated for the Betty Pounder Award for Excellence in Choreography for Bright Star (Pursued by Bear). Other credits include: Chess in Concert (StoreyBoard Entertainment), The Children (MTC), RENT (James Terry Collective), A View From the Bridge (MTC), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (VCA), Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and Kabaret Dietrich, as well as the premier of her own show Half Full (Collaboration The Project). Freya is also a well-known dance teacher for many Australian Institutions. Photo by Marnya Rothe

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PERFORMER

Monty Shahab is a nineteen year old Trans non-binary performer. They have worked in the industry for many years, gaining various credits such as a featured role in ABC’s The Slap and the lead role in Miranda Nation’s Perception. Monty is also a passionate social justice activist, having organised for movements like School Strike for Climate and Refugee rights actions and campaigns.

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ASSOCIATE ARTIST

Chloe Towan is an actor, writer and creative based in Melbourne. Chloe originally studied Musical Theatre at APO Arts Acedemy and has since performed in a variety of shows including Twelfth Night with Melbourne Shakespeare Company, the immersive Mad World with David Butler Studios and touring with the popular childrens' group The Kazoos. Chloe also holds a Bachelor in Business and is the current Chair and Social Media Manager for Antipodes Theatre Company. Earlier in 2021, Chloe co-wrote and produced her very first play, a horror-comedy called Scary Goats Tour.

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PERFORMER

Celina Yuen started her career in The Production Co's The King & I and has since appeared in multiple national & international tours, including Kismet, The Boy From Oz (The Production Co), Bring It On (StageMasters), and Liat in South Pacific (Opera Australia/GFO). Celina has also appeared on TV in roles for Neighbours (Fremantle Media), The Warriors (ABC), and Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell (ABC). Her screen credits include various film projects and a best actress nomination at the Sinag Maynila Film Festival for Melodrama/Random/Melbourne! With over a decade's worth of professional stage & screen credits her passion for the arts remains a core focus. Photo by Daniele Martinie

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WRITER

Alison Murphy (She/Her) was born in Karachi Pakistan, as a student Ali performed as a solo singer. Alison migrated to Australia and completed a textiles diploma at RMIT and has just completed a diploma in Makeup and Media. Alison was makeup artist on Miss Blossom Callahan at La Mama (2017) and was the makeup artist on Tchekov at the House of Special Purpose (2019); assistant makeup artist on the photoshoot for GMAR magazine, 2019 and assisted with makeup on the photoshoot for LGBTQI immigrants – Queer Refugees at Docklands Cotton Mills for gallery exhibition in 2020. Photo by Alison Murphy

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WRITER

Born in South Wales, Rosemary graduated from Manchester University (Drama, First Class Honours). She is the current Vice-President of Women Playwrights International, WPI values cultural exchange and diversity as its heart and inspiration. Published six times by Currency Press, her writing career has been nurtured by La Mama Theatre. Internationally work has been presented in Athens and Cape Town (as co-writer), Stockholm and Mumbai. Her play Black Box 149 was programmed in repertoire at the Staatstheater Nürnberg in Germany in 2017, the first time this German State Theatre company has produced work by an Australian playwright. Photo by Jodie Hutchinson

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PERFORMER

arah Fitzgerald is an Anglo-Indian actor based on the land of the Yalukit-Willam people. She was born and raised on Boonwurrung land and as a settler, acknowledges and pays respect to the story-tellers of this land who have been creating here for centuries. Sarah trained at the VCA and graduated with a BFA in Acting. Since then she has appeared in Oh No! Satan Stole My Pineal Gland! (Lou Wall & Jean Tong), The Great Australian Play (Montague Basement), Please Hold My Hand (Conor O'Brien) and Analog (Three Fates Theatre). Photo by Anthony Mckee

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ASSOCIATE ARTIST

Since graduating from the Ballarat Arts Academy in 2013, Aubrey has worked extensively as an actor, singer and theatre-maker. Aubrey regularly trains with the Present Tense Ensemble and has trained in Suzuki and Viewpoints with Anne Bogart and the SITI Company in New York, attending both their Saratoga Summer Intensive, Advanced Training in their NYC studio, and most recently their 25th Anniversary Symposium. Aubrey’s credits range from children's theatre to cabaret, vocals for corporate events to a cappella groups, fringe festivals all over Australia to major works in theatres. Photo by Maryna Rothe

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DRAMATURG

Stéphanie Ghajar is a Lebanese-born Australian theatre and filmmaker, mainly working as a director and dramaturge. Ghajar has developed a focus on how people manoeuvre in their daily lives when abnormal situations strike— personal tragedy, family crises, war—and try to maintain a sense of normalcy. Recent credits include: Emina Ashman’s debut play Make Me A Houri (Director, La Mama Courthouse); Eva Justine Torkkola's short film Something Has Died in the Forest (Dramaturge); Kat Kats' play Scotch and Handsoap (Director, USA). Stéphanie is currently an Associate Artist at Theatre Works, assisting Iron Lung's director on their production of Andrew Bovell’s When the Rain Stops Falling. For film, she is dramaturging Mert Berdilek’s feature films Agri and The Horse Thief. Photo by Benjamin Laut

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MUSICIAN

Sarita McHarg brings a unique classical and contemporary experience to the world of music. A true devotional Sitarist and Vocalist, Sarita has earned several prestigious recognitions including All India Radio Artist, Talent Award from the University of Vikram (India) and State Government – Madhya Pradesh for contribution to the Malwa (folk) music. Whether it’s International Jazz Festival in Melbourne, Fringe Festival in Sydney, Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory in Nepal or the famous Mahakal Temple in India, Sarita is equally at ease presenting the classical Indian ragas with other music accompaniments such as Bouzouki, Oud, Violin and Harp blending the beautiful traditional and modern music.

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PERFORMER

Rajendra Moodley is an Actor/Writer whose plays include Swami Charlie (Carlton Courthouse, 1993) and I Am That I Am (Carlton Courthouse, 1995). His next play was work-shopped (under the working title Cosmic Genie) by Playbox, where it received draft commissioning. Raj has worked for Playbox in The Twilight Series for The Melbourne Festival. As well as radio plays for the ABC; narrated wildlife documentaries and presented education videos for schools. His successful play The Perfume Garden was staged again in 2007 and 2017. Raj recently performed his show Is It Because I’m Indian at Melbourne Fringe, Adelaide Fringe, as well as sell out shows at Melbourne International Comedy Festival (Chapel Off Chapel), Kuala Lumpur and regional/metro Victoria. Photo by Helen Madden

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PERFORMER

Majid Shokor is an Iraqi Australian film and stage actor. Since arriving in Australia, Majid has appeared in more than 25 plays in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide including Subclass26A (Green Room Award Nomination for Best Actor, 2005) and 8 short plays by Daniel Keen (Green Room Award Nomination Best Actor, 2009). For La Mama: Between Heaven and Her, Uncle Vanya, Tales of a City by The Sea. Majid was also seen at Belvoir St Theatre in The Cool Room and In Our Name. Screen credits: Getting In, Ali’s Wedding and Lucky Miles, many roles in short films and TV series including Gelibolu, City Homicide, Rush and Stateless. Majid holds a Master degree in Community Cultural Development from VCA / Melbourne University.

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PERFORMER

Anita Torrance started her career with key guest roles on Australian drama television series, as well as performing in theatre under the direction of such esteemed directors as David Myles, Lucy Freeman and Rosemary Johns. While en route to Canada, Anita secured the series regular role of Tess Adamson in New Zealand’s popular television show Shortland Street. In North America, Anita worked on Smallville and Caprica and has trained as an actor extensively in both Australia and North America. Anita’s recent theatre credits include Tchekov at The House of Special Purpose (La Mama), The Toorak Rules (St Martins Theatre) and Monash – In Love and War (Chapel off Chapel).

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PERFORMER

Senuri Chandrani is a multidisciplinary artist of Sri Lankan Sinhalese heritage based in Naarm (Melbourne). She is an actor, writer and theatre maker invigorated by the power and healing of storytelling. She recently graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting). Senuri is the co-founder of SPICE COLLECTIVE, a network of young artists of colour that explore and unpack their experiences in so-called Australia through art, academic journals and daily practices. She can usually be found dancing ecstatically, soaking up sun in her garden or reminding her self to breathe. ​​

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WRITER

Jacinda Patty is a multi-talented artist who has lived around the world. Her passion for performing began as a dancer, with a repertoire of styles including hip hop, tap, contemporary, salsa and everything in between. Jacinda went on to further her skills at Screenwise TV and Film School and National Institute of Circus Arts. She started her company Pattycakes Productions with the desire to bring to life a fusion of art forms on stage. Jacinda’s love for travel allowed her to gather skills from around the globe and become the producer and performer that she is today, which is evident in her works Boxed In Sideways and Safety Banana. Photo by Peter Georges

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DRAMATURG

Ana Maria Belo is one of Australia’s most versatile performers and the first of her Portuguese family to be born in Australia. She is a gifted writer, and has directed and produced short films including Things To Do (TROPFEST Award). Ana Maria is deaf, and a proud Ambassador for the Shepherd Centre, a world leading charity that supports deaf children. She began losing her hearing at the age of 7. By the time she was 14, hearing in her right ear was almost completely gone. She trained at NIDA and entered the industry without anyone suspecting a thing. In 2012, she lost more hearing in her left ear and began wearing hearing aids and learning Auslan. Ana Maria is an advocate for accessibility and is excited about the future of the Industry. Photo by Kate Williams

She/Her

MENTOR

Mary Coustas is one of Australia’s most loved actors, comedians & corporate speakers. In 1987, she became a member of the ground-breaking stage show Wogs out of Work, where her comic creation Effie was born. Her diverse TV, film and stage credits are numerous. Mary has written two books, Effie’s Guide to Being Up Yourself and her critically acclaimed memoir All I Know. Mary’s warmth, popularity and professionalism makes her one of the most in demand public speakers.

She/Her

PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER

Suzanne Grayson is a Creative who laughs loudly, smiles with all her teeth, and creates like she breathes. She makes all the things that words can’t communicate, imagining them visually and joyfully. Film, photography, creative concepts, and community activations that just feel like you. Based on the North Shore, she services Sydney to the hunter (and everything in between).

She/Her

ASSOCIATE ARTIST

Kristy Griffin holds a BA(Hons) in Musical Theatre, a Graduate Diploma of Education and a Masters of Arts and Cultural Management. Kristy is an award-winning performer, choreographer and producer, having worked in professional musical and theatre, corporate events, film, television, and voice over work for companies around Asia and Australia. Kristy has taught Drama and Dance in some of Singapore and Melbourne’s most prestigious education and performing arts training institutions. She holds Board memberships with Antipodes Theatre Company and Drama Victoria. Kristy is currently a Cultural Development Programmer in Canberra. Photo by Ben Fon

She/Her

SCRIPT CONSULTANT

Lana Schwarcz performs as theatre maker, actor, puppeteer, stand up comic and corporate entertainer. When she is not working as company member for others, she writes and creates all her own work, including the design and build of puppets. She is a resident artist at Jacks Magazine in Maribyrnong. Photo by Colin Page

They/Them

WRITER

Ebony Rattle is a sound/vision technician, sound designer and writer/director living on Wurundjeri land. They have toured as a sound and/or vision technician with Opera Australia, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Theatre Company, Australian Ballet, Ilbijerri Theatre Company, Melbourne International Arts Festival and Melbourne Fringe Festival, among others. Previously, they graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Media/Cinema) (Distinction) from Swinburne University. In 2019, Ebony received the City of Port Philip’s Melbourne Fringe Grant and presented their first written/directed show BLITZ at Alex Theatre as part of Melbourne Fringe. In 2021, they presented Ring, Ring!, a collaboration with Ellen Wiltshire, at TheatreWorks.

They/Them

COMPOSER

Casey Rice is an audio engineer/producer with thirty years international experience in the fields of music and technology-based interactive art installation. In the 1980s they performed, recorded and toured as an instrumentalist in bands as part of the Midwestern punk rock movement before working as a recording engineer in Chicago in the early 90s. In the mid 90s they set up a computer music studio for the development and execution of their own electronic music which became the first Classix studio. Casey continues to work as a record producer in Melbourne, and does programming for art/dance/performance and music applications.

She/Her

INTIMACY CONSULTANT

Amy Cater is currently undergoing a one-on-one Intimacy Coordinator mentorship with Ita O’Brien (founder of Intimacy On Set, UK), and is one of a few practitioners in Australia who are working in the role. She has worked on the films Slant (starring Sigrid Thornton) and Dark Web. Her upcoming projects include Cyrano (starring Virginia Gay) and Sunday both directed by Sarah Goodes with Melbourne Theatre Company. Within the IC community, Amy is a mentor and consultant on Sexuality and Gender best practice. Ita O’Brien seeks her counsel, as do many other prominent IC’s in Australia. Her lived experiences as a queer person and her work in LGBTQIA+ advocacy and education is a key component of her cultural influence in the industry.

They/Them

PERFORMER

Born in Valencia, Spain, Juan moved to Australia in 2012 to pursue a career in the Performing Arts. After three years in Wollongong, Juan moved to Melbourne in 2016 to study Music Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts. During their time training, Juan appeared in Eddie Perfect’s Vivid White, played Paul San Marco in A Chorus Line and The Wolf in Into the Woods. Upon graduating they appeared in Mad World, Spring Awakening, ADAM by Frances Poet and joined the international cast of PAW Patrol Live! Photo by Andrew Raszevski

He/Him

PERFORMER

Henry Kelly is an actor and theatre maker, originally from Southern Tasmania. He graduated from The Victorian College of the Arts in 2019, as part of the inaugural class of the BFA Theatre program. Henry is passionate about making his work accessible to regional communities, with his work being closely tied to his queer, transgender identity. Most recently, Henry was seen in the premiere of 'Guerilla Sabbath' by William Hinz, playing a sell out season at La Mama. Photo by Lachlan Woods

All Pronouns

PERFORMER

Starting a career in Tasmania's music theatre scene, Joseph has dabbled in multiple performance and visual art mediums for a number of years, now writing, producing and releasing original electronic pop music mononymously as Joseph. A classically trained singer, Joseph has performed in productions such as Forest Collective's Orpheus (2019), a new opera exploring the themes of sexuality in greek mythology and Kirsha Kaechele's Pro Paradox (2018), a multimedia sensory experience, orchestrated by MONA's leading curator. Photo by Elina Jost

She/They

CHOREOGRAPHER

Shamita Siva is a multi-faceted performance artist and theatre maker who specialises in movement and devising new work. After over 16 years of ballet training and multiple other dance styles, she developed an interest in dance theatre forms such as Butoh alongside her acting. She holds a BA Performing Arts from Monash University, supplemented by training with Film & Television Studios International, Stella Adler AoA Los Angeles, AAFTA and Meisner Technique. As a performing artist her work has travelled across Australia and overseas. When not on stage herself, Shamita also writes and directs and is popularly consulted for movement direction. Photo by Ashleigh Coleman

She/Her

DIRECTOR

VCA trained masters in writer for performance. Recent solo performance as Queen Jesus in The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven at TheatreWorks.

She/Her

ASSOCIATE ARTIST

Chloe Towan is an actor, writer and creative based in Melbourne. Chloe originally studied Musical Theatre at APO Arts Acedemy and has since performed in a variety of shows including Twelfth Night with Melbourne Shakespeare Company, the immersive Mad World with David Butler Studios and touring with the popular childrens' group The Kazoos. Chloe also holds a Bachelor in Business and is the current Chair and Social Media Manager for Antipodes Theatre Company. Earlier in 2021, Chloe co-wrote and produced her very first play, a horror-comedy called Scary Goats Tour.

She/Her

WRITER & PERFORMER

Sarah-Jayde Tracey is a theatre maker/performer living and working on Wurundjeri land. They have an intense interest in works centring class politics, feminist analysis, and queer performance. Sarah-Jayde’s most recent collaboration, Hedda GablerGablerGabler, with Paper Mouth Theatre, is an experimental, devised piece of theatre that uses competitive gameplay to interrogate and disrupt the themes of the iconic play. This work will be presented at La Mama Theatre in 2021. Other notable works and collaborations include: Red Ink by Duncan Graham, Class Act Roundtable (Mish Grigor presented by Aphids), and Second Hand Emotions with Mish Grigor, SJ Norman and Sarah Rodigari presented by Vitalstatistix. Photo by Lauren Connelly

She/They

CO-WRITER

Mary Angley is an emerging director and a recent Masters graduate from the VCA, currently working on Kaurna land. She received First Class Honours from Flinders University for her practice-led research project: an immersive adaptation of Timon of Athens. For her Masters Showcase, she developed a new work, Hedda GablerGablerGabler, exploring gender biases in the theatrical canon. In her most recent work, LEAR: A Livestream, she created a durational, digital performance exploring artistry, privilege, and productivity in the age of COVID-19. In 2019, she created Paper Mouth Theatre as a forum for bringing together emerging creatives within a Queer, Feminist framework. Photo by Ren Williams

They/Them

DIRECTOR

Jamila Main is an actor, playwright, and queer disability activist living and working on unceded Peramangk and Kaurna land. A graduate of the Adelaide College of the Arts, Jamila performs across stage and screen. Their debut professional stage role was in ActNow Theatre’s Zero Feet Away. One of Jamila’s most notable stage roles was in the acclaimed Aleppo. A Portrait of Absence (Adelaide Festival, 2020). Jamila is currently a Carclew Fellow and Artist in Residence, a Midsumma Pathways Participant, a founding member of RUMPUS Theatre, sitting on the National Advisory Panel for Australian Plays and Playwriting Australia, a teaching artist with True Ability, writing for stage and screen under mentorship by Kate Mulvany, the Co-Chair of the Equity Diversity Committee, and advocating for queer and disability inclusion and representation. Photo by Pamela Boutros

She/Her

INTIMACY CONSULTANT

Amy Cater is currently undergoing a one-on-one Intimacy Coordinator mentorship with Ita O’Brien (founder of Intimacy On Set, UK), and is one of a few practitioners in Australia who are working in the role. She has worked on the films Slant (starring Sigrid Thornton) and Dark Web. Her upcoming projects include Cyrano (starring Virginia Gay) and Sunday both directed by Sarah Goodes with Melbourne Theatre Company. Within the IC community, Amy is a mentor and consultant on Sexuality and Gender best practice. Ita O’Brien seeks her counsel, as do many other prominent IC’s in Australia. Her lived experiences as a queer person and her work in LGBTQIA+ advocacy and education is a key component of her cultural influence in the industry.

She/Her

ASSOCIATE ARTIST

Kristy Griffin holds a BA(Hons) in Musical Theatre, a Graduate Diploma of Education and a Masters of Arts and Cultural Management. Kristy is an award-winning performer, choreographer and producer, having worked in professional musical and theatre, corporate events, film, television, and voice over work for companies around Asia and Australia. Kristy has taught Drama and Dance in some of Singapore and Melbourne’s most prestigious education and performing arts training institutions. She holds Board memberships with Antipodes Theatre Company and Drama Victoria. Kristy is currently a Cultural Development Programmer in Canberra. Photo by Ben Fon

She/Her

DRAMATURG

Alanah Guiry is a multi-disciplinary artist drawn to creating performative sensorial experiences. Alanah graduated from the NIDA MFA directing course (2018) and participated in an exchange at the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Art, Berlin. In 2018/19, Alanah relocated to Germany to further enhance her directorial skills. Now back in Melbourne, Alanah is an Associate Artist at Theatre Works, Resident Dramaturg with the She-Writes Collective and developing a new work (Inventory by Carmen Maria Machado) with Platform Arts. Photo by Ash Dorman

She/They

SOUND DESIGNER

Olivia McKenna is an audio designer and artist, originally from Sydney and now based in Melbourne. She recently completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Design and Production), majoring in Audio Design at the Victorian College of the Arts. Olivia is interested in the adaptation of traditional theatre techniques and pieces to meet the expectations of modern audiences and the psychological impact of sound in performance by manipulating everyday sounds. She has recently worked as an audio designer for VCA productions of pool (no water) (dir. Leticia Cacéres) and Earthquakes in London (dir. Sarah Goodes). Her other professional credits include audio designer for Hedda GablerGablerGabler (dir. Mary Angley) and Sam I Am (dir. Dan Graham).

She/Her

WRITER

Francesca Waters is an internationally successful actor, having worked in Europe, United States, Australia and New Zealand. Stage credits: Bed (Winner Best Supporting Actor-Equity Guild Awards 2004), Hotel Sorrento (Nominated Best Actor-Equity Guild Awards 2005), Some Girls, Hamlet (NZ Tour), Richard III (Athenaeum), Medea (Complete Works Theatre Company) and Calendar Girls (Athenaeum). Television and Screen highlights: Preacher, 5 Bedrooms, The Leftovers, Barracuda, Newton’s Law, and the title role in Emily (MIFF 2016, St. Kilda Film Festival 2017). She plays Prue in Paper Champions which screened at MIFF 2020. She is a proud member of MEAA and is represented by Ian White Management. Photo by Alex Vaughn

She/Her

DRAMATURG

Theresa Borg has a Masters in Theatre (Writing) and a diploma in Operatic Studies from the Victorian College of the Arts. She founded Entertainment Store/Life Like Touring and over the course of 20 years wrote and directed over 20 family musicals. Her directing credits also include Sweeney Todd starring Anthony Warlow and Gina Riley at Her Majesty’s Melbourne (2019) and The Light in the Piazza at Arts Centre Melbourne (2016). Her plays JUMP! – a fantasia on Egon Kisch’s 1934 visit to Australia – and Dame and Commander – an anarchic delve into the roles played by Australian actress Dame Judith Anderson – had readings at VCA and Antipodes Theatre Company in 2020. Photo by Kurt Sneddon

She/They

SOUND DESIGNER

Olivia McKenna is an audio designer and artist, originally from Sydney and now based in Melbourne. She recently completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Design and Production), majoring in Audio Design at the Victorian College of the Arts. Olivia is interested in the adaptation of traditional theatre techniques and pieces to meet the expectations of modern audiences and the psychological impact of sound in performance by manipulating everyday sounds. She has recently worked as an audio designer for VCA productions of pool (no water) (dir. Leticia Cacéres) and Earthquakes in London (dir. Sarah Goodes). Her other professional credits include audio designer for Hedda GablerGablerGabler (dir. Mary Angley) and Sam I Am (dir. Dan Graham).

He/Him

LIGHTING DESIGNER

Passionate about trans and neurodiverse stories, Oliver has worked as a writer, designer and dramaturg on over 90 creative projects in film and theatre. With a love of worldbuilding and adaptation, he's reviewed through Shakespeare Oz, and gotten to take part in Screen Australia's Developing the Developer initiative. Recent work includes lighting & costume design for seasons at La Mama, Midsumma and MICF, writing for queer webseries Wicked Women, and rough cut consultancy on feature film The Dry. He's passionate about trans advocacy, pre-screening for Mardi Gras Film Festival and support for 40+ groups for TGV/DPCs SPARK program. Photo by Ben Sengsouvanh

He/Him

ASSOCIATE ARTIST

Cameron Steens is a graduate from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with a Bachelor Degree in Music Theatre. There, he appeared in numerous shows including Rent (Tom Collins, dir. Adam Mitchell), The Crucible (Thomas Danforth, dir. Crispin Taylor) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Nick Bottom, dir. Trent Baker). He made his professional debut as Leon Czolgosz in Black Swan Theatre Company’s Assassins (dir. Roger Hodgman), his Melbourne debut as Benny in James Terry Collective’s Rent (dir. Mark Taylor) and was most recently seen in the world premiere of Mimma: A Musical of War and Friendship (dir. Adam Mitchell). He is excited to be returning for his second Winter Lab and his continued work on new developments. Photo by Cass Cheeseman

he/Him

SCRIPT CONSULTANT

Nic Velissaris is a playwright, director and dramaturge. He has worked at a number of different professional theatre companies including the Melbourne Theatre Company, La Mama Theatre, Australian Theatre for Young People and St Martin’s Youth Arts. He has produced and directed shows in the Melbourne Fringe Festival, the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Big West Festival. His plays include Brother Boy, What the Umbrella Did Next and Scrimshander. When not writing and directing, he works with fellow playwrights and new writers to develop their original work. He also teaches scriptwriting, multiplatform storytelling and writing for video games at several universities.