MTI Online Teacher Database
MTI Online Teacher Database
We reached out to the Australian Arts Industry to see who is offering online performing arts coaching whilst in isolation. Here is a selection of some teachers and coaches who can offer online private lessons to you from the comfort of your own home!
Continue your education whilst in isolation or even learn a new skill.
ALICE BATT
Services:
●functional technique
●music theory & musicianship
●repertoire preparation & expansion
●audition preparation
●AMEB Exam preparation
●competition preparation
Alice is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), where she was the grateful recipient the Lionel Gell Foundation Scholarship. She has since established herself as both a performer and coach to young performers within the musical theatre industry. Her most recent performing credits include the title roles in both ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Snow White’, Anna in ‘Spring Awakening’, ‘You Will Be Found’ and ‘Ned: A New Australian Musical In Concert’, alongside numerous radio and television campaigns.
As a performance and vocal coach, Alice has been fortunate to work with students through their own array of professional credits, including the title role of Billy in ‘Billy Elliot: The Musical’, ‘Sleeping Beauty’, ‘Peter Pan’, Opera Australia’s ‘Tosca’, ABC’s ‘The Floor Is Yours’, and multiple national competition wins including the Royal South Street Contemporary Voice Competition and Fast Track Talent.
Prior to the VCA, Alice trained full time at Spectrum Dance, having trained from a young age at the National Theatre Ballet School. She holds her Associate Diploma of Music (AMusA), and has completed the Complete Estill Level 1 & 2 Course.
Contact:
https://m.facebook.com/abvocalcoach/
ANNABELLE TUDOR
Services:
●Acting Coaching
●Shakespeare text help
●Audition Prep
After completing her Bachelor of Arts in acting at Federation University Australia's Arts
Academy in 2016, Annabelle moved home to Melbourne to make her professional debut
with The Australian Shakespeare Company’s Twelfth Night.
She has quickly forged a prosperous career in Melbourne's outdoor Shakespeare scene,
playing in numerous productions with both the ASC and Melbourne Shakespeare
Company. Highlights have included playing Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing (2017)
and Rosalind in As You Like It (2020) with MSC, and appearing in multiple roles in both Macbeth (2018) and Hamlet (2019) with ASC.
Annabelle has most recently started to extend offerings of dramaturgical support and Shakespearean text analysis as assistant director on MSC’s most recent production, a role she hopes to continue.
Contact:
0400390002
AUSTRALIAN MUSIC THEATRE ACADEMY
The Australian Musical Theatre Academy (AMTA) offers workshops and courses for students of all skill levels. We give people the tools to live creative, passionate and fulfilling lives. Our instructors are the best in Australia.
AMTA is run by producer Tiffany Noack, and well-known musical theatre and cabaret performer Queenie van de Zandt.
Contact:
CAMERON GRANT
Services:
●Piano
●Singing
At 23 years old, Cameron has completed both a Bachelors in Acting at the prestigious Victorian College of the Arts, whilst simultaneously completing a Diploma of Music with the UTAS Conservatorium in Hobart, Tasmania, in 2018. He is an accomplished actor and musician, and amongst these traits, has proved abilities in directing, videography and editing, and music composition. Cameron studied under the guidance of vocal practitioners such as Leith McPherson, and Fiona Macleod.
Cameron has since been a contract teacher at The Dance Company in Spotswood Melbourne, throughout 2019, in both Piano and Singing.
Contact:
0457 281 212
CARLA MCCALLUM
Services: Singing/Vocal Lessons
Carla has been working professionally in the performing arts industry for over 15 years as a singer, actor and voice over artist.
Since graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre, Carla has taught for many performing arts schools around Melbourne, including her former position as Associate Head of Music at The Children’s Performing Company of Australia (CPCA).
Carla has helped students prepare and successfully audition for some of the major performing arts courses in the country including WAAPA and VCA, and has also worked with students as they make the transition from full time Musical Theatre / Acting student, to auditioning for and working in professional productions. Carla also enjoys working with students who have chosen not to pursue singing / performing as a career, but are serious about their craft.
In her singing lessons, Carla combines her experience as both a singer and actor to help her students work on all aspects of singing and performing. Carla believes in creating a solid foundation based on safe vocal technique, and specialises in helping Musical Theatre students approach material as ‘a singing actor’.
In addition to singing lessons, Carla also works with the spoken voice for actors and public speakers, to help students meet the demands on their voice in a safe and sustainable way. Carla also enjoys helping actors to break down their script to understand the motivations and intentions of their character, and offers one on one acting coaching and monologue preparation on demand.
Whether you are a professional voice user, or a dedicated singer / actor with a passion for your craft, Carla will provide you with the tools to help you realise your vocal goals in a relaxed and nurturing environment.
Lessons are available at Carla’s St Kilda Road studio and at Centrestage in Brunswick East.
Contact:
0411 243 703
https://www.carlajanemccallum.com/vocal-coach
https://www.facebook.com/CarlaJaneMcCallumVocalStudio
DANIEL ASSETTA
Services:
●Vocal Lessons
●Dance Classes (Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap)
●Performance Coaching
●Audition Coaching and Repertoire
●Scene Study
Daniel Assetta is one of Australia’s leading triple-threat performers. Recently, he alternated the leading role of ‘Tony' in the Australian/International tour of West Side Story, and played 'Al DeLuca' in the Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s A Chorus Line. His other theatre credits include ‘The Rum Tum Tugger’ in the Australian/New Zealand tour of CATS; ’Elder Young' in The Book of Mormon; the 10th Anniversary Australasian tour of Wicked; ’The Ziegfeld Tenor' in Funny Girl; 'Luke' in the premiere of new Australian musical The Gathering; Curtains; and Follies In Concert. Daniel was the recipient of the prestigious Rob Guest Endowment Award in 2015, which gave him the opportunity to perform in New York amongst Broadway stars in the renowned Elsie Fest, and the Michael Mott & Friends concert. In 2019, Daniel produced, co-wrote, and performed in Siblingship, which played to sold-out audiences in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.
Contact:
0415406877
DREW LIVINGSTON
Services: Experienced acting, singing and guitar teacher.
Drew is a graduate of the WAAPA Acting course and has been working professionally as an actor, singer, composer, director and Musician for over ten years. He has performed on stages all over the country for companies such as Sydney Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare, Ensemble Theatre and Sport for Jove. Drew toured with the highly acclaimed Australian Company of War Horse for the National Theatre and Global Creatures. In 2014 Drew played the role of Fluellen in Bell Shakespeare critically acclaimed production of Henry V, for which he won a Sydney Theatre Award and was nominated for a Green Room Award for his compositional work.
Drew is also an accomplished song writer, having written songs for the new Australian play River at the End of the Road as well as releasing So Long Lives This, an album of Shakespeare's sonnets set to songs, with his wife and writing partner Naomi Livingston.
Contact:
0411322705
ERIN CORNELL
Services: Teaching Privately and Workshops throughout Australia. Specialising in Tools to sustain a positive mindset within the Entertainment Industry, Vocal technique and truthful connection through text and song.
Erin graduated from The Victorian College of the Arts in Musical Theatre on a Whitehorse Arts Council scholarship. After performing as Cindy in David W Young’s A Beauty Spot for Magnormos, she went directly into the role of Elphaba in Wicked (USJ, Japan). Following this, she returned to Australia to appear in Eddie Perfect’s concert version of Shane Warne-The Musical for The Melbourne International Comedy Festival and The Production Company’s Damn Yankees (Victorian State Theatre). Erin was then asked to return to Japan to reprise her role as Elphaba in Wicked.
UK credits include Bohemian Rhapsody- West End stars sing Queen (Original Cast, National and International Tour), An Evening with Dame Edna (Claridges), John Bucchino and Friends (St James Studio) and Mona in A Class Act (Landor Theatre) while performing simultaneously in her well-reviewed one-woman show An Evening with Erin Cornell (St James Studio).
Erin is also a patron at The James Huish Academy and the Belfast Performing Arts School where she has taught several masterclasses and private vocal lessons
Erin’s Australian television credits include Neighbours (Channel 10), Lowdown, Race relations (ABC), Before The Game (Channel 10), The Kerri-Anne Show (Channel 9) and Good Morning Australia with Bert Newton (Channel 10).
Last year The Singapore Symphony Orchestra invited Erin to be their special guest artist, singing 9 songs for their annual gala event at the St Regis Hotel, Singapore. Erin has played the role of Grizabella in CATS the musical for South Korea, Singapore, Macau and return season to South Korea (Seoul and Co and RUG)
Erin then returned home to cover Delta Goodrem as the Grizabella Standby for CATS the musical, Australian tour (RUG).
She has currently been touring with ‘Rock Rhapsody’ Featuring Stars of the Australian stage and London’s west end performing the music of the worlds greatest rock band Queen (Good Egg Productions), Performing her ***** reviewed one-woman show “ALL OF ME” in Sydney and Melbourne.
Currently, alongside over 10,000 people Erin auditioned for “The Voice” Australia for Chanel 9. She successfully made it into “Team Delta”.
Alongside performing, Erin is a fully qualified Rahanni Celestial healer and Vocal Coach. Alongside this, she teaches Masterclasses at Associated studios in Performance and positive mindset and was a guest speaker two years in a row at the Performers Wellbeing event “Solasta”.
Contact:
ERIN KENNEDY
Services:
●Junior drama to Diploma level acting
●Improvisation
●Song repertoire and interpretation
●Voice, accent and dialect
●Music Theatre and audition masterclasses
●Preparation for talent shows such as X Factor
Erin has a BA (Music Theatre) from WAAPA , and a Certificate IV in Performing Arts from ED5 International. She has studied at the Neil Semer Vocal Institute in Germany, as well as completing professional development courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Acoustics and Resonance with the New York Singing Teachers Association. She maintains working relationships with high level New York vocal coaches Aaron Hagan, Neil Semer and Justin Stoney and is actively mentored by senior vocal coach at WAAPA Lesley Perrin.
Erin teaches vocal technique at Associated Studios, and is Senior Vocal Coach and Music Theatre coach at various performing arts institutions across Melbourne. Her private vocal students have successfully auditioned for professional productions such as Chicago and Harry Potter, and such tertiary institutions as VCA, WAAPA and Federation University. Erin has taught Voice, Acting and Song Repertoire to Diploma students at Spectrum, Transit Dance, Ministry of Dance, The Space and Patrick Studios.
Prior to teaching, Erin enjoyed a successful career in the entertainment industry for over 15 years. Her professional theatre credits include Mary Poppins, Hot Shoe Shuffle and the 25th Anniversary Australian tour of Les Miserables. TV appearances include Sunrise, The Morning Show and Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight. Erin also toured internationally as a lead vocalist and singer/dancer with various cruise lines for several years.
What I offer: Based in her cosy South Yarra apartment, Erin offers private lessons in beginner to advanced vocal technique, specialising in but not limited to music theatre. She loves teaching teenagers and young adults, but has experience teaching ages 7 to 75! She coaches students in acting and audition preparation, and assists in developing suitable repertoire. Erin also offers coaching to students with vocal problems to assist in developing a healthier strategy for vocalising.
Erin’s coaching philosophy pairs advanced vocal technique with an emphasis on bravery, vulnerability and creativity. She has worked extensively with speech therapists, ENT’s, performance physiotherapists and psychologists to develop a positive mind and body approach to the craft of performance. Whether you aim to be a working professional or just want to get a role in your school or local musical, Erin is passionate in supporting all her students to achieve their goals.
Contact:
0411799847
GARETH ISAAC
Services:
●Acoustic Guitar
●Vocal Instruction
●Rhythm Guitar
●Speech/Accent Work
Gareth Isaac is a trained actor, singer and guitarist with many years of experience. Holding a Bachelor of Music (Musical Theatre) from the Australian Institute of Music, he has toured and taught up and down the east coast of Australia and is currently based in Sydney. Gareth is best known for his work in Puffs (Narrator), The Original Grease (Eugene), and his one man cabaret, Odd Man Out. He is currently studying his MFA in Voice at NIDA.
Contact:
JAMES MAXFIELD
Services:
●Commercial Jazz
●Theatre Jazz
●Audition Prep
●Singing
●Song Repertoire
●Acting through Song
Since graduating from Brent Street School of Performing Arts in 2004, James has performed in numerous Musicals including Wicked (DanceCaptain), Grease-The Arena Spectacular, Hugh Jackmans-The Boy From Oz, Sweet Charity (Lead Frug Dancer), Miss Saigon(Lead Acrobat), Alcina, Carmen, A Chorus Line (Mike Costa), The Rocky Horror Show (Dance Captain), Dirty Dancing (Moe Preston), Xanadu (Terpsicore) and My Fair Lady (Dance Captain)
As a commercial dancer, James has toured internationally with Kesha and Samantha Jade, and has performed live with Taylor Swift, Rita Ora, Kylie Minogue, Kelly Clarkson, Havana Brown, Ricky Martin, Delta Goodrem, Loreen, Little Mix, Fergie, Redfoo, Sneaky Sound System and Wynter Gordon. He has numerous TV dance credits, has been a resident dancer on X Factor and also performed on Australia’s Got Talent, Dancing With The Stars and Celebrity Apprentice.
James is an original Australian cast member for the Motown show Soul Mates - developed by Human Nature and has most recently been working on the creative team on The Voice Australia.
Contact:
KAT HOYOS
Services:
●Singing
●Acting
●Dancing
Kat is most known for her hilarious work on Channel 9’s Here Come The Habibs, with the hugely popular show airing its second season in 2017. The show was nominated for “Best International Comedy” at the Golden Nymph and the Berlin Rose D’OR Awards. It was also nominated for “Most Popular Comedy” in the 2018 TVWeek Logie awards. Kat was also nominated in 2017 for “Best New Talent”.
Kat recently filmed “Chasing Comets” with Isabel Lucas, Dan Ewing, Stan walker amongst many others, released in August 2018.
In addition to Kat’s TV work she appeared in feature film A Suburban Love Story, co-starring Luke Ford. Kat was part of the stellar cast of The Road Home, winning awards at The St Kilda Festival, The Mardi Gras Film Festival, Sarasota Festival, WOW Film Festival, and, also received an academy accredited Flickerfest nomination.
Kat’s stage credits include Jersey Boys the Musical – Australian and NZ tour, Hairspray the Musical – Australian Tour, Bring it On, Fame, and Xanadu at Sydney’s acclaimed Hayes Theatre.
She has worked in music videos (Guy Sebastian, Paulini, Radio Inc, Natalie Bassingthwaighte), and has worked with choreographers such as: The Squared Division, Project Moda (Assistant Choreographer), Leah Howard, William A. Forsythe and Cameron Mitchell just to name a few.
Kat has performed on stage in Short + Sweet - Winning “Overall Peoples Choice” in the 2014 Gala Final. She has danced at major events: the ARIAS, the Australian MTV awards, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Nikelodeon’s Slimefest and the Sydney 2000 Olympics. The Nike campaign featured her as a hip hop dancer and was heavily promoted through multiple mediums nationwide.
As a singer she performs with the corporate group “The Diamonds” where she has performed on international cruise liners as well as within Australia. She has sung with Mo Award nominated “The Kami’s” and sung on the nationally televised Channel 9 Carols by Candlelight in 2016, with co-star Georgia Flood.
As a choreographer, Kat has worked In the Mardi Gras as an assistant choreographer for Mentos, and also as an assistant choreographer for Project Moda at the Annual Hair Expo for the Schwarzkopf main event. She regularly choreographs for the Event Centre at The Star Casino Sydney. Annual Events such as: The VIP New Years Eve Ball, The Star Staff Awards and their prestigious VIP Sovereign Room. Kat has either assisted or lead concept direction and choreography for events ranging from stage, to corporate to film and tv, including: Chinese New Year Parade for The Star Sydney, and Internet Viral sensations “SketchSHE” on their “Traffic Jam: The Musical” Web series. Kat has also collaborated with companies and events like Auto Salon, Sony Ericsson and Nike on shoots and product launches.
Kat has made TV appearances as a dancer in the MTV and Aria Awards, Mornings, Hats Off!, Nickelodeon’s Slimefest, The Australian Open Tennis final, The Helpmann Awards, Sunrise, Hey Hey its Saturday and Dancing with The Stars. She has appeared as herself on many radio stations nationwide as well as The Today Show, Today Extra, Sunrise, 20-1 (Channel 9), and in the Australian Women’s Weekly Christmas Special.
Kat has acquired a Bachelor of Creative Arts Degree: Performance (music and theatre) from the University of Wollongong, and a Cert IV in Dance from Brent St.
Having just returned from doing pilot season in LA, she has studied at the infamous The Groundlings Improv School (with graduates such as Will Ferrell, Maya Rudolph, Kirsten Wiig) and with an 01 Visa, Kat also has experience living and working in the USA and the requirements to apply for the 01.
Contact:
KATE SCHMIDLI
Services:
30 mins for 6 - 16yr olds
45/60 mins for 12 - 18yr old
●singing
●acting
●audition coaching
Kate is a musical theatre graduate from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
Highlights of her time there include playing the role of Bernadette in the Australian Premiere of The Beautiful Game (Dir. Meryl Tankard)
And being directed by the incomparable Nancye Hayes in And the World Goes Round, as well as performing in productions of Legally Blonde, Bring it On and The Drowsy Chaperone.
Since graduating her credits include John English's Paris! A Rock Odyssey, Shana in Blackrock, Like in Kansley and Lidert’s Hashed Out and Clarice in Dreamsong.
Kate is passionate about driving Australian musicals to the forefront of the industry and creating experiences for performers, which she has most recently done as a co producer on Blackrock and Dreamsong with Ebb Flow Theatre co.
As a teacher, Kate has worked as an artist in residence for multiples schools around Melbourne. She has worked for the Australian Girls Choir (WA) and as a ballet teacher at Tiny Tutus. Currently she teaches at multiple Stage Left venues around Melbourne and coaches independently and at schools.
Kate holds a current VIC Working with Children’s check.
Contact:
KATH GORDON
Services:
●Audition Coaching
●Camera Acting classes and privates
●Self Tapes
●Book the part!
●Bring out what’s unique to you! Stand apart from the rest!
●Incorporating the latest techniques direct from A Lister Casting Directors, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Acting Coach Kath Gordon has over 45 years in the TV and Film industry
Since training at The Lee Strasberg Theatre institute in Los Angeles, working with such greats as Shelley Winters & Angelina Jolie, Kath has been teaching for more than 25 years and offers a uniquely positive approach to craft. Students and tapes actors have booked roles in ‘Utopia’ ‘Underbelly’ ‘Winners & Losers’ ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ ‘School of Rock’ ‘Harry Potter and the cursed Child’ ‘The Body Guard’ ‘The Boy From Oz’ ‘Matilda’ ‘The Sound Of Music’+ Many more!
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/selftapeaction/
KAYE TUCKERMAN
Services:
● Discover character objectives, obstacles, and tactics.
● Map thought progression and changes in dynamics.
● Work on physical and vocal character embodiment.
● Develop a strong and grounded physical and vocal presence.
● Create a dynamic performance full of color and variation that will take the audience on a journey.
● Practice taking unexpected directions that may be asked of you in the audition room.
● Work on how to present yourself to the audition panel with confidence from the minute you walk in the room.
● Ensure you are confident with the material and prepared to work the monologue/scene/song in different ways if asked.
● Mark the beats of the scene.
● Map the thought progression through the scene.
● Work on being present, listening to your scene partner and responding to what you are receiving from your reader.
● Breathing and Relaxtion Skills
Kaye Tuckerman is an international theater artist with wide-ranging experience as an actor, singer, director and teacher. Having worked with high profile companies from around the world including; Nina Lannan & Associates, Bespoke Theatricals, The Really Useful Group, Cameron Mackintosh Limited, Disney Theatrical Productions, Gordon/Frost, and Duet Productions, Kaye has extensive knowledge of the audition process from the perspective of both the actor and director. She has coached actors for many years, in the art of audition preparation with consistently successful results. Past students have successfully auditioned for some of the world’s best acting conservatories including WAAPA (training ground for Hugh Jackman) and NIDA, (training ground of Cate Blanchett), and have gained contracts on Londons prestigious West End, the Australian Opera Company, International Tours of high profile musicals, as well as film and television placements. . Specializing in monologue, scene coaching and song interpretation for theater, musical theater, film & television, Kaye works to get the best out of every student, Kaye has been the Associate Casting Director and Casting Director for musicals such as The Lion King (Australia), Tivoli (Sydney Dance Company) respectively, and has been on selection panels for drama institutions in Australia and Asia. and film & televsion castings in New York and Kenya. Kaye’s vast knowledge of acting technique comes from her tertiary education at Australia's most prestigious Arts Education Institutions: WAAPA and NIDA, as well as 25 years of professional experience as an actor, and director. Kaye's sessions are structured to showcase each actor’s individual strengths and encourage bold unique choices to make each audition stand out from the crowd. Offering one on one coaching as well as small group sessions, Kaye conducts coaching in person in New York City and internationally via Skype.
Contact:
LAUREN JIMMIESON
Services:
● Babysitting and nannying
● Coordinate programs for children (for fun, distraction or educational purposes)
Facilitation of activity groups for children (including children with disability, developmental delays, learning hurdles, illness) – This can be done in small group, one on one or online settings
● I am a certified barre fitness trainer and can off small group, one on one or online classes and coaching for kids, teens and adults.
●I can coach children 2 – 18 years in voice work, singing and drama. This can be done in small group, one on one or online settings
● I can teach all ages dance (jazz, ballet, tap and Broadway). This can be done in small group, one on one or online settings
● I can tutor primary school aged children
● I can proof-read and edit written assignments and tasksI have studied creative writing for children – if you feel this could be useful in collaborating in a project, please let me know.
I have devoted my career to children on a variety of mediums. I have very niche training through the Starlight Children's foundation. I have been working for the foundation since early 2015. I facilitate the role of Captain Starlight. It's my job to bring joy to children and their families in hospital as part of their rehabilitation. My job is unique and rewarding. I'm so proud and passionate when it comes to working with children from all walks of life. In my job, I use elements such as craft and art, dance and song, technology and imaginative play when developing a connection with a child. I work with hundreds of children from diverse circumstances and backgrounds. I am trained to work with children who are fully abled, disabled, non-verbal or limited due to illness or injury. I'm also a children's theatre performer with 7 years’ experience. I have travelled internationally doing so. As a performer, I facilitated entertainment for kids through stage shows. I have also worked in schools providing educational theatre to primary and high school aged children. Lastly but certainly not least - I have 10 years’ experience as a teacher of children ages 2 - late teen. I teach a variety of performance elements and specialise in working with children under 5 combining physical elements such as dance and sport with imaginative play.
My skills are vast and unique, and I will continue to develop them as my love for working with children grows and grows. I have trained in first aid and hold a current Working with Children's Check and police check. I myself have a billion allergies to list so for those who have children with allergies and anaphylaxis, you'll be comforted to know I'm very experience in handling these situations and can competently handle an Epi Pen.
Here is a little insight into my life in the performing arts! Until the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions were implemented around the world, I was touring as the associate choreographer/director for Paw Patrol Live! (Hungary, Romania, France, Germany). I hold a Bachelor of Musical Theatre from the Queensland Conservatorium of music. I am an established dance captain - Paw Patrol Live! (Nickelodeon/ Life Like Touring), Sweeney Todd (Life Like Company), Bright Star (Pursued by Bear). Other theatre credits include Singin’ in the Rain (Michael Cassel Group/ Dainty) and Gilligan’s Island (Hum Drum Comedy). Film and TV credits include Vervoe and Reckon One campaigns in which Lauren featured as leads (Lunamik).
Contacts:
0424433564
LAUREN MCKENNA
Services:
● Sessions - Private, duo and small groups of up to 4 actors
● Audition Technique and Preparation
● Monologue and Scene Study
● Acting Through Song
● Shakespeare
● Confidence Building and Public Speaking
● Self Taping and Screen Testing
COACH ME, LAUREN! is a Melbourne based professional acting coaching business. Director, performer and creative collaborator LAUREN McKENNA is passionate about coaching and mentoring emerging young artists. She brings a wealth of experience from both on and off the stage, cultivated during 10 years as a working creative in the Australian performing arts industry. Most students at the studio are young adults who aim to further their training, wish to audition for tertiary institutions in the future or are auditioning and working professionally.
Lauren works closely and collaboratively with her actors and aims to unlock their full potential, borrowing principles and techniques from the Stanislavski, Adler and Hagen methods (to name just a few). Lauren's coaching techniques are based on her own training from The Victorian College of the Arts and her personal practice as an actor and her professional experience in the Australian theatre industry. Lauren loves to find common ground with her students and find out what works best for them, refining their skills, freeing them from habits, unlocking inhibitions, building confidence and creating the best possible version of each young artist.
Lauren teaches private sessions and small group classes from her cosy Prahran home studio that is easily accessible by tram and is surrounded by plenty of convenient street parking. Online video sessions also available.
Contacts:
LEAH ZWECK
Services:
Teaching experience = Primary, secondary schools and private home studio and has included adult beginners and an age range from 4-65. professional orchestral violist and more recently as a session musician in the pop industry.
Freelance String Player + Owner/Manager - Leah Zweck Musical Contracting (String Source/Philharmonia Australia) - 2004-2020
Orchestral Violist - 1994-2019
Ensemble Urbane Chamber Music Series, Viola, Director - 2011-2019
Victorian Opera, Casual Member 2010-2013
Australian Ballet's "Bodytorque" series, Principal and Solo Viola - 2011
Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Casual Member, Viola - 2004-2011
Australian Festival Of Chamber Music - 2010
Camerata Melbourne - 2010
Queensland Orchestra/Queensland Symphony Orchestra, full-time contracts, Viola inc. Associate Principal - 2005-2009
Australian Opera And Ballet Orchestra, Casual Member, Viola inc. Associate Principal "Lulu" and NYE Gala with Simone Young - 2003-2004
Munich Symphony, full-time contract, Viola 2000-2003
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, full-time contracts, Viola - 1994-2000
"Restrung" Chamber Music Festival - 2008 and 2012
Queensland Orchestra Chamber Music Series - 2007-2008
Stradbroke Chamber Music Festival - 2007-2008
Contact:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-zweck-04756236/
MADISON LEE
Services: Online dance classes and choreography sessions.
Madison graduated from the Musical Theatre stream at Showfit in 2012 and Patrick Studios Australia in 2014. Her recent creative credits include the 2017- 2019 Sydney Mardi Gras Parade, Falsettos (StageArt), the Brisbane production of Bare the Musical (Understudy Productions), Mad World (David Butler Studios), Garfield The Musical (Melbourne International Comedy Fest) The Wild Party (Little Triangle), the Australian premiere of Razorhurst (Hayes Theatre Co), the Australian premiere of Ghost Quartet (Antipodes Theatre Co), the Sydney production of Nine the Musical (Little Triangle), Les Miserables (Packemin Productions), DreamSong (EbbFlow Productions), the 25th Anniversary Concert of Jekyll & Hyde with Anthony Warlow (Concertworks), Hi5 (Hi5 World), Stepping Out (Nineteen98 Productions) and The Fosse Legacy (Nice Work Productions). Madison was nominated for Best Choreography (The Wild Party) at the 2019 Sydney Theatre Awards. Madi has conducted workshops Australian wide and internationally and is a regular guest at Industry workshops and open classes.
Contact:
MARK DICKINSON
Services: Singing/Acting Coach
I am a singing teacher and acting coach.
I have taught voice in Secondary schools such as Carey Grammar, and tertiary level at Federation University in both private lessons, and group vocal technique classes/tutorials.
I have taught acting workshops to the cast of The House Of Dancing Water in Macau, Shakespeare and on camera lessons to students at Kelly Aykers Full Time Dance as well as Drama workshops at Secondary School level to schools such as Flinders Christian College Tyabb, and St Catherine’s in Toorak in Shakespeare, monologue work and Music Theatre.
I am registered with the VIT which is inclusive of a WWC and hold a MHFA (Mental Health first aid cert).
Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/Mark-Dickinson-Singing-Teacher-Acting-Coach-1882036931841271/
NICHOLAS HIATT
Services:
● Self-taping
● Preparation
● Actor Fitness
● Actor Branding
Nicholas is a Sydney-based stage and screen actor who has worked in Australia and the United States.
Originally from Perth he moved to Sydney to study acting at the National Institute Of Dramatic Art (NIDA), graduating in 2013. His most recent credits include the title role in Richard III for the Scranton Shakespeare Festival in Pennsylvania and the independent feature film Milkwater (Enfant Terrible Films) starring Molly Bernard and Patrick Breen.
Selected Stage credits include: Othello, Sunday In The Park With George, Cloud 9 and Osama The Hero (For NIDA), Too Many Elephants in This House! (Parade Theatres), The Chimneysweep (Pinchgut Opera), Kill The PM (Unhappen Theatre Co), The National Australian Tour of Snugglepot & Cuddlepie, based on the beloved Australian children's books of the same name (CDP Theatre Producers, Monkey Baa Theatre Co) Macbeth(Columbia Stages, NYC) and the new work Freddie(Columbia Stages, NYC).
Short film credits include: The Mistress of the Forest(Hiatt Riot Films), Purgatorio , The Happiness Box(AFTRS) and for Columbia University Film School in NYC: Booth Reading, 'H' For Henry and I Hope You Die.
Prior to his time at NIDA he completed a BA in Multimedia Design at Curtin University of Technology and performed as a singer for Thomson Cruises.
During 2015 he worked with renowned acting coach Larry Moss.
In 2016 Nicholas was among the recipients of the prestigious Mike Walsh Fellowship, using the awarded funds to travel to New York City in 2017 to work with Emmy Award winning actor and teacher Anthony Zerbe and learn improvisational comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade.
His first short film, The Mistress of the Forest, premiered at the MidWest WeirdFest in 2018 and won BEST FILM at Short + Sweet Film Festival in Sydney, BEST COMEDY FILM at Gen Con Film Festival 2018, was Nominated for BEST SCREENPLAY at The Sydney Indie Film Festival 2018 and was selected as one of eight Australian short films to tour Russia as part of Short + Sweet: The Best Short Films From Australia. Other screenings include the acclaimed genre film festival FilmQuest.
Contact:
https://www.nicholashiatt.com/home
nicholas.hiatt.david@gmail.com
0423 891 755
NICK SIMPSON-DEEKS
Services:
● Acting techniques – Stanislavsky, Viewpoints, Laban, Meisner;
● Text analysis – Contemporary and classical;
● Approaching and performing Shakespeare;
● Acting for music theatre, eg. interpreting sung text, understanding genre/style;
● Screen acting – from beginner to advanced;
● Audition prep;
● Voice;
● Dialect coaching and phonetics – mainly GenAm, New York, Southern dialects, RP, Cockney, London (Estuary), Southern Irish.
A diversely skilled and accomplished artist, Nick’s performance credits are wide-ranging and span almost two decades in the industry.
He is a Green Room Award winner – having garnered the 2019 Best Supporting Actor in a Musical award for his portrayal of conflicted psychiatrist Mendel in StageArt’s Falsettos – and a four-time GRA nominee.
Nick is a prolific member of Melbourne-based Sondheim repertory company Watch This, and has performed the roles of Balladeer / Lee Harvey Oswald in Assassins, Manjirō in Pacific Overtures, Robert in Company and, most recently, the title role in Sunday in the Park with George at MTC’s The Lawler.
In recent years Nick has played Chris in the Australian premieres of both The Play that Goes Wrong and Peter Pan Goes Wrong, toured nationally as Cassius in Bell Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, taken Michael Gow’s Sweet Phoebe to Auckland’s iconic Basement Theatre, and performed Douglas Rintoul’s award-winning monologue Elegy to widespread critical acclaim.
Other notable stage roles include Fitzpatrick in Ned: A New Australian Musical (Groaning Dam Productions), Kolya in The Parricide (La Mama), Vic in Tim Winton’s The Turning (Perth Theatre Co.), Phil in Handbag (Focus Theatre Co., Seymour Centre), Tom in Away (Railway Street) and Skeets Miller in Floyd Collins at Sydney’s Angel Place City Recital Hall. Nick was a member of the Jerry Springer the Opera ensemble for the 2009 Sydney Festival (Sydney Opera House), and alternated the role of Frankie Valli in the original Australian cast of Jersey Boys.
Onscreen, Nick is best known for portraying journalist Archie MacMahon in both seasons of the award-winning SBS drama series The Circuit, and Rhys Mitchell in Channel Seven’s Winners & Losers. Other screen credits include Five Bedrooms (Ten), Underbelly: Fat Tony & Co. (Nine), Mr & Mrs Murder (Ten), Wentworth (Foxtel, SoHo), The Strange Calls (ABC), City Homicide (Seven), Stormworld (Nine), The Postcard Bandit (Ten), and Play School (ABC). He played the role of Billy Name in Jim Sharman’s 2012 film musical Andy X, and portrayed Irish rider Pat Smullen in the 2012 feature film The Cup.
Nick is a Mike Walsh Fellow, an award-winning writer, and a graduate of Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s prestigious School at Steppenwolf in Chicago. He has taught drama, musical theatre, improvisation, Shakespeare, screen acting, and advanced acting techniques for a variety of schools Australia-wide including ATYP, Talent Company of Australia, Patrick Studios Australia, Centrestage, and NIDA Open. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Acting from NIDA, and is a proud member of MEAA Actors Equity.
Contact:
SAMM HAGEN
Services:
● Audition Preparation
● Performance technique
● Voice lessons
● Vocal health
● Repertoire expansions
It has just been announced that Samm will be joining the cast of 'Frozen' on it's Australian tour, covering the role of Elsa.
Samm is quickly establishing herself as one of Australia’s most versatile and up and coming musical theatre performers. She is best known for her role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde The Musical in Melbourne, for which she received a Green Room Award nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Musical.
Samm started her training at the age of eight at Brent Street Studios studying all genres of dance, singing and drama under the watchful eye of Cameron Mitchell and the Howard sisters. She made her professional debut at the age of 12 in the Australian feature film ‘Razzle Dazzle’. Her passion developed quickly and she went on to attend Brent Street’s Talent Development High School, where school work was done through Sydney Distance Education, allowing her to devote more time to the performing arts. During her years training at Brent Street, Samm worked for MTV, Disney, Nickelodeon, ABC, performed in music videos, charity concerts, corporate events and was lucky enough to work with some of the world's top choreographers.
Samm competed and performed across Australia, America, the Caribbean and New Zealand. Whilst in New York, at the age of 15, she caught the eye of Broadway vocal coach Marianne Wells with whom she still trains today.
In her final year of high school, Samm was cast as Waitress #1 in ‘Rock of Ages’ (New Theatricals). She covered and performed the role of Sherrie in both the Melbourne and Brisbane seasons, and with the cast went on to receive a
Green Room Award for 'Best Ensemble in a Musical'.
In 2012 Samm was a top 6 finalist in the Rob Guest Endowment, and performed in various industry nights like Twisted Broadway and the Sydney Musical Theatre Cabaret Festival.
During 2013 and 2014, Samm performed as the alternate Ann Darrow, Cassandra cover as well as in the ensemble of the world premiere of ‘King Kong Live On Stage’ (Global Creatures) following her participation in the final workshop in 2012.
2014 saw Samm join forces with Michael Falzon, Amanda Harrison and Justin Burford to form ‘Rock Rhapsody’, travelling on cruise liners across the Pacific and Asia as guest entertainers. The show is now booked throughout the world on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America and P&O cruise lines. Samm continues to return to the show during her breaks between musicals.
During 2014, Samm also travelled back to New York to continue training at the Ward Acting Studio, with her vocal coach Marianne Wells and workshops with numerous casting agents.
On her return to Australia in 2015, Samm performed at the NSW Premier’s Concert alongside Matt Lee, Michael Falzon and Kate Maree Hoolihan. She then joined the cast of Jason Coleman’s all-star cabaret ‘Spiegelicious’ as its leading lady in their sold out Cairns season.
2016 was a big year for Samm, as she performed in two major musicals. First, she fulfilled her dream by being cast in the Australian tour of ‘Ghost The Musical’ (Ambassador Theatre Group) in the ensemble and covering Molly Jensen. Samm closed both the shows Sydney and Perth seasons in the role of Molly. Her second achievement carried her into 2017, performing in 'Kinky Boots' playing the role of Pat. The show opened at Her Majesty's Theatre Melbourne on October 22nd 2016, and toured Sydney and Brisbane to sold-out houses.
After a stellar 2017, Samm closed the year with a bang by being cast in the 10th Anniversary tour of 'Priscilla: Queen Of The Desert' as one of The Divas, who provide the soundtrack for the entire show. The show opened to
5-Star reviews in January 2018. After an 11 month run, the show closed at QPAC on November 4th 2018.
After returning to Melbourne, Samm has hosted open classes and theatre/jazz workshops, as well as singing corporates Her latest performances were for the 2019 Motorsports Hall Of Fame at the Melbourne Convention Centre and in a Greatest Showman spectacular for Save Our Sons in collaboration with Southern Beat Productions and Trumpet Events. Samm will continue singing at corporate events throughout the year. She has also returned to ‘Rock Rhapsody’ and will be performing with the group over
New Year and Easter. Samm then travelled Cairns, where she was the leading lady of Jason Coleman's 'Rhythm Of Life' Cabaret,
playing at the Cairns Casino during July.
Mid-year brought Samm's most exciting announcement yet. She was cast as token blonde Elle Woods in 'Legally Blonde The Musical'. The show opened November 23rd to rave reviews and five stars.
During the beginning of 2020, Samm worked as a featured vocalist in Crown Casino's 'Legends In Concert' alongside fellow theatre performer Baylie Carson, and also helped to raise over $10,000 for Wildlife Victoria at the Melbourne 'Sing for Australia' benefit concert on January 19th.
Next, Samm will be playing the supporting role of Violet Flowers in the new Australian musical
playing the supporting role of Violet Flowers. The show premieres on March 17th.Samm is currently in rehearsals for the new Australian musical ‘Jack Frost The Musical’ playing the supporting role of Violet Flowers. The show premieres on March 17th.
Contact:
SHAUN RENNIE
Services: Masterclass’s/Private Coaching online. Over the past few years I have regularly run an 8 or 6 week program through The Hub in Sydney. It has always been very well received and I have been very encouraged by the results and the feedback by the students. I can offer one on one coaching sessions over Zoom or Skype. 30 mins or 60 mins. Or Group Sessions.
Shaun is an award-winning NIDA and RADA graduate director who has worked across Australian premieres of new works to innovative revivals of treasured musicals. Drawn to stories of desire and heart, Shaun has received three Sydney Theatre Award nominations for Best Director, and won the Broadway World Award for Best Direction of a Musical for his 2016 production of RENT at the Hayes Theatre.
This year has already seen Shaun direct: IRENE (Neglected Musicals), THE RISE AND DISGUISE OF ELIZABETH R (Hayes Theatre), CONSIDERING MATTHEW SHEPARD (Sydney Philharmonia Choir), MAMMA MIA! (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) and he will soon direct the Australian Premier of AMELIE for the Darlinghurst Theatre Company.
Shaun’s musical theatre credits include; THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE (Darlinghurst Theatre Company), SWEET CHARITY (WAAPA), THE VIEW UPSTAIRS (Hayes Theatre), CARMEN; LIVE OR DEAD (Oriel Group), #VAL (Maj Theatre), YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN (Hayes Theatre), BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON (WAAPA), WICKED (Freerain) and Only Heaven Knows (Luckiest Productions) which received 9 Sydney Theatre Award nominations, including Best Director of a Musical.
Shaun has directed the Australian premieres of Jess and Joe Forever (25A, Downstairs Belvoir) and Tennessee Williams’ Baby Doll (The Ensemble Theatre Company) and I AM MY OWN WIFE (Redline Productions). The recipient of the 2017 Sandra Bates Directors Award, Shaun assistant directed on NEVILLE’S ISLAND and LIP SERVICE (Ensemble Theatre). He also assistant directed on the London production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL (The Tabard Theatre) and ONCE WE LIVED HERE (Kings Head) where he was Resident Director.
Shaun co-created Light the Night, an annual benefit concert for leukaemia research, which he produced and directed for 10 years.
Contact:
STAGE ARTS GEELONG
Services:
● singing lessons
● focusing on vocal technique
● song repertoire
● audition prep
● acting through song
Stage Arts Geelong was established to provide local performers of all levels, an opportunity to advance their skills under the guidance of experienced, passionate, professional artists.
Contact:
https://www.stageartsgeelong.com.au
STEPHEN MCDOWELL
Services:
Online overview of the History of Musical theatre focusing on Broadway aimed at Secondary School aged students in dance schools as an extension of their training. The course will consist of 12 pre-recorded videos broken down to each era of Broadway from the last 100 years. Each Lesson contains footage/photos from the era, a downloadable handout to accompany each video and a creative task associated with each lesson.
Stephen Studies Musical Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts under the Guidance of Tim Smith and Martin Croft. Further studies include full-time dance training with Robert Sturrocak at Industry Dance.
Stephen’s credits include Barnum - The Circus Musical (Storeyboard Entertainment) The Rocky Horror Show (Gordon Frost Org.) Jesus Christ Superstar (The Production Company) Reefer Madness (RL Productions) Heathers - The Musical (Showork/Hayes Theatre Co.) Mary Poppins (Cameron Macintosh/Disney Theatrical) The New Hamer Hall Opening Concerts (Big Finish Productions) I Can’t Believe it’s Not Countdown (Fur Group), Neighbours, The King 0 The Graham Kennedy Story, Carols by Candlelight, and The Good Friday Variety Gala. Stephen has also worked extensively in children’s theatre both locally and internationally with Peppa Pig, The Wiggles and Nickelodeon.
Contact:
musicaltheatrehistory101@gmail.com
TIM CARROLL
Services: teach singing, acting, and speech, to students aged from 15-50.
Having trained and performed in New York, London and Australia, Tim has extensive knowledge on the craft of voice and the discipline of acting. Graduating from the QCGU in 2015, Tim completed a Bachelor of Music (Musical Theatre) with academic honours under the direction of Paul Sabey. In his final year Tim was cast as Eddie in Blood Brothers directed by critically acclaimed West End director Ian Good, and was a Rob Guest Endowment Award Semi-Finalist. Tim went on to perform in the Matilda Award winning production of Carrie as George/Male Swing, and made his debut with Opera Queensland as Benny Belcore in the touring production of FiZZ! In 2017 Tim launched his production company Passion Productions, co-producing CONfused with QCGU to raise money for the Actors' & Entertainers' Benevolent Fund and Headspace. Other performance credits include a sold out season of The Boys of Sondheim, originating the role of Roger in Grease: The Arena Experience, Hanschen in Spring Awakening at Metro Arts, and The Witch in Hansel & Gretel for Opera Queensland/Shake&Stir. Tim has also performed alongside Jemma Rix for her Gravity album launch, and spent 2018 touring Australia with the stage adaption of Andy Griffith’s The 78-Storey Treehouse. Most recently Tim sang opposite Shoshana Bean in her Australian concert Secret Broadway, after performing as Boq in the 15th Anniversary production of Wicked. With experience teaching workshops and masterclasses across the country, Tim caters his classes to any level of ability, and prides himself on getting the best out of each student.
