When Michelle’s mum took her to see a travelling production of The Importance of Being Earnest at Taree High School hall, she was so smitten that she spent the next couple of weeks pretending to the Lady Bracknell to the cows in the milking shed. When the great god, Gough Whitlam gave her an English/History teaching scholarship for Newcastle University she signed up for the brand new Drama course instead and made it her major and performed in university productions and theatre restaurant shows.
Teaching followed and Michelle was there for the introduction of the School Certificate in Drama in 1985 and HSC Drama in 1993. She wrote and directed countless productions, acted in a few, created site and theme specific theatre for various events and community groups, became Star Struck Drama Director and created Hunter Youth Drama Ensembles, putting on productions of HSC Drama text. She also produced 3 daughters and completed a Master of Theatre Arts Degree, taught HSC Drama 18 times and became an examiner for HSC Drama.
Now retired, Michelle is still involved in Star Struck and is also one of 5 City of Newcastle Drama Awards (CONDA) judges, viewing approximately 60 -70 shows per year produced by the thriving theatrical community in Newcastle. Michelle is proud to be part of this passionate and dynamic community and is grateful to be able to share some of her experiences on this website.
As part of this year’s 100th anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand troops landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula in an offensive against the Turkish Army during World War 1, the Ensemble Theatre has developed and is now presenting its …
Two questions:-
1. Who has ridden a horse, bareback, smelt it, felt its muscles and sweat and looked into its large brown eyes?
2. What is “normal”?
Once our relationship with animals was integral to survival and transport and a …
“I don’t believe it” are the gossiping words declared ironically and repeatedly by the court ‘whims’ Venticello and Venticella as bookends to the opening and closing of Peter Shaffer’s 1979 play, AMADEUS. Hapsburg Court musician and composer for Emperor Joseph …
Terrorism – the use of violence and threats to intimidate or coerce, especially for political purposes. This highly emotive noun evokes strong responses in our current political climate and Stooged Theatre’s production of Vanessa Bates CHECKLIST FOR AN ARMED ROBBER …
As we lead into the 100th Anniversary of the ANZAC tradition, established in Gallipoli through the fierce bravery and camaraderie displayed by the Australian and New Zealand troops under the most appalling conditions, we welcome the opportunity to be reminded …
To be chosen by others always makes one feel special. To be the soloist, on the team, a friend, a girlfriend or boyfriend, a representative. Being singled out is a gift of self-worth that even the most bashful or shy …
The Hive Bar in Erskinville is a lounge room type venue with a lounge, bench seats and chairs with cushions and delivered pizza from the kitchen downstairs. Just the type of room one would want for some intimate comic entertainment. …
Those of us old enough to remember responded to the reference to the TV test pattern colours on the 6 rear lit TV type screens rising from floor to ceiling both sides of the stage on the set of Metropolitan …
The first recorded performance of The Merchant of Venice was 10th February 1605. The themes of racial and religious hatred, money, marriage and mercy all still reverberate as soundly today as they did in 1605.
The context has undoubtedly changed; …
Back in the 1950’s The Store Building at Newcastle West was one of the places to shop. Women dressed themselves in hats, gloves and coats for a special day out and shopping was an occasion, an activity for which one …