University of Tasmania, Australia

Catherine Studley graduated from the SVPA in 2011 with a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts, majoring in theatre. During her time at the SVPA she worked on many shows, including stage managing Mr Bligh’s Third Mutiny, assistant stage managing Enemy of the People and The Skriker, being lighting operator for The Last Five Years, directed Star Struck Slut from Paradise and acting in numerous performances. She was also a Front of House Manager during her second and third years at the SVPA and received the NRM North Award in her second year.

This year she is the twenty-second recipient of the Country Club Tasmania Theatrical Development Award. She therefore is the Publicity Officer for CentrStage Theatre Company, and has the opportunity to be involved in both CentrStage shows and SVPA shows. Already this year she was the set designer for Terminus, the stage manager for A Midsummer Night’s Dream and she will be helping to direct the Third Year’s Graduation Production.

2011 will bring many challenges Laura’s way as the recipient of the Country Club Tasmania Theatrical Development Award for 2011. She will be expanding her knowledge of the publicity and marketing role and gaining new skills in the administration area of the job. Laura will be debuting as a director for CentrStage in the second half of the year with the production of Art written by Yasmina Reza. Along with her CentrStage responsibilities, she is also assistant director for the Classical Production of Othello and Richard III, performed by the SVPA second year students, and is a tutor for first year theory.

Laura graduated from the SVPA in 2006 with a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts, majoring in theatre. She went on to complete her Honours in 2007 and a Master of Contemporary Arts in 2009, both of which were based around radio plays. She is currently undertaking a Master of Fine Arts in the area of sound design and manipulation. She has been involved in many UTAS productions, including: Blood Wedding, Canterbury Tales, Terminal Murder, The Rape, Mrs Thally F, In The Blood and The Distant Night Echoes Across The Sky. Last year Laura was the sound designer for CentrStage’s second production of the year The Pillowman directed by Robert Lewis. She has also stage managed and crewed on numerous CentrStage productions over the past seven years. Laura is also heavily involved with the Voice Theatre Laboratory run by Robert Lewis. Through this she has performed in: Dr Faustus (both here and in Sydney), 5, Tetractys, Alchemy, Oedipus and Iam Nocte.

Laura feels very privileged to have been given this opportunity that Country Club Tasmania, CentrStage and the University of Tasmania have offered. She also thanks them their ongoing support of the ever-increasing artistic community of Launceston. Laura hopes this year will be one of joy and excitement and she hopes that you will all come along and share the ride with her!

As the recipient of the award in 2009, Zenith is already undertaking a variety of roles for CentrStage and the SVPA. Zenith will make his debut performance for CentrStage in Who's Afraid of the Working Class?, the first show of the 2009 season. Zenith will then hit the stage again April in a roll in a adaptation of Ibsen’s play enemy of the People directed by the new lecturer Helene Trenos and then in may he is also involved in the second year production of The Witch of Edmonton. He will also be involved in assistant directing the graduation production. At the same time as all this performing he also is fulfilling his role as Publicity Officer for CentrStage and will also work as an Associate Lecturer at the SVPA, overseeing part of the ever-popular Student Directed Festival, and be involved in running the Wednesday morning skills classes.

Zenith graduated from the SVPA in 2008 with a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts in Theatre. During her three years at the school, he performed in numerous productions, including Pains of Youth, Tales form the Decameron, Top of 16, Dinner and his graduation production The Female Factory. Zenith has also worked for CentrStage on the production side, Assistant stage managing and Stage Managing on many Centrstage shows as well as student productions.

Zenith gratefully acknowledges Country Club Tasmania, CentrStage and the University of Tasmania for their generous support of the performing arts in Launceston. He is looking forward to a challenging and rewarding year, and believes that 2009 will offer her many opportunities to grow as an artist and gain invaluable professional experience working with CentrStage and alongside the lecturers and students of the SVPA.

As the recipient of the award in 2008, Paige is already undertaking a variety of roles for CentrStage and the SVPA. Paige will make her debut performance for CentrStage in Spilling Bodies, the first show of the 2008 season. Paige will perform and design set for David Mamet’s The Cryptogram and in July she will also appear as one of the ill-fated bridesmaids in The Bridesmaid Must Die. Paige will also make her directing debut for CentrStage with the final show of the season - Frozen by Bryony Lavery, rounding out what promises to be an exciting year. While also fulfilling her role as Publicity Officer for CentrStage in 2008 Paige will also work as an Associate Lecturer at the SVPA, overseeing part of the ever-popular Student Directed Festival, and provide assistance for the Second Year Student Classical Production, Inlaw’s and Outlaws: Shakespeares Women.

Paige gratefully acknowledges Country Club Tasmania, CentrStage and the University of Tasmania for their generous support of the performing arts in Launceston. She’s looking forward to a challenging and rewarding year, and believes that 2008 will offer her many opportunities to grow as an artist and gain invaluable professional experience working with CentrStage and alongside the lecturers and students of the SVPA.

In 2006, Annalies performed in Demon King, followed in second semester by The Drowning Bride, and finished the year with her most challenging role to date in Hitchcock Blonde.
 Annelies graduated from the School of Visual and Performing Arts in 2005 with a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts in theatre.

During her time as an undergraduate at the school, Annelies performed in several productions including Animal Farm, The Other Woman, Forensic and the Navigators, The Cherry Orchard, Morning on a Rainy Day, and Slowianskia Street. The highlight of her time at the school was directing THE LOSS, by Maryanne Lynch, as part of the 2005 Student Directed Festival.

Travis performed in such CentrStage productions as Glib, Western, Up For Grabs and Jocasta. During the year he also made his debut as a CentrStage director with Letf of Centre.

Travis graduated with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in 2004 after performing in several productions, including I Wish I Were Marlon Brando, Scripted, Shakespeare In Shorts and He. 
Beginning his musical training at the age of six, Travis is now a capable singer, actor, pianist, and composer. Described by CentrStage Life Member Don Wing as ‘vital for theatre in Launceston’ Travis has been a delight to have in spotlight.

Nicole received the Theatrical Development Award after taking part in numerous productions at the Academy of the Arts. Nicole’s performance and directing credits include Destiny of a Car Crash, The Nightingale and Not the Lark, A Kind of Alaska and Star Struck Slut From Paradise. 


Nicole’s background is as varied as her theatre experience, having undertaken many different roles before enrolling at the University of Tasmania. Her previous occupations include sales, hospitality, make-up artistry, sign writing and fencing and sheep-dipping. Nicole also ran a small country pub before her relocation from New South Wales to Tasmania.

L’hibou graduated from the Bachelor of Performing Arts Honours First Class in 2003, as well as being admitted to the Dean’s Role of Excellence and receiving a University Medal.

L’hibou has worked extensively in corporate theatre and has technical and performance experience. L’hibou directed Silencing the Meat Truck, Rub-a-Dub-Dub and Hive while at the School of Visual and Performing Arts, and has now gone on to continue studies in directing in New Zealand.

Kirsten graduated from the School of Visual and Performing Arts in 2000 and participated in several capacities in the CentrStage season during 2004. In 2001 Kirsten graduated with First Class Honours and also made her CentrStage debut, acting in Serial Killers. 


During her time at the School Kirsten performed in many productions, including Three Women, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Do You Really Love Me?, We’ll Dress Her Like Shirley Temple and The Balcony. 
Kirsten has been able to use the Theatrical Development Award to extend her publicity skills while working as a supervisor, assessor and researcher.

Nicole grew up in the North East of Tasmania and moved to Launceston to pursue further education. She graduated from the BPA in 2000 and while there she performed in three Student Directed Festivals, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Balcony. Nicole also directed for the SVPA and thoroughly enjoyed the many technical roles offered to her.

Since 2001, Nicole has undertaken an Honours degree, taught for the School and is now teaching drama in Northern Tasmania.

Jessie began her association with the theatre during her childhood, while taking part in programs from Gambit Theatre. Jessie discovered her aptitude for technical production during her college years and went on to stage manage many productions, including Our Song, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Nunsense 2 and Beecham.

Jessie’s skills also extend to set and costume design, both of which she has been able to demonstrate fully through opportunities with CentrStage and Playbox Theatre Company.

Lucinda moved to Tasmania from New South Wales in 1996 to undertake the Bachelor of Performing Arts at the University of Tasmania.

Lucinda participated in many School productions as an actor and director during her time at the University and also attended a NIDA Summer program of Puppetry and Visual Theatre during her study period.

Lucinda also undertook a secondment with the Terrapin Puppet Theatre in Hobart and had her script, A Suffering Moon, chosen by the Australian National Playwrights Centre for a workshopping program, also held in Hobart.

Emma theatre experience is as interesting as her travel experience. Born in England, raised in Western Australia, Emma spent a year in America, then moved to Sydney then joined us at the University of Tasmania.

Emma’s performance credits include film and stage work, including The Doors, The Wind, Into the Night, Thinking Aloud and Not in the Guide Book. 
Emma graduated from the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Theatre) program in 1995 and in 1996 she appeared as Doctor Heller in the acclaimed Australian television series Water Rats.

Glen was born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia. His interest in theatre stemmed from exposure to the Adelaide Festival Theatre’s ‘Bistro on the Torrens.’ During his time working as a waiter/ bartender on this particular project, Glen met many and varied members of the Theatre World and was fortunate enough to dine with Judy Davis and Colin Friels.

Some of Glen’s acting roles include Mr Oxenby in Ronald Harwood’s The Dresser, Seymour Krelborn in the musical The Little Shop of Horrors, Macbeth, and Mr Lomax in Alan Bennet’s Green Forms. Glen’s script Blood Makes Noise was first performed in Hobart in 1996 and he also directed Harold Pinter’s Victoria Station.

Emmajane Braden moved to Tasmania from Geelong, Victoria in 1993 to study performing arts at the University of Tasmania. In 1995, Emmajane completed her degree and became one of the first three-year trained graduates.

While a student with the University, Emma starred as The Girl in And Then, as well as a variety of roles in other productions from the Centre for Performing Arts, including a feral, a newscaster, an extra and a madwoman. Emma directed two productions for the University of Tasmania, The Private Ear and Perfect Mismatach and her writing credits include Amen and Sick Headspace.

Stephanie worked as a photographer’s assistant, designer’s assistant, window dresser and set and properties maker before enrolling at the University of Tasmania.

Born in England, Stephanie has lived in Malaya, Kuwait, Perth (WA), New South Wales, Queensland and Canberra. Stephanie completed both an Associate Diploma of Arts in Drama and a Bachelor of Performing Arts at the University of Tasmania.

Stephanie has performed in such school and CentrStage productions as Hey Presto, The Rape, The Same Old Story, In The Public Eye, Dream a Little Dream a Lot and Three Sisters. Stephanie is currently enjoying her community based work, participated in an artist in residence at the School and also directed a show for CentrStage in 2006, F-emails, which she also wrote.

Wayne began his studies at the University of Tasmania in 1990. He completed the Bachelor of Education course in English Speech and Drama in 193.

Wayne worked in both performance and production roles while at the University of Tasmania, on shows which include Romeo and Juliet, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Other Woman and The Elocution of Benjamin Franklin.

Wayne also has a strong dance background, regretting not taking up studies in ballet from an earlier age. Wayne has also had early associations with local Tasmanian dance companies Stompin’ Youth and TasDance.

Theresa began her University career by receiving an Elders-IXL Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship, awarded to the most promising applicant in the field of Visual and Performing Arts, University of Tasmania.

It is only fitting that she should finish her University studies in similar style. Before receiving the Theatrical Development award, Theresa performed in many productions, including Molly Comes a Cropper and Mummy Loves You Betty Ann Jewel. Theresa’s aptitude for performance was obvious, and she completed the Associate Diploma of Arts in Drama in November 1991.