The success of Stage Door’s part-time courses in Music Theatre, Acting and Dancing is nationally renowned. It is clear that we are fulfilling a need for quality teaching, permitting the course graduate to either enter the profession or carry on to further study at a tertiary level. Students have now entered the WA Academy of Performing Arts , La Salle College, Singapore and Melbourne-based performing arts schools or - in the case of some dancers - directly entered the profession. We now have 47 students at Tertiary level, as well as performing artists in America, London, Europe and throughout Australia. Their success exemplifies our goals and achievements.
It is proposed that in 2010 the courses run at Stage Door will be submitted to the WA Education Department for endorsment. With this approval all courses may thgen be used towards WACE Certificates by Year 11 and 12 students.
CLASSES
Equally successful, are the Stage Door classes and in particular the rotating classes conducted over a three hour block. Many students have continued through the school from the age of 8 yrs to University with pleasing results.
These classes are not necessarily about becoming a great artist but about creative thought and attitude as well as character and personality development.
In 2009 because of our relocation to Kent St we are making the classes more accessible and at a more affordable rate so that a greater number of young people can access our classes.
In 2009 we will introduce special classes for disabled persons and expanding the Australian Children's Charity Chorale will be part of our work to help the challenged young person. All proceeds raised from concerts will go to more deserving children.
STAFF
During the seventies he pursued a career as a singer of opera and oratorio, singing with various opera companies including Australian Opera, Scottish Opera, Canberra Opera and West Australian Opera. At the same time he extended his work into chorus training and conducting, especially with West Australian Opera of which he was Assistant Musical Director and Chorus Master, conducting Nabucco, The Marriage of Figaro, Dido and Aneas, The Medium, The Elixir of Love, Carmen, Amahl and The Night Visitors and other productions. His many singing roles include Figaro in The Barber of Seville, Zurga in Pearlfishers, Papageno in The Magic Flute and Dapertutto in The Tales of Hoffman.
In the eighties, he formed the Music Theatre Company of WA in an endeavour to create more opportunities for young people to work professionally in this genre. He was also Musical Director of the
In 1993, after completing 10 years as Director of Music at John XX111 College, he was made Chorus Master of English National Opera and conducted a recording of Intermezzi and Preludes with the Philharmonia Orchestra in
Returning to WA, he again took up Musical Direction of the Music Theatre Company and the management and responsibility for the development of the Philharmonia Orchestra. Some of his major projects in this period was as Chorus Master for Edgley Production’s Aida, conductor of La Traviata, La Boheme and Verdi’s Requiem for Regal Opera.
He is currently Managing Director of The
In 1998 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his services to music as a performer and teacher.
He and his wife Marion also a Piano teacher enjoy working with children (having five of their own) and are hoping to expand the activities of Stage Door to other parts of Australia.
With his eclectic taste and wide experience of music theatre, opera and oratorio, he continues his work with a goal of bringing opera and music theatre and choral music to WA, improving opportunities for our young talent.
November 2009