First published 11 October 2024
QUT creative arts students have had the chance to work alongside some of the best-known faces on Australian stage and TV by participating in rehearsals for the new production from acclaimed theatre company Dead Puppet Society.
The partnership with Dead Puppet Society is one of many QUT has established with key arts organisations, leading to internships for students, critical industry connections and, in some cases, jobs on graduation.
The Brisbane-based Dead Puppet Society, founded by QUT alumni Nicholas Paine and David Morton, has just wrapped up rehearsals of Peter and the Starcatcher which begins a national tour in Canberra next week and features 100 unforgettable characters, live music and technical wizardry in a journey through the untold story of Neverland.
The cast, including comedians and actors Pete Helliar and Colin Lane, along with Alison Whyte, Paul Capsis, Olivia Deeble, Otis Dhanji, Ryan González, Lucy Goleby and QUT drama alumnus Morgan Francis, used the QUT Creative Industries rehearsal studios on campus at Kelvin Grove.
Professor Damian Candusso, head of the QUT School of Creative Arts, said for students to be involved in a show considered a theatrical masterpiece that has taken Broadway by storm, winning multiple Tony Awards, and is touring Australia for the first time, was an exceptional opportunity for anyone starting their career.
“Our partnership with Dead Puppet Society provides opportunities for students to undertake internships gaining invaluable real-world experience with the production and industry connections,” Professor Candusso said.
“During the rehearsals, QUT drama students Ad Reid and Maxi Mossman worked on the set fabrication, while technical production student Hayley Woodward worked in stage management for the show.
“At the same time, Nicholas and David from Dead Puppet Society were able to give insights into the productive relationship between traditional academic communication and creative practice to students in our foundation subjects.”
Dead Puppet Society founder and executive producer Nick Paine said QUT had long provided the company with a pool of new talent. The current team includes QUT alumnus Scott Barron (technical director), and the stage management team of Lauren Edwards, Yanni Dubler, and Margaret Burrows.
“David and I have always been keen to maintain our ties with QUT and the rehearsal spaces there are world class,” Nicholas said.
“Meeting with current students and beginning to make connections is very important to us and it’s important for the University to make these bridging opportunities available to students.
“We were afforded opportunities during our undergraduate studies, and nothing beats hands on experience in industry. It’s an invaluable opportunity to build connections that can lead to employment.”
Find out more about the QUT Bachelor of Creative Arts course: QUT - Undergraduate creative arts.
Tour dates and tickets to Peter and the Starcatcher are available online: https://peterandthestarcatcher.com.au/tickets/
Main photo: Peter and the Starcatcher cast rehearsing at QUT – (left-right back) Colin Lane (on ladder), Paul Capsis, Ryan Gonzalez, Alison Whyte, Lucy Goleby, Hugh Parker, John Batchelor, Pete Helliar (on ladder). (Left-right bottom) Benjin Maza, Olivia Deeble, and Otis Dhanji. Dean Hanson Photography.
Media contact:
Amanda Weaver
QUT Media, media@qut.edu.au
07 3138 2361 / 0407 585 901 (After Hours)
