Devising Performance Professors and Supervisors in Australia

Stacy Holman JonesView profile

Professor

Monash UniversityAustralia

Stacy Holman Jones is a Professor of Theatre and Performance in the School of Languages, Literatures, Cultures and Linguistics at Monash University. With over 23 years of academic experience, she has developed an international reputation for leadership in performance studies, particularly in feminist and queer theory, new materialist research, and critical arts-based methodologies. Her educational background includes a PhD in Communication/Performance Studies from the University of Texas at Austin (2001), an MA in Communication from California State University Sacramento (1996), and a BA in Humanities (1988). Professor Jones's research focuses on performance as socially, culturally, and politically resistive and transformative activity. She is a recognized leader in critical autoethnography and has published over 100 articles, book chapters, and editorials, as well as authored, co-authored, and edited 14 books including the influential Handbook of Autoethnography (2013, 2021) and Queering Autoethnography (2018). Her work spans cultural critique, social inclusion, education, resilience building, designing for social impact, and enhancing health and wellbeing among minoritarian communities. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trajectory toward creative ecological approaches to mental health, collaborative autoethnographic methods, and innovative design for social impact. Her research increasingly integrates performance studies with mental health applications, particularly in educational settings, while maintaining strong connections to queer theory, new materialisms, and critical autoethnography. International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry's Special Career Award National Communication Association's Distinguished Service Award in Performance Studies Janice Hocker Rushing Early Career Research Award Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, and Gender Feminist Teacher/Mentor Award Over the Rainbow Recommended Book List for Queering Autoethnography (2019) International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry Qualitative Book Award, Honourable Mention (2020) Multiple Good Design Awards for 'The Tomorrow Party' (2024) Professor Jones has been part of 3 successful ARC applications totaling $1,353,604, including as Lead CI for DP200102876 Staging Australian Women's Lives (2020-2023). She is currently accepting PhD students with supervision interests in theatre and performance studies, social change and social justice, and health and wellbeing research. She serves as the founding editor of Departures in Critical Qualitative Research and has been actively involved in professional organizations including serving as President of the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry (2015-2018). Her current research activities include multiple collaborative projects such as 'Playing Transitions - Settling and Belonging in School together' (2024-2027), 'Learning Creates: Tomorrow Party' (2024), and 'Canopy: Creative partnerships for policy advocacy in Climate and Health' (2024), demonstrating her commitment to interdisciplinary, impact-focused research that bridges theory and creative practice.

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Daniel X. HarrisView profile

Research Professor

RMIT UniversityAustralia

Professor Daniel X. Harris is a Research Professor in the School of Education at RMIT University and Co-Director of the Creative Agency research lab. His work bridges creativity, diversity, and social justice, with a focus on performance, activism, and policy. He has held prestigious fellowships including the Australian Research Council Future Fellow and DECRA Fellow. His research explores creativity studies, affect theory, and autoethnography, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. With 25+ years in education and 35+ years in creative industries (playwriting, multimedia, theatre), Harris has authored over 100 academic works and 22 books. His current projects address queer activism, climate change performance, and inclusive education. He co-leads Creative Agency’s research nodes on posthuman creativities, creative ecologies, and social justice. Awards: Australian Research Council Future Fellow, DECRA Fellow, RMIT Vice Chancellor's Primary Research Fellow Labs: Co-Director, Creative Agency research lab (www.creativeresearchhub.com)

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Richard ChewView profile

Professor

Federation University AustraliaAustralia

Professor Richard Chew is Director of the Arts Academy at Federation University Australia's Camp Street Campus. A composer, pianist, and baritone, he has held academic roles at University of South Australia, Elder Conservatorium of Music, and Federation University Australia since 2018. His work spans orchestral, operatic, and interdisciplinary music-theatre forms, with commissions from English National Opera, Welsh National Opera, and international festivals. PhD in Communication Studies (UniSA, 2014) Master of Music Performance Studies (Royal College of Music London, 1991) Associate Researcher at Lythrum Press and Australian Music Centre Chew's research focuses on contemporary composition practices, blending opera, music theatre, and devised performance. His work integrates visual arts (e.g., Ford Madox Brown's painting), literature (Gerard Manley Hopkins, Michael Ende), and social justice themes. Notable projects include the oratorio Stari Most (commissioned for Salisbury Cathedral's 750th Anniversary) and founding the vocal ensemble The Shout, described by The Times as a blueprint for 21st-century choral singing. Recent publications include chamber works for Inscape Piano Trio and adaptations like Momo (2022). His music is characterized by transparent melodic lines, jazz-inflected harmonies, and collaborations with institutions such as the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Creative Victoria, and the National Theatre (London). Awards include the Royal College of Music's President's Rose Bowl and multiple international performances at venues including Southbank Centre and Her Majesty’s Theatre.

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Leah MercerView profile

Associate Professor

Curtin UniversityAustralia

Leah Mercer is an Associate Professor at Curtin University's School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry, part of the Faculty of Humanities. She serves in the Office of the Provost and teaches Theatre Arts, specializing in new work development, directing, and devising performance. Her research focuses on theatre directing practices, feminist performance, and mythology integration. Education: PhD (Performance as Research, Queensland University of Technology, 2009); MFA (Directing for Theatre, California Institute of the Arts, 1999); MA and BA (University of Queensland, 1998/1990). A Fulbright scholar, she has extensive international training in theatre practices. Research interests include collaborative performance creation, feminist thematic exploration, and interdisciplinary performance. Her work with The Nest Ensemble since 2004 emphasizes devised theatre, with notable productions like Joey: the Mechanical Boy (2014 WA Best Director Award) and Home (2015). Her academic work bridges practice and theory, exemplified by her Philip Parsons Prize-winning PhD project The Physics Project (2008). Publications span creative works and scholarly articles, including contributions to Live Research: Methods of Practice-Led Inquiry in Performance and Social Construction in Action . Awards include the Silver Matilda Award for Directing (2007) and recognition for cross-disciplinary educational initiatives. She advises student productions through Curtin's Hayman Theatre Company, directing works by Sarah Ruhl, Bertolt Brecht, and others. Labs/Teams: Co-founder of The Nest Ensemble, a collective producing innovative theatre. Engaged in workshops on mask work, Suzuki training, and Theatre of the Oppressed methodologies.

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Shane PikeView profile

Senior Lecturer

Queensland University of TechnologyAustralia

Dr. Shane Pike is a Senior Lecturer in Drama at the School of Creative Arts, Queensland University of Technology. His research bridges creativity and technology, with applications in health, commercial, and performance contexts. He serves as Chief Investigator on the $280,000 ARC Linkage project 'Advancing Digital Innovation in The Australian Live Performance Sector' and collaborates with cultural institutions like Sydney Theatre Company and Meta. Education PhD in Performing Arts (Directing) - Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice - Australian National University LLB - Australian National University BA (Drama Hons. First Class) - Australian National University BCA (Theatre) - University of Tasmania Research Focus Dr. Pike's work centers on emerging technologies in creative practice: Augmented/Virtual Reality applications in live performance AI-enhanced creative processes with commercial/clinical applications Digital dramaturgy and creative leadership frameworks Theatre-based therapeutic interventions for health contexts His research has secured over $400,000 in competitive funding including ARC, IHBI, and Arts Queensland grants. Publication Trends Recent publications (2020-2026) demonstrate strong focus on: Digital performance innovations (AR/VR/AI integration) Pandemic-era creative adaptations (Zoom-based pedagogy/performance) Cultural diversity in Australian dramaturgy Interdisciplinary approaches combining arts, technology and health Awards & Recognition Dr Don Batchelor Award for innovation in live performance (twice) Edith Cowan University Research Excellence Award Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy IHBI Synergy Project Grant ($22,500) Queensland Arts Showcase Program Grant Supervision & Grants Current supervision includes MPhil and PhD projects on nonverbal communication in actor training and Australian female bushrangers storytelling. Major grants include: ARC Linkage: $280,000 for digital innovation in live performance Creative Sparks Grant: $10,000 for 'Alex' holographic production Meta/Queensland Health collaborations: $100k+ for VR healthcare projects Labs & Collaborations As Design Lab investigator, Dr. Pike develops immersive experiences with Queensland Corrective Services and aged care facilities. He maintains ongoing collaboration with Brazil's Taanteatro Companhia, employing their Theatre of Tensions methodology in practice and teaching.

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Hannah BanksView profile

Lecturer

University of the Sunshine CoastAustralia

Hannah Banks is a Lecturer in Creative Industries at the University of the Sunshine Coast, affiliated with the School of Business and Creative Industries. She holds a PhD in Theatre from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington (2018), alongside BA (Hons) and BA degrees from the same institution. Her research focuses on feminist performance methodologies, devised theatre practices, and Aotearoa New Zealand theatre studies. She is a co-founder of the award-winning theatre company My Accomplice and has extensive experience in acting, directing, and producing across Aotearoa’s theatre scene. Education: PhD in Theatre, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington (2018) BA (Hons) and BA in Creative Arts, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington Research Interests: Feminist devising methodologies Practice-as-research in theatre Gender and performance studies Collaborative creation processes Awards: Victor Emeljanow Bursary (2019) PGSA Victorias Award for Post-Graduate Teaching (2017) Richard Campion Accolade for Outstanding Performance (2014) Dr Banks coordinates the Bachelor of Creative Industries program and actively engages in devising theatre education. Her work emphasizes empathy-driven collaboration and sustainable creative practices. She has presented research nationally and internationally, including at the ADSA Conference and the Suffrage 125 conference in Wellington.

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Frances BarbeView profile

Associate Professor

Edith Cowan UniversityAustralia

Frances Barbe is Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Performance at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Edith Cowan University. She teaches within the Bachelor of Performing Arts and Bachelor of Arts (Acting) courses and serves as a postgraduate research supervisor. Her academic career spans over two decades, including previous positions at the University of Kent (2001-2010) and as a guest teacher at prominent UK institutions including Central School of Speech and Drama, Exeter University, and Birkbeck University. Her educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy (2012, England) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (2007, England). Prior to her academic career, Barbe was an active performance practitioner, serving as a member of Tadashi Endo's Butoh Mamu Dance Theatre (Germany 1997-2008), establishing Fran Barbe Dance Theatre (London, 2000-2010), and founding Theatre Training Initiative (London 1999-2010), which curated two international butoh festivals in 2005 and 2009. Frances Barbe's research focuses on performer training methodologies, particularly examining the intersection of Western and Eastern performance traditions. Her work emphasizes movement, creative process, devising, and directing contemporary performance, with special attention to Butoh dance, intercultural performance practices, and Japanese theatre forms. She approaches performer training as a site of cultural exchange and innovation, exploring how traditional forms can be adapted and transformed in contemporary contexts while maintaining their essential philosophies. Her recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory from practical exploration of Butoh and Suzuki methodologies toward broader investigations of intercultural performance, pandemic impacts on the arts, and the therapeutic potential of creative practices. The evolution of her work shows increasing engagement with mental health applications of performance, community-based artistic practices, and cross-disciplinary collaborations that bridge academic research with professional artistic production. Vice Chancellor's Staff Award 2018 for Engagement in Learning & Teaching for 'Inspirational teaching and visionary approach in developing a new course, the Bachelor of Performing Arts course.' Barbe has supervised numerous doctoral and master's students across diverse research areas including butoh-based performer training, intercultural performance, site-specific work, and the integration of meditation practices with performance. Her significant research grants include the $100,000 Mental Health – Role of the creative arts project funded by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (2020-2023), and 'The Big Sea' Creative Development grant ($14,995) from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (2021). She has established collaborative networks with institutions including the Intercultural Theatre Institute in Singapore, where she serves on the Academic Board. Through her creative works such as Exquisite: An intercultural encounter with grief and inConversation exhibition, Barbe has developed interdisciplinary teams that integrate performers, designers, composers, and community participants. Her approach emphasizes collaborative creation processes that draw on diverse artistic traditions while addressing contemporary social and emotional themes. Her work consistently bridges academic research with professional artistic practice, creating spaces for dialogue between different performance traditions and exploring the transformative potential of embodied practices.

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Katya PetetskayaView profile

Researcher

Macquarie UniversityAustralia

Katya Petetskaya is a Researcher in the Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts at Macquarie University, Australia, concurrently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy as a Higher Degree Research student. Her institutional affiliation combines academic research contributions with doctoral studies, evidenced by dual university email addresses reflecting both roles. Her research expertise centers on Cultural Economics , with specialized focus on Indigenous Art Markets and Theatre Economics . She investigates economic dimensions of cultural production through national surveys of remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, gender disparities in artistic labor markets, and heritage-led urban development. Methodologically, she employs interdisciplinary approaches blending economic modeling with qualitative cultural analysis. Analysis of her 2019-2024 publications reveals consistent thematic focus on Australian cultural ecosystems, particularly the intersection of economic policy and Indigenous art production. Her work demonstrates increasing methodological sophistication in measuring non-market cultural values, with recent studies applying devised theatre techniques to audience research and developing evaluation frameworks for heritage rehabilitation projects. She has contributed to eight research projects since 2018 as co-investigator with Professor David Throsby, including the multi-regional National Survey of Remote Indigenous Artists (South Australia, Far North Queensland) and the Australia Council-funded assessment of theatre's economic-cultural value. These projects involve extensive fieldwork coordination, data analysis, and policy-oriented reporting for governmental and arts sector stakeholders.

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Katy WalshView profile

Lecturer

University of New England AustraliaAustralia

Katy Walsh is a Lecturer in Contextual Education at the School of Education, Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education, University of New England (UNE). She has nearly three decades of experience teaching secondary school Drama, English, and English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) in Victoria and New South Wales. Her professional background includes freelance acting and co-founding the Red Shed Theatre Company in South Australia. Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Flinders University – Majors: Theatre Studies, Theatre Performance (Drama Centre), English Diploma in Education, Monash University – Specializing in English and ESL (now EALD) PhD in progress at the University of Newcastle focusing on ensemble theatre practice Her research centers on the intersection between professional theatre and drama education, particularly through collaborative group-devising practices. Key interests include collaborative pedagogy, spatial dynamics in creative learning environments, and social ontology—specifically collective intentionality and 'We-thinking'. She emphasizes inclusive and experiential approaches to teaching drama and teacher education. Katy contributes actively to academic discourse as Associate Editor of the Australian Drama Education Magazine (ADEM) and has published in the Journal of Drama Education (JEDA) . She co-authored a chapter titled 'To the Syllabus and Beyond; young people learning through theatre-making in Australian schools' in The Routledge Companion to Theatre and Young People . While no individual research articles are listed, her scholarly output reflects a strong engagement with drama education theory, practice, and policy. Scientific and Professional Memberships: Drama Australia Katy teaches a range of units for pre-service teachers, including Introduction to Teaching and Learning, Classroom Management, Research Methods (at Master’s level), and Teaching for Cultural Inclusivity (EALD). She integrates her extensive industry and classroom experience into her university teaching, supporting future educators in developing practical, inclusive, and creative pedagogies. There is no mention of research grants, supervised students, or formal research teams in the available text. Additional Notes: Katy lives and works on the New England Tablelands and is the mother of five grown children.

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Christine HattonView profile

Senior Lecturer

University of Newcastle Australia (UON)Australia

Dr. Christine Hatton is a Senior Lecturer in Drama at the University of Newcastle's School of Education, Central Coast Campus. With expertise in drama pedagogy, gender in education, and digital learning, she leads international projects like The Water Reckoning Project —a digital rolling role framework based on Dorothy Heathcote's methods. PhD in Drama Education (University of Sydney, 2005) Masters in Theatre Studies (University of NSW) Bachelor of Arts (University of NSW) Her research explores drama's role in: Activating ethical imagination through digital role-play Addressing gender equity via feminist pedagogy and girl-focused interventions Building creative ecologies in school-artist residencies Her 15 most recent publications analyze digital drama's impact on global classrooms, gender performance in the social media era, and postcolonial narratives in youth theatre. Awards include the 2014 University of Newcastle Early Career Fellowship and 2017 Drama NSW Life Membership . She supervises PhD students in areas like: Phronesis in performing arts education Devised theatre and ensemble practice Drama's role in educational communities Projects such as the Fresh AIR Initiative (2014-2016) examine sustained artist-teacher collaborations in NSW schools. Current work includes the Creative Coasts Collective (2022), focusing on coastal communities' educational practices.

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Joe Louis RobinsonView profile

Lecturer

Edith Cowan UniversityAustralia

Joe Louis Robinson is a Lecturer and Course Coordinator for the Diploma of Musical Theatre at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Edith Cowan University. As a music director, composer, and educator based in Perth since 2017, he specializes in sung voice technique, repertoire, music direction, and devising. Teaching areas: sung voice technique, repertoire, music direction, and devising Professional credits: Music supervisor for Soho Cinders (Charing Cross Theatre) and Iconic: A Brief History of Drag (Australia Tour); music director for productions at venues including the Royal Albert Hall and Southwark Playhouse His work spans international projects such as the world’s first virtual-reality production of Tosca (Relative Motion) and original compositions for video games like Link (Freeplay Award nominee). Robinson holds a Bachelor of Arts (2014) and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (2021). Awards: Freeplay Award nomination (2020) for Best Soundtrack Robinson is a member of the Australian Voice Association and has contributed to albums and theatrical productions across London, New York, and Perth.

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Jeremy NeideckView profile

Lecturer

Edith Cowan UniversityAustralia

Dr Jeremy Neideck is a Lecturer and Course Coordinator of the Bachelor of Performing Arts at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), part of Edith Cowan University in Perth. With nearly two decades of experience working between Australia and Korea, he has established himself as a performance maker and academic specializing in transcultural performance practices. His academic work bridges the gap between scholarly research and creative practice in the performing arts. Dr Neideck's educational background includes a PhD from Queensland University of Technology (2016) with a thesis titled "The Fabric of Transcultural Collaboration," and a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Drama) from the same institution (2006). His research focuses on the interweaving of cultures in performance, the intersection of queer identities and theories in performance, and the modeling of new and inclusive social realities. His work integrates embodied performer training with Korean studies, particularly exploring p'ansori (Korean folk opera) and transcultural collaborations. Dr Neideck has developed a distinctive approach using Appreciative Inquiry in arts education, focusing on well-being, artistry, and personal agency in performer training. His creative works reveal a consistent exploration of transcultural dialogue, with projects like "Jiha Underground," "Deluge: 물의기억," and "심청 Shimchong: Daughter Overboard" examining cultural intersections between Korea and Australia. These works have been presented at major festivals including Brisbane Festival, Seoul International Dance Festival, and World Theatre Festival. QUT Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award (2016) Currency House / Copyright Agency Cultural Leadership Mentorship (2016) Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor's Fellowship for Young and Emerging Artists (2013) Asialink Residency (2013) As an educator, Dr Neideck supervises PhD candidates exploring topics like "Who is caring: investigating the intersection of movement and spoken text" and "Deep map cruising: locative performance through aural cartography." He has led significant research projects including "Fabulous Heroes: Building an open archive of queer hopes, dreams, and notions of a good life in contemporary Australia." His teaching spans courses in voice fundamentals, devising, theater workshop, stage combat, and creativity in the performing arts. Dr Neideck maintains active creative partnerships through Company Bad, which he co-founded, and has developed international collaborations with organizations in Korea and Singapore. His work regularly bridges academic research with community engagement, particularly through projects like Hello Project that create inclusive spaces for people with diverse abilities.

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