David Megarrity

Dr David Megarrity is a Senior Lecturer in Drama at Queensland University of Technology's Faculty of Creative Industries, Education & Social Justice. A multi-disciplinary artist working across theatre, music, film, and literature, he brings extensive industry experience to his academic role, having worked as a writer, composer, musician, performer, director, and producer. His creative practice informs his teaching in drama, playwriting, community cultural development, theatre history, and Work Integrated Learning.

His educational background includes:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Queensland University of Technology)
• Master (Queensland University of Technology)
• Graduate Diploma of Education (Drama/English) (Queensland University of Technology)

Megarrity's research centers on composed theatre, collaboration, and the integration of music and performance. His work explores how music drives narrative and creates meaning in theatrical contexts, with particular focus on collaborative creation processes and the role of music in performance making. He has developed innovative approaches to playwriting for young people and community-based theatre projects that engage diverse audiences.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent exploration of composed theatre methodologies, with significant attention to ukulele-based community music practices and collaborative performance creation. His work demonstrates a strong connection between academic research and artistic practice, often using his own creative projects as research case studies. The publications show increasing focus on participatory performance models and the intersection of digital media with live performance.

His major awards include:

• Winner of the 2018 Queensland Premier's Drama Award
• QUT Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence (2019 and 2008)
• Lord Mayor's Performing Arts Fellowship (1998)
• Publisher's recognition as a Picture Book of the Year 'Notable Book' (2008)
• Australian Guild of Screen Composers Johnny Dennis Award

Megarrity has supervised numerous Masters by Research students, focusing on topics related to collaborative performance creation, Indigenous themes in theatre, youth representation, and playwriting methodologies. His teaching portfolio includes units on collaboration, transformation in performance, and generational aspects of performance creation. He has received significant research funding, including Arts Queensland grants to support international collaboration and festival participation.

Through his creative projects like Warmwaters, Tyrone and Lesley, and Bear with Me, Megarrity has built collaborative artistic teams that bridge academic research and professional practice, creating performance works that have toured nationally and internationally, including performances at the Sydney Opera House and selection for the Cannes International Film Festival.