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Mailing List

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Board Members
David Dargie (Chair)

DAVID DARGIE is a Director of NAS Australia, a Brisbane-based importer and wholesaler specializing in audio-visual, satellite and digital equipment. He is also a delegate to various sales and technical committees for the television reception industry (ADSIF) under the auspices of the Australian Industry Group. David travels regularly to China, and has a strong understanding of this growing marketplace.

Born and raised in Brisbane, David is a multi-graduate from the University of Queensland. During this time David accumulated a degree in Economics with a Statistics major, an Honours degree in Studies of (Indian) Religion, a yet-to-be-completed doctoral dissertation in Sanskrit studies, and an Open Cabler's License!

David was involved with Zen Zen Zo at its inception, and has since followed the company’s work over the years as a devoted fan. Cognisant of the challenges facing small, specialized companies in Queensland, David hopes to bring a positive business focus to Zen Zen Zo to ensure expansion and longevity without compromising the artistic mission of the company. He is committed during his tenure as Chairperson to seek and develop new relationships with sponsors and philanthropists and to explore appropriate and ethical fundraising opportunities.

 
Melissa Western (Secretary)
hs_MelissaWestern.jpgMELISSA ABIGAIL WESTERN was born in Manchester, UK, the only daughter of a jazz-singing English father and an award-winning Sri Lankan model mother. She performs internationally, acting, singing and dancing in musical theatre shows and cabarets, writing and producing new works and singing as a feature vocalist with a range of jazz ensembles.

Performance Highlights: Melissa & the Cunning Accompanist (Adelaide Fringe), Ella, Marilyn, Marlene and Me (Edinburgh Fringe - official 'sell out' show), Wicked Bodies (La Boite Theatre, Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre), The Madness of Sweeney, Taliesan (Mog Roith / Eugene Gilfedder), The Dinosaur Show, Captain Flash and the Fantastic Flying Machine, Santa of the Never Never (Tell Tales Entertainment), Boneless Chicken Brecht, Inheritance, Schoolies, An Entirely New Sensation (Cracka Theatre Troupe).

Venue and festival highlights: The Vault - Edinburgh Fringe Festival, L'église – Avaux (France), Powerhouse Theatre - Brisbane Cabaret Festival, Brisbane Jazz Club, Speigeltent - Qld Music Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, QPAC, The Basement – Gold Coast Arts Centre, Valley Jazz Festival, Mackay Entertainment Centre, The Tivoli, Gold Coast Jazz and Blues Club.

Training highlights: Musical theatre RADA (London), Broadway Dance Centre (New York), Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre, Luis Pinto (Street Dance), Jasmine Meakin (Hip-hop, Sexy Cool), Simone Pope (flamenco).

Melissa was Valedictorian of her graduating Bachelor of Arts at UQ, holds a University Medal from the University of Queensland, first class Honours degree and was awarded her Masters of Philosophy in the field of Drama in 2006. Melissa was the President of the Brisbane Jazz Club from 2004 – 2007. She was the youngest President in the club's 35+ year history.

 
Michael Burke
hs_michaelburke.jpgMICHAEL BURKE has worked in the digital media industry for over fifteen years and as a musician and composer since 1989. He is the co-founder of Liquid Animation and Liquid Interactive. As the Executive Producer and Managing Director of Liquid Interactive, he is responsible for providing digital content solutions for a global client base. Michael has a strong track record of delivering successful innovative digital and cross-media projects in the Entertainment, Games, Education, Arts and Advertising industries. He is currently the President of the Australian Interactive Media Industry Association in Queensland.
 
Jane Cameron

hs_janecameron.jpgJANE CAMERON joins the Board after having been a member of the Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre training room since October 2003. During this time she has performed in company productions and events including: The Tempest (2009/dir. L. Bradley), Sub Con Warrior 2.0 (2008/dir. S. Woods), iOrpheus (2007/dir. L.Bradley), Wings of Desire (2007/dir. L. Bradley) and The Ugly Duckling (2006/dir. T.Hylands). Jane was also production manager for Zen Zen Zo's Sub Con Warrior 2.0 at the Judith Wright Centre in 2008.

Jane's interest in both physical and text-based theatre has led her to undertake a range of intensive workshops with international and national artists including Ellen Lauren (Viewpoints, Suzuki/2005), Yumiko Yoshioka (Butoh/2006), Steph Kehoe (Lecoq/2006), Alejandro Rolandi (Contact Improvisation/2007), Rob Pensalfini(Linklater/2008-09) and Dairakudakan (Butoh/2008).

Her other stage performance credits include Wild Things (2009/dir - L. Bayley) and Schapelle:A Protest Song (2009/dir - K. Bran) as part of the Short & Sweet Brisbane festival, Food of Love (2009/dir - C.McNamara), The Golden Dance (2008/dir. T.Muramatsu), Thank God Its Tuesday (2007/Improactive), Macbeth (2007/dir. J.Zayer), Silhouette (2006/dir. B.White), Baby with the Bathwater (2005/dir. J.Boyle), The Children's Hour (2004/dir. B.White), Brilliant Lies (2004/dir. B.White), Miracles (2003), Vinegar Tom (2002) and Accidental Death of an Anarchist (2001/dir. C.MacDiarmuid). Her film performance credits include the short films Bloss (2007), Jade (2007), The Whip (2007), For Your Eyes (2007), Cycle (2005), Pursue Your Dreams (2005) and Think of the Consequences (2005); and Claire Whiting's filmclip Prolonged (2007/Flipbook Media).

Jane is also an associate artist with the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble.

 

 
Bill Lauder
hs_billlauder.jpgBILL LAUDER joined in the Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre Board in 2008 and will provide operational and business advice to the company. Bill is expert in the valuation and auctioneering industry, and with over 19 years experience, he is a professional that has practiced throughout Australia and England. With some of Australia's largest onsite auctions being conducted by Bill, his expertise is greatly in demand by our clients. His knowledge spans most industries, but he has a particular interest in IT, communications, manufacturing and transport industries.
 
Ian Lawson

hs_IanLawson.jpgIAN LAWSON is the Associate Director of La Boite Theatre Company, which involves working as a Director and Dramaturg, and managing the Company's Creative Development Program. For La Boite Theatre Company Ian has directed My Love Had a Black Speed Stripe as part of The Holden Plays (2002), Urban Dingoes (2004), Crèche & Burn (2005) and the 2006 national tour of Crèche & Burn, Last Drinks (2006), The Narcissist (2007), Summer Wonderland (2007), The Danger Age (2008) and the 2008 return season of The Narcissist which was also presented by the Sydney Theatre Company as part of their 2008 Season. Ian also designed The Mayne Inheritance (2004) for the company and directed the regional productions of After January (2002) and 48 Shades of Brown (2003). For the Queensland Music Festival Ian was the Associate Director and Designer on Bobcat Dancing (2003) and Bobcat Magic (2005). Prior to working at La Boite, Ian was Co-Artistic Director of green Theatre Company. For green Ian has directed and designed Oleanna, The Misanthrope, Jerusalem, Cheapside, The Big Picture, The Maids, Alive at Williamstown Pier, A Doctor In Spite of Himself and The Vagina Monologues. Ian is an Honours graduate from QUT, majoring in directing and design.


 
Hayley Linthwaite
hs_hayleylinthwaite.jpgHAYLEY LINTHWAITE's extensive background in theatre has seen her in the roles of educator, director, researcher and performer. She has taught in both secondary and tertiary institutions; presented at state, national and international conferences; worked with the Phare Ponleu Selpak Company in Cambodia; and has worked extensively across the fields of youth theatre. Currently a Creative Industries Doctoral student at QUT, her research in applied performance addresses complex project management for Australia’s Defense Materials Organisation in Canberra and sexual health, HIV and AIDS education within the rural southern highlands of Papua New Guinea.  Hayley will provide advice on education, youth theatre and community networking to the Company.
 
Steve Worley (Treasurer)

STEVE WORLEY is a professional resources manager and has been managing businesses for the past 20 years. He is currently General Manager for Forestry Plantations Queensland. Steve has worked in Australia and overseas in a range of roles with a strong operational focus and responsibility for strategic corporate development.

He has a long, informal association with Zen Zen Zo and was recently asked to join the EAC. Since joining he has focussed on the development of funding arrangements and reporting for the company.