Patrick Conlan, Founding Director
Patrick Conlan founded the Childrens Performing Company of Australia in 1984 to offer students with an interest in the performing arts the opportunity to develop both personal and performing skills. An experienced performer and director, Patrick has had an extensive theatrical career, working alongside many of Australia's leading artists, including Dennis Olsen, June Bronhill, Barry Crocker, Denise Drysdale and Norman Yemm. Patrick has directed countless productions for the Victorian Youth Theatre, in addition to many professional, amateur and school productions.
Beth Thomson, Head of Drama
Beth has a long association with the CPCA. She trained with the YABC for six years, appearing in many productions including the 1999 USA Tour. She has worked for the organisation for the past seven years including the 2002 and 2008 World Tour, in the former she toured as Dance Captain and in 2010 was Tour Director for ‘The BFG’ (Adelaide Fringe Festival). She has a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma of Education from Monash University where she majored in drama and psychology; a postgraduate certificate in applied business; and a Certificate IV in workplace training and assessment. She has taught drama and dance to primary aged children for several years and has been the Head of Performing Arts at Westbreen Primary School. For two and a half years Beth was Communications Manager for Networking World and she has written two books on how to bring drama into the classroom.
Click here to view the full list of staff at the Children's Performing Company of Australia.
