RILEY O’ROURKE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Rylee has over a decade’s worth of experience in the performing arts and holds a Bachelor of Secondary Education (Drama). In 2019, in partnership with the University of Kingston Rylee spent a month in London working with industry professionals at the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company and on the West End to develop skills in producing, acting, directing and design. In 2022, she was offered a place in Belvior Theatre Company’s prestigious FirstClass Education Program where she spent a year working with the company and creatives to promote theatre and the arts across NSW schools. Throughout the years she has also actively worked in the Newcastle Theatre Industry as a producer, director, actor and stage manager. Most notably as the Co-Founder of ‘All’s One Theatre Company’ and Associate Producer at ‘Knock and Run Theatre’. Some of her other credits include Directing PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, Assistant Directing A DOLL’S HOUSE, Assistant Directing the Australian Premier of THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, Assistant Directing BILLY ELLIOT and Directing C*CKHEAD. Currently Rylee is a creative and performing arts educator with the Catholic Schools where she both teaches in school and works as a tutor, programmer, writer and director for ASPIRE. KATE HANNA ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER Kate grew up dancing in the Hunter region from a young age and has carried that love of movement into her career as a Primary and Dance Teacher at the Hunter School of the Performing Arts. She is passionate about choreography and sharing the joy of performance with the next generation of young dancers and audiences. Kate has a particular love of Musical Theatre choreography, blending character, musicality, and narrative into memorable performances. Most recently, Kate was the Dance Director for MOANA JR. at HSPA, with her work earning a CONDA nomination for excellence in choreography. She has also choreographed for the Department of Education’s STARSTRUCK and created successful works for the STATE DANCE FESTIVAL, recognised for their strong intent and expressive storytelling. Thrilled to be working alongside Rachel Stark as Assistant Choreographer, Kate is excited to bring her experience to MAMMA MIA! and to contribute to the energy, storytelling, and sheer fun of this production. ELESE MURRAY STAGE MANAGER Elese Murray has been an active member of the Newcastle theatre community for nearly 20 years. After earning her Advanced Diploma of Technical Production/ Live Events in 2007, Elese has taken on various technical roles across both theatre and corporate events. Her dedication and expertise have earned her multiple CONDA nominations for Excellence in Lighting for her outstanding work with Stooged Theatre. Elese is also deeply committed to arts education and works as a Primary School and Drama Teacher. MARY POPPINS marks her sixth time stage managing with The Very Popular Theatre Company, following her recent role as Stage Manager for SUPERSTARS: A MUSICAL CELEBRATION LIVE IN CONCERT earlier this year.
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