Meet the experts
Tricia Ryan
Head of NIDA Open
Tricia is a passionate advocate for performing arts education and has extensive experience designing and delivering performance-based workshops and programs for children and young people.
Isabella Dunwill
NIDA Open Manager, Melbourne
Isabella Dunwill has extensive experience in the performing arts, both as an actor and as a teacher. An avid scholar, Isabella is a graduate of NIDA’s Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Acting), studied law and commerce at Deakin University and holds a Master of Business (Electronic Business and Communication) from Swinburne University.
Gillian Meisner-Lemon
Senior Program Manager
Gillian is an accomplished theatre director and acting teacher. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Theatre Directing at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London as well as a Bachelor of Education (Hons) from Queen’s University, Belfast.
Timothy Potter
Course Manager – National Shorts
Timothy completed a BFA Acting with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2013. Prior to completing the BFA Acting, he studied BFA Drama and worked extensively with Vena Cava Productions also at QUT.
Alison Bennett
Program Manager – Adult Short Courses
Alison is a performer and workshop facilitator who has worked both in Australia and internationally for over 15 years.
Maree Freeman
Program Manager – Schools
Maree is a playwright, producer and teaching artist. Most recently she held the role of CEO/Artistic Director of Milk Crate Theatre; a company working with people who have experienced homelessness or social marginalisation.
Russell Smith
Program Manager – Children and Young People
Russ is a proud decedent of the Ngarrindjeri people and a graduate of the acting course at NIDA. With over a decade’s professional experience, Russ has worked in all mediums of performance. On television he has been seen on Home and Away, Comedy Inc., The Strip and Redfern Now.