Behind the Curtain with Nick Troon

On today's episode we sit down with Dr Julie Shearer & Dr Richard Jordan about a transition coming to theatre at UNE.   2026 marks the 50th anniversary of UNE's Theatre department and in celebration of this milestone and acknowledgment of the current theatre scene, the department will be transitioning towards a new name under the banner of Theatre & Digital Performance. This change comes with new philosophies, structural changes, and most excitingly a new unit. We'll be exploring it all in this very special episode of Behind the Curtain. 

On today's episode we finish our conversation around the Armidale Drama & Musical Society's upcoming production of Next to Normal as we sit down with some of the leading cast behind the show Lana Howlett (Diana), James Meyer (Dan), & Belle Meyer (Natalie). Next to Normal explores various themes around mental health, and in this discussion we'll be exploring the rehearsal process & the effects of these themes from an actors perspective. Next to Normal, is playing at the Armidale Playhouse from the 21st - 29th November.  Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit adms.org.au.

On today's episode we sit down with Cal Hunter & Bruce Menzies, the director and musical director behind the Armidale Drama & Musical Society's upcoming production of Next to Normal. Next to Normal is a challenging musical that explores various themes around mental health in a very frank and realistic fashion.  We'll be unpacking some of these themes and discuss it's importance in bringing it to the Armidale stage.  Next to Normal, is playing at the Armidale Playhouse from the 21st - 29th November.  Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit adms.org.au.

On today's episode we sit down with Neil Horton, President of the Armidale Drama & Musical Society (ADMS) and director behind their upcoming production of Noises Off. Neil is a seasoned director in community theatre and talks all about the many joys and challenges of this particular show including it's rotating set, 3-act structure, and high energy.  Noises Off, is playing at the TAS Hoskins Centre from Thursday 3rd to 11th, with a black tie gala opening on the 3rd. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit adms.org.au.

On today's episode we sit down with James Kellner, who is playing Mr Mushnik in the Austin Page Musical Society's upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors. This is James' second time performing with the society and so we'll be talking about the society at large but also this cult-classic show and it's unique features. Little Shop of Horrors, is playing at Lazenby Hall from July 31st to August 2nd. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit apjcrc.tidyhq.com.

On today's episode we continue our conversation around the Armidale Drama & Musical Society's upcoming production of Twelfth Night.  In this episode we talk with the leading cast of Amy Showell (Viola), Melissa Hawthorne (Olivia), & Dominick O'Shea (Orsino). All three have a range of experience with Shakespearean performance, whether it be through study, productions, or general love of the text, and in this episode we will unpack their thoughts on each of their characters journeys throughout the show along with their feelings of the process of this production in particular. Twelfth Night, is playing at the TAS Hoskins Centre from July 4th to 12th, with a black tie gala opening on the 4th. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit adms.org.au.

On today's episode we turn the tables as guest host Emily Waldron sits down with Nick Troon & Jess Waters, the directors behind the Armidale Drama & Musical Society's upcoming production of Twelfth Night. Nick & Jess are both first time directors with ADMS jumping in the deep end with their first production being a large scale Shakespearean farce.  We'll be talking about their influences, the process leading up to this show as well as the unique challenges and questions that came with this fascinating play. Twelfth, is playing at the TAS Hoskins Centre from July 4th to 12th, with a black tie gala opening on the 4th. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit adms.org.au.

On today's episode we sit down with Kate Simpson, the director for the Players Theatre's upcoming production of Bonnie & Clyde. Kate is a first time director, with this being her second time putting forward this show, after an initial production with the Earle Page Musical Society was shut down due to COVID.   But that hasn't stopped Kate, she is passionate about seeing this show come to light and we'll be talking about the show's many interesting qualities including how this classic American story resonates with an Australian audience. Bonnie & Clyde, is running at the Glasshouse Port Macquarie from May 2nd to 10th. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit playerstheatre.org.au.

On today's episode we sit down with Kate Frazier, the director for the Armidale Drama & Musical Society's upcoming production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Kate is a first time director with the society, and as so we'll be talking about her experience in this new role, the unique features of this musical, and the show's position within the wider ADMS program for 2025. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is running at the Armidale Playhouse from March 14th to 22nd. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit adms.org.au.

On today's episode we sit down with Alex Robson & Jade Fuda, creatives from the Sydney based theatre company, Fingerless Theatre.  Alex & Jade are the Director and Producer / Lead in the company's upcoming production of Ophelia Thinks Harder. We'll be talking about the play, Fingerless Theatre's attraction to Shakespearean text, Shakespeare's approach to writing (or underwriting) female characters, and how modern Shakespearean adjacent texts can compliment Shakespeare's original stories with modern attitudes and opinions. Ophelia Thinks Harder, is running at KXT on Broadway from March 14th to 29th. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit https://events.humanitix.com/ophelia-thinks-harder.

On today's episode we sit down with Alex Vidler, an freelance stage manager who has just come off a touring production of "Spot - Live on Stage" with CDP Kids. We'll be talking about Alex's experiences with theatre growing up, her transition into children's theatre, and what the stage management process looks like on a touring production. 

On today's episode we sit down with Sarah & James Meyer, who are members in the cast of the Armidale Drama & Musical Society's upcoming production of "Clue" James is playing Colonel Mustard & Sarah is playing Mrs White, as so we'll be talking about the experience of finding the personalities behind these recognisable figures as well as their experience jumping into the Armidale theatre scene after moving from America.   Clue, is running at the Armidale Playhouse from November 29th to December 7th. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit adms.org.au.

On today's episode we sit down with Emily Waldron, a returning guest on Behind the Curtain and director for the Armidale Drama & Musical Society's upcoming production of "Clue" This is Emily's second time directing with ADMS & as so we'll be talking about the experience of directing with a fresh perspective and the different challenges of this production in comparison to her previous credit. Clue, is running at the Armidale Playhouse from November 29th to December 7th. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit adms.org.au.

On today's episode we sit down with Edwin Montgomery, a composer and multi-instrumentalist who is currently on tour with his live original score to the 1922 silent film, Nosferatu.  Edwin brings with him experience in composition for film, video games, and live experiences; both in similar original multi-instrumental film scores & larger projects such as the John Olsen tribute at the Sydney Opera House during the opening night for Vivid's 2023 season.  We'll be discussing this previous experience as well as Edwin's creative process on this production and his thoughts on the film, Nosferatu.  Edwin Montgomery will be performing his live original score alongside a screening of the film Nosferatu at the Armidale Playhouse on Tuesday, October 22nd from 7pm.   Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/nosferatu-with-live-score-by-edwin-montgomery-tickets-1013295071837.  

On today's episode Nick is not only the host but also a guest.  Joined by Sophie Troon they'll be talking about the Armidale Radio Theatre Society's most recent production, Charley's Aunt. Directed by Nick with Sophie in the cast, Charley's Aunt was an experiment in capturing radio theatre with a live audience.  They'll be talking about the rehearsal and performance experience as well as the impact of podcasting and audiences in radio theatre. Charley's Aunt was performed at the UNE Bistro on the 5th September, but is now available on all good podcasting platforms under the show "Armidale Radio Theatre Society". The show can also be accessed in it's entirety via the TuneFM website at tunefm.net.

On today's episode we sit down with Anita Brown & Bruce Menzies, the director and musical director for the Armidale Drama & Musical Society's 2024 musical, Crazy for You. Anita & Bruce both bring with them a wealth of experience in community theatre and as so we'll be talking about the team behind the production, the musical and it's history, the particular challenges and strengths of this show, as well as the features of working with a Gershwin musical. Crazy for You, is running at the TAS Hoskins Centre from July 12th to 20th. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit adms.org.au.

On today's episode we sit down with Joe Lennox & Jess Wright, the leads in the Armidale Drama & Musical Society's 2024 musical, Crazy for You. Joe & Jess are relative newcomers to ADMS, so we'll be talking about the production process from a fresh perspective.  We'll also be talking about the show at large, their inspirations in building character, and how their experience outside the show influences their portrayal of these characters. Crazy for You, is running at the TAS Hoskins Centre from July 12th to 20th. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit adms.org.au.

On today's episode we're continuing our conversation around Pride Month by talking with Jess Waters, a theatre student at UNE.   We'll be talking about LGBTQIA+ representation in theatre & entertainment, the balance between masculine and feminine stories within the LGBTQIA+ genre, and pride in a high school environment.

On today's episode we're celebrating Pride Month by talking with local drag queen Caliden Hunter, who goes by the stage name Luci Dream.   We'll be talking about drag as an art form, Cal's experiences so far, and drags portrayal in theatre.  

On today's episode we sit down with Kees Grenyer, the musical director for the Armidale Secondary College's 2024 production of High School Musical. We'll be talking about the show, the impact it's had on the students, and the experience of putting together a musical in a high school environment.    High School Musical, is running at the Armidale Secondary College from June 28th to July 6th. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit https://events.humanitix.com/asc.

On today's episode we sit down with Aaron Robuck & Montana Sharp, the leads in Soundwork Production's 2024 season of Parade. Parade has recently completed a run in Melbourne and will be playing in Sydney from the 9th May.  We'll be talking about this change in scenery, the show itself, and performance in a capital city.  Parade, is running at the Seymour Centre from May 9th to 25th. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit www.seymourcentre.com/event/parade/. 

On today's episode we sit down with Ron Ziv, a director in the 2024 season of Favourite Shorts, produced by High Country Theatre We'll be talking about the show, & Ron's experience being the youngest director in this years season. Favourite Shorts, is running at the Lodge Theatre from May 10th to 19th. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit Trybooking.com/CQOIH.

On today's episode we sit down with Gero Cutmore, Director for the Tamworth Musical Society's 2024 production of "We Will Rock You" We'll be talking about jukebox musicals, the challenges of working with well known music, & the unexpected world of this musical. We Will Rock You, directed by Gero Cutmore, is running at the Capitol Theatre Tamworth from May 3rd to 18th. Tickets are on sale now, so for more details visit entertainmentvenues.com.au/we-will-rock-you.

On today's episode we sit down with Dr Richard Jordan, Senior Lecturer in Theatre and Performance at the University of New England & published playwright. We'll be taking a look through Dr Jordan's past works and his journey leading up to where he is today.  Our conversations include discussions around producing your own scripts, the processes behind winning literary awards, and Dr Jordan's personal inspiration behind some of his scripts.  Warning: This episode of Behind the Curtain contains discussions around drink spiking.  If you or anyone you know needs support, you can reach out to Lifeline (13 11 14, lifeline.org.au) or the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline (1800 250 015).  Viewer discretion is advised.

On today's episode we sit down with Neil Horton, the current president of the Armidale Drama & Musical Society. We'll be talking about the society at large, the role of a president, the Armidale Playhouse's development over the past few years, 2023's program of events, and what audiences can expect in 2024.

On today's episode we sit down with the team behind the Armidale Drama and Musical Society's (ADMS) upcoming production of "Brokenville". In particular we'll be talking with Cal Hunter, director for the show in his first directing credit with ADMS, and Felix Rhuby, a cast member for the show in his first acting credit with ADMS.  

On today's episode we sit down with Matthew Whittingham, Graphic Designer for the Fingerless Theatre's upcoming show "The Government Inspector" We'll be talking about his experiences in the world of graphic design, the challenges of working in a remote team, and of course his creative process.

On today's episode we sit down with Alex Robson, lead creative behind Fingerless Theatre and director / writer / actor for their upcoming show "The Government Inspector" We'll be talking about the show, Alex's experiences in Sydney theatre, and the challenges of playing these multiple roles at once.

On today's episode we sit down with Gordon Cope, lead creative behind High Country Theatre and director / writer behind their upcoming show "The Pied Piper" We'll be talking about working with children, Gordon's thoughts on writing, and the significance behind High Country Theatre.

On today's episode we talk about theatre in a slightly different sense as we sit down with David Stevenson-Relf (Cinema and Retail Manager for UNE Life) & Benjamin Bible (General Manager of Operations for UNE Life). We'll be talking about Belgrave Cinema's upcoming screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show as a part of their "Halloween @ Belgrave Cinema" event, with discussions around the content of the film, it's impact on the world around it and the experience of watching movies in a cinema atmosphere.  

On today's episode we sit down with Margaret Sims, co-producer for High Country Theatre's "Favourite Shorts". The team are currently on the lookout for new writers, but we also talk about the project itself, and how curious directors and actors can get involved.

On today's episode we sit down with Hadi Hussein, the Armidale Drama and Musical Society's (ADMS) 2023 Dennis Wright award winner and lead actor in the upcoming season of "Black Comedy".   This is the first time Hadi has played the lead in an ADMS production, so we talk about the experience going from ensemble to lead, his experience in this show, and larger conversations about recognition in the arts world.

On today's episode we sit down with Kate Frazier, actor, co-producer and marketing manager for the Armidale Drama and Musical Society's (ADMS) upcoming season of "Black Comedy".   We talk about what these different roles mean, what Kate has learnt through this experience and what audiences can expect from this show.  

On today's episode we sit down with Geneva Stocker, Armidale local and performer in the Armidale Drama and Musical Society's (ADMS) upcoming season of "Black Comedy".   We talk about Geneva's thoughts on preparing for this role, the rehearsal process in musicals vs plays, and Geneva's past experiences.  

On today's episode we sit down with Grace Saxton, a UNE student in the cast of Stillwater Productions season of "Breast Wishes".   We talk about Grace's theatre journey so far, the show itself, & the experience of performing in such a transparent role as a reasonable newcomer to the Armidale theatre scene.

On today's episode we sit down with Jay Samuelson, Lighting Officer for Stillwater Productions upcoming season of "Breast Wishes".   We talk about Jay's role within the production process, the experience of being a techie, & how newcomers can get involved.  

On today's episode we sit down with Donna Wainohu, director for Stillwater Productions upcoming season of "Breast Wishes".   We talk about the show itself, Donna's journey leading up to this production, the charitable meaning behind this show, & the challenges of working with a largely unknown production.  

On today's episode we sit down with Grant Quinn, treasurer for the Tamworth Dramatic Society (TDS) and lead creative on the upcoming "6x30 Podcast".   We talk about providing opportunities for a variety of members in a regional community, the benefits of radio theatre, and the exciting possibilities of this new project.  

On today's episode we sit down with Jesse Donaldson-Jarrett, actor and producer of an upcoming independent production of "This Is Our Youth" We talk about the experience of putting an independent work up in a major city, the benefits of a small cast, the difference between rural and urban theatre, whilst also getting a peek into the Sydney fringe theatre scene.

On today's episode we sit down with Penny Dalgleish, the Director of High Country Theatre's 2023 Production, "The Men Commandments" We talk about Penny's thoughts behind the directing process & how creating a theatre out of a non-traditional theatre setting has impacted the creative process.  

On today's episode we sit down with Kees Grenyer, the Musical Director of the Armidale Drama & Musical Society's (ADMS) 2023 Production, "Into the Woods." We talk about Kees experiences leading up to this role, what a Musical Director is, & the challenges he's faced working with Sondheim's music for the first time.

On today's episode we talk with Mary Bennett who is performing as Cinderella in the Armidale Drama & Musical Society's (ADMS) 2023 production of "Into the Woods" We talk about what it's like being a newcomer in the ADMS community, their thoughts on the show, & their experience performing in the role.

On today's episode we sit down with Amy Showell, the stage manager of the Armidale Drama & Musical Society's (ADMS) 2023 Production, "Into the Woods." We talk about Amy's past experiences, her journey of growth in the Armidale theatre community & get a quick glimpse at the upcoming show from her perspective.  

On today's episode we sit down with Emily Waldron, the director of the Armidale Drama & Musical Society's (ADMS) 2023 Productions, "Into the Woods." Emily is a first time director with ADMS & we talk about the application process, her directing experience, & the show as a whole.