Direction
Like most keen dramatic beans, my love of theatre first drove me to perform on stage, but eventually, I fell in love with lighting. Then costume. Then soundscape. And all the while, without really knowing what the word meant, I was flirting deeply with Dramaturgy. Inevitably, I was spellbound by all that Direction can be. I have developed a particular interest in directing work focussed on giving voice to marginalised and underrepresented voices and stories. Over the years, I have directed in mainstage, fringe and school theatre, including The Fairfax, La Mama & The Carlton Courthouse, St Martins Youth Theatre, The National Theatre, The Guild & Union Theatres, and The Open Stage. I particularly delight in presenting new Australian work and reframing traditional narratives. Here’s a link to an interview about my how my directorial and teaching experiences combined. Through the theatrical mentorship program I founded at Mentone Girls’ Grammar, I have had the pleasure of working as director alongside a brilliant array of creatives, including:
Paul Lim- Lighting Consultant
Lorin Clarke - Playwright
Emily Collett - Costume Design
Anthony De Masi - Magic and Special Effects
Siohbhain Geaney - Lighting Design
Martelle Hunt - Costume Design
Mischa Long - Set and Puppetry Design
Erin O’Brien - Makeup and Hair Design
Bron Pringle - Lighting Design
Lucy Stewart - Playwright
Rainbow Sweeney - Set Design
Steve Ward - Sound Design
Kat Webster- Hair and Makeup Designer
&
Yvonne Borland - Makeup and Hair Design
I have also worked alongside some of Melbourne’s major theatrical services and organisations including:
Here are some lovely creatives waxing lyrical about our work together over the years
“Claire’s directorial abilities are exceptional. Her knack for finding deeper textual meanings along with their keen eye for staging details are what makes working with Claire a truly amazing journey.” - Siohbhain Geaney - Lighting Designer and Production Co-ordinator | Chunky Move.
“Claire is an exceptional artist, educator and leader. He has a down-to-earth and pragmatic practice that encourages artistic risk while prioritising participant safety. Claire creates an environment where everyone can be heard, seen and is free to express themselves. Claire is an invaluable asset and I feel privileged to have worked with them on multiple occasions.” - Tom Backhaus, Composer, Sound Designer, Producer.
