Mentorship

As a Mentee

Through my early experiences working as an Assistant Director, I developed a deep-seated value for great mentorship. This was founded through the privilege of working under such directors as Dr Julian Meyrick , (who, after all these years, I still think is the cat’s pyjamas) and the deeply intelligent and yet disarmingly visceral Deborah Leiser-Moore (who I am excited to see on stage again!) It was through being mentored by such brilliant minds as these, that I came to understand the potential we have as artists to create opportunities for others to learn and grow. I have recently had the fortune to be mentored in my teaching of Theatre Studies by exceptionally experienced Theatre Studies and English teacher and VCAA affiliate, Sara Reece.

As a Mentor

As a late career teacher, I have had the privilege of offering fellow teachers mentorship within both education and performing arts. I am particularly passionate about working with Theatre Studies and Drama teachers to build curriculum within both academically motivated and more vocational environments.

‘Claire has guided me through some of the most daunting periods of my professional life. Claire's ability to analyse a situation, present pros and cons and gently help you decipher what is best for you, as an individual, is impressive. The growth mindset that I have achieved since working with Claire is really exciting. I wouldn't be where I am today, without their guidance and support.’ - Melanie McLean, colleague | Mentone Girls’ Grammar

‘Claire worked with me as a critical friend as I returned to teaching VCE Theatre after many years. To decipher the support required under pressure, then bring a calm and professional approach was very much appreciated. Their extensive knowledge and understanding of the theatre course translated into better informed and richer lessons for my students. Cross marking assessments with Claire clearly translated the nuances of the success criteria. Claire also joined my class for some targeted sessions with my students who enjoyed the teacher collaboration in what is usually a solo venture for most VCE Theatre teachers. This was all vital preparation for both the Theatre monologue and written exams.’ - Christina Burton, Creative Arts Leader (F-12) | Balcombe Grammar School

As Founder of a thriving Theatrical Mentorship program

As a Performing Arts teacher, I founded and facilitated a unique Theatrical Mentorship Program, where school aged applicants vied for highly sought after opportunities to work alongside inspirational and exceptional theatre makers towards the creation of each production. These industry professionals worked in fringe and mainstage theatres across Australia and beyond. Students worked alongside their mentors, gleaning insight into both the theatrical process and the final product, from the first read through, participating in the pitching, design and implementation across all the theatrical elements. Each year, a particular element took heightened focus through the program, depending on the opportunities which arose from the script. These included Flight and Stunt Choreography, Digital Projection, Music Composition, Swordsmanship and Fight sequencing and Stage Magic. This unique mentorship program enabled its participants to:

• forge their own creative networks beyond the School, enabling them to embrace post-graduate opportunities

• collaborate with students from across year levels towards a highly valued and public event on the School’s calendar

• strengthen their communication, creativity and collaboration

• ratify the knowledge acquired within the academic curriculum in subjects such as English, Music, Theatre Studies, Drama, Business Studies, Visual Arts and Mathematics

‘Claire is a passionate and highly skilled Performing Arts educator who engages her learners with level appropriate resources and experiences. They inspire their learners to delve into their imaginations in order to create and tell their own stories with confidence.’ Tim Ryan, Education Manager | Opera Victoria.