Bryce Ives – Director
Bryce was a quiet boy who by his own choice wore a bow tie to primary school and hated getting dirty. The insanely overt part of his nature was brought out through local theatre, but it was his performance as Otto the Rat in the local children theatre production of The Pied Piper which cemented his lifelong passion for the stage. Bryce has since directed Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Witches of Eastwick, Once on this Island, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Australian premiere of Tangled up in Blue. His next project is directing the new Australian musical Call Girl by comedian Tracy Harvey which will have a rehearsed reading at the Phoenix Theatre later this year. Bryce is one of Australia’s most in-demand youth media practitioners and currently works for the ABC. Bryce’s personal life highlights including stalking Pauline Hanson and Jeff Kennett for his 1998 ABC TV documentary The King and I, becoming the first General Manager of SYN Youth Media and being present at Parliament House for Kevin Rudd’s apology to the stolen generation – a life changing moment in this nations history. Bryce describes directing as being ‘predominantly about moving a world into being and ensuring the security and comfort of those we collaborate and with.’
For Bryce, Happiness is… his childhood – Mum, Dad, Amber, teddy bear picnics, a vivid imagination, summer holidays and a saturation of love.
Adrian Portell- Musical Director
As a child, Adrian considered such diverse career goals as becoming a farmer, a NASA pilot, or a chef: he earned his Associate Diploma in Piano at the tender age of thirteen, and harbours dreams of piano-playing stardom. He has performed with the Frankston Symphony Orchestra and spent six months playing aboard the Royal Princess cruise liner. Adrian is currently the assistant musical director for Joining the Chorus, and is studying to become an actuary, having completed a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Mathematics. Adrian’s personal highlights include traveling to Thailand, where he dined on squirrels. Adrian describes his role as music director as ‘waving a funny little stick at people to try to get them to play and sing in time’.
For Adrian, Happiness is… When the right notes combine with the right voice to create that magical sound that sends shivers up and down your spine.
James A.Cook – Associate Director
As a child, James’ aspirations were dictated by whatever costume he dragged from the dress-up box. He believes that this led to his passion for the theatre. James spent two years in Brisbane performing in various children’s productions before moving to Melbourne. He holds a Diploma of Entertainment Stage Management from Box Hill Tafe. More recently, audiences may have seen him in Oliver!, How to Succeed in Business…, I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change, Urinetown and Putting it Together. James made his directorial debut in 2006 with Hot Mikado for ARC Theatre. James’ personal highlights include being employed as the Assistant Producer for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
For James, Happiness is… Working with people who share a mutual goal, doing something you love and sharing it with others.
Jessica Barlow – Choreographer
Jessica’s childhood was dominated by dreams of becoming a pirate, a hairdresser, a song-writer, or a combination of all three. Jessica has since been involved in over 20 musicals, including Urinetown, Guys and Dolls, Songs for A New World and A Chorus Line. Jessica has been nominated for three Lyrebird Awards and has also been nominated for a Music Theatre Guild Award. She has extensive training in funk, hip-hop and tap and has undertaken ballet, jazz, tap, piano and singing training andexaminations. As well as teaching, she plays the guitar and the drums. Jessica’s personal highlights include writing and composing her first song, which was performed in SMIDDY at the Ballarat Academy of Performing Arts. Jessica describes her role as choreographer as ‘providing all of the dance and movement in the show.’
For Jessica, Happiness is… Living your dreams and waking up in the morning and allowing mother nature to put a smile on your face.
