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Our Creative Team
Nicholas Opolski
DIRECTOR / TEXT ADAPTATION
Nicholas has made many appearances as an actor since graduating from NIDA in the 1980s. On television, he has had long-running roles in 'Neighbours', and 300 episodes of the iconic 'Bananas in Pyjamas". He has worked with Sydney Theatre Company, Nimrod, Belvoir St, La Mama and made many appearances with independent and community theatres in Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne. Shakespeare performances include roles in 'Macbeth', 'The Taming of the Shrew', 'The Comedy of Errors', and 'Hamlet'. As director, his productions include 'Dracula', 'Chilling and Killing My Annabel Lee', 'Twentieth Century', ' And Then There Were None', 'The Lady in the Van', 'Dinner with Friends', and 'Virginia'. He is Artistic Director of The Malvern Theatre Company.
Nicholas has made many appearances as an actor since graduating from NIDA in the 1980s. On television, he has had long-running roles in 'Neighbours', and 300 episodes of the iconic 'Bananas in Pyjamas". He has worked with Sydney Theatre Company, Nimrod, Belvoir St, La Mama and made many appearances with independent and community theatres in Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne. Shakespeare performances include roles in 'Macbeth', 'The Taming of the Shrew', 'The Comedy of Errors', and 'Hamlet'. As director, his productions include 'Dracula', 'Chilling and Killing My Annabel Lee', 'Twentieth Century', ' And Then There Were None', 'The Lady in the Van', 'Dinner with Friends', and 'Virginia'. He is Artistic Director of The Malvern Theatre Company.
Claire Baldwin
CO-DIRECTOR / WEB MASTER
Alongside many years of training and working as a stage and screen actor, Claire Baldwin has dabbled in directing and choreographing both musical and straight theatre. Claire’s experience as an actor and dancer has imbued her with the performing and storytelling expertise to envision a captivating theatrical production. This ability is well-supported by her experience as a Maritime Warfare Officer and Leadership Coach in the Royal Australian Navy, as well as through her academic pursuits as a Master of English Literature, all of which has empowered her with the leadership, management, analytical and communication skills to effectively lead a team of actors toward a well-conceived vision. Claire is chuffed to be a member of the Production Team of ‘Hamlet’ as the Co-Director, alongside performing the roles of Horatio and Rosencrantz, and she has thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and privilege of balancing both roles and working with such a talented Production Team and cast.
Alongside many years of training and working as a stage and screen actor, Claire Baldwin has dabbled in directing and choreographing both musical and straight theatre. Claire’s experience as an actor and dancer has imbued her with the performing and storytelling expertise to envision a captivating theatrical production. This ability is well-supported by her experience as a Maritime Warfare Officer and Leadership Coach in the Royal Australian Navy, as well as through her academic pursuits as a Master of English Literature, all of which has empowered her with the leadership, management, analytical and communication skills to effectively lead a team of actors toward a well-conceived vision. Claire is chuffed to be a member of the Production Team of ‘Hamlet’ as the Co-Director, alongside performing the roles of Horatio and Rosencrantz, and she has thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and privilege of balancing both roles and working with such a talented Production Team and cast.
Eleni Rogers
STAGE MANAGER / INTIMACY COACH
From the Greek Helene meaning ‘light’, Eleni has been an actor, award winning director, stage manager and all-round theatre fiend for much longer than she would care to remember. She has been part of a theatre in education company, worked with both students and teachers, loves doing theatre with kids and instilling a love of performance, imagination and fun. She is a celebrant by day (Golightly Celebrants), which is a job that lets her thespian/directorial love come to her everyday life. Eleni previously worked with AVID on A Streetcar Named Desire and was an essential ingredient in creating a collaborative, diverse and inclusive theatre culture on that production. We are in safe hands with Eleni.
From the Greek Helene meaning ‘light’, Eleni has been an actor, award winning director, stage manager and all-round theatre fiend for much longer than she would care to remember. She has been part of a theatre in education company, worked with both students and teachers, loves doing theatre with kids and instilling a love of performance, imagination and fun. She is a celebrant by day (Golightly Celebrants), which is a job that lets her thespian/directorial love come to her everyday life. Eleni previously worked with AVID on A Streetcar Named Desire and was an essential ingredient in creating a collaborative, diverse and inclusive theatre culture on that production. We are in safe hands with Eleni.
Chris Collins
SOUND DESIGN & OPERATION / SCORE COMPOSITION
Chris is pleased to be working again with the team at Avid Productions, having last worked with Avid for A Streetcar Named Desire in 2019. His other recent productions include The Effect (Mordialloc Theatre Company), Gruesome Playground Injuries (Little Ray of Sunshine Productions) and Tribes (Hartwell/Encore). Originally with a background in music performance and production before becoming involved in theatre, Hamlet also sees Chris collaborating with Michael Fenemore on the writing and production of the music score for the show. This has been a welcome addition to his regular sound design duties, and he’s excited to be putting these elements together in what will be his first foray into Shakespeare.
Chris is pleased to be working again with the team at Avid Productions, having last worked with Avid for A Streetcar Named Desire in 2019. His other recent productions include The Effect (Mordialloc Theatre Company), Gruesome Playground Injuries (Little Ray of Sunshine Productions) and Tribes (Hartwell/Encore). Originally with a background in music performance and production before becoming involved in theatre, Hamlet also sees Chris collaborating with Michael Fenemore on the writing and production of the music score for the show. This has been a welcome addition to his regular sound design duties, and he’s excited to be putting these elements together in what will be his first foray into Shakespeare.
Liam Mitchinson
LIGHT DESIGN & OPERATION
Liam has been involved in all aspects of theatre performance and production since he started out in 1995. He graduated with a BA in drama and performing arts from Deakin university in 2000. In 2011 he was a founder, and technical director of the White Box Theatre in Seoul, South Korea. Over the next 3 years he designed lighting and sets for 24 productions including highlights such as Cosi, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, A Doll's House, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Race. Upon returning to Australia he became the technical manager of the heritage listed Cummins Theatre in Meredin WA, then worked as venue technician at The Clocktower Centre and Monash University as well as technical manager of the Burrinja Cultural Centre. He has designed, plotted, rigged and operated lighting for countless performances during his time as a venue technician from local primary school revues to international touring acts.
Liam has been involved in all aspects of theatre performance and production since he started out in 1995. He graduated with a BA in drama and performing arts from Deakin university in 2000. In 2011 he was a founder, and technical director of the White Box Theatre in Seoul, South Korea. Over the next 3 years he designed lighting and sets for 24 productions including highlights such as Cosi, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, A Doll's House, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and Race. Upon returning to Australia he became the technical manager of the heritage listed Cummins Theatre in Meredin WA, then worked as venue technician at The Clocktower Centre and Monash University as well as technical manager of the Burrinja Cultural Centre. He has designed, plotted, rigged and operated lighting for countless performances during his time as a venue technician from local primary school revues to international touring acts.
Bernie Phelan
PROMOTIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Bernie Phelan has a body of work spanning over 30 years, specializing in all areas of commercial and advertising photography, with extensive experience in corporate, government, media and PR, touching on fashion & sport. Bernie also has considerable experience working in the visual digital domain, focusing on the retouching and manipulation of images for commercial applications. Bernie has worked alongside his close friend Michael Fenemore on every one of AVID’s productions; generously donating endless hours, days and months to create exceptional images that stir the imagination.
Bernie Phelan has a body of work spanning over 30 years, specializing in all areas of commercial and advertising photography, with extensive experience in corporate, government, media and PR, touching on fashion & sport. Bernie also has considerable experience working in the visual digital domain, focusing on the retouching and manipulation of images for commercial applications. Bernie has worked alongside his close friend Michael Fenemore on every one of AVID’s productions; generously donating endless hours, days and months to create exceptional images that stir the imagination.
Regan Wood
FILM PRODUCTION
Regan Wood, Senior Producer and Co-Owner of Hit 66 Sound & Screen, is an industry professional with over 20 years experience in film, television, audio recording, and post production. He has worked on countless projects as both director and cinematographer, and is a seasoned film editor and writer.
AVID Theatre has previously worked with Hit 66 on the promotional shorts for ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, ‘12 Angry Men’ and ‘Tribes’. Regan is working again as Director of Photography, editor and on post production visual effects for HAMLET’S filmed elements, which included the projection of the Ghost of King Hamlet SFX sequence and our promotional teaser trailers. As a craftsman, and key to the ethos of Hit 66 Sound & Screen, Regan maintains that STORY is, as always, paramount in his work.'
Regan Wood, Senior Producer and Co-Owner of Hit 66 Sound & Screen, is an industry professional with over 20 years experience in film, television, audio recording, and post production. He has worked on countless projects as both director and cinematographer, and is a seasoned film editor and writer.
AVID Theatre has previously worked with Hit 66 on the promotional shorts for ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, ‘12 Angry Men’ and ‘Tribes’. Regan is working again as Director of Photography, editor and on post production visual effects for HAMLET’S filmed elements, which included the projection of the Ghost of King Hamlet SFX sequence and our promotional teaser trailers. As a craftsman, and key to the ethos of Hit 66 Sound & Screen, Regan maintains that STORY is, as always, paramount in his work.'
Leah Downey
SET DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION / COSTUME SEAMSTRESS
Leah is a highly talented artist based in Melbourne, specialising in Set and Costume Design, Scenic Painting, and Costume and Props making. With a strong artistic background, she completed her education at the prestigious Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) in the UK, graduating with a First Class BA (Hons) in Theatre Design. Leah has an impressive list of theatre design credits in both the UK and Australia, working on notable productions such as "Incoming Words of War: The Wives,” "All My Sons," “Around the World in 80 Days," "Gruesome Playground Injuries," "Citysong," "The River," "The Bacchae," "Pericles," "A Little Night Music," "Earthquakes in London," and "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.” She is currently collaborating with esteemed directors on productions which include "Agnes of God," "Continental Quilt," and "Dry Land." Leah's attention to detail and expertise in scenic painting, costume and props making, and creating immersive environments have made her highly sought-after. To explore her remarkable portfolio, visit www.leahdowneydesign.com.
Leah is a highly talented artist based in Melbourne, specialising in Set and Costume Design, Scenic Painting, and Costume and Props making. With a strong artistic background, she completed her education at the prestigious Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) in the UK, graduating with a First Class BA (Hons) in Theatre Design. Leah has an impressive list of theatre design credits in both the UK and Australia, working on notable productions such as "Incoming Words of War: The Wives,” "All My Sons," “Around the World in 80 Days," "Gruesome Playground Injuries," "Citysong," "The River," "The Bacchae," "Pericles," "A Little Night Music," "Earthquakes in London," and "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.” She is currently collaborating with esteemed directors on productions which include "Agnes of God," "Continental Quilt," and "Dry Land." Leah's attention to detail and expertise in scenic painting, costume and props making, and creating immersive environments have made her highly sought-after. To explore her remarkable portfolio, visit www.leahdowneydesign.com.
Fabrizio Capigatti
GRAPHIC DESIGN ARTIST
Fabrizio Capigatti has been working as a graphic designer and scriptwriter for 25 years. He has authored 20 comic books and 3 role-play games as well as a movie screenplay for a feature film currently in pre-production. His last short film was selected for three short film festivals; HALLOWEENPALOOZA (Pennsylvania, USA),THE RISING OF UNDEAD (Berlin, Germany) and THE HALLOWEE HORROR PICTURES SHOW (Tampa, Florida, USA). Fabrizio has studied at BOTTEGA FINZIONI, a Carlo Lucarelli’s school, with some of the most important Italian movie directors such as Manetti Bros, Wilma Labate and Marcello Fois. Fabrizio is the Editor-in-Chief of Remer Comics Publishing House. His current projects include working on a new feature film script and a short movie which is going to be released next September at the Venice International Film Festival.
Fabrizio Capigatti has been working as a graphic designer and scriptwriter for 25 years. He has authored 20 comic books and 3 role-play games as well as a movie screenplay for a feature film currently in pre-production. His last short film was selected for three short film festivals; HALLOWEENPALOOZA (Pennsylvania, USA),THE RISING OF UNDEAD (Berlin, Germany) and THE HALLOWEE HORROR PICTURES SHOW (Tampa, Florida, USA). Fabrizio has studied at BOTTEGA FINZIONI, a Carlo Lucarelli’s school, with some of the most important Italian movie directors such as Manetti Bros, Wilma Labate and Marcello Fois. Fabrizio is the Editor-in-Chief of Remer Comics Publishing House. His current projects include working on a new feature film script and a short movie which is going to be released next September at the Venice International Film Festival.
Nicholas Opolski
DIRECTOR / TEXT ADAPTATION
Nicholas has made many appearances as an actor since graduating from NIDA in the 1980s. On television, he has had long-running roles in 'Neighbours', and 300 episodes of the iconic 'Bananas in Pyjamas". He has worked with Sydney Theatre Company, Nimrod, Belvoir St, La Mama and made many appearances with independent and community theatres in Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne. Shakespeare performances include roles in 'Macbeth', 'The Taming of the Shrew', 'The Comedy of Errors', and 'Hamlet'. As director, his productions include 'Dracula', 'Chilling and Killing My Annabel Lee', 'Twentieth Century', ' And Then There Were None', 'The Lady in the Van', 'Dinner with Friends', and 'Virginia'. He is Artistic Director of The Malvern Theatre Company.
Contributing Artists
Kids In Motion (Dave Hannan): Rehearsal Space Benefactors
Bake Me Up: Rehearsal Space & Catering Benefactors
Malvern Theatre: Selected Costume Benefactors
Studio Stijl: 3D Seating Plan & Set Design Digital Visualization
Australian City Design College: Live Stream Studio
Tangled Web Theatre (Kevin Holman): Benefactor of the Stage Combat Course
Costume Pre-Visualization: Isabella Di Giacomo
Mandy Hinton: Fabric Samples Provision
Light Consultation: Michael Rowe Lighting & Robin Le Blond
Digital Projections Consultation: Bernie Phelan (Centre for Projection Arts)
Lighting Consultation: Robin Le Blond & Michael Rowe
Marketing: Global Saville
Marissa & Mycelium Creatives: Video Shoot Location Benefactors
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