Staff

Barker has a full time teaching staff of five with an additional Theatre Technician. They collectively are actively involved in the Performing Arts as well as bring a wealth of experience from the stage and film industries. They work collaboratively on each project and are reknown for their compassion, dedication and striving for excellence in their work. Visiting staff from other schools and Drama instituitions regularly work with our staff and students. Our Drama staff are in great demand beyond Barker as Examiners for the Board of Studies, actors, designers, directors and film makers as well as giving assistance with programming and workshops.

David Stewart (Head of Drama)

David has directed, acted, designed and written for the theatre in both Victoria and New South Wales. He is passionate about the creative process and the empowering effect Drama can give to all, the challenge new media can bring to video and staging, and the dynamic nature of our subject at HSC.

Lynda O'Brien

Lynda has both dance and actor training, working as a professional in both art forms. Her extensive background in drama education in NSW and her attention to academic rigour helped shape the outstanding drama program at Barker. Lynda enjoys sharing her broad and inspiring knowledge of theatre practice through history in her classes. She has a deep love of directing and creating an atmosphere of enthusiastic joy in rehearsal. Her fine eye and wonderful sense of form allow her to channel her passion for musical theatre and choreography.

Dugal Parker

Dugal is our Technical Director at Barker. He has acted, directed and worked backstage on over 200 productions, the last 45 here at Barker. He has worked in Physical Theatre and circus, written and produced short films (one feature film with the School), written and directed plays and is a published author of the novel, "Junktown Lemmings". He loves to watch that "aha moment" when a student finally understands the impact of their own work in Drama.

Pia Midgley

Pia completed her acting training in New Zealand and went on to develop dynamic programs in Drama and Theatre Studies in London. In Sydney she completed her masters degree in Drama Education and is now enjoying her role of Assistant Head of Department at Barker. She has a love of sophisticated improvisation and coordinates the Barker College Theatresports senior team for the annual NSW School Competition. Pia also has a love of design, film and Chekov and she directed the superb Year 12 play, 'Summerfolk' in 2012. She brings a wealth of experience and organised professionalism to the department.

Rachael Blake

Rachael has been teaching Drama and directing student productions for over 15 years. She has taught and marked the HSC Drama syllabus for the last 10 years and promotes excellence in this wide-ranging practical course. She loves to watch all students grow in their self confidence, as they explore their world through experiential learning, spontaneous improvisation and intuitive acting techniques. She is passionate about Physical Theatre and looks forward to intensive training in the Suzuki, Butoh and Ann Bogart's 'Viewpoints' Methods this year with Zen Zen Zo Theatre Company.

Amy Robertson

Amy has studied music theatre and acting at both NIDA and the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University before embarking on her teaching career. Having worked as a professional actor and singer Amy brings her love for performance, directing and music theatre to Barker College. Amy is passionate about the many facets of teaching Drama at Barker from film making and scriptwriting to Shakespeare and Stanislavski!

Amy directed the College Musical 'Anything Goes' in 2011 and the Year 10 Play 'The Merry-Go-Round in the Sea' in Term 2, 2012.

Monty Lavis

Monty is our Performing Arts secretary. Her administration and love of the Arts helps the Department function at peak performance everyday. Monty is the touchstone for all the Drama students as she accepts all hand-in documents and excursion notes, organising the steady flow of work that comes from and goes out to our students. Monty also assists the Co-curricular production directors by creating stunning hair and make-up designs for any period in time. She loves seeing the way our students transform just by coming into the studios. She believes that they seem to be coming 'home' and observes the way their real personality reveals itself in a supportive, creative space.