Daniel Evans
Queensland Theatre: Associate Artistic Director
As Associate Artist Director at Queensland Theatre Daniel Evans is committed to continuing the iconic institution’s legacy of producing artistic programs packed with the very best classic, contemporary, international and Australian works for the stage. In his own words “great theatre can change lives” and Daniel is committed to transforming lives through theatre by championing diverse stories, fostering new talent, and advancing First Nations creative practices. In his tenure at Queensland Theatre he has spearheaded active changes to promote diversity and accessibility, staging Australia’s first neurodivergent play written by a neurodivergent playwright Drizzle Boy, for which he won two Matilda Awards (Best Director and Best Mainstage Production).

One rule you live your life by?
“Find your people and when you find them – don’t let them go.”

Madeleine Little
Access Arts: Festival Director
Drawing from her own experience as a disabled artist, the passion for increasing accessibility and authentic representation of disabled stories in the arts drives all of Madeline Little’s work. Both in her independent practice and as a director at Access Arts – Queensland’s leading organisation for people with disability or disadvantage in the arts – Madeline fosters inclusivity by advocating for and supporting artists with disabilities through innovative programs and partnerships, such as the Undercover Artist Festival. A biennial festival filled with bold, daring performing arts projects which enthral audiences and challenge perceptions, Undercover Artist leads the way in championing disability-led arts. Madeline is gearing up Undercover Artist to lead the cultural programming to align with the 2032 Paralympics.

What’s your favourite hidden gem or lesser-known attraction in Queensland?
“Mammino Gourmet Ice Cream in Childers.”

Nicholas Paine
Dead Puppet Society: Co-Founder/Executive Producer
Co-founder of Dead Puppet Society, Nicholas Paine has been an instrumental part of its journey from small indie theatre company to one of Australia’s most in-demand production houses. Dead Puppet Society’s design-led theatre, which blends technology with craftsmanship to create innovative, environmentally-focused productions has garnered international acclaim and prestigious awards, including six Helpmann Awards and an Olivier nomination. From partnering with global brands such as Disney Theatrical and Cirque du Soleil, collaborating with musicians including Lior, Ball Park Music and Montaigne, and even performing at Royal Gala in London, Nicholas remains proud of the company’s Queensland roots and committed to being a champion for, and leader in the state’s arts scene. 

If you could master one skill, what would it be?
“Skipper a boat.”

Amy Parry
Anaphora Productions: Director
A recognised leader in Queensland’s screen industry, Amy Parry is known for her work on female-centric stories, including the ABC documentary A League Of Her Own, about the Queensland Women’s State of Origin team, and Waiting Room, a feature musical/medical documentary about infertility and artist Emma Dean. She is the founder and director of Anaphora Productions and the creator of children’s YouTube channel Rainbow Bop which has over 50k subscribers and 2.45 million views. Recognised by Screen Producers Australia as a Ones To Watch producer, Amy feels passionately about representation for women in the film industry and her business is underscored by the motivation to close the gender pay-gap and increase gender-parity for women in film.

If you could meet any living person, who would it be?
“Meg LeFauve, the writer of Inside Out and all-round kick ass woman who writes wonderful female characters.”

Courtenay Cleary
Violinist Concert Soloist & Educator
From a very young age, Courtenay Cleary has been passionate about music. At age three she remembers being entranced by her mother’s ensemble’s playing. Now Courtenay is an internationally acclaimed classical and contemporary violinist, renowned for her innovative performances, collaborations with composers, dedication to teaching and for pioneering music projects that bridge classical traditions with modern creativity. Career highlights include performing at Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey for Queen Elizabeth II and for Hugh Jackman at his personal home in New York. Courtenay is committed to performing music by Queenslanders, for Queenslanders, as well as connecting Queensland arts with the broader Australian and International music communities.

What’s the weirdest local legend or urban myth you’ve heard about Queensland?
“I told my visiting friend from the UK about drop bears. She didn’t believe me at first but I succeeded when I told her they were just aggressive koalas with mange and that’s why they needed Lone Pine Koala sanctuary which is actually more of a Koala prison.”