Conductors, choreographers, guest artists and mentors

CGEN provides participating students with the opportunity to work with and learn from many leading industry professionals. Find out more about the CGEN conductors, choreographers, guest artists and mentors.

Conductors

Vanessa Scammell

Symphony orchestra conductor

Vanessa's most recent engagements include Elf the Musical with Crossroads Live, The Cat Empire with the Tasmanian, Adelaide and West Australian symphony orchestras and several Harry Potterin Concert films with the Sydney, Queensland and Adelaide symphony orchestras. In 2025, she conducts the Macao Orchestra and all 6 major Australian symphony orchestras.

Previously, she conducted Sweeney Todd and Jekyll & Hyde (both starring Anthony Warlow), The Merry Widow for West Australian Opera and Opera Queensland and an encore national tour of From Broadway to La Scala, as well as leading Eskimo Joe with Camerata for the Brisbane Festival.

For The Australian Ballet, she has conducted An American in Paris,The Dream/Marguerite and Armand, Body Torque and The Nutcracker; for Opera Australia: South Pacific, the national tour of La traviata, The Merry Widow and My Fair Lady. She was Musical Director for their acclaimed 2015 television opera, The Divorce.

Meg Robson

Assistant symphony orchestra conductor

Meg is an instrumental music teacher with the Department of Education, working in 2 Brisbane high schools. She is an experienced conductor of string orchestras and symphony orchestras and each year her students participate in school concerts, music festivals and combined school events. Meg has been a string orchestra conductor for the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University's Young Conservatorium and for the Young Conservatorium's State Honours Ensemble Program. For more than a decade she was a cello tutor for the annual Great Public Schools Music Showcase and has conducted the symphony orchestra at this event. She holds a degree from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and a postgraduate diploma and master's degree from The University of Queensland. Meg enjoys conducting a wide range of musical styles through her work as a conductor of the CGEN symphony orchestra since 2005.

Alison Rogers

Choir director and vocal consultant

Alison Rogers is a dedicated chorus master and vocal coach whose life's calling is directing choirs and teaching singing. As Founder and Director of the Vocal Manoeuvres Academy, she has built a premier vocal performance and education academy, offering singers of all levels access to exceptional training and ensemble experiences led by industry experts.

Believing that every voice is unique and deserves to be heard, Alison's mission is to help singers discover and develop their authentic sound. Through the Vocal Manoeuvres Academy, she has pioneered innovative choral programs across Queensland and internationally, shaping the next generation of vocal talent.

Since 2005, Alison has served as Choir Director and Vocal Consultant for CGEN, playing a key role in one of Australia's largest massed choir performances. She has also coordinated and trained backing vocalists for Michael Bublé, Mariah Carey, Mirusia Louwerse, Paulini, Guy Sebastian, Nick Cave, and Neil and Tim Finn, among others. Additionally, she works with The Angels on their Symphony of Angels tour, bringing rock and symphony together in a powerful musical experience.

In May 2025, Alison was invited to bring singers from the Vocal Manoeuvres Academy to perform in the main auditorium at Carnegie Hall, New York, as part of a prestigious Memorial Day commemoration—a significant recognition of her ensemble's excellence on the world stage.

Passionate about vocal performance and education, Alison has been immersed in music since childhood and cannot imagine life without singing. She considers it a privilege to work in an industry she loves, empowering others to find and refine their voices on and off the stage.

Shane Purnell

The James Morrison Creative Generation Big Band conductor

Shane is a senior teacher with the Department of Education and is currently the instrumental coordinator at Cleveland District State High School and multi-instrumental teacher at Cleveland State School. Shane has been based at Cleveland since 1994 and, in this time, he has directed the senior jazz ensemble, wind ensemble, drumline and orchestra. He has conducted the school's tour ensembles in the USA, Singapore, New Zealand and Europe 7 times. Shane is a freelance professional trumpeter and has been a multi-instrumentalist and arranger with the Peppers Pep Band, All Brassed Up, Alan Brown Big Band, Queensland Pops Orchestra and Brisbane Jazz Orchestra. He has backed musicians including James Morrison AM, Rhonda Burchmore OAM, Mirusia Louwerse, Monica Trapaga and played in professional shows including The Rat Pack Show from Vegas, Beatles Classical Mystery Tour, Neil Diamond Hot August Nights, Ben Portsmouth's Queensland tour and the Elvis Lives Spectacular. Recently he was a musician extra for Baz Luhrmann's Elvis biopic. He has worked as a clinician and an adjudicator in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Shane has also been a director for the MOST big band and co-conductor for the CGEN symphony orchestra.

Matt Cocking

Drumline leader

Matt has a rich background in performance, teaching and organising large-scale events and currently serves as the Director of Culture at St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace. Matt's passion for drumline began with his membership in the Madison Drum Corps, Wisconsin USA, which propelled him into artistic teams behind prestigious events such as 2 Olympic opening ceremonies, World University Games opening ceremonies, World Cup Rugby opening ceremonies and as a co-producer for the Shanghai 2010 World Expo Music Festival.

In recent years, Matt's creative contributions have been showcased in various high-profile projects, including writing, recording and teaching the drum segments for the 2020 AFL Grand Final alongside Sheppard and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. He played a pivotal role in the 2021 State of Origin Game 2 ball activation and the ABC's 90th birthday television commercial (2022). Matt's percussion ensemble clinched first place at the Australian Percussion Eisteddfod in 2021, with his drumline securing second place at the Australian Drumline Competition in 2021–22.

In 2012, he founded Drum Camp, which has been a creative partner of CGEN since 2017. Drum Camp aims to nurture the talents and passion of young drummers beyond the confines of traditional education. Matt's relationship with CGEN runs deep, from his early days playing drum kit in the orchestra (2006) and his role as a professional artist (2009), to beginning Queensland's first state school drumline which has since become a crowd favourite of the show for 12 years and has offered countless students a platform to excel in both education and performance

Rebecca Purnell

Assistant choir conductor

Rebecca is a senior experienced creative arts teacher at Cleveland District State High School, specialising in music, art and drama. Rebecca graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Education specialising in music and has been teaching for 30 years. She has established the vocal program at Cleveland District State High School and is the director of the Senior Vocal Ensemble and Senior C Club. Rebecca has also directed numerous international school vocal workshops from Osaka, New Zealand, Singapore, UK and the USA and has collaborated on showcase performances, musicals, eisteddfods, official ceremonies and beginner band camps. Rebecca has a passion for choral instruction and classroom teaching and in these fields, she nurtures personal student growth and empowers her students to succeed. She has been involved with CGEN since 2005 and has been an assistant choir conductor for the past 15 years.

Kirsten Drinnen

Assistant choir conductor

Kirsten has worked with aspiring musicians for many years. Her love for music has been the driving point to her career, wanting to help students find their true passion in music. She has been a classroom music teacher for well over a decade and shares her passion with students at Nambour State College. Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Music (Performance) and Bachelor of Education. Through her career, she has had experience working with choirs, ensembles and soloists. Kirsten's passion for music began when she learnt to control her very first instrument – her voice. She has been singing from a young age, being involved in state level choirs, musical theatre groups and solo endeavours. She has performed various solo gigs, has participated in musicals and is currently singing with Vocal Manoeuvres Academy. Kirsten has been involved in CGEN since 2013 and has loved working with students as assistant choir conductor.

Loreta Fin AM

Massed string orchestra conductor

Loreta studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She has performed regularly in chamber music, professional Australian theatre productions and orchestral concerts and has been the Principal Viola player with the Queensland Pops Orchestra for over 30 years. Loreta was Director of Strings at Somerville House in Brisbane for 35 years. She is currently working as a freelance conductor, musician, composer and clinician.

Loreta has presented at national and international music conferences. She has adjudicated at major competitions all around Australia and has composed over 100 works for String Orchestra, which are distributed worldwide by Alfred Publishing.

A passionate advocate of community service, Loreta has been involved with the Australian Strings Association for over 30 years, serving as both State and National President and receiving state and national awards for services to AUSTA. Loreta was appointed as a Federal Examiner with the AMEB and is currently the State Syllabus Advisor for Strings. Since 2015, she has regularly conducted the State and National Honours Ensembles Programs throughout Queensland.

In the 2024 Australia Day Honours, Loreta was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. She received the award for "significant service to music, to education and to professional associations".

Choreographers

Caitlin​ Sands

Creative lead—First Nations dance ensemble

Growing up surrounded by First Nations country, art and music in the far north, Caitlin began dancing at 3 years old and has never stopped since. With an Honours Degree in Arts and Education, Caitlin began teaching dance in the Woree community, where most of the school population is proudly First Nations.

With strong permission and support from her students' families, Caitlin began to incorporate cultural movements into memorable school, community and eisteddfod dance performances. From here, Caitlin's students had successful auditions for the CGEN First Nations dance ensemble, with Caitlin taking on the role of First Nations Dance Coordinator in 2024. Taking part in CGEN led to major performance opportunities for Caitlin's students, who showcased her choreography in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics Civic Reception as back-up dancers for Royston Noell at the Big Talk One Fire festival and at the NBL Indigenous Round.

On a state level, Caitlin is acknowledged for her continued efforts in providing education and opportunity for First Nations dancers, taking home the 2024 Osmotherly Dance Educator of the Year award from AusDance Educators Queensland, as well as being nominated for 2025 Citizen of the Year with the Cairns Regional Council. The 2025 First Nations dance items are co-created by Caitlin and her talented Year 7 student, Lolarose Lyons. Caitlin would like to recognise the important contributions and support to her career and CGEN journey so far from her community—particularly from the Woree families, as well as her own 'Sands' family from Cairns to the Aboriginal lands of Yarrabah and beyond.

Lolarose Lyons

Junior choreographer—First Nations dance ensemble

Lolarose is a proud, young Indigenous dancer in Year 7 at Woree State High School. Lolarose has strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander familial connection to land, sea and people. Her grandfather's Aboriginal name for her is 'Burimimi', which means 'Little Fire Spark'. She believes you can see what he means when you see her perform. Lolarose has trained in dance with her teacher, Caitlin Sands, since she was 5 years old. She is also strongly educated in cultural family dances and performances from Thursday Island.

As a talented dancer from a young age, Lolarose has been routinely selected for the First Nations dance ensemble and Division A regional jazz pieces in CGEN. Lolarose has also performed at the National Nurses Forum, Big Talk One Fire festival with Royston Noell, 2023 Brisbane Olympics Civic Reception, NBL Indigenous Round, Cairns Regional Citizen's Awards and more. This year, Lolarose has collaborated with her teacher, Caitlin, to create the First Nations dance items, infusing cultural movements with a lyrical style. These dances are inspired by identity, connection and family, with hope for the future and include production elements created by her grandfather, Jack 'Poppy' Thomas. She hopes you enjoy the performances!

Dr Nerida Matthaei

Nerida Matthaei has over 20 years' experience as a multi-award-winning choreographer, movement director, artistic director, performer and intimacy coordinator for stage and screen globally. The underlying pulse of her work comes from an ingrained passion for contemporary choreographic practice as a beautifully planned anarchy of mind-body collaboration. Driven by challenging socio-political orthodoxy and breaking conventions through physical performance, she is a much sought-after collaborator across artistic sectors internationally. She is extremely generous with her skills and time, not only collaborating and leading arts projects around the world, but investing in grassroots programs benefiting the local independent and community sectors. With over 400 credits Nerida has worked with many artists and companies and prides herself on collaboration and interdisciplinarity. Nerida has a Doctorate of Creative Industries (Research) specialising in choreographic practice and is an accredited Intimacy Coordinator. Nerida is also the founder and artistic director of boundary bashing dance company Phluxus2 Dance Collective.

George Canham

George is a passionate arts educator, choreographer and event manager, working across South East Queensland in professional, training and school-based settings. Theatrical credits include Kinky Boots, Wicked, Legally Blonde (Empire Theatre), Guys and Dolls, Monty Python's Spamalot (QPAC) and independent works such as the Matilda Award nominated Daddy Long Legs (NikNak Productions), The Kitty Kat Doll5 (ROCKIT Productions), Any Moment (Old Fashioned Pro Co) and over 100 youth theatre productions. He is the proud Company Director and Head of Dance for ROCKIT Productions, a youth-focused training and production company which he co-founded alongside his husband in 2011. George has created works in theatre, film, corporate entertainment and large theatrical events across the state, with clients including Nova 106.9, The Little Red Company, Nine Network, RSPCA, Redland City Council and The Redland Foundation. He holds vocational examinations and teaching qualifications through the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and a Graduate Certificate in Management through The Australian Institute of Business.

John Clarke

John Clarke is the co-director of Redland Dance in Cleveland. Coming from the UK, John spent the first 14 years of his career performing and working in London's West End. He first joined the cast of Grease at the Dominion Theatre, performing as a swing. He then decided to learn a new skill and took an opportunity to roller skate in Starlight Express. Following this, he was part of the original cast of Saturday Night Fever at the London Palladium and was asked to be resident director and resident choreographer of that show's first UK tour. He then joined the original cast of We Will Rock You as resident choreographer and as a swing. This show took John around the world as the associate choreographer for the Australian, American and German productions.

John left We Will Rock You to open a new production of Andrew Lloyd-Webber's Evita in London as resident choreographer and swing before taking on the position of resident director of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. John left this production to bring his family to Australia and chase new dreams. Here, he spent over a year working on the Australasian tour of Matilda the Musical as resident choreographer.

Vanessa Friscia

Vanessa Friscia has been a prominent figure in the Brisbane dance scene for over 20 years. A versatile and well-rounded dancer, her style is shaped by her extensive training in street dance, jazz and contemporary, while remaining adaptable and ever evolving.

In 2012, Vanessa founded V-Hub Dance, a dynamic studio that she continues to operate at Elements Collective (EC Venue) in Fortitude Valley. Through V-Hub, she shares her deep passion for dance with like-minded teens and adults, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for dancers at all levels.

Dedicated to the growth and evolution of the dance industry, Vanessa is committed to providing proper education and mentorship to her students. While she thrives as an instructor, she remains a lifelong student of the art, constantly refining her craft. Her movement seamlessly transitions from hard-hitting and high-energy to smooth, soulful and expressive.

Proud to be part of Brisbane's dance community, Vanessa remains dedicated to strengthening and expanding the local scene, ensuring that dance remains a powerful and accessible form of expression for all.

Sam Windsor

Sam has been dancing since he was 5 years old. Upon completing his full-time training with Raw Dance Company in 2010, Sam joined Raw Metal the same year. His performance credits include Project X, Western Australia; Bang, Crash Tap, Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand; Untapped, New York and Brisbane; Raw Metal Canada Tour, Canada. Taking a step back from his performing career to focus on his skills as a choreographer, Sam has kept himself immersed in the world of tap dance by teaching up and coming dancers across Brisbane. Being a much sought-after teacher, Sam has taught full-time courses at respected studios such as the Australian Dance Performance Institute, Dynamite Studios Australia and Queensland College of Dance, in addition to studios as diverse as MAD Dance House, Redland Dance and The Dance Centre – Warwick. For a number of years, Sam has also choreographed for CGEN. Sam's passion for tap is infectious and he is known both on and off-stage for his enthusiasm, positivity and professionalism.

Abbe Bradbury

Abbe Bradbury is a trailblazer in performing arts education, celebrated for her innovation, leadership and dedication to nurturing talent. A former professional performer with experience across Australia and abroad, Abbe returned to the Gold Coast and founded Dynamite Studios in 2007. What began with 10 weekly classes has grown into a nationally accredited performing arts institution with nearly 1,000 students and an elite training facility offering education from preschool to pre-professional levels.

As Creative Director, Abbe has pioneered industry-leading programs including accredited training, a full academic school and Australia's first CRICOS-accredited performing arts RTO, enabling international students to receive world-class qualifications. Her influence extends through Evolution Management Co., which she co-founded to empower emerging talent in the industry.

Abbe's partnerships with Village Roadshow Theme Parks have created live performance pathways for over 200 artists annually. Her accolades include 'Young Businesswoman of the Year' and finalist for 'Gold Coast Woman of the Year.' A force in the arts and business communities, Abbe continues to shape the future of performing arts with heart, ambition and vision.

Joel Murphy

Joel Murphy is an acclaimed Australian choreographer, dancer and creative visionary whose journey began on the Gold Coast at just 8 years old. By age 12, he had discovered a profound passion for contemporary dance and choreography, setting the foundation for a dynamic international career. After completing full-time training at Dynamite Studios, Joel went on to perform and choreograph on global stages and screens. His film credits include Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Seriously Red, and Baz Luhrmann's Elvis, where he served as Austin Butler's movement double.

Joel's artistic style fuses powerful movement with cinematic storytelling, earning him a place as a core dancer for leading Australian artists like Samantha Jade, Paulini, Mitch Tambo and Courtney Act. In 2021, he debuted his original contemporary show Incarnate and in 2024/25, he was invited to teach and choreograph at London's Move It Convention. Just recently, he collaborated with ASNIIKO on the release of her single Itty Bitty. With a bold creative vision and unwavering dedication, Joel continues to inspire young dancers around the world - pushing boundaries and championing contemporary dance as both a powerful artistic voice and a career pathway.

Helena Moore

Helena Moore is a highly accomplished dancer, choreographer and educator with a distinguished career spanning television, stage musicals, film, commercials, conventions and gala events. She took time off to travel the United States, studying with the prestigious Alvin Ailey Company, where she gained invaluable experience and inspiration. Upon returning to Australia, Helena joined David Atkins' Company.

Helena was an original member of the iconic Electric Legs, which later evolved into the stage musicals Dancin' Man and Dynamite. She also established her own successful production company, which operated for 6 years, delivering entertainment in both Australia and Japan. Transitioning from dancer to choreographer, Helena collaborated with renowned choreographers on high-profile events such as the Australian Fashion Awards, the opening of Expo 88 and the TV WEEK Logie Awards. She also served as Resident Choreographer for Jupiters Hotel & Casino (now The Star) on the Gold Coast.

One of Helena's most memorable professional experiences was working as Assistant Choreographer on the film Scooby-Doo. In addition to her work in performance and choreography, Helena conducts masterclasses across Australia and internationally. She also brings her industry experience to the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre, where she teaches and inspires the next generation of performers.

Claire Owen

After studying classical/contemporary Claire has been fortunate enough to travel Australia and the world performing/creating in the Theatre and Commercial dance industry.

Some performances include: Spiegelesque, 2021 Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols, Cabaret de Paris, Dance Captain Palazzo Germany, TV WEEK Logie Awards, NRL Grand Final—Guy Sebastian, Up, Up & Away! Candy Shop Tour, Grease - The Arena Experience, A Very Naughty Christmas, Bonnie Lythgoe's The Adventures of Peter Pan and Tinkerbell, The IT Girls London, Princess Cruises, Dance Captain—MSC cruises with BOR Productions, Luminair China, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar at QPAC and Paradizo School of Latin Dance. 

Creative credits include: CGEN 2024 (choreographer), Springfield Carols (choreographer), AFL Grand Final 2020 (assistant choreographer), The Underground Hour (director/choreographer), Wizard of Oz Arena Tour (associate choreographer), Grease—The Arena Experience, Hairspray Arena Tour and OTC's Boy & Girl. 

Claire is also a Trainer and Assessor for the Certificate IV and Diploma in Musical Theatre, and Certificate IV in Dance. Claire has taught at numerous full-time studios, dance festivals and conducted professional open classes/workshops around Queensland and loves passing on her experiences and mentoring the next generation.

Jacalene McIntosh

Jacalene is an accomplished choreographer and educator whose career spans nearly 2 decades across contemporary, theatrical and commercial dance. A former triple-threat performer, she has worked on stage and screen, before shifting her focus to empowering the next generation of artists.

As the Founder and Director of Dance Conservatory Australia, Jacalene leads one of the country's most forward-thinking training institutions. With a focus on cultivating both artistic and athletic excellence, her work nurtures dancers with professional potential, providing them with a rigorous and holistic education.

Her students have gone on to perform with leading companies, productions and commercial artists around the world. At the core of her practice is a passion for community, creativity and the belief that meaningful training builds not only great dancers but great people.

Liesel Zink

Liesel Zink is an award-winning, socially engaged choreographer of Ukrainian and German descent, interested in collective bodies as a tool for social change. She has developed and presented independent work around Australia, Asia and Eastern Europe. In 2017, she was awarded the 2017 Australia Dance Award for 'Outstanding Achievement in Independent Dance'. Liesel's practice explores the intersection of contemporary dance and community engagement often seeing her create performances in public-space and use her creative process as a means for artistic, cultural and intergenerational exchange. As a choreographer, she has been commissioned to create works for companies including Expressions, Tasdance, Australasian Dance Collective Youth and Mature Ensembles, Stompin. Youth, LINK and M.A.D.E. As a dramaturge she has collaborated with artists and companies including Stompin., Bridie Hooper, Sprung Integrated Dance, Courtney Scheu, Ivy Tsui (Hong Kong), Aha Ensemble, Ashleigh Musk and Michael Smith. She's also worked extensively in theatre including choreographing for companies and directors including Dead Puppet Society and Dan Evans. Liesel has been an associate artist for Force Majeure and is currently a board member of Theatre Network Australia.

Guest artists

James Morrison AM

James is, by anybody's standard, a virtuoso in the true sense of the word. Besides the trumpet, this multi-instrumentalist also plays trombone, piano, saxophone and double bass.

At the age of 6 he started on piano, at 7 he took up brass, at 9 he formed his first band and at 13 he was playing professionally in nightclubs. His international career developed just as quickly with a debut in the USA at the Monterey Jazz Festival at age 16.

Following this were performances at the world's major jazz festivals, including Montreux, North Sea, Nice and the Hollywood Bowl, playing with many of the legends of jazz—Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, George Benson, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Ray Brown and Wynton Marsalis, to name a few.

James has been appointed a member of the Order of Australia, has won countless awards and has been inducted into the Australian Jazz Hall of Fame. He has received several honorary doctorates and was an adjunct professor at the University of South Australia, leading his own music academy.

Renae Suttie

Featured and backing vocalist mentor and guest artist

Renae studied jazz at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Japanese at The University of Queensland. She has been performing professionally for 33 years, working in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Maldives, Thailand, Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu. On the local scene, Renae performs regularly at festivals, jazz clubs and events, and with her band The Kitty Kats. She has been a backing vocalist for artists including Daryl Braithwaite, Ian Moss, The Eurogliders and Kate Miller-Heidke. Renae performed the Australian National Anthem for the Rugby League World Cup Women's Final at Suncorp Stadium in 2017. She won the Jazz Vocalist Award at the 2007 ABC Valley Jazz Festival and has an album of jazz originals. She has recorded many Australian television and radio advertisements, including Channel 7's Love You Queensland. Due to her service to the local community, Renae was awarded a Queensland Day Award 2019 (Noosa Electorate). Renae has been vocal coach with CGEN since 2009 and conducts 2 school choirs.

Neals Biehler

Born and raised in Cairns, Neals is proud of his mixed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, with strong connections to the Biehler, Mundraby and Tabuai families. Neals began learning and dancing from 2 years old with his family dance troupe. Neals married his Woree State High School sweetheart, Tessa, in 2008 and together they share 6 girls, all of whom attend Woree schools and are performing in the 2025 CGEN First Nations dance ensemble. Neals enjoys sharing stories through dance, teaching his children to listen to the beat and showing cultural strength, pride and rhythm. Neals values family, hard work, trying your best and being proud of where you come from and where you are at.

After suffering a sudden heart attack in 2023, and whilst recovering in a Brisbane hospital, Neals was able to see his daughter, Zariah, perform as part of the CGEN First Nations dance company and ensemble. He was proud to support his daughters, Larina and Zariah, as they performed the following year at the 2024 CGEN and, in 2025, Neals is set to the stage with all 6 of his daughters in a powerful representation of family and connection to Country.

Mentors

Shaun Kohlman

Shaun is a performer, producer and arts educator proudly based in Brisbane. Shaun is currently undertaking a Master of Music (Vocal Pedagogy) at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. As an educator, Shaun's past students have seen incredible success, performing all around the world in musicals and cruise ships. Their credits include the national tours of SIX the Musical, Grease, Mamma Mia!, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Girl from the North Country, Tick, Tick…Boom!, Jagged Little Pill, Shrek and Back to the Future. His students have successfully gained entry into some of the top institutions in the country including the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAPPA), Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Adelaide Conservatorium of Music, Brent Street Performing Arts and ED5International.

As a performer, Shaun played the title role in Daddy Long Legs at the Brisbane Powerhouse, which received a best musical nomination at the Matilda Awards. In 2018, he played the role of Peter in the Queensland premiere of Bare (Understudy/ Woodward Productions). His previous work has taken him all over the country with credits including FiZZ! (Opera Queensland/Shake & Stir), 35mm: A Musical Exhibition (Incubator Festival), Next to Normal (Spotlight), Blood Brothers, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease and The Wizard of Oz (Queensland Performing Arts Centre/Harvest Rain Theatre Company) and Into the Woods (Gold Coast Little Theatre). Within his role as Artistic Director of ROCKIT Productions, he has directed hundreds of student productions as well as corporate work for Redland City Council, Phillips Lighting and Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC). As a producer, Shaun's professional credits include Any Moment for Old Fashion Production Company, Not Another Love Song and Kitty Kat Doll5 for ROCKIT Productions and the RPAC.

Ashley Higgins

Rock band mentor

With 27 years of experience as an instrumental music teacher with the Department of Education, Ashley has dedicated his career to nurturing young musicians. Currently, he is the Percussion Specialist teacher at Cleveland District State High School. A professional drummer and percussionist outside of education, he is proudly a Yamaha Australia Artist endorsing Yamaha drums, Paiste cymbals and Vater drumsticks. For the past 21 years, Ashley has been an integral part of CGEN, contributing since its inception. He has mentored instrumentalists in the orchestra, big band, drumline and smaller ensembles, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for music. For 18 years, Ashley played drums for CGEN, before transitioning to focus on the drumline and small instrumental groups, ensuring the next generation of musicians are well-prepared and inspired. His commitment to music education and performance has left a lasting impact on countless students and the broader musical community.

Jack Kelly

Drama mentor

For over a decade, Jack has developed his skill set across a diverse range of artistic platforms from stage to screen and everything in between. Professionally trained in acting and musical theatre, Jack's credits include Machina (La Boite), BOY&GIRL (Oscar Production Company), Avenue Q (Brisbane Arts Theatre), Witches of Eastwick/Kiss Me Kate (24 Hour Musical Project), Spamalot (Prima Theatre Co), Into the Woods (Ignatians Musical Society) and Spelling Bee (Underground Theatre Company). As a comedic writer, Jack has developed fringe festival shows including Speaking Freely (Anywhere Theatre Festival), Workout Wunderbar (Short+Sweet finalist) and Two Man Tarantino (Christopher Wayne/Brisbane Powerhouse). Jack was cast as the lead puppet character, Croc, in Network 10's preschool program Crocamole and during his 5 years at Network 10, Jack also became a regular presenter across a myriad of children's programs such as Totally Wild, Gamify, Toasted TV and Scope. Jack is honoured to pass on his knowledge and love of performance to the next generation of creatives in CGEN for a fourth year.

Meg Ham

Media crew mentor

Meg is the Series Producer for Nine Network's My Way and has worked in unscripted and factual television for over a decade. Kicking off her passion for storytelling was a robust initiation through the Brisbane theatre scene, with programs and mentors like those at CGEN that steered her to where she is today.

With titles such as Old People's Home for 4 Year Old's, Ambulance and One Born Every Minute in her back pocket, Meg is proud of the career she has sculpted and it has been a joy to bring that experience to interact with the bright minds the film industry is sure to inherit.

Her induction into the CGEN community through the Celebrating 20 Years of Creative Generation—State Schools Onstage documentary in 2024 ignited a delight in the faces that bring such a monumental production together.

Gregory Moore

Featured vocalist mentor

Gregory is a graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and a sought-after cross-over pop opera artist. A founding member of The Ten Tenors, his credits include The Pirates of Penzance (ESSGEE) and Tenor Soloist in Scotland the Brave, performed at the Sydney Opera House and New York's Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. He's sung national anthems for major sporting events and is a regular guest with the Queensland Pops Orchestra. As a member of La Forza, he has toured Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific on major cruise lines. Greg co-produces the Lord Mayor's Senior's Christmas Parties and mentors in programs like CGEN. He's been Musical Director for Brisbane's Christmas events since 2010. A former Australia Day Ambassador, Greg has released 2 solo albums and a live DVD/CD featured on FOXTEL. He's taught at several performing arts institutions and is currently Head of Music at the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA), nurturing emerging First Nations talent.

David Kidd

Featured vocalist mentor

David's interest in singing developed through performances with the Queensland Youth Choir and Brisbane cabaret acts. He has toured extensively with the Queensland Arts Council and Opera Queensland's Emerging Opera Program. While studying at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, David began a 10-year engagement with The Ten Tenors. World tours followed and the international release of 7 albums, 2 of which went gold and platinum in Australia. David has performed at the Sydney Opera House, the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and London's Royal Albert Hall. In 2014, David joined fellow retirees from The Ten Tenors to form Tenori. David regularly performs with the Queensland Pops Orchestra, the Australian Army Band and Opera Queensland, and has been a vocal mentor with CGEN since 2008.​