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. We will continue to update this page with our 2026 contractors.
Conductors
Stephen Williams
Symphony orchestra conductor
Stephen Williams has established himself as one of Australia's most versatile conductors, distinguishing himself with an impressive record of achievement in a variety of musical settings. In addition to conducting many of the symphony orchestras for Symphony Services International he has conducted, recorded and toured with many of Australia's finest symphonic bands and jazz ensembles. He has directed and performed with Australian groups at the North Sea, Montreux, Edinburgh and Monterey Jazz Festivals, has conducted concerts in Carnegie Hall and taken Australian orchestras, symphonic bands and jazz ensembles to conferences and festivals in the USA, Japan, Europe, the UK, Singapore and China. On 3 separate occasions Stephen has been invited to conduct orchestras at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the world's largest music educator's conference. He is the recipient of the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association's highest honour, the Citation of Excellence, an award he received in 2014.
Stephen is currently Student Music Programs Officer 5-12, Conducting Coordinator for The Arts Unit, a specialist unit in the NSW Department of Education, taking up this position at the beginning of 1999. He is the Music Director for the NSW Schools Spectacular and has been since 1991. Currently at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Stephen teaches advanced conducting and is a director of one of the jazz orchestras for the jazz department and in addition over the last 4 years has been the chief conductor with the Sydney Conservatorium Wind Symphony. In 2024, Stephen took the SCWS on tour to South Korea and Japan premiering compositions by several Australian composers and performing a new Australian concerto by Dan Rojas for Jonathon Ramsay, principal trombonist with the Berlin Philharmonic. Outside of his work at The Arts Unit and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Stephen is the music director for the Sydney Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he has occupied since 2022.
This year Stephen will take up a new position as orchestra conductor of CGEN and will continue presenting conducting workshops for ABODA in Sydney and in Perth.
Alison Rogers
Choir director and vocal consultant
Alison Rogers is a leading Australian choir director and vocal consultant whose work sits at the intersection of artistic excellence, education and large-scale performance. As Founder and Director of the Vocal Manoeuvres Academy in Woolloongabba, Brisbane, she leads a highly regarded vocal performance and training organisation known for producing confident, expressive performers and distinctive ensemble work.
Since 2005, Alison has served as Choir Director and Vocal Consultant for CGEN, shaping both massed choral works and featured solo vocal performances with precision, authority and musical depth. Her career spans the concert hall, recording studio and arena stage, including sourcing and training backing vocalists for artists such as Michael Buble, Mariah Carey, Guy Sebastian, Nick Cave and Neil and Tim Finn, and collaborating with The Angels on their Symphony of Angels tour.
Alongside live performance, Alison is recognised for producing high-quality vocal video projects, with student performances achieving strong engagement across YouTube and TikTok, extending artistic reach beyond the stage. In December 2025, she led singers to perform at Carnegie Hall, New York, and the Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore, presenting a standalone recital championing works by Australian composers.
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, education and large-scale events and currently serves as the Director of Culture at St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace. Matt's passion for drumline began as a member of the Madison Drum Corps, Wisconsin USA, which propelled him into artistic teams behind prestigious events such as two 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 and he has proudly led his department to be named Australian Performing Arts School of the Year 3 years running.
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.
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".
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.
Jodie Lutherborrow
Assistant Symphony orchestra conductor
With over 35 years' experience as a conductor and instrumental music specialist, Jodie has led national, state and regional honours ensembles, youth orchestras and large-scale school music programs. She is deeply committed to musical excellence and to supporting young musicians to grow in confidence, skill and enjoyment through performance.
Currently Principal Conductor of the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra – Youth Symphony and Instrumental Music Program Coordinator at Chancellor State College, she is known for building strong ensemble culture, high standards and a genuine sense of pride and connection among her students. Jodie is a passionate advocate for music education and feels incredibly fortunate to do the work she loves every day.
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.
Ben McPherson
Assistant choir conductor
Ben McPherson brings over 15 years of experience as a passionate and dedicated music educator with Education Queensland. He is known for building and leading vibrant school music programs that inspire students through choir, instrumental ensembles, and classroom music teaching. Ben holds a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Queensland, equipping him with a strong foundation in both musicianship and pedagogy to nurture young musicians. Since commencing his teaching career in Dalby, he has been deeply committed to creating meaningful musical opportunities for students, particularly in regional settings. His involvement in events such as CGEN reflects his dedication to providing rural students with enriching, musical experiences. An accomplished conductor, Ben has developed his leadership skills across a range of roles, including musical director, choral conductor and instrumental conductor for various ensembles. He brings energy, musical insight, and a collaborative spirit to every rehearsal and performance.
Ben is excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the CGEN Choir team as Assistant Choir Conductor, and looks forward to contributing to an inspiring and rewarding choral experience for all involved.
Choreographers
Sidney Saltner
Youth Program Director at Bangarra, Sidney Saltner is from the Wulli Wulli/Wakka Wakka peoples of central Queensland and graduated from the National Aboriginal Skills Development Association (NAISDA) Dance College in 1991. He joined Bangarra in 1997 and, after 15 years, stepped down from full-time performing in 2011 to assume the role of Youth and Education Program Director. With over 40 years' experience, Sidney has performed and taught alongside many of Australia's most notable choreographers and dance companies, and has held roles including Rehearsal Director and Assistant Director with Bangarra and the Aboriginal Islander Dance Theatre. In his current position, he has set up, co designed and mentored the NSW Public Schools Aboriginal Dance Company through Bangarra's partnership with the NSW Education Department's Arts Unit. Sidney has performed and taught extensively across Australia and internationally throughout Asia, Canada, North and South America, the UK, Europe, South Africa, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. He was nominated for Best Male Dancer at both the Australian Dance Awards and the Deadly Awards (2003), and in 2004 for a Mo Award for his role in Bangarra. He is currently in his second year of a Master of Fine Arts in Cultural Leadership at NIDA and is completing his Certificate IV in Training and Assessment with Sydney Dance Company.
Sani Townson
Sani is a distinguished cultural practitioner and choreographer hailing from the Samu, Koedal, and Dhoeybaw clans of Saibai Island in the Torres Strait. A graduate of NAISDA Dance College (1996–2000), Sani's foundational career was marked by a prolific tenure with the renowned Bangarra Dance Theatre from 2001 to 2006.
Following his time with Bangarra, Sani transitioned into a versatile freelance career across film, television, and commercial media. His credits include the celebrated film Bran Nue Dae, and television appearances on SBS, NITV, and the ABC. He has lent his expertise to global brands such as Tourism Australia and Qantas, and collaborated with premier organisations including Gondwana Voices, Griffin Theatre Company, and Leigh Warren & Dancers.
As a choreographer, Sani has worked with iconic Australian artists including Christine Anu, Kate Miller-Heidke and Electric Fields. Recent highlights include choreographing the 2023 Sydney World Pride opening sequence and the 2026 Mighty Hoopla Festival on Bondi Beach. In 2020, Sani returned to Bangarra as the Youth Programs Co-ordinator, where he continues to inspire the next generation while developing his interactive children's production, Lagaw Mabaygal.
Amy Weatherall
Amy Weatherall is a proud Kamilaroi woman from Rockhampton in Queensland. She began her studies in dance at the age of 4 under the guidance of Diane Talbot. After finishing high school Amy completed an Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts at the Aboriginal Centre of Performing Arts (ACPA) in Brisbane and later continued her studies with Global Dance Pro in Los Angeles and the Gold Coast.
Amy has performed as an independent contemporary artist and aerialist for many years, in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Melbourne, specialising in Indigenous Contemporary fusion. In 2022, Amy was engaged by The Australian Ballet for their Education and Outreach program, touring to regional centres where she taught dance workshops in schools and for local communities.
Amy joined Bangarra's Youth Programs Team in 2023, as the Russell Page Graduate and has since become a fulltime Team Tutor and choreographer. In her second year with the team, Amy choreographed the opening of the 2024 NSW Schools Spectacular, featuring over 200 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across New South Wales. As of 2026, Amy continues to deliver Rekindling and other youth outreach programs in metropolitan, regional, and remote communities throughout New South Wales and across the Country.
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 co-director of Redland Dance in Cleveland and has extensive experience across professional theatre and dance education. Originally from the UK, he spent many years working professionally in London's West End and internationally. International credits include: We Will Rock You, Evita, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Saturday Night Fever, Fame, Starlight Express and Grease.
Since relocating to Australia, John has been a sought-after choreographer and educator. He has also worked as Resident Choreographer for Matilda the Musical and as Dance and Performance Coach on Billy Elliot the Musical and MJ the Musical. He is always proud to be part of CGEN.
Vanessa Friscia
Vanessa Friscia is a respected figure in Brisbane's dance community, with over 20 years of experience as a performer, educator and choreographer. Trained across street dance, jazz and contemporary, her movement quality is both dynamic and expressive, allowing her to seamlessly shift between strength, musicality and fluidity.
As the founder and director of V-Hub Dance, Vanessa has created a thriving and inclusive space for dancers. Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to education, mentorship and the ongoing development of both her students and herself as an artist.
Vanessa continues to contribute to the growth of the local dance industry, fostering confident, capable dancers while championing dance as a powerful and accessible form of expression.
Anna Johnston
Highly conceptual and with an undeniable zest, Anna Johnston has brought large scale productions from the drawing board to the stage, such as co-choreographing the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony 2018, musicals, TVC's and her very own successful show Coterie Cabaret which she co-directed and choreographed in 2021 with 11 shows across Brisbane. Deep in her transition, Anna has eagerly stepped into many new roles such as director, costume manager, movement director and stage manager for many corporate events such as Brisbane Fashion Week, AIS Water, BADC Awards, Brisbane Broncos Champions for Charity, Water Aid, weddings, flash-mobs, galas and balls. Anna's performing career spans 14 years which has taken her across the world; tap dancing in India for BMW, running away with the circus for Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey in the USA, and sharing the stage with Jessica Mauboy in Glasgow Scotland for the 2014 Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony. Anna has also performed in Dancing CEO's Brisbane's biggest fundraising event to help women and children suffering from domestic and family violence, rocked out onstage with the Babes of Rock in South East Queensland and fallen in love with comedy whilst performing Birds of Paradise, a comedy bird-lesque extravaganza. Anna is a jack of all trades when it comes to the vast variety of styles under her belt and continues to up-skill, having trained in traditional Ballroom (Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep) and competed and placed in her first competition in 2022. She continues to build her reputation as a powerhouse creative director, choreographer and performer recognised for her energy, originality, professionalism and attention to detail in all her creative ventures.
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.
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.
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.
Her versatility and passion for performance have established her as a respected figure in the entertainment industry. Helena broadened her artistic perspective during an extended stay in the United States, where she trained with the prestigious Alvin Ailey Company. This experience provided invaluable inspiration and helped shape her dynamic approach to movement and storytelling. Upon returning to Australia, she joined David Atkins' company, further strengthening her professional career.
She was an original member of the iconic Electric Legs, which later evolved into the stage musicals Dancin' Man and Dynamite. Demonstrating entrepreneurial drive, Helena went on to establish her own production company, which operated successfully for 6 years, delivering high-quality entertainment across Australia and Japan.
Transitioning seamlessly from performer to choreographer, Helena collaborated with leading industry creatives on major events, including the Australian Fashion Awards, the opening of Expo 88, the grand opening of Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast, headlined by Frank Sinatra and the TV WEEK Logie Awards. She also served as resident choreographer for Jupiter's Hotel & Casino (now The Star) on the Gold Coast.
One of Helena's standout career highlights was her role as assistant to the choreographer on the feature film Scooby-Doo. Alongside her professional work, she is deeply committed to education, conducting masterclasses throughout Australia and internationally. She currently shares her extensive industry knowledge at the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre, where she mentors 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.
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.
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.
Mentors
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 theatres. 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 and backing vocalist mentor with CGEN since 2009.
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.
Shaun Kohlman
Musical theatre vocal director and special school choir conductor
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.
Izzy Smith
Media crew mentor
Izzy is Senior Producer - Live Events at Channel Nine in Queensland, where her journey in media first began as an intern during her final semester of university. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film, Screen and New Media with a minor in Entertainment from the Queensland University of Technology. Throughout Izzy's journey at Nine, she has progressed from Production Coordinator to Senior Producer, working on high-impact projects such as 8 seasons of My Way, McHappy Day, Mater Giving Day, CGEN, Riverfire, the Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols, TheatreDome and the Nine Telethon. With her slate of work being so expansive, Izzy's skillset is diverse, and she looks forward to sharing her knowledge with the CGEN media crew. This year marks Izzy's first year as a Media Mentor for CGEN, and she is absolutely thrilled about the opportunity to work with the next generation of creatives.
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 Acting Head of Department – Curriculum for Instrumental Music in South East Region and the Percussion Specialist teacher at Cleveland District State High. A professional drummer and percussionist outside of education, he is proudly a Yamaha Australia Artist endorsing Yamaha drums and Paiste cymbals. For the past 22 years, Ashley has been a 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.
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.
Heidi Enchelmaier
Featured vocalist mentor
Heidi is a highly experienced performer-educator with credits across the arts industry including theatre, music, commercials and film. She has toured extensively with a range of productions, performing in venues from cruise ships and outback stages to arenas and cathedrals. Her stage credits include Elphaba (Wicked), Cathy (Last Five Years), Beth (Merrily We Roll Along), and the Baker's Wife (Into The Woods). She has appeared in the nationally televised Lord Mayor's Carols in the city and performed with companies including Underground Opera, The 7 Sopranos, A Night at the Musicals and Wilde Applause, bringing valuable industry insight into her teaching. Heidi holds a Master of Music in vocal pedagogy from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, graduating with distinction, and an undergraduate degree in voice from QUT. She has taught for Queensland Theatre's Residency Week, Queensland College of Dance, JMC Academy and numerous other training institutions. As a voice specialist, theatre coach and workshop facilitator, she is dedicated to mentoring emerging performers and nurturing confident, resilient young artists.
Tim Carroll
Featured vocalist mentor
Tim Carroll is a Brisbane-based performer and vocal coach with extensive experience across professional theatre, film and television, alongside a strong background in youth arts education. He has worked with every major performing arts company in Queensland and has performed alongside Australian icons including Dami Im, Tim Minchin and Andy Griffiths. Alongside his performance career, Tim is a highly regarded educator who regularly coaches actors and singers appearing in professional musicals, feature films and international television projects. He delivers vocal and performance training across schools, studios and large-scale government-supported arts programs. Tim's teaching practice prioritises vocal health, clear structure and student wellbeing, fostering supportive rehearsal environments that build confidence, discipline and professional standards. Most recently, Tim commenced a professional engagement with NIDA in 2024. Tim is excited to be joining CGEN in 2026 and contributing to the program's ongoing excellence in youth arts education.