BEN NICHOLSON & NICK HEDGER - CO-FOUNDERS/DIRECTORS
Nick Hedger & Ben Nicholson are WAAPA trained Music Theatre professionals based in Melbourne, having completed their Bachelors of Musical Theatre in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Since then, as well as founding and running "Home Grown"; the home of Australian-made Musical Theatre, the pair busy themselves writing, directing, producing and performing around Australia. At Home Grown the pair produce and direct showcases of new Australian made Musicals as well as convene and direct a program of readings for feedback from panel of industry experts. A concert of their own original work was presented as part of the week of Chapel Off Chapel’s 20th Anniversary celebrations. Nick and Ben’s first original piece, “Hook Up”, opened to rave reviews, was accepted as part of the New Musicals Australia program at the Hayes Theatre Co in Sydney and was performed at the National Theatre by Patrick Studios Australia Music Theatre under the direction of Andrew Hallsworth in 2015. Since then they have joined the staff at PSA working with both the Academy and the Music Theatre students, directing and musically directing productions of; Bring It On! the Musical (2016), Rodger's & Hammerstein's Cinderella (2017), Neverland (2018), Tarzan (2018), Chicago(2018) and Heathers The Musical (2019).
Nick made his professional debut in The Production Company's "Pirates of Penzance" [dir. Dean Bryant] and featured in the workshops/readings of Air Supply musical, “All out of Love”, plus his successful one man show “Crap I Found in My Room”. In 2006 Nick toured the US performing the role of Pascal in Dean Bryant and Mathew Frank’s musical, ‘The Silver Donkey’, later reprising the role in an MTC reading. Ben made his Melbourne theatre debut in Matthew Lee Robinson's acclaimed "Atlantis - In Concert" [dir. Chris Parker] followed by "Playground.” Also playing the role of Stokes in “Carrie: the Musical” [dir. Terence O'Connell] and the role of Bert in the Adelaide Festival Centre reading of Lane Hinchcliffe’s musical “The Front”, featuring on its cast recording. Ben was the Assistant Director on the Melbourne Comedy Festival production of “Avenue Q”. Ben and Nick recently appeared together in the final season of ABC drama “Glitch”. The pair continue to work on their developing musicals and are proud to have seven of their original songs selected to be apart of the A.M.E.B Music Theatre Syllabus.
ADAM LOWE - SECRETARY & TREASURER
Adam J. Lowe's 20 year career spans a substantial body of work creating and managing theatre, international tours, cultural, ceremonial and sporting events and festivals. Today, as Creative Producer, Adam (and his team at adam lowe group) continues to work across a multitude of disciplines. Most recently his 7th Victorian State Schools Spectacular - a stadium spectacular that showcases the talents of Victorian Government school students such as Harrison Craig, Jaz Flowers, Ruvarashe Ngwenya and others.
Adam has worked with creative teams on development, and realization of themes, images and concepts, scripts, storyboards, designs and drawings. In addition, he has maintained the theatrical director’s intent in the performance of primary cast, as well as the rehearsal and performance of understudy cast/s.
After a successful music theatre career behind the scenes, Adam has Executive Produced each Rob Guest Endowment Gala Concert (2009-2013). He has otherwise celebrated greats of music theatre as Executive Producer of The Festival of Broadway featuring composer Stephen Schwartz in candid interview with performances by such legends such as Australia’s own Silvie Paladino, and Broadway star Liz Calloway.
Adam's international stadium spectacle experience began in 1998 touring Grease - The Arena Spectacular starring Dannii Minogue and Craig McLachlan. Later, ceremonial stadium theatre alongside David Atkins OAM and others for the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games (Calling Stage Manager), Doha 2006 15th Asian Games (Production Stage Manager), FINA 2007 World Aquatic Championships (Production Stage Manager), 12th Arab Games Doha 2011 and the 2011 Rugby World Cup – Auckland, New Zealand (Both Production Stage Manager).
With many of Australia's leading theatrical producers Adam has extensive background including musical theatre throughout Australia and Asia: Production Stage Manager on Hot Shoe Shuffle (95-99), Little Shop of Horror's with James Reyne and Christine Anu, An Ideal Husband directed by Sir Peter Hall, A Little Night Music, Chicago – The Musical, The Wizard of Oz (Bert Newton & Nikki Webster), Annie directed by Martin Charnin &, Man of La Mancha both starring Anthony Warlow also too, Hair, the Full Monty, and the Tony Award winning Mel Brooks Musical The Producers. Company Administrator for The Production Company Season 2004 and 2008-2012.
