References 

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Chris Baldock: Artistic Direction, Mockingbird Theatre

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I know Amy as both an actor and an emerging director as a student in the Mockingbird Acting for Adults class and the Mockingbird Introduction to Directing course. I have also had the distinct pleasure of directing Amy in a production of The Grapes of Wrath in her stand-out role of Rose of Sharon for which she received many critical accolades. Without question, Amy is one of the most talented performers in Canberra. She is fearless, questioning, passionate and innately tuned into the sensitivities of being a human being, qualities that many artists can spend their lives searching for. Her commitment and dedication to any role or project leads to exciting results and so I am proud and excited to include her production in the ACT HUB's Emerging Artists Program under the Mockingbird Theatre banner in 2021. 'The Boys' is a seminal Australian work and Amy's understanding of the human condition, combined with her unique and outstanding theatrical talents, makes the prospect of this production a compelling one. As a multi award-winning director, producer and actor of over 30 years standing, I confidently place Amy in the upper echelon of talent I have worked with and have no hesitation in assisting her achieve her goals in her Master of Theatre and Performance through UNE.

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Karen Vickery – Former head of Arts History at NIDA (also holds a Bachelor of Acting NIDA). Current head of Visitor Experience at the National Portrait Gallery

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Karen says: “My name is Karen Vickery. I am a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Acting (1983) and was awarded the Bachelor of Dramatic Art. I was on the NIDA academic staff for a period of over 14 years, specialising in History of Theatre and was Head of Performance Practices there for 5 years. Since moving to Canberra to take a leadership role at the National Portrait Gallery, heading up Interpretation, Audience Engagement and Education, I have worked on three stage shows with Amy Dunham, Steel Magnolias, Company, and Playhouse Creatures for the independent theatre company I co-founded. All three productions were award winning. Amy was an integral part of each ensemble, taking major and contrasting roles in each show which
range from contemporary realism, to music theatre and historical tragi-comedy. She adapted with ease to the differing demands of each text and showed great application in textual analysis when she encountered complex Restoration text in Playhouse Creatures. I was funded by ArtsACT to act as Mentor for the acting and textual analysis process in the play and was struck by Amy’s ability to quickly absorb the complex material – in rhyme and with historical references throughout. She quickly apprehended the nature and purpose of the material and was able to research and cross-reference in order to fully comprehend the complex historical material in a concrete way and to digest the information and transform it into engaging performance. In my academic role at NIDA I graded students for over 14 years in both performance and formal academic subjects. I would rank Amy Dunham highly on the basis of my experience working with her
as mentor and colleague.

Karen Vickery
– Director of Learning and Visitor Experience, National Portrait Gallery
– Chairman of Canberra Youth Theatre
– Co – Founder of the award winning Pigeonhole Theatre, selected to represent Australia in Monaco at the Mondial du Theatre, 2017
– Council Member of Canberra Repertory Society
– BA Hons (University of Melbourne), BDA (NIDA), MA (University of New South Wales)
– Lecturer and member of Leadership team (NIDA) 1996 – 2011

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Karen was my mentor throughout my time as an actress on the show ‘Playhouse Creatures’ (as was required by the specifications of our grant approval for producing a professional work). We studied Shakespeare, Restoration Theatre History, Epilogue/Monologue and Duologue techniques in restoration theatre, the history of Women in Theatre (specifically the Kings Theatre/The Dukes Theatre, Nell Gwynn and Mary Betterton, playwrights of the era Killigrew and Davenant). I played the most well known actress of the generation, Nell Gwynn to critical acclaim. This was in part due to the enriching dramaturgical experience provided by Karen, to develop my understanding the history of the period.  My accolades in this role as a testament (and evidence) of this.

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Cate Clelland – Former head of ANU Drama Dept.

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Cate states; “I have known Amy Dunham since she was in her teens, and have worked with her on a number of occasions. From the beginning, her potential and talent was clearly evident and I have had the privilege to see her develop into a fine performer and a skilled, nuanced actor. A singer and actor, she is a very versatile performer and seems at home in both musical theatre and in straight plays. Amy brings both intelligence and passion to the process of developing an acting role. She thinks deeply about her character and understands how to prepare for and build her roles. I believe that this combination of intelligence and passion, in both preparation and in performance, makes Amy and very fine performer and actor.”

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Cates details can be provided for further discussion on request.

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Cate Clelland has known me in a theatrical capacity since 2000, when we worked together as Director/Actor on a production of The Sound of Music. She directed my performance of Fantine in Freerain Theatre’s production of Les Miserables in 2017.

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Tony Turner – Former head of ANU Drama Dept.

Tony says, “I have known Amy Dunham for a number of years. I worked with her on two major productions, The Burning by Duncan Ley at the Q theatre in Queanbeyan and Casanova at Canberra Repertory. She played leading roles in both these productions and produced excellent performances. She has a strong work ethic and her rehearsal process is focused and enviable. Her knowledge of the theatrical process of translating the page to the stage is deep and wide and she was always a pleasure to work with. I have no hesitation in recommending that she be given credit for her clear understanding of practical theatre making.

Anthony Turner, 0420 504 335
The Ethel Tory Head of Drama
The Australian National University
(Retired)

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Actor and director Tony Turner trained at the Central School of Drama in London and acted in English Repertory.

Some of his previous positions include London Branch Manager for Walt Disney Productions, Head of Voice and Acting at Mountview Theatre School, London, Artistic Director, Armadillos Theatre Company and the Head of Drama, at the Australian National University. Tony has worked with me on multiple shows, known the trajectory of my work over many years and engaged with me in many professional conversations about the arts.

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Derek Walker: NIDA 

I have known Amy for approximately 10 years since residing in Canberra and have seen her perform in a number of theatrical productions. I work as a Professional Theatre Director and have a background in commercial Musical Theatre and Opera. I recently assisted the Artistic Director of The English National Opera, Daniel Kramer on his original production of La Traviata in Basel, Switzerland and am currently in China working on a new Opera 170 Days In Nanking to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Japanese massacre of Nanking in 1937. In 2013 a production of mine, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change! was selected for remount to tour. I had been impressed with Amy’s work in Canberra so I approached her and asked her to join my cast, working alongside seasoned professional artists. The remount process for this production was a single week of intensive rehearsal. I was particularly impressed with Amy’s ability to quickly adapt to the pace of professional theatre and her ability to energetically challenge those that she was working with. Her ability to work cohesively as a member of a team was outstanding and her talent to confidently inspire others to improve their performances and lead by example benefitted the production enormously. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Amy, both in a theatrical context and in general. Her dedicated personality, warmth for human connection and passion to achieve high standards make her a welcome addition to any productive working process. I wish her all the best in all her future endeavours.

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Rachel Campbell: Instrumental Music ACT

I worked with Amy Dunham on the ACT Education Directorate’s show ‘Step Into The Limelight’ production in 2016, where I was the Featured Artist Director. I asked Amy to join me on the team as I know her to be a vibrant and engaging educator, having worked with her on a number of projects throughout our long association. Amy was able to enrich my program as a choreographer, movement coach, mentor and dramaturg and was a very valuable member of my team, instrumental in delivering a strong result. Not only is Amy a dynamic and energetic educator, she understands the pedagogical foundation of her teaching practice and is able to apply it in different situations – from classroom, to rehearsal, to performance. This is as a result of her prolific acting in shows for a number of years, she has an intimate knowledge of the whole process, both as an actor, director, and from a production perspective.

I support her application for Recognition of Prior Learning wholeheartedly. She is already an excellent arts educator, working to support the Canberra community.

Jordan Best: Artistic Director, Echo 

I have been working with Amy Dunham in a professional capacity for five years, having employed her numerous times as a professional actress, as well as engaging her assistance and management with other aspects of productions, such as social media, marketing strategies, website building and maintenance, poster graphic design, conducting interviews and theatre fundraising. In 2015 I cast her as Goldilocks in Goldilocks and the Three Bears at The Q. I was highly impressed with her ability to learn a part quickly and to work independently to develop character. She has an incredible ability to engage  children. In the foyer after the show Goldilocks was definitely the kids favourite for photos. Her flair for improvisation, for thinking on her feet, and her knowledge of pantomime and children’s theatre was invaluable in this production. As a professional actress I have been impressed by Amy’s professionalism, dedication, and skill, which is why I have employed her many times in this capacity. Most recently she toured to Monaco (for the Mondial Du Theatre, a quadrennial festival, representing Australia) with my production of ‘Playhouse Creatures’. This was a very demanding role, and, due to the nature of the festival we were performing in, required actors with a lot of flexibility, maturity and skill. Amy was an invaluable member of the touring company, not only bringing all her talent to her own role, but in assisting other actors with theirs. Her knowledge of stagecraft, her ability to work as part of a team, her capacity to work under pressure, and her incredible character work helped to make this tour such a success. As part of the Mondial du Theatre in Monaco we were also required to take part in forums and workshops. At the discussion of our performance, Amy’s input was intelligent, thoughtful and insightful. She is capable of leading a discussion as well as being able to formulate concise answers for questions. She was a valuable member of our workshop, which was focussed on clowning and mime, because of her skills in these areas.

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Michelle Cooper: Questacon

I have worked in varied professional contexts with Ms. Dunham over the last 4 years, however I feel that one particular circumstance more clearly articulates her skills. In 2012 I worked closely with her at Questacon facilitating digital outreach programs. In this role Amy liaised with teachers, organised program schedules and actively presented programs, allocated program resources. Additionally she was responsible for developing and adapting content in line with the curriculum. She displayed a high level of skill while engaging students and teachers with exceptional feedback recorded for our programs and was highly competent when rectifying the various technical issues that arise while operating digital studio and video conferencing technology. Within this role she used Tri-Caster, Polycom, Chroma key technology and clearly showed me how to operate these systems in her absence. As a program coordinator and presenter, Amy was always careful to adapt her language to her audience, ensuring that the communication was tailored to the school and content. She remained positive in a constantly changing environment and focused on the wellbeing of her colleagues. In my time working with her on these programs she always displayed a high level of professionalism and rigour in her work. She was responsible for furthering my own training and was always a supportive and approachable mentor in our interactions. She would regularly check in and ensure that I was confident with my workload and would always offer to spend additional time working through any concerns I had, even if this meant allocating more time for rehearsals with me to guarantee my comfort. She is a generous and talented individual who is an asset to the educational community.

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Soren Jensen (Professional Actor of Harry Potter)

I had the pleasure of working with Amy Dunham in our roles as Excited Particles, Educational facilitators and performers at Questacon for a number of years. Amy was one of my favourite people to work with, always bringing a vibrancy and energy to whatever she did and brightening up whoever she was working with. I found her to be a committed and professional worker, passionate about what she did and the educational impact she was able to have. We worked to a wide range of audiences, and Amy was always highly energised and illuminating when working with young children. She was safe and clear with her communication, involving them in the fun of learning. When dealing with teenagers her work always showed a perfect balance of sass and wit, engaging them while still connecting with the learning outcomes needed to have an impact and encourage them to learn. Not just through listening but interacting, encouraging questions, involvement and participation so vital to learning. And with adults she was always able to entice them to join the fun with humour and playfulness, teaching them something new while also gaining the trust needed from them through clear communication and committed professionalism. We worked in a wide range of performances, from puppet shows, to presentations, to dealing with dangerous materials like liquid nitrogen and hydrogen. I always could trust Amy had the highest level of Occupational Health and Safety in place, and all members of the public in her care were well taken care of. She had a team first attitude, a passion for everything she does and a strong work ethic. Whether it be administration, communication and teamwork, or high level of performance, she was always one of the best in our role. She is also incredible talented, confident and capable when speaking or performing in front of a large crowd or an intimate audience. I view teaching as very like a performance, and I could think of no one better to engage young people to impact on their lives and education.

I have no hesitation in recommending her for whatever opportunities lie ahead. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch at the details below.

Ron Dowd: Theatre Director

I have know Amy Dunham for the past seventeen years. I have consistently witnessed Amy contribute to integrity, honesty, dedication and heartfelt care to everyday life, projects and each of the the theatrical productions that she invests her time in. I have had the good fortune to be involved in several productions with Amy, earlier on as a fellow cast member and latterly with Amy as a cast member of productions that I have directed. I have always found Amy to be dedicated to her craft and always willing to participate. Amy is always is willing to actively listen to direction and to provide valuable input when a member of group cast discussions. Amy is able to provide many facets to her “triple threat” talents of acting, singing and dancing and has successfully added puppetry to her resume. Last year Amy was a cast member of Pigeonhole Theatre’s highly successful ‘Playhouse Creatures’ which was presented at the Mondial du World Theatre Festival in Monaco. The dedication getting this prestigious honour in itself displays the level of production that Amy aspires to be a part of. Amy has a strong stage presence a willingness to open herself utterly emotionally for an audience. Amy gives her everything to everything she participates in. I would highly recommend her for any production that has a desire to be a member of.

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Kirily Cornwell- Actor and Parent

Amy has been a prolific performer in the Canberra Theatre scene over a number of years. I have recently observed her utilising this experience to mentor a number of young women involved in a recent production of Les Miserables, including my own teenage daughter.

This can be a tricky task in the performing arts, balancing providing constructive feedback to those new to the craft with potentially damaging consequences to often fragile egos. But as a performer it’s also a rewarding experience because ultimately it enriches one’s own performance.

Amy has great qualities to be a mentor. She is patient and giving, with a wealth of experience in many different roles. But she is also humble, which makes her approachable. From what I’ve observed in my own daughter, in taking the Les Mis girls under her wing Amy has clearly provided them with inspiration to be confident, creative, and committed to continuous improvement. I believe this also helped her create her own wonderful character, reflective of her own nurturing nature.

She doesn’t only help the young ones though. Amy has quietly encouraged me, as an older performer, to go back to what I love. By showing support, providing words of wisdom, and ultimately making me believe I could do it.

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Peter Wilkins - Dramaturg

I have known Amy Dunham for some years in my capacity as dramaturg for Fast and Fresh and a theatre reviewer with The Canberra Times.

Fast and Fresh is a ten minute play festival for ACT schools and Amy was employed by the Canberra Theatre Centre as an Education Officer and responsible for working closely with schools to assist them to prepare for and present their performances. Amy was at all times thoroughly professional in her contact with the young people. She has a natural warmth and enthusiasm which inspires a pursuit of excellence in everything she does and the inspiration she imparts to young people. Her knowledge of theatre and drama in education is extensive, both as a former drama student at Hawker College and through her work in theatre. Students at Fast and Fresh related instantly to Amy and demonstrated an eagerness and commitment that was reflected in the quality of their work. I am certain that she would be an excellent teacher, with both a caring attitude and knowledgeable and informed approach to the practices and principles of the teaching profession.

I have also had the privilege to review Amy’s work in the theatre in both dramatic productions and musical theatre productions. As an actress, she is engaging, interesting and intelligent and she is able to create believable and enjoyable performances in whatever genre from comedy to drama to music theatre. This is an invaluable asset for anyone who would seek to engage with and involve young people in their education and I have no hesitation in recommending her for any position that would encourage excellence and inspiration in young people. Her work with ill children as Captain Starlight is another testament to her suitability for her pursuit of any profession that improves the quality of life of young people and the creation of their skills to lead a fulfilling life.

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Benn Sutcliff- Young Music Society

I worked alongside Amy Dunham as both co-worker and supervisor at the Young Music School Summer School, 2010-2013. In this time Amy continually proved herself as an exceptionally valuable team member and educator. Amy’s contagious energy, passion and thirst for knowledge is an inspiration to staff and students alike and she possesses a great ability to intuitively gauge the need to re-present and re-contextualise information in order to cater to a student’s individual needs. Amy’s class content continually challenged and engaged the students, achieving tremendous outcomes. Her most exceptional quality, however, is her ability to the empathise with students (and colleagues) of all ages and abilities, particularly those with learning and social difficulties. When dealing with students with these issues, Amy compassionately validates their needs and concerns, offering sound advice and strategies to empower them to want to continue through a difficult task and achieve their full potential in their chosen path. 

Will Huang - Actor

I have worked closely alongside Amy for several years as a practitioner of Canberra theatre, and in that time have become well-acquainted with her skills as a guide, counsellor and adviser to those in her care. Most recently we collaborated on a production of The Burning which performed at The Q in July/August (2014). The cast contained actors of all ages, including a number of college-aged students, for whom this was their first time working with a company outside of school. Although Amy was a relatively late addition to the cast, she instantly displayed her trademark warmth and the younger cast found her to be easily approachable and trustworthy. She would make a point of conversing with each of them regularly and took a real interest in their welfare. If they had issues, either with the show or with another aspect of their lives, she was open, welcoming and able to call upon her considerable life experience to offer sound advice when it was necessary. Amy’s aptitude and passion as a mentor are undeniable and I am confident she would perform admirably in any position involving the development and well-being of young people.

Jonathan Ashcroft- Stage Manager/Former student 

In 2013, I worked as stage manager for Amy Dunham after Free Rain Theatre Company gave her the opportunity to direct a play of ‘Winnie the Pooh’ for their Free Rain Frolics program, aimed at providing holiday entertainment for young children. This was my first opportunity as stage manager. Amy was able to focus on both her direction of the cast, as well as providing me with any assistance I needed to learn how to do my job. Her responsibilities included direction of a small cast of young adults, organising set and props, interacting with audience members and their parents during and after the show and remaining approachable for me throughout the entire process. One of Amy’s biggest strengths is that not only does she encourage growth and opportunity in the people she surrounds herself with, but is also empathetic enough to be able to not just tell someone what to do, but be able to put herself in their shoes and show them how it can be done. She showed this ability countless times in her direction, something that both the cast and audience responded to very positively. I am very thankful to her for providing me with the opportunity to be stage manager when she could have very easily chosen to go with someone much more experienced. It helped give me confidence in moving onto other areas not only in theatre, but being able to maintain conversations much more fluidly with my superiors in a professional setting. I believe that because of Amy’s dedication to the development and growth of people in her care, she would be a valuable asset to any organisation.

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Miles Thompson - Actor 

I first met Amy Dunham in October 2012. I knew who she was prior to that, having seen her in numerous stage productions across the Canberra region for a couple of years previously. When I first met her in a rehearsal for a show we were doing at the time, and spoke to her, I was struck by something. Amy has a natural gift – she understands people. Amy could see that I was trying to get my name out there as an actor, but wasn’t too sure how to do it without seeming arrogant and over-confident. I’m not sure if it was a conclusion she drew quickly or over time. One night she came to me with a proposition. She wanted me to be the lead role in a show she was directing. I asked her “Why? I haven’t got a lot of experience,” and her response was that “I think you’re good enough. You’re the best person I can think of for the part.”

Without having a pre-existing relationship, she could see I had a problem, and she was in a position to help me. That’s the kind of person Amy is. If she can help you out, she will.

She cast me as Pooh in Winnie the Pooh. Many people were surprised by this, mainly given my body shape. I’m 6 feet tall and weighed 65kg – not a typical loveable cuddly teddy bear shape. For a time I struggled with the part, but Amy pushed me through rehearsals. She would come in early to help me out, and stay back late if I had questions or other things I wanted to try. By the time the show opened I was confident and comfortable in my role. I put this down to the excessive effort Amy pitched in, an effort I have never seen replicated by another director of a production. Amy always puts her heart and soul into her performances and artistic work, which I have seen multiple times. Watching her work with all members of the cast and crew is a sight to behold because she connects with every single person she comes across. She always looks people in the eye and communicates so directly that they can’t help but engage back. They can see the passion that fuels her in her work. It’s an infectious energy that drives her to unparalleled lengths to help other people, and it always produced a quality result.

I’ve never met anyone with the commitment, passion, or desire to help other people that Amy Dunham has, and find it highly unlikely that I ever will.

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David Cannell- Questacon Manager 

I have had the pleasure of Amy Dunham working for me in a number of roles at Questacon, The National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra.  I run the science performance team called ‘The Excited Particles’ and had Amy performing in a number of roles for seven years. Our focus was the engagement of Questacon visitors with interactive scientific and demonstrations and presentations.    I had known Amy through associations in the Canberra amateur theatre community and had thought she would make a good Questacon performer.

Amy’s roles included:

-Science Demonstration Show performer, sometimes utilising colourful characters

-Puppet Show performer as both puppet handler and narrator

-Corporate Science Demonstration performer

-Science Busking throughout the centre

-Talk styled power-point presentation performer

-Team group development of ideas and show opportunities.

-Early Childhood ‘Science Time’ show performer.

-School visit performances

Throughout this time Amy proved herself to be a very able and adaptable performer and a keen contributor to group dynamics.  She could be depended upon to step up when needed and to take on new challenges with panache.   She was confident performing to a wide range of audience types, ages and numbers in many varied spaces, from theatres to foyers, schools, outdoors and corporate venues.

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