ABOUT
Artistic Director & Educator : Melanie McLean
SSoCA’s Artistic Director Melanie McLean, grew up on the Mornington Peninsula and is a proud Somers resident. Mel used to travel for an hour to engage in the performing arts when she was a teenager, so she is passionate about creating a high quality, creative learning environment for her local community that is accessible, affordable and fun!
Mel has worked in Melbourne’s performing arts and film and television industries for over 20 years. She is an experienced performing arts teacher and theatre director and her roles as a casting coordinator and producer bring industry experience to her dynamic classroom. Melanie is also a qualified Drama and Media teacher and has been teaching in some of Melbourne’s most highly regarded schools since 2011. She is fully registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching and has current Level 2 First Aid training.
Melanie has a supportive and fun approach that empowers students to perform in front of a crowd and thrive! There will be numerous milestones and creative goals achieved throughout each term and each week will be different from the last. Melanie's experience as a teacher means that she is regularly taking anecdotal notes regarding students’ growth, which can be discussed with parents on a regular basis.
Melanie’s ultimate vision is to enable creative arts opportunities for children on the Mornington Peninsula that are inclusive, enable social engagement and nurture students' self-confidence. Mel is extremely passionate about the creative arts and enabling her students to participate in activities that nourish them as creative learners.
If you have any requests for activities, locations or programs, please give Mel a call or send an email.
“Southern School of Creative Arts is all about fun, personal development and self-exploration. We take the pressure off; there is no assessment or major end of year production. We showcase at the end of each term to family and friends within the workshop environment and have a whole lot of fun!”
Educator : Claire Wearne
Mx Claire Wearne teaches our 'Troupe' class for teenagers.
Claire is a multidisciplinary educator and theatre maker. Having studied Drama and Creative Writing at the University of Melbourne, VCA and The Angry Mime Summer School, Claire has subsequently created theatre in professional, community and educational sectors for over 15 years.
They are currently practicing as an arts education consultant and have recently undertaken work for Back to Back Theatre, Vic Opera, Arts Centre Melbourne, Belvoir St Theatre, ILBIJERRI, The Flying Fruit Fly Circus and Outer Urban Projects. They also judge for the Lyrebird Awards and the International Youth Silent Film Festival.
Through a unique combination of artistic drive and a desire to forge partnerships beyond the traditional separation between education and professional theatre, Claire facilitates creative and dynamic opportunities for students and artists alike.
“Claire is honestly one of the most impressive drama educators in the country. Their commitment to enabling the best theatrical experience for their students is awe-inspiring. Whether it’s mentoring them in professional practice, eliciting their best ever performance or taking them to see world class productions. Claire doesn’t stop until the best result for everyone has been achieved! If I could choose anyone to teach my child Drama, Claire would be it!”
Educator : Casey Hall
Casey has trained extensively in dance and musical theatre from a young age and has taught at many performing arts schools throughout Melbourne and Gippsland over the last 15 years.
Casey began her career performing at Tokyo Disneyland, in the roles of Tinkerbell, Wendy, Alice in Wonderland, and Ariel. Transitioning to Secondary School teaching in 2013; she staged many productions in her role as Performing Arts and Productions Coordinator at St Paul's Anglican Grammar School, and has most recently been teaching Drama and English at Woodleigh School.
The last decade has also seen her return to the stage, playing Elle in Legally Blonde (LTC, 2015), Cheryl-Anne in Catch Me if You Can (CPAC, 2016) and Kitty in Chicago (Fabnobs, 2018). Casey recently performed for PLOS Musical Productions’ The Boy From Oz, appearing as part of the dance ensemble and also taking on the role of Dance Captain.
“Casey’s sparkling personality is such a joy to behold. Her rapport with students is warm and nurturing and she is an inspiration to both students and parents alike. Casey’s dance ability is awe inspiring. If you ever have a chance to see her on stage with PLOS or other production companies, don’t hesitate to book a ticket. We are very fortunate to have her on our team!”