OUR TEAM

Debra brings with her a wealth of experience in the creative industries through her work in television, film and innovative digital platforms, and deep strategic and operational management roles. She has worked extensively with start-up teams across a range of digital media businesses including an online platform for children’s creative development and expression. Debra is a long-standing member of the Vicscreen (formerly Film Victoria) investment and incentive committee having previously been a Board member for nine years, and is a former board member of Barking Gecko, Western Australia’s theatre company for children and their families. debra@arenatheatre.com.au

Fionna is a creative project manager and producer with a 25yr+ background in tour management, venue booking, television production, festival operations, community radio, kitchen discos and more. Fionna is driven by connecting community and is passionate about supporting musicians and the creative industries, particularly those based in Regional Victoria. She spent 12 years living and working in Wales, and also loves road trips and music festivals. fionna@arenatheatre.com.au

Harriet has exceptional experience as Artist Development Manager and Producer at Midsumma Festival. She has also led the Midsumma Pathways program, supporting over 40 LGBTIQA+ Deaf, Disabled, and neurodiverse artists. In addition to her role at Midsumma, Harriet has served as Executive Producer of Flow Festival Australia since 2023, transforming it into a national two-week event alongside Artistic Director Sigrid MacDonald and a team of Deaf producers. Harriet is bilingual in English and Auslan and brings extensive experience in collaborative creative processes, emphasising access-led and inclusive practices. She completed the Victorian Government LGBTIQA+ Leadership Program in 2024 and has been recognised for her innovative approaches to removing barriers in the arts. Prior to her work in festivals and community, Harriet spent a significant period in the world of contemporary performance, and is proud to have been an Ensemble Member and rabble-rouser at Rawcus for nearly 10 years. Harriet can be found in her spare time attempting to lean in to gardening and fermenting and frequenting many of Central Victoria’s best walking, swimming and picnicking destinations with her family. harriet@arenatheatre.com.au

Laura Cooney has extensive experience as a creative producer, director and programmer specialising in theatre for young audiences. She currently works as Performing Arts and Public Programs Officer at The Drum Theatre and previously founded and led the national touring company The Playground Craze, creating and directing original work for children that has toured widely to schools and communities across Australia. Laura’s career has included roles with Regional Arts Victoria, Hawthorn Arts Centre, the Unicorn Theatre and Nuffield Theatre in the UK, alongside programming festivals and developing touring productions for young audiences. She has also engaged internationally with the field of theatre for young audiences, including as an invited delegate to Imaginate Festival in Scotland and as a participant in the ASSITEJ UK Next Generation program. Laura is passionate about imaginative, thoughtful arts experiences that respect children as creative and capable participants. Prior to her work in producing and programming, she spent many years working as a performer and director in theatre and touring productions in Australia and internationally. Laura lives in Melbourne with her partner Jon and their two young daughters, who continue to remind her daily of the power of curiosity, play and storytelling. laura@arenatheatre.com.au

Ella brings a strong foundation in communications and business administration, developed through her work with the City of Greater Bendigo’s Youth Team, better known as YO Bendigo. She is currently studying a Diploma of Communications with Deakin University, further deepening her skills in the field she’s most passionate about. A long-time lover of the creative arts, Ella has grown up immersed in Bendigo’s vibrant artistic community. From years of dance to school productions, she’s always found herself drawn to spaces where creativity thrives. Alongside her studies and arts involvement, Ella proudly serves as the Deputy Youth Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo Youth Council, advocating for young people and championing community engagement. hello@arenatheatre.com.au