Young performers on stage
Creative & teaching team

Great teaching. Real experience. A love of performance.

Our team brings together experienced educators, performing arts practitioners and emerging artists who share their skills, experience and passion with every young person at WPPA.

Leadership & team

Western Plains Performing Arts is a not-for-profit organisation with an established committee providing governance and oversight. Our committee and teaching team work together to keep WPPA inclusive, well-run and focused on young people.

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Anthony O'Leary

President WPPA & Producer

I have been a school principal for 17 years, teaching and leading across education from Kindergarten through to university. I hold a Master of Education, Bachelor of Education and Graduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning.

I have many passions, but travel and musical theatre are certainly high on the list! I love continuing to learn and have been fortunate to undertake professional learning through NIDA, including Musical Theatre Essentials, where a real highlight was being taught by our WPPA Artistic Ambassador, Kat Hoyos. I have also completed the AussieTheatre.com Theatre Producing Masterclass: From Vision to Curtain Call.

Some of the greatest highlights of my career have come from bringing education and musical theatre together. I have loved working alongside the wonderful team at St John’s to create productions involving students from Kindergarten to Year 10, including Matilda Jr., Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Frozen Jr.

For me, the real magic is seeing what performing can do for young people: building confidence, friendships, creativity and a sense of belonging.

I am incredibly excited about this next chapter and working with our growing WPPA team to bring that same magic to young people from across Dubbo and the Western Plains. I can’t wait to see where the journey takes us!

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Kylie Bollard

Vice President

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Dale Johnson

Director

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Jo McPherson

Treasurer

I have always had a love for the performing arts; studying music from Year 7 through to Year 12, drama from Year 9 to Year 12 and dance during Years 9 and 10. I used some of these skills during my 16 years of Early Childhood Education and into motherhood.

I have 4 children (16, 14, 13 and 7) who all love to perform in one way or another. WPPA will be another amazing opportunity for my children, and others, to continue following their love for the performing arts as well.

Our family owns a local business in Dubbo, and we are also very passionate about local presence and community engagement.

I look forward to meeting you and sharing your journey with WPPA.

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Amber Lees

Secretary & Stage Manager

I’m passionate about all things dance, drama and musical theatre. Having been a dancer for 15 years, I have a deep love for the creativity, dedication and teamwork that goes into bringing a production to life.

Musical theatre is especially special to me because it brings together everything I love: dance, performance, storytelling, music and the opportunity to create something that connects with an audience. I love being part of the whole process, both on and off stage.

You’ll often find me behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly, fixing costumes, helping wherever I’m needed and calling the curtains. I love the hustle and excitement that comes with live productions and being part of the team that makes the magic happen.

I completed the NIDA Stage Management Essentials course in 2024, further developing my understanding of the creative, technical and organisational skills that support live performance.

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Gus Campbell

Emerging Artist Associate

My love for music skyrocketed in 2024 where I joined Dubbo’s local drama club. There I performed as various characters from the musicals: Bye Bye Birdie, Frozen Jr, Hairspray and Footloose. I play a variety of musical instruments in which I’m self taught such as piano and guitar but mostly singing. I'm passionate about dance and musical theatre.

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Mackenzie Ayre

Emerging Artist Associate

My love for performing arts began at a very young age. I was always captivated by the magic of the stage, fascinated by the way stories could be brought to life through movement, music, emotion and the incredible talents of those around me. There was something truly special about watching performers transform into characters, transport audiences into different worlds and create moments that could be remembered long after the final curtain call. It was this fascination that ultimately inspired me to pursue my own journey in musical theatre.

I began my musical theatre journey at the age of 13, initially stepping into the world of performing with a growing passion and a desire to challenge myself. Over the years, what began as a love for being on stage gradually developed into something much greater. Theatre became a place where I could discover my confidence, explore my creativity, embrace new challenges and develop a deeper understanding of myself. It taught me the importance of perseverance, collaboration, vulnerability and, most importantly, the courage to step outside of my comfort zone.

For me, theatre and the art of performing extend far beyond what happens on stage or behind the scenes. It is about the lifelong friendships and connections formed along the way, the nostalgia that comes from hearing a song you once performed, the excitement of opening night and the bittersweet feeling of taking your final bow. It is the shared laughter, countless rehearsals, challenges overcome and the unspoken understanding that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself. These experiences are what make theatre so incredibly special to me, and they are what continue to fuel my passion for the performing arts.

Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of being involved in a variety of productions, both on stage and behind the scenes. I have experienced the excitement and responsibility of taking on leading roles, as well as the equally rewarding experience of being part of an ensemble. Each production, regardless of the role I have played, has provided me with invaluable opportunities to grow, learn and develop as a performer. Every show holds its own special place in my heart, carrying memories, friendships and lessons that I will continue to cherish throughout my life.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been the opportunity to share my love for theatre with others. I am incredibly grateful to be surrounded by such a talented, supportive and inspiring community, where creativity is celebrated and individuals are encouraged to embrace their individuality. Being able to contribute to an environment that nurtures confidence, encourages self-expression and allows young performers to discover their own potential is something I hold particularly close to my heart.

Ultimately, my love for theatre stems from the belief that performing arts have the power to bring people together, create lasting memories and inspire confidence in ways that extend far beyond the stage. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a community that has given me so much, and I hope to continue giving back by encouraging the next generation of performers to find their voices, embrace their individuality and discover the same magic that first made me fall in love with theatre.

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TBC

Vocal Coach

All WPPA teaching artists and volunteers hold current Working with Children Checks and work to child-safe standards. We are always interested in hearing from experienced teaching artists across the region.

Teach with us

Experienced teaching artists across the Western Plains — we would love to hear from you.

Get in touch