Matthew Harper – Head of Drama

Matt has a passion for drama/acting/theatre, which started from a young age while growing up in the local region. He has since trained with Pasvolsky Actors Studio and Whale Chorus Theatre Company, and is soon to undertake Shakespeare & Company’s rigorous Actor Training Intensive. Matt has a strong drive for education and the creative and performing arts. He has taught in a range of settings, including at a school and university level, and at Hive Creative Studios. Additionally, Matt holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Humanities) (Honours) and recently submitted his Doctor of Philosophy thesis at the University of Newcastle, which uniquely compared high school mathematics and drama. He remains highly committed to ensuring fun, inclusive, and significant learning, and nurturing young people’s confidence, collaboration, empathy, and imagination. In 2023, Matt performed the roles of Egeus/Snug/Lion in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as part of Whale Chorus’ Annual Shakespeare Under the Stars event. He has also appeared in the short film, The Forgotten (directed by Angela McKeown) and various theatre works, including Woyzeck (Pasvolsky Actors Studio), The Plastic Beach (Best New Production, Newcastle Fringe) and Grey Old Man (Play Date).