Meet Michael: A Teacher, Theatre Lover, and Lifelong Supporter
For Michael, theatre has always been about community and about sparking something lasting in young people.
His first “wow” moment came in Year 12, sitting in Sydney’s Lyric Theatre watching The Lion King. “I just saw this world created on stage that I hadn’t ever pictured being subject to before,” he recalls. “Humans on stage created a new world right in front of me.”
Growing up in Moulamein and later Wagga Wagga, Michael didn’t have many chances to see live theatre. “My parents weren’t much into taking us to things,” he says. “We were in a small town of 500 people.”
Then, through after-school drama, he discovered how much he loved performing. Years later, when drama appeared on his subject list at school, that spark returned and it set the direction for his life.
At Monkey Baa Theatre Company, we believe moments like these are what start a spark, one that grows into confidence, creativity, and connection. Michael’s story shows exactly how those first experiences can shape a lifetime.
“Because I didn’t have much access to theatre as a kid, I wanted to be part of it so that other people could be part of it too.”
Today, Michael is a drama teacher who builds creative communities wherever he goes. “It’s about sharing learning and building the capacity of the community so that everyone can be part of the arts,” he says.
That’s the heart of Monkey Baa’s Theory of Change — removing barriers so every young person can experience the spark of theatre and carry it forward into their lives.
Why theatre matters
Michael believes theatre helps young people see the world differently.
“It makes any idea real to them,” he explains. “If they don’t exercise their imagination, they unlearn how to be creative, which is a scary thought.”
He worries that children can lose their sense of play as they grow up. “They stop being vulnerable,” he says. “Theatre reminds them how to experience imagination together.”
“If a child’s first experience of theatre is dodgy, then theatre’s dodgy to them. That first impression matters.”
Through Monkey Baa’s work, those moments of imagination and connection become more than entertainment, they become social outcomes. They build empathy, emotional literacy, and a sense of belonging.
Why Michael supports Monkey Baa
Michael’s connection to Monkey Baa runs deep.
He first met the team while working front-of-house at Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre. Later, after moving to Sydney to pursue a career in the performing arts, he worked with Monkey Baa at ARA Darling Quarter Theatre.
“I joined the family,” he says. “They were friendly, generous, and genuinely believed in what they did.”
When his teaching career took off and time became scarce, Michael found another way to stay connected: through giving. “I started donating a little bit at a time,” he says. “It was my way of still being involved.”
“I believe in what they do. Monkey Baa works really hard to reach all young people, not just those with money or in big cities. That’s rare and it should be cherished.”
That belief is what drives our mission too: creating both social and cultural impact through theatre. We aim to reach young people who might otherwise miss out, and to ensure Australian stories like Where is the Green Sheep? and Detention are seen, heard, and shared across the country.
What he loves about Monkey Baa’s work
Michael values Monkey Baa’s authenticity.
“A lot of companies pick big-name shows to make money,” he says. “Monkey Baa is different. They put the art in, not take the money out.”
He especially loves that young people are part of the creative process. “They take shows into schools and invite children to give feedback. It’s not just about performing for young people it’s about creating with them.”
Shows like Hitler’s Daughter hold a special place for him, and he’s excited to see Detention, a new work currently in development. “Monkey Baa tells Australian stories that matter,” he says, “They take complex ideas and make them accessible. That’s a rare skill.”
Michael’s words echo what we see every day: the power of authentic stories to inspire curiosity, empathy, and a sense of connection. These are the sparks that grow into lifelong appreciation for the arts and for each other.
Michael’s message to future donors
“If you’re thinking about donating to Monkey Baa, it means you want to make a difference for young people,” he says. “Your support helps reach some of the most educationally disadvantaged children in the country and it builds the next generation of audiences.”
“Monkey Baa doesn’t just put stories on stage. They change the way young people see the world.”
When supporters like Michael give, they help us turn sparks into stories and stories into lifelong change.
