I’ve been a passionate acting / audition technique, performance coach and qualified teacher for thirty years in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe and Vietnam.
The old saying "Those who can do, those who can’t teach" has never been an ideology to which I relate. In my experience, I do and teach. The two go hand in hand in one’s development as an artist. It’s important to give to those starting on their journey what you know from experience and study. Then, to allow your students to teach you as much as you teach them. Learning is a two way giving process. The best lessons I’ve discovered are when the coach feels more like the facilitator for the creativity taking place. This is the feeling from which the best fun can be had. I follow a prepared lesson plan each time but allow myself the freedom to be inspired by my students and take the lesson to a surprising place.
After completing my Licentiate Teachers’ Diploma from Trinity School of Music and Drama London in 1991, I taught speech and drama privately prior to my degree at The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) from 1993 to 1995. I did this alongside performing/touring with several theatre in education companies around Australia. I also played guest roles on many Australian small and big screen productions including A Country Practice, Come in Spinner and The Girl from Tomorrow. My time at NIDA influenced my teaching knowledge greatly. I went on to be the Co-founder of ‘Re:actor Acting Services’ at Fox Studios Sydney. I taught and co-directed showcases for actors using the medium of theatre and film. With Re:actor I designed and taught courses for teenagers in On Camera Careers and Audition Technique for Theatre and Drama Schools whilst also featuring in Cold Feet, All Saints, Water Rats, Sydney Theatre Company's Cyrano de Bergerac and Hugh Jackman'sThe Boy from OZ arena tour.
From 2008 to 2011, I was the Training and Development Consultant at The London School of Dramatic Art (LSDA). This time in London helped me solidify and expand my coaching techniques. I worked professionally in a feature film/commercials and directed the graduating plays for the LSDA two year diploma students. I went on to perform in five plays/musicals touring the UK, Europe and Vietnam for two professional companies. I conducted workshops for students in Vietnam at this time and won a ‘National Youth Achievement’ award in Singapore.
Since returning to Australia 2012, I have attained a TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assesssment from Inspire Education 2018. I teach children, teenagers and adults in the South Coast region, direct/produce plays and presentations for my students. I also undertake private coaching sessions from my home in the South Coast in singing, voice, drums, confidence, casting / acting / audition /performance techniques for screen and stage. Through COVID19, I conducted these lessons from home through on-line platforms and continue to offer this service.
I am the casual Director of Education industry consultant at CST ( Centre Stage Theatrics) in South Coast NSW for Ben May. I conducted performance workshops for the cast members of Disneys 'Moana Jnr Musical ', Little Mermaid Jnr', Chicago, Heathers and was the Vocal MD on Shrek The Musical at The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre April 2023.
I'm also the facilitator, director and private performance coach for celebrated Australian Poet/Artist/Sculptor Greer Taylor. Our alliance is called 'WithinBeyond' - it invites curiosity reconnecting humanity to nature and the heart of ourselves. We produced our multi media immersion launch of Greer's collection of work 'Veiling- grief and delight' in November 2022. Our short film of her poem 'For a Long time' featured in this sold out 'happening' in Cambewarra School Of Arts. We were awarded a CASP CREATE NSW grant to produce the storyboard for our film coevolution with cinematographer Harry Kielly.
I have designed and delivered a 7 part workshop programme to K-6 primary students called 'The Four C's Hub', which nurtures each individual student's creativity, confidence, clarity and calm. This Well- Being Programme is the subject of my 'work in progress' Education Manual.
I currently perform as a vocalist/drummer with the popular rock duo, Chocolate Dog featuring the original songs of Baxter Stone ( go to my Music page for clips and bio).
I am the voice of The Narrator and Bluebird for the international award winning series two Guess How Much I Love You on ABC Kids TV and international networks.
I worked for Trackdown Digital at Fox in Sydney on Nate is Late childrens' animation for Channel 9, France One and German Networks 2018. I'm also the kiwi voice for Rabobank on line training recorded at I & G Studios in Sydney.
I co-produced, directed and performed in theatre for The ARTSLAB. with its’ Artistic Director, Sarah Butler 2015-2022 . 'Safety Nets', for which I wrote the original vocal score and soundscape, received a 5 star review with The Adelaide Advertiser for the 2022 fringe festival.
I played the lead Dorothy in Ghosting the Party for Griffin in Sydney 2022 and sang/drummed the role of Marya for Darlinghurst Theatre Co. in the Tony award winning electro pop-opera The Great Comet of 1812, 2023. All the while, tutoring my students on line.....
I have skills and experience in every entertainment medium to share with my students from beginners to advanced levels.
I have students studying at NIDA and AMTA in Sydney 2023, some who are current professionals needing help in the industry and some who see me to help build their confidence and for fun!
I produced and consulted on an acting showreel shoot Tia Cullen for one of my students with NSW filmmaker Harry Kielly in Oct 2023.
I have a plethora of testimonials from students and colleagues available on request.
"Jilly helps you believe that you can truly achieve greatness"
– Emily Carmichael (London School of Dramatic Art)
Jillian has been tutoring our daughter Lucy for just under a year, and the improvement in her confidence, skills and performance has been phenomenal, with castings in four productions this year and a string of successful auditions and wins in the 2024 Eistedfords.
As a working performer, Jillian mentors by example as well as through guidance. With a deep, broad base of knowledge and experience, Jillian is passionate, creative and strategic, getting the best from her students through a strengths- focused approach.
- Athena Madams