Marianne Patton – Director/Performing Arts Teacher

Raised in the Illawarra, and calling Kiama home, Marianne has performed in innumerable events, shows and plays both locally and abroad. Her formal education in voice began at a young age and continues to this day.

In 1992 Marianne attained a Bachelor of Creative Arts degree from the University of Wollongong, studying Classical Singing, Music Theatre and Acting. This was followed by a Diploma of Education, which saw her teach Music and Drama and at Smiths Hill High School and The Conservatorium of Music.

Travelling to London in 1996, Marianne participated in The Opera Project, with the Royal Opera House Education Unit and performed as a soloist with the Julian Light Opera Company in two Gilbert and Sullivan touring productions. Whilst on staff at Ealing Junior Music School, Marianne was responsible for the implementation of the Early Childhood Music Programme. Along with curriculum development, Marianne collaborated with staff to record three albums of children’s songs.

In 1997, Marianne was one of twenty-five students selected into the Postgraduate Diploma of Singing and Music Theatre at London’s Royal Academy of Music. Whilst at the RAM she completed extension studies to gain her Licentiate in Singing Teaching (LRAM).  In 1998, whilst still in London, Marianne appeared in Maltby and Shire’s Closer Than Ever.

Following her return to Australia, Marianne worked at Presbyterian Ladies College, Sydney, as Musical Director for their productions of Godspell (1999), Guys and Dolls (2000) and West Side Story (2001). She appeared at the 2000 Adelaide Festival, and in the same year released Indigo, her solo album of Jazz and Music Theatre tracks. From 2001-2006, Marianne was employed as full time Creative and Performing Arts Teacher at Bronte Public School, but found time to return to the stage as the ‘Trina’ in New Theatre’s 2004 production of Falsettos. In addition, Marianne co-ordinated the extra Curricular Drama Programme at Randwick’s Claremont College for fourteen years (1999 – 2013). This initiative saw her combine her vast experience in classroom Drama with her qualifications as a Speech and Drama specialist.

In 2006, she completed a Master of Education at the University of New South Wales, focusing on the profile of the Performing and Creative Arts in the primary curriculum.

From 2007-2011, Marianne was the Junior School Music Co-ordinator and Head of Choral at Kambala, Rose Bay, where she was responsible for five choirs, and Curricular Music studies for Years 3-12. In December 2008, Marianne conducted Kambala’s Chamber Choir throughout a performance tour of Europe, taking in Venice, Salzburg, Vienna and Paris.

2011 saw Marianne return home to Kiama to open her own business, educating the hearts and minds of young people as they engage with the creative pursuits of Music and Drama. Her core business, PlaySpace MusicDramaEd, sees her attend to a weekly routine of eight Drama classes and a private singing studio (catering to adults, teenagers and primary-aged students). Marianne often convenes Vocal ensembles for Community and Christmas events, drawing on her extensive experience as a Choral Director.

Marianne holds that there is no greater joy than seeing adults and children alike expand their talent, skill and spirit through the process of engaging with Drama and Song!