Mentor Program: help our aspiring performers realise their dreams!
About the Mentoring Program
The Ulumbarra Foundation is dedicated to nurturing performing artists, organisations, and audiences in Greater Bendigo through inspiring programs and funding initiatives.
A mentor who is further along their career path, and shares your goals and values, can provide valuable guidance, encouragement and support. Many very successful people have mentors, including MrBeast, Billie Eilish, Harry Styles and Tom Holland.
Our Mentor Program supports aspiring professionals of all ages in pursuing a career or deepening their passion for the performing arts. Participants are matched with experienced mentors who generously volunteer their time to provide expert guidance and industry insights.
Whether you’re an emerging performer or interested in career development in any aspect of performance or production, we encourage you to apply. This program is offered free of charge, thanks to the generosity of the Ulumbarra Foundation and our dedicated mentors.
To apply, simply complete the Expression of Interest form below. If you would like more information, please see our FAQs below or send an email.
Will you help us unlock the potential of aspiring performers in Central Victoria?
Mentor categories
The Ulumbarra Foundation is privileged to work with exceptional mentors — highly experienced professionals across a range of performing arts fields — who generously volunteer their time to support this program. Our mentors are selected for their expertise and their commitment to helping others develop their skills, confidence, and career pathways.
Mentors are listed by category but please note many of our mentors are skilled in multiple categories: musicians who also compose music, or vocalists who are also accomplished actors.
DANCE/CHOREOGRAPHY
Alice Topp was born and raised in Bendigo and started dancing at the age of four. After two years with Royal New Zealand Ballet, she joined The Australian Ballet in 2007. Her passion for choreography began when she created her first work, Trace, for the 2010 season of Bodytorque, the company’s choreographic showcase.
Her work Aurum (created with the support of a Rudolf Nureyev Prize for New Dance) appeared at New York’s Joyce Theater in 2019, and won the 2019 Helpmann Award for Best Ballet. She was nominated for a Green Room Award (Little Atlas, 2017) and for two Australian Dance Awards (Same Vein, 2014 and Trace, 2010).
She has choreographed music videos for artists including Megan Washington and Ben Folds, and created works for Houston Ballet II and Queensland Ballet. She was appointed one of The Australian Ballet’s resident choreographers in 2018.
ACTING
MUSICIAN
Ash Bird is an educator, performer and composer, having had completed a Bachelor of Music Performance with Honours at the Victorian College of the Arts where he studied under Peter Constant and Dr Anthony Field. During this time he studied with Classical Guitar Composer Phillip Houghton in Brisbane and went on to be awarded 2nd prize at the Adelaide Spring Guitar Festival Competitions. Since then Ash has performed regularly in original and cover bands whilst being an educator in the Bendigo region for 20 years, currently the Music Coordinator at Bendigo Senior Secondary College.
Stephen Briggs is an impassioned musician, educator and advocate for the performing arts with a rich history of leadership in educational and community settings that spans over 20+ years. Stephen won the prestigious Musician of the Year award and the Bernstein Young Performers award before beginning studies at the Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne. Since completing those studies Stephen has worked as a private teacher, classroom teacher, accompanist, Head of Music, Head of Arts Faculty Leader. He established the Academy of Creative Arts Program at Bendigo South East College and has continued to consistently perform as a soloist with classical and contemporary ensembles.
Cynthia Holsworth had the privilege after completing her Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Diploma of Education to perform and record with many professionals, including Tommy Tycho, Graeme Lyall, Debra Byrne, James Morrison, Tommy Emmanuel, MSO Strings and Geminiani Chamber Orchestra. She currently works in her hometown of Bendigo, having spent many years as a teacher of instrumental music in secondary schools while developing a love for musical theatre undertaking the role of Musical Director for many local productions. Cynthia was employed by BSE College where she created and managed the award-winning Academy of Creative Arts. More recently, she has joined the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra as Secretary and Principal Flute.
VOCALIST
Alana Tranter is a VCA graduate with theatre credits including the Australian premiere of Georgy Girl – The Seekers Musical, ‘Ernestina’ in Hello Dolly for The Production Company and lead vocalist in California Dreaming-The Music of the Mamas and the Papas. Alana has created roles in two new Australian works, ‘Clarice’ in Dreamsong and ‘Maggie’ in NED – The New Australian Musical and was involved in the STC workshop of Muriel’s Wedding. She is currently a cast member of Come From Away the musical.
Merlyn Quaife is a distinguished soprano who was honoured as a member of the Order of Australia in 2013. As a performer of great versatility, she excels in opera, oratorio, Lieder, and contemporary music across Australia and Europe. Notable roles include Lucia in “Lucia di Lammermoor” and Chiang Ch’ing in “Nixon in China”. Her American debut in Gordon Kerry’s “Meeda” at the Kennedy Centre was followed by successful performances in Berlin. She has inspired numerous compositions dedicated to her, such as Gordon Kerry’s “Kindled Skies”. Merlyn has made significant contributions to music education, holding positions at the University of Melbourne and Monash University, and teaching internationally in Germany, Austria and the USA.
COMPOSER
Cally Bartlett – composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist – lives and works in Bendigo, Victoria as an educator teaching Strings and Classroom Music at Girton Grammar School since 2007. Cally was appointed Head of Faculty – Arts at Girton Grammar and is leading a culture of collaboration and Arts excellence across the school. Currently she is the Music Director of the City of Greater Bendigo Brass Band, Principal Viola with the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra and is a founding committee member of Bendigo Youth Music. As a composer, Cally’s arrangements for Brass Band and String Quartet are available to purchase commercially.
TECHNICAL THEATRE
VCA graduate Kyrilee Bodin is a big believer in enjoying all aspects of live performance. Kyrilee has excelled in various roles in premier Melbourne and Bendigo arts companies and organisations. Whether as Stage Manager, Technical Operator or Logistics Coordinator Kyrilee is a much sought after industry professional, recently returning to her hometown Bendigo and delivering technical services to Bendigo Venues & Events, Arena Theatre Company and her own multifaceted theatrical company, That’s Classic.
ARTS MANAGEMENT
Currently working as the Technical Operations Manager for the Geelong Arts Centre, Ben Van Dillen’s career started at 16 as a trainee. He has since worked in and toured to numerous countries, undertaking a variety of roles in theatres, concert halls and arenas: notably working as the Touring Production Manager of Circus Oz, Technical Co-Ordinator at fortyfivedownstairs, the Touring Head of Lighting for Opera Australia, managing an onboard lighting department for Princess Cruises and Production Manager for Arena Theatre Co.
Frequently asked questions
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
What is the Ulumbarra Foundation Mentor Program?
The Mentor Program connects aspiring performing arts professionals with experienced industry mentors who provide guidance, advice, and career support over an agreed period.
Who are the mentors?
Our mentors are highly experienced professionals across various performing arts fields. They generously volunteer their time and are selected for their expertise and commitment to supporting emerging talent.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, the program is completely free, thanks to the generosity of our mentors and the Ulumbarra Foundation’s support.
What if there isn’t a mentor in my performing arts area of interest? Can I still participate?
Yes! We will do our best to find a mentor who can support you. If we don’t currently have a mentor in your specific area, we may seek one out to match your needs.
MENTORING PROCESS
How are mentors and mentees matched?
Mentors are paired with mentees based on shared interests, career aspirations, and areas of expertise.
How often will I meet with my mentor?
The frequency of contact is flexible, but as a guide, we recommend a 30–45-minute conversation every 2–3 months. Meetings may be more frequent depending on individual needs.
Where do meetings take place?
Meetings can be held in person or remotely, depending on the availability and preferences of both mentor and mentee.
How long does the mentoring relationship last?
This is negotiable between mentor and mentee. We suggest an initial mentoring period of between 4-6 months.
What kind of support will my mentor provide?
Mentors offer industry insights, career guidance, advice and feedback. However, this program does not replace formal coaching or tuition.
ELIGIBILITY & SAFETY
Who can apply?
The program is open to anyone in the Greater Bendigo community looking to develop their skills or career in any of the performing arts, including performers, technicians, producers, and other creatives.
Is the program child-safe?
Yes. The Ulumbarra Foundation is a child-safe organisation, and all mentors hold a current Working With Children Check. If you are under 18, parental approval may be required.
APPLICATION & PARTICIPATION
What happens if I’m selected?
If accepted into the program, a member of the Ulumbarra Foundation’s Community Connection Committee will contact you. They will be your liaison.
The mentorship process
- Following a program induction session with your liaison representative you will be introduced to your mentor, and learn about their background
- With your mentor, you discuss personal goals, agree on communication methods and a schedule
- Participate in a mid-point check-in with your Ulumbarra Foundation liaison rep
- Contact your liaison if you have any questions or concerns
- Take part in a debrief and provide a testimonial at the completion of the program
IS THE PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL?
Yes, the Ulumbarra Foundation’s mentoring program has delivered successful outcomes for its participants. You can read more about how mentoring was instrumental in shaping the future of young Bendigo actor, Tom Marchant (above). Theatre-maker, actor, voice-over artist, and teacher, Stephen Phillips, took Tom under his wing to help him navigate the early stages of his career and achieve his dream of becoming a screen actor and stage performer. Read more here.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Complete the Expression of Interest form below.
For any questions, please contact us by email.
Expressions of interest
If you are interested in being a part of the mentor program, please fill out the expression of interest form below.