The Artistic Director - Founding Producer/Director and Director for 25 years of the Schools Spectacular
Mary Lopez AM
Mary Lopez has an enormous love for and knowledge of Australia, of its peoples and its landscape.
Her passion for her country has shone throughout an extensive and wide-ranging career of more than 40 years, and her flair for capturing the spirit of Australia in her events is legendary.
Starting out as a teacher, Mary committed her working life to helping young people be the best they can be, and later to fostering the talents of the extraordinary teachers who we entrust to educate our children.
In 1984, Mary created the concept for the first Schools Spectacular, bringing together young performers from New South Wales Public Schools. Mary directed this massive celebration of performing arts and education starring more than 3,000 singers, dancers, musicians and teachers for 25 years.
Staged annually at Sydney Entertainment Centre and broadcast nationally on ABC TV, the Schools Spectacular is the biggest, brightest, and most successful education event in the world.
Further inspired by the extraordinary talents of NSW public school students, Mary’s co-founded the Talent Development Project with Australian music industry legend, Jack Neary, and marketing and business wiz, Bruce Harris. In her 18 years as Artistic Director this unique program has produced such success stories as Human Nature, John Foreman, Paulini, Emma Pask, Angus and Julia Stone, music theatre stars Amanda Harrison and David Harris, and a host of award winning country music artists including Felicity Urquhart, Darren Coggan, Jed Hughes and The McClymonts.
Mary was instrumental in creating the Bound for Broadway Scholarships, in conjunction with ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. For the past four years, this scholarship has enabled outstanding TDP graduates to attend music theatre workshops in New York conducted by some of Broadway’s leading names.
On Australia Day 1999 Mary was appointed a member of the Order of Australia in recognition of her contribution to the performing arts, and in particular the development of talented young Australian entertainers. In 2007 she received the Variety Humanitarian Award for her work with young performers, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. She was featured among Sydney’s 100 Top Movers and Shakers in the Sydney Morning Herald Sydney Magazine.
After 25 years as Director of the Schools Spectacular, Mary retired at the conclusion of the 2008 show. She was given an emotional tribute presented by an array of past stars of the Schools Spectacular, along side the students and teachers that are the heart and soul of the Spec. She leaves the Spec comfortable that arts and education is in a fantastic place, a place that she could only have dreamed of 25 years ago.
The Musical Director
Andrew Bee of Out There Productions is the Musical Director for the TDP.
Andrew attends each workshop and plays a key role in the musical development of participants, developing the workshop program in conjunction with the Artistic Director including the various audition processes throughout the year.
Once the graduating class is finalised Andrew works closely with each participant to select their graduation repertoire and organise arrangements and recordings.
Andrew also supervises the musical and technical requirements of external TDP performances.
Andrew's association with the TDP dates back to 1999 when he became a consultant. He was Musical Director and Technical Producer for the Schools Spectacular from 1992 to present day. Andrew directed the Pacific Schools Games Opening Ceremony in 2000, a role for which he was awarded an IOC Medal.
In 2000, Andrew become the Creative Director of Out There Productions, one Australia's leading event production companies. Andrew has continued his association with the Schools Spectacular as the Associate Director and Technical Producer.
TDP Talent Training Programs Manager
Robyn Philpot is the Project Coordinator for TDP and will be the main point of contact. She is responsible for the coordination of the workshops and any other associated TDP events.
Robyn is a unique combination of professional modern dancer, dance teacher/choreographer and entertainment industry professional in the area of stage management and production. Robyn has developed her skills as a coordinator from working on several major events within the industry for the last 10 years.
Since taking over as the TDP coordinator in 2004 she has helped the program expand its reach across NSW, with its regional and indigenous workshops. She has also worked with the graduation production team of 'Stars of the Future', to expand the production elements and increase the audience capacity.
TDP Communications and Project Development Manager
Kristin Prescott is the Communications and Project Development Manager for TDP and is responsible for working with students in the years after they graduate from the program. Kristin is also responsible for building mentor relationships between Graduates and industry professionals.
Kristin comes from a strong media background, having worked in TV news for 16 years as a producer and Executive Producer. During this time she has also worked on a number of major TV events and as a reporter in Australia and overseas.
Kristin joined the TDP in 2010 to work on the Postgraduate program and other projects involving the TDP around the state. She also helps on the Graduation production ‘Start Me Up’, publicising it to schools and the national media.