TDP Board

A former teacher and political advisor, he coached the Australian Rugby Team to their first ever win of the Grand Slam, a feat never since repeated. Alan has been instrumental in the development of careers and progression of many TDP students and graduates. Alan regularly interviews and promotes the students on his shows and opens many doors for them in the music and entertainment business.

He oversee’s AEG Ogden’s Arenas in Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle. His involvement includes business development for new venue management agreements throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia. He is responsible for securing concert and entertainment events in these arenas and across other AEG Ogden Venues that host entertainment events, including convention centres and stadiums. He works collaboratively with other venues that are not managed by AEG Ogden to secure events which can include AEG Ogden venues in a tour.

He was a Certified Facilities Executive (CFE) by international industry body, IAVM in 2006. General Manager of Sydney Entertainment Centre 1998 to 2005. Former General Manager for Newcastle Entertainment Centre 1994 to 1998, responsibilities included management and operation of the Centre as part of the AEG Ogden Network. He was former Business Manager for Newcastle Entertainment Centre responsible for establishment of the financial and business management of the Centre during the pre-opening and initial operating phase.

His qualifications and memberships include: Past President of the Venue Management Association (VMA), Asia and Pacific.

He is now recognised as one of Australia’s leading musical directors, a pianist and composer and a well-recognised face on Australian television. John’s big break came when he was offered the job of musical director for Bert Newton’s ‘Good Morning Australia’ at 19 years old. He joined ‘Australian Idol’ in 2003. John helped launch the careers of Guy Sebastian, Shannon Noll and Anthony Callea and produced a gold album for ‘Idol’ judge, Marcia Hines, before leaving the show in 2008.

John is musical director and producer for Vision Australia’s ‘Carols by Candelight’ and hosts the annual Schools Spectacular, which is broadcast on ABC TV.

Having begun acting and performing professionally at 12 years old, Charlton forged his career in bands, TV series, on stage and in films. By his early twenties, Charlton had been signed by a major record label and publisher as a singer songwriter, writing and recording internationally and performing with the likes of John Mayer, Bic Runga and the Whitlams. 

Turning his attention to music to picture and the business of a sustainable career in the arts, Charlton began running studios and collaborating with screen composers, overseeing countless music projects for major brands and TV Networks.

In 2010, with a foot firmly planted in both art and commerce, Charlton partnered with renowned music producer and sonic technologist Justin Shave to establish Uncanny Valley – a high end, music and technology company working with artists, publishers, labels and brands – that has since risen to prominence around the world.