Mackay amateur actor Bernadette Venables will take centre stage at the Central Queensland University 2003 Graduation Ceremony on Saturday.

Ms Venables’ theatrical background will help calm her nerves when she is awarded the 2003 Graduate Medalist.

Her love for theatre has also been transferred into her Year 6 St Joseph’s classroom, with students given an animated approach to learning.

“My teaching technique is quite theatrical. The students get to use a variety of different learning styles so they do more than write in their books – they act things act too,” she said.

“Children don’t just learn through writing and my methods recognise that learning can be strengthened through visual or physical strategies.” Ms Venables has been teaching dance and drama at Theatre Arts Mackay from 1999. Her theatrical leading roles include performances of Macbeth and Mack and Mabel. About 140 CQU students will be presented their testamur on June 14 at the Mackay Entertainment Centre from 1.30pm.