Accomplished freelance director and acting lecturer, Mr Peter Ross, is again working with the current crop of Bachelor of Music Theatre students at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) in Mackay.

Before he gives the students his full attention however, he has one prior commitment to fulfil; and it’s nothing less than the Closing Ceremony of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games this Sunday March 26.

His work with the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony has seen Peter temporarily relocate to Melbourne where he joined full rehearsals in December, as assistant director to Wayne Harrison.

“I feel very privileged to be working with Wayne Harrison and to have the opportunity to be involved with an event as significant as the Closing Ceremony,” said Peter. “It’s certainly going to be a career highlight for me, and will no doubt give me some additional skills that I can pass on to CQCM students in the future.”.

According to Peter, “The Closing Ceremony is an immense undertaking and involves the coordination of over 4000 people. We have been working full-time on the ceremony for the past 3 months and it will certainly be hectic leading up to the night".

Peter is in demand as a freelance director and last year directed some of the CQCM Bachelor of Performing Arts students in the Pilbeam Theatre’s production of ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ in Rockhampton.

He also directed the production of ‘My Fair Lady’ at the Mackay Entertainment Centre and worked throughout the year with Bachelor of Music Theatre students to help them perfect their acting skills.

Sub-Dean of the CQCM Judith Brown is pleased that industry professionals such as Peter Ross take time out of from their busy professional lives to work with the CQCM students.

“The CQCM works hard to arrange visits from industry professionals as they really enhance the learning opportunities of our students and give them invaluable insights,” she said.

“The CQCM is fast developing a reputation for providing its students with regular exposure to industry professionals and frequent performance opportunities as part of their degree studies”.

“Our students make the most of every visiting artist and director and absorb as much as they can to help with their future careers,” said Judith. “It’s a really exciting place to be!”.

Photo above: Freelance director and acting coach Peter Ross is Assistant Director on the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony and will soon return to Mackay to work with Bachelor of Music Theatre students at the CQCM.