Photography: Simon K. Allen, Yueying Yang, Stalin Marimuthu, Robert Piwko
Work with me as director / director devisor / outside eye / creative mentor / dramaturg / script doctor / acting coach / public speaking coach / facilitation coach
'What a pleasure to work with someone so rich with expertise and understanding …
and with a generous mind overflowing with incredible ideas.'
4 star review for new show I directed:
'Some of the biggest laughs came from the smallest and most nuanced of movements, and it's this physicality that is the star of the show ...
After 55 minutes of laughs, I was surprised to find myself in an entirely different emotional space, with a couple of tears rolling down my cheeks in the final 5 minutes.' - Broadway World
ONLINE CREATIVE 121'S
'I left the session buzzing and feeling THIS IS POSSIBLE!! Since then, each day, more and more ideas are pulling everything closer together. Peta is an effervescent and supportive mine of wisdom, creativity and knowledge. Thoroughly recommended for germinating and developing new projects.’ - Lexi Strauss Artist and Performer
'My favourite call this quarantine. Hugely inspired and in-spirit-ed - thank you for helping to rekindle my love for this work and for creativity. Greatly appreciated.' - Ian Sellars, Theatre Explorer
I worked with Peta developing script fragments towards a show. She really knows how to build a piece, a theatre maker through and through!'
- Karola Gajda Writer and Theatre Maker
‘Feedback was perceptive and distinctive. Lily has a wonderfully unique way of understanding and describing, discussing the work.’
- Writer
'! felt supported and feel inspired, full of deliciousness to integrate and absorb. Your perception and sensitivity put me quickly in a place where I could listen and grow. I feel genuinely heard and sure-foot guided by a true mentor. I feel I can bring more of myself into the world with more flow and less push.' – Elspeth Furini, Storyteller
DIRECTING / DRAMATURG / ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
‘Massive thanks to my wonderful director @petalily for a hard and solid week’s work rehearsing my new one-woman show: WHOA MAMA! Peta’s endless experience of all things clown and Commedia Dell’Arte , plus her fountain of knowledge on all things theatre means my play is now a much richer, multi-layered, quite meta beast. She is also a consummate teacher.’ - Stephanie Ware - Ware It's At Productions
'I cannot recommend Peta Lily highly enough to work with. She is a brilliant dramaturg and mentor and understands the creative and performance process from within. She is sensitive to existing practice whilst questioning old habits to provoke bolder choices and deeper connection. We worked with her for just five days on La Poule and it was amazing.' - Sarah-Louise Young won The Stage Edinburgh Award 2016 Edinburgh directed by Peta Lily in 'La Poule Plombée/Je Regret'
‘We were blessed to have ACE funding to work intensely with Peta over a few days just recently. She is an amazing teacher, lovely to work with and so dedicated to giving as best and as much as she could in the time we had. As an actor I found the work liberating, wonderful fun and insightful ... so much to learn from her.’ - Shelley O’Brien, Mad Alice Theatre
'Working with Peta Lily as dramaturg/movement consultant on 'Frills and Spills' was an absolute gift. Her knowledge, understanding and experience within her craft is unprecedented. The material she expertly brought out of us has been pivotal in the building of our show and we can’t wait to work with her again.' - Stumbletrip Theatre Company
‘Peta is an excellent director. Working with her for Cabaret From The Shadows was an experience that took the show and the company to a higher level. She works tirelessly on every detail of the show, and enables each actor of the cast to perform at their best. We rate Peta’s work with us very highly and it was an absolute privilege to have had the chance to work with her.’ - Teatro Pomodoro
'Such a fun and extremely useful experience! Thank you Peta Lily for sharing your knowledge with us.' - Theatre Maker
'Incredible direction and pedagogic skill' - Theatre Maker
'I couldn’t have made this show without you - your help, support and creativity were invaluable.' - Bethan Screen
'Peta’s beautiful vibe of free play held in taught structure is perfect.' - Audience member at Clown production of 'Exit, Pursued By' (The Winter's Tale)
DIRECTOR / DEVISOR
'Peta Lily directed QUT students on a large-scale, original performance work, "Mirthless: A Suburban Seduction", produced at the Energex Brisbane Festival. This was a highly successful production, thanks to Peta's exceptional skills, professionalism, energy and intelligence. Many of those student performers have gone on to build successful international careers, and many still remark upon Peta's positive impact and influence on their development. I would unreservedly recommend Peta for any directing / teaching / facilitation / performance / leadership role.'
- Paul Makeham, PhD Portfilio Director at Queensland University of Technology
'Your dramaturgical work always cuts to the heart of the drama and then twists it through the lens of clown – giving us both laughter at the characters expense and empathy.' - Leading Drama School Course Director
CREATIVE MENTOR / SCRIPT AND SHOW DEVELOPMENT
I spent an incredible couple of days one-to-one with Peta as she mentored me on mask work and physical theatre as part of my DYCP project. It's blown my mind! Peta just gives so much - she is so generous with her knowledge, kind and so inspiring as both artist and mentor. She wholeheartedly invested and believed in all my explorations, always managing to find little gold nuggets to pick out in every try, and guiding with great skill, attentive care and deliciously dark humour. I felt so held, and therefore safe to take risks I never would have allowed myself otherwise. The work was both playful and emotionally deep and I would encourage anyone to allow themself the gift of one of Peta's workshops!
- Daisy Jordan, Puppeteer, Artist, Theatre Maker
We had the chance to welcome Peta Lily as Creative Mentor during the research and development stage of a dance theatre work we were developing. In only two days, her advice, eye for details and sense of comedic timing took the work to a whole new level. Her experience and good spirit made it incredibly easy and intuitive to work together. We cannot wait to collaborate with Peta again!’ - Sandrine Monin
‘Peta Lily is an incredible coach. I feel really privileged to have worked with her. Highly recommended.' - Fiona Coffey, Cabaret Artist 'A Touch of Mrs Robinson'
‘Thanks to Peta Lily for nipping and tucking the script and adding some absolutely hilarious moments.’ – Eva von Schnippisch, award-winning Cabaret Performer
‘Peta has a laser eye for story, for substance and for contrast of images and ideas - and has given gems of advice and insight to so many makers of theatre.’ – Gabrielle Moleta
ACE-funded DYCP process:
‘Such an enriching week in the studio. I have learnt so much, Peta's knowledge and way of working inspired me, informed me, made me understand what's inside of me and it’s like fresh air.
Eye opening … incredible … allowed me to see, think and feel for myself.
I am excited to see where I take this next.’ – Laura Vanhulle Dance Theatre
'Grab your chance to work with the incredible Peta Lily. Honestly you will not regret it if you want to take your work further as a performer.'
- Diva Hollywood
Peta has had a deep and enriching influence on my practice. - Emily Laurens
'The generosity, humour and compassion with which Peta shares her practice in her teaching has been infectious and invaluable in helping me work towards my DYCP grant.' - Anna Kaszuba, Performer
Inspiring, challenging, nourishing and so expansive!! - Theatre Maker and Performer
SPECIAL CLOWN & DARK CLOWN TEACHING AND GUIDANCE FOR COMPANY PROJECTS
'Such rich and generous teaching, directing and guidance.'
- Sioda Adams Earth-bound
ACTING COACHING
‘Detailed, astute coaching – helpful and uplifting.’ – Cindy-Jane Armbruster, Actor
‘Such a rich and in depth coaching session! Techniques are well-explained and suggestions are worded well. I found the entire time both enjoyable and incredibly helpful! I took a lot away from today, especially the points of concentration: they're an incredibly useful tool for working with a speech that has many layers going on with a character, and it really helped me bring the Hermione piece together. I also really appreciate how many different exercises you were able to suggest. Passion, positivity, energy, and craft!’ - Alice Dranger, Actor
‘I loved the work and exploration. My body feels looser and so does my mind! It has also made me free-er emotionally.’ - Actor
'An incredible coach - going on one of her courses was an amazing experience and I feel really privileged to be working with her. Highly recommended.' - Fiona Coffey
‘I feel so lucky to be able to work with Peta. She is a grounded, thoughtful, and empathetic coach with a deep understanding of the performer's mind-body connection. In just a few sessions I have felt my technique improve immensely, and I attribute this to Peta's enthusiastic, playful, and professional approach to the work and the script itself. She is a generous professional and a true actor's actor. Call Peta for a calming, thought-provoking, and overall invigorating experience - you won't regret it.’ - Caroline Dunaway, Actress-Writer-Producer
'Informative, liberating, surprising and - best of all - fun!' - Rachel Pugh, Writer
COACHING FOR TRAINERS & OTHER PROFESSIONALS
'Such an energizing session and I got so much out of it.' - Kat Murray-Clark, Training Coach
'Your coaching helped our team make a crucial set of presentations a success. The process we were in was uncertain ground for us and your techniques helped give us the confidence to excel. I also used your techniques at a private event and they worked well! ' - Tim Smith, Managing Director, Brandon Hire Ltd
For more information contact here.
'What a pleasure to work with someone so rich with expertise and understanding …
and with a generous mind overflowing with incredible ideas.'
4 star review for new show I directed:
'Some of the biggest laughs came from the smallest and most nuanced of movements, and it's this physicality that is the star of the show ...
After 55 minutes of laughs, I was surprised to find myself in an entirely different emotional space, with a couple of tears rolling down my cheeks in the final 5 minutes.' - Broadway World
ONLINE CREATIVE 121'S
'I left the session buzzing and feeling THIS IS POSSIBLE!! Since then, each day, more and more ideas are pulling everything closer together. Peta is an effervescent and supportive mine of wisdom, creativity and knowledge. Thoroughly recommended for germinating and developing new projects.’ - Lexi Strauss Artist and Performer
'My favourite call this quarantine. Hugely inspired and in-spirit-ed - thank you for helping to rekindle my love for this work and for creativity. Greatly appreciated.' - Ian Sellars, Theatre Explorer
I worked with Peta developing script fragments towards a show. She really knows how to build a piece, a theatre maker through and through!'
- Karola Gajda Writer and Theatre Maker
‘Feedback was perceptive and distinctive. Lily has a wonderfully unique way of understanding and describing, discussing the work.’
- Writer
'! felt supported and feel inspired, full of deliciousness to integrate and absorb. Your perception and sensitivity put me quickly in a place where I could listen and grow. I feel genuinely heard and sure-foot guided by a true mentor. I feel I can bring more of myself into the world with more flow and less push.' – Elspeth Furini, Storyteller
DIRECTING / DRAMATURG / ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
‘Massive thanks to my wonderful director @petalily for a hard and solid week’s work rehearsing my new one-woman show: WHOA MAMA! Peta’s endless experience of all things clown and Commedia Dell’Arte , plus her fountain of knowledge on all things theatre means my play is now a much richer, multi-layered, quite meta beast. She is also a consummate teacher.’ - Stephanie Ware - Ware It's At Productions
'I cannot recommend Peta Lily highly enough to work with. She is a brilliant dramaturg and mentor and understands the creative and performance process from within. She is sensitive to existing practice whilst questioning old habits to provoke bolder choices and deeper connection. We worked with her for just five days on La Poule and it was amazing.' - Sarah-Louise Young won The Stage Edinburgh Award 2016 Edinburgh directed by Peta Lily in 'La Poule Plombée/Je Regret'
‘We were blessed to have ACE funding to work intensely with Peta over a few days just recently. She is an amazing teacher, lovely to work with and so dedicated to giving as best and as much as she could in the time we had. As an actor I found the work liberating, wonderful fun and insightful ... so much to learn from her.’ - Shelley O’Brien, Mad Alice Theatre
'Working with Peta Lily as dramaturg/movement consultant on 'Frills and Spills' was an absolute gift. Her knowledge, understanding and experience within her craft is unprecedented. The material she expertly brought out of us has been pivotal in the building of our show and we can’t wait to work with her again.' - Stumbletrip Theatre Company
‘Peta is an excellent director. Working with her for Cabaret From The Shadows was an experience that took the show and the company to a higher level. She works tirelessly on every detail of the show, and enables each actor of the cast to perform at their best. We rate Peta’s work with us very highly and it was an absolute privilege to have had the chance to work with her.’ - Teatro Pomodoro
'Such a fun and extremely useful experience! Thank you Peta Lily for sharing your knowledge with us.' - Theatre Maker
'Incredible direction and pedagogic skill' - Theatre Maker
'I couldn’t have made this show without you - your help, support and creativity were invaluable.' - Bethan Screen
'Peta’s beautiful vibe of free play held in taught structure is perfect.' - Audience member at Clown production of 'Exit, Pursued By' (The Winter's Tale)
DIRECTOR / DEVISOR
'Peta Lily directed QUT students on a large-scale, original performance work, "Mirthless: A Suburban Seduction", produced at the Energex Brisbane Festival. This was a highly successful production, thanks to Peta's exceptional skills, professionalism, energy and intelligence. Many of those student performers have gone on to build successful international careers, and many still remark upon Peta's positive impact and influence on their development. I would unreservedly recommend Peta for any directing / teaching / facilitation / performance / leadership role.'
- Paul Makeham, PhD Portfilio Director at Queensland University of Technology
'Your dramaturgical work always cuts to the heart of the drama and then twists it through the lens of clown – giving us both laughter at the characters expense and empathy.' - Leading Drama School Course Director
CREATIVE MENTOR / SCRIPT AND SHOW DEVELOPMENT
I spent an incredible couple of days one-to-one with Peta as she mentored me on mask work and physical theatre as part of my DYCP project. It's blown my mind! Peta just gives so much - she is so generous with her knowledge, kind and so inspiring as both artist and mentor. She wholeheartedly invested and believed in all my explorations, always managing to find little gold nuggets to pick out in every try, and guiding with great skill, attentive care and deliciously dark humour. I felt so held, and therefore safe to take risks I never would have allowed myself otherwise. The work was both playful and emotionally deep and I would encourage anyone to allow themself the gift of one of Peta's workshops!
- Daisy Jordan, Puppeteer, Artist, Theatre Maker
We had the chance to welcome Peta Lily as Creative Mentor during the research and development stage of a dance theatre work we were developing. In only two days, her advice, eye for details and sense of comedic timing took the work to a whole new level. Her experience and good spirit made it incredibly easy and intuitive to work together. We cannot wait to collaborate with Peta again!’ - Sandrine Monin
‘Peta Lily is an incredible coach. I feel really privileged to have worked with her. Highly recommended.' - Fiona Coffey, Cabaret Artist 'A Touch of Mrs Robinson'
‘Thanks to Peta Lily for nipping and tucking the script and adding some absolutely hilarious moments.’ – Eva von Schnippisch, award-winning Cabaret Performer
‘Peta has a laser eye for story, for substance and for contrast of images and ideas - and has given gems of advice and insight to so many makers of theatre.’ – Gabrielle Moleta
ACE-funded DYCP process:
‘Such an enriching week in the studio. I have learnt so much, Peta's knowledge and way of working inspired me, informed me, made me understand what's inside of me and it’s like fresh air.
Eye opening … incredible … allowed me to see, think and feel for myself.
I am excited to see where I take this next.’ – Laura Vanhulle Dance Theatre
'Grab your chance to work with the incredible Peta Lily. Honestly you will not regret it if you want to take your work further as a performer.'
- Diva Hollywood
Peta has had a deep and enriching influence on my practice. - Emily Laurens
'The generosity, humour and compassion with which Peta shares her practice in her teaching has been infectious and invaluable in helping me work towards my DYCP grant.' - Anna Kaszuba, Performer
Inspiring, challenging, nourishing and so expansive!! - Theatre Maker and Performer
SPECIAL CLOWN & DARK CLOWN TEACHING AND GUIDANCE FOR COMPANY PROJECTS
'Such rich and generous teaching, directing and guidance.'
- Sioda Adams Earth-bound
ACTING COACHING
‘Detailed, astute coaching – helpful and uplifting.’ – Cindy-Jane Armbruster, Actor
‘Such a rich and in depth coaching session! Techniques are well-explained and suggestions are worded well. I found the entire time both enjoyable and incredibly helpful! I took a lot away from today, especially the points of concentration: they're an incredibly useful tool for working with a speech that has many layers going on with a character, and it really helped me bring the Hermione piece together. I also really appreciate how many different exercises you were able to suggest. Passion, positivity, energy, and craft!’ - Alice Dranger, Actor
‘I loved the work and exploration. My body feels looser and so does my mind! It has also made me free-er emotionally.’ - Actor
'An incredible coach - going on one of her courses was an amazing experience and I feel really privileged to be working with her. Highly recommended.' - Fiona Coffey
‘I feel so lucky to be able to work with Peta. She is a grounded, thoughtful, and empathetic coach with a deep understanding of the performer's mind-body connection. In just a few sessions I have felt my technique improve immensely, and I attribute this to Peta's enthusiastic, playful, and professional approach to the work and the script itself. She is a generous professional and a true actor's actor. Call Peta for a calming, thought-provoking, and overall invigorating experience - you won't regret it.’ - Caroline Dunaway, Actress-Writer-Producer
'Informative, liberating, surprising and - best of all - fun!' - Rachel Pugh, Writer
COACHING FOR TRAINERS & OTHER PROFESSIONALS
'Such an energizing session and I got so much out of it.' - Kat Murray-Clark, Training Coach
'Your coaching helped our team make a crucial set of presentations a success. The process we were in was uncertain ground for us and your techniques helped give us the confidence to excel. I also used your techniques at a private event and they worked well! ' - Tim Smith, Managing Director, Brandon Hire Ltd
For more information contact here.
