Old Collegians in performing arts

Simon Maiden

Many talented Old Collegians have pursued and forged successful careers in the performing arts industry including acting, singing, conducting and dancing. These Old Collegians are setting a fantastic example of how, with hard work and determination, you can make your dreams become reality.

COVID-19 restrictions have devasted the performing arts and entertainment sectors. Music and theatre performances and production have ground to a halt. When restrictions are lifted, the artistic and creative industries need your support. This may include attending and promoting concerts, plays, musicals, festivals, and supporting great performers such as our profiled alumni.

Simon Maiden (1993)

Simon is a highly acclaimed actor and voiceover artist, who has worked on a number of exciting projects, including the films Upgrade and The Dressmaker, the mini-series Deadline Gallipoli, the telemovie Hawke, and, most recently, the hit musical Come From Away. He has also appeared in the television series Wentworth, The Doctor Blake Mysteries and Winners and Losers.

Simon studied acting at the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts, which opened opportunities to travel and work with many great performers. “It’s a joy to share stories with audiences in every medium,” said Simon.

During his time as a student, Simon was heavily involved in both performing arts and sport. “I feel very fortunate to have attended Clarendon,” said Simon. “During my time there was a wonderful music department, which provided so many opportunities to learn, experiment, travel and make lifelong friends.” Simon also played cricket, basketball, football and rowed in a winning boatrace crew. Simon still values the encouragement he received at Clarendon: don’t not be afraid to fail. “This concept didn’t make a lot of sense to me as a teenager, but has been instrumental in giving me the strength and the will to step outside my comfort zone in my career,” said Simon.

Libby Steel (2014)

Libby is a budding independent artist, writing and composing her own original content. After catching her first break in an online European pop song audition, which saw the recording of her debut single, Libby’s career has skyrocketed.

She has since won the 2019 Triple J Unearthed Queenscliff Music Festival competition and recently performed at the New Music Stage Festival in St Kilda and Falls Festival in Lorne. Libby is currently in the process of writing and recording her debut EP.

Following her time at Clarendon, Libby went on to study a Bachelor of Professional Communications at RMIT University. Although not directly in line with her passion, she believes it has provided her a platform to market herself as a musician.

During her time as a student, Libby participated in a number of sports and music ensembles, including being a member of Feet and Vice-Captaining the women’s football team.

“Looking back, my two years with Clarendon were two of the best,” said Libby. “I see how the lifelong friendships, dedicated teachers and wonderful opportunities helped shape the person I am today. My amazing teachers really nurtured and encouraged my love for the arts which has carried through to my career.”

Website: www.libbysteelmusic.com Instagram / Facebook: Libbysteelmusic

Benjamin Northey (1998)

Benjamin is the current Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the Principal Conductor in Residence of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, with which he has had a relationship for over 17 years. He has previously held the posts of Resident Guest Conductor of the Australia Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra and Principal Conductor of the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra. There is no doubting Ben’s level of expertise and experience in the music field.

“I have always loved music,” said Ben. “From a very young age, I was interested in learning instruments and attending Clarendon afforded me that opportunity.”

During his time as a student, Ben was significantly involved in the music department, having been Music Captain in his final year. His instrumental skills include the saxophone, piano, keyboard, clarinet, flute, trumpet and violin – just to name a few.

After completing secondary schooling, Ben went on to study a Masters in Music at the Conservatory in Melbourne. Having met some encouraging teachers there, he soon found himself studying Music in Conducting at The Sibelius Academy in Finland.

“I feel very lucky to be able to do what I love and what I am passionate about for work,” said Ben. “The power of music can change and improve people’s lives and, when I get a sense of that in our audiences, that’s when I feel most rewarded.”

Molly Fry (2014)

Molly is currently working as a freelance voiceover artist, historical actor at Sovereign Hill, and an educational facilitator at Kryal Castle. Having always been surrounded by a family passionate about the arts, it was a natural progression for Molly to pursue a career in the field.

During her time at Clarendon, Molly was involved in everything the Performing Arts department had to offer. Molly was a Performing Arts Leader, winner of the 2014 Performing Arts Prize, a cast member in every Senior School musical and play, and was involved in numerous music ensembles including Feet and Show Band.

“Throughout my time at Clarendon, I was always told to give it my all, no matter what I wanted to do,” said Molly. “The passion to achieve and the desire to dream big were things I saw in every student and teacher.”

Following her time at Clarendon, Molly went on to complete a Bachelor of Music Theatre at the Federation University Arts Academy. She continues to pursue her performance dreams in Ballarat.

“I perform for hundreds of kids on a weekly basis,” said Molly. “Making them smile and laugh always gives me a huge sense of fulfilment and being able to do that where I grew up is something I cherish.”

Ned Quail (2021)

This year, Ned began full-time ballet training at the Queensland Ballet Academy. Since starting dance at the age of 10, Ned quickly fell in love with the idea of pursuing a career in professional ballet.

During his time at Clarendon, Ned was living in the boarding house, which afforded him the opportunity to attend ballet classes at Anita Coutts School of Dance several times a week.

“I really appreciated the support I received whilst at Clarendon,” said Ned. “Coming from a small school to Clarendon in Year 8 allowed me the opportunity to make more friends, as well as enjoy the King Island experience in Year 9.”

Ned is currently working towards his semesterly ballet, character and contemporary exams and recently performed a piece at the Queensland Ballet’s 60th Anniversary Gala event. Starting ballet school at 7.30am and finishing at 5pm Monday to Saturday, means there isn’t too much time for other hobbies.

“I think it’s important to have clear goals and aspirations and a willingness to dedicate a lot of time into pursuing your craft,” said Ned. “At Clarendon, I learned through hard work, dedication and effort that I could pursue my aspirations of further study and a career in dance.”