About
President’s Award
2020 DRAMA AUSTRALIA PRESIDENT’S AWARD RECIPIENT

We are thrilled to announce Professor Judith McLean as the recipient of the 2020 Drama Australia President’s Award!
Judith McLean (Queensland University of Technology & Queensland Performing Arts Centre) has made significant, long term service and commitment to Drama and Arts Education at a state, national and international level. She is a leading force and pioneer in moving Drama Education forward. Judith has been described by colleagues as a master teacher, a dynamic scholar, a committed mentor and a wise leader in our field.
Our Drama Australia family is better because of you, Judith. Congratulations!
This is our most prestigious award with only 16 previous recipients.
It is usual that the Drama Australia President’s Award is presented when we gather as a national Drama Australia community. Unfortunately, our 2020 national conference was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hence this announcement of the recipient of the Drama Australia President’s Award.
The recipient of a Drama Australia President’s Award demonstrates:
- Significant, long-term service and commitment to Drama Australia (formerly NADIE) and drama/theatre education in Australia.
- Significant service and commitment within a state/territory member association (including service on state/territory association management committees/boards and/or sub-committees).
- A contribution to drama/theatre education at an international level.
Year Recipient
2001 Associate Professor Kate Donelan (Drama Victoria)
2002 Dr Christine Comans (Drama Queensland)
2003 Professor John O'Toole (Drama Queensland)
2004 Dr Jennifer Simons (Drama NSW)
2005 Professor Heather Smigiel (Drama Tasmania)
2006 Professor John Carroll (Drama NSW)
2008 Ms Wendy Danforth (SAADIE - Post Humous)
2009 Associate Professor Angela O'Brien (Drama Victoria)
2011 Mr Robin Pascoe (Drama West)
2012 Professor Brad Haseman (Drama Queensland)
2013 Ms Beth Parsons (Drama Tasmania)
2015 Associate Professor Mary Mooney (Drama NSW)
2016 Mr Graham Cox (Drama South Australia)
2017 Dr Val Johnson (Drama West)
2018 Dr Jo Raphael (Drama Victoria)
2019 Dr Richard Sallis (Drama Victoria)
2020 Professor Judith McLean (Drama Queensland)