Ten years ago in 2016, a remarkably talented and passionate performer auditioned for our production of Avenue Q and wowed the panel with his energising performance and was cast in the role of Brian.

That actor was Dan Bellis and we were so impressed with his mesmerising onstage personas and his creative brilliance off stage too.

Dan has also starred in our productions of August: Osage County, Chicago, Company, Buddy- the Buddy Holly Story, Jack & the Beanstalk - a Pantomime, The Vicar of Dibley, Beaumarisical, Little Miss Sunshine, A Year With Frog and Toad and Ladies in Black (for which he received a Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Supporting Actor Commendation).

He is an incredibly versatile and adaptable performer handling drama, comedy, improvisation and musical theatre with prowess and aplomb.

As well as embracing every acting challenge with stylish assurance, he is an exceptional Director too and his Beaumaris Theatre directorial credits are: Cosi, Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic and Blackadder II.

Dan’s impressive theatrical credentials made him a perfect candidate for our Committee and he joined in 2018 and over the past eight years he’s brought a fresh approach to show selection panels and steering our choices between classic, traditional productions and new and innovative scripts. He’s helped balance our artistic vision and practical constraints and navigated the challenges we faced as a theatre company during lockdowns.

His stagecraft knowledge has benefited other directors through nurturing and mentoring roles as well.

Dan has been our dependable and devoted Vice President for three years offering encouraging support, guidance and leadership to the entire Committee and our theatrical family.

His integrity, empathy, compassion, adaptability, visionary thinking, decisiveness and resilience are admirable qualities he possesses and he is both a gentleman and a gentle man, respected highly and loved dearly.

Dan is stepping down from his Committee duties but we look forward to the exciting future roles he will delight us with on stage, from the Director’s chair and as an avid audience member for many years to come.