John Clarke

John has over 25 years’ experience in the professional Musical Theatre industry, working in critically acclaimed productions worldwide. As a highly respected and sought-after dancer, Resident Choreographer, Resident Director, Associate Choreographer and Lecturer, John now shares his knowledge of the industry with the future generation of performers here in Queensland and Redland Dance.

John undertook his professional training at Laine Theatre Arts, one of the UK’s most prestigious Musical Theatre schools. Soon after graduating, he successfully auditioned for the West End production of the musical of Grease, which paved the way for a Musical Theatre career spanning 25 years.

His career has seen him work in London’s West End, Broadway, Las Vegas, Germany, Norway, Australia and New Zealand, working his way through the ranks of world-class productions. John is proud to have worked alongside accomplished Choreographers, Directors and Producers including Louise Withers & Associates; Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group; Ben Elton; Michael Grandage; Arlene Philips and Rob Ashford.

His Musical Theatre credits include:

Starlight Express (Dancer/Swing), Germany;

Fame (Assistant Choreographer/Dancer) Oslo;

Saturday Night Fever (Dancer/Swing), London West End;

Saturday Night Fever (Resident Choreographer/Director) U.K. Tour;

We Will Rock You (Dancer/Swing/ Resident Choreographer) London West End;

We Will Rock You (Associate Choreographer) Germany, U.S.A, Australia;

Evita (Resident Choreographer) London West End;

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Resident Director) London West End;

Matilda the Musical (Resident Choreographer) Australia and New Zealand Tour;

Billy Elliot the Musical (Mentor) Australian Tour

As a teacher and mentor, John is in high demand. He helped create and deliver a full-time Certificate IV Musical Theatre course in Brisbane. He is part of the faculty at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University where he helped to devise their Musical Theatre degree course and now teaches their Pre-Professional students. Since 2009 he has choreographed annual pieces for Creative Generations, a government initiative that allows state school students the opportunity to work with professional Choreographers and Directors.

In 2019, John worked with the creatives of Billy Elliot the Musical, mentoring two young Brisbane hopefuls for the roles of Billy and Michael. Both candidates were successful in landing their roles. At Redland Dance, Mr. John is known for his enthusiasm and positivity, generously sharing his love and knowledge for dance and musical theatre. He inspires students to trust and love the learning process, to perform with confidence, and to seek out challenges!