We are pleased to introduce the panel of esteemed judges for our upcoming Religious Creative Arts Prize Competition. These accomplished individuals will leverage their extensive professional experience to judge the entries in their chosen categories for 2023. Danielle Barnes, with over 30 years of expertise, will preside over the dance and drama category. Scott Irwin, with two decades of performance, will lend his discerning eye and ear to the drama and music entries. Ana Maria Belo, a gifted writer and esteemed TROPFEST award recipient will bring her expertise to the realm of short films. Lastly, Leslie Duffin, an artist across many forms will bring her discerning eye and commentary.
Danielle Barnes
Will be judging our Dance & Drama entries, has almost 30 years’ experience working professionally in the entertainment industry. She has recently completed a national tour in Belvoir St Theatre Company’s cult hit musical ‘Fangirls’ and prior to that the Sydney and Melbourne seasons of ‘Dream Lover’. Danielle has other theatre credits which include playing Sonia Walsk in ‘They’re Playing Our Song’, Mila Kuntz in ‘Fat Swan’, the original Australian cast of ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Danielle is currently a long-standing performance and singing coach at one of Australia’s leading performing arts schools ED5 International.
Scott Irwin
Will be judging our Drama & Music entries and over his twenty-year-plus career Scott has established himself as one of Australia’s leading men, collecting an impressive list of credits: Hairspray, Beauty & the Beasts, Les Miserables, Camelot, Carousel, Grease, the new Rocky Horror Show, The Full Monty, High School Musical, Annie, the Sign of the Seahorse, High Society & Truth and Beauty & a picture of you.
Ana Maria Belo
Ana Maria Belo is one of Australia’s most versatile performers. She is the first of her Portuguese family to be born in Australia. Ana Maria is deaf and began singing and acting at a very young age. She has continued to perform on most Australian stages and international screens – small, large, independent and mainstream. She is also gifted writer and has directed and produced her short films that have gone on to film festivals around the world. Her short film, Things to Do won her a TROPFEST award.
Leslie Duffin
A graduate of Newcastle School of Fine Art, Leslie had a long and happy first career as an Early Childhood teacher before running away to Art School to fulfil a dream and follow a passion. Her art practice encompasses Ceramics, Painting, Sculpture and Drawing, with a smattering of Printmaking and Photography thrown in. For several years Leslie worked with schools and community groups on another rewarding challenge, creating art projects to beautify playgrounds and parks.