Our Staff
MEET THE SPORT FOR JOVE TEAM
SPORT FOR JOVE Staff
Damien Ryan
Managing Director & Artistic Director
Damien Ryan is a multi award winning director at the forefront of directing classical and contemporary theatre in Australia. He founded the Sydney Hills Shakespeare in the Park and The Leura Shakespeare Festival. He has acted and directed many plays across Australia, celebrating over 20 years in the industry.
Damien Ryan is a multi award winning director at the forefront of directing classical and contemporary theatre in Australia. He founded the Sydney Hills Shakespeare in the Park and The Leura Shakespeare Festival. He has acted and directed many plays across Australia, celebrating over 20 years in the industry.
Bernadette Ryan
Associate Artist, Wardrobe Manager & Board Member
​Bernadette Ryan is a founding member of Sport for Jove and a dedicated board member. With a deep love for literature and theatre inherited from her seamstress mother, Bernadette has become one of Sport for Jove's most sought-after costume designers and performers. She is especially well-recognized for her outstanding work on Venus and Adonis and Isolde and Tristan.
As the Wardrobe Manager, Bernadette oversees the extensive collection of costumes housed at Sport for Jove's warehouse in Chatswood. Her expertise ensures that each production's wardrobe is meticulously curated and maintained.
In addition to her design work, Bernadette is also an accomplished actor. Her recent acting credits for SFJ include Venus and Adonis (Agnes Hathaway), Queen Elizabeth in Richard III and Lady Montague in Romeo and Juliet.
Bernadette's passion for costumes is evident in her impressive portfolio. Her costume design credits include Isolde and Tristan, Venus and Adonis, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth. Her dual roles as both an actor and wardrobe manager demonstrate her versatility and commitment to the craft, making her an invaluable asset to Sport for Jove.
Bernadette Ryan is a founding member of Sport for Jove and a dedicated board member. With a deep love for literature and theatre inherited from her seamstress mother, Bernadette has become one of Sport for Jove's most sought-after costume designers and performers. She is especially well-recognized for her outstanding work on Venus and Adonis and Isolde and Tristan.
Robert Jago
Producer & Company Manager
Rob began his career as an actor, graduating from NIDA in 2003. Throughout his acting career, he worked with numerous theatre companies, including Bell Shakespeare, Ensemble Theatre Co., Merrigong Theatre Co., and Perth Theatre Co.
Rob began his career as an actor, graduating from NIDA in 2003. Throughout his acting career, he worked with numerous theatre companies, including Bell Shakespeare, Ensemble Theatre Co., Merrigong Theatre Co., and Perth Theatre Co.
From 2015 to 2019, Rob served as the Workshop Manager at the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP). In this role, he oversaw holiday, term, and public programming, and directed numerous shows. His redevelopment of the workshop program, which focused on practical workshops allowing young people to express themselves freely, create new work, and perform for peers and family, resulted in some of the most successful programs in the company's history.
Rob has been Sport for Jove’s Producer and Company Manager since early 2022, overseeing productions for both their Education season and Main Stage programs. He has produced annual outdoor festivals and independent works, and managed Sport for Jove’s latest tours, including the Symposium series in Orange and Romeo and Juliet, which traveled to Parramatta, the Gold Coast, Bathurst, and the Seymour Centre. Additionally, he has played a significant role in expanding Sport for Jove's philanthropy wing.
His prior producing experience includes work with Year of the Rabbit Films, where he won an AACTA for Best Short Film in 2013 for Matthew Moore’s Julian.
Rob has a deep love for theatre and a firm belief in its transformative power. He takes great pride in mentoring many upcoming artists and fostering a supportive and creative environment within the theatre community.
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David Soncin
Marketing Manager
David Soncin took over the marketing reins at Sport for Jove in late 2023, bringing with him a decade of experience in the Sydney theatre scene. A graduate of Queensland University of Technology's Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) program in 2013, David has been an integral part of multiple Jove productions both on stage and behind the scenes.
David Soncin took over the marketing reins at Sport for Jove in late 2023, bringing with him a decade of experience in the Sydney theatre scene. A graduate of Queensland University of Technology's Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) program in 2013, David has been an integral part of multiple Jove productions both on stage and behind the scenes.
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In his role as Marketing Manager, David oversees all aspects of marketing, including digital marketing, content creation, social media, and public relations. His innovative approach to marketing strategy has significantly increased customer engagement and driven excellent ticket sales. David’s keen eye for social media, brand recognition, and storytelling has led to the execution of successful marketing campaigns for productions such as Venus & Adonis, Timon of Athens, Isolde and Tristan, as well as Sport for Jove’s Education Season and programs.
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David is also a successful actor, having performed in numerous productions, including Twelfth Night (Sport for Jove, 2020), Taming of the Shrew (Queensland Theatre, 2021), A Doll’s House (Ensemble Theatre, 2022), Romeo and Juliet (Sport for Jove, 2019/20, 2022, 2023), and I Hate People; or Timon of Athens (Sport for Jove, 2024).
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David’s dual expertise in acting and marketing allows him to bring a unique perspective to his role, enhancing the way Sport for Jove connects with its audience and telling the company’s story in compelling ways.
Christopher Tomkinson
Shakespeare Carnival Director
Christopher has worked as an actor, director, producer and writer in theatre, radio, TV & film. He has worked with Sport for Jove in over a dozen productions.
Christopher has worked as an actor, director, producer and writer in theatre, radio, TV & film. He has worked with Sport for Jove in over a dozen productions, and performed with STC, Bell Shakespeare, Monkey Baa, Sydney Opera House, CDP, Ensemble, Pinchgut Opera, and in the musical Eureka.
Sorie Bangura
Production Manager
Sorie Bangura brings over 20 years of experience in the theatre industry, both on-stage and behind the scenes. As Sport for Jove’s Production Manager, he oversees the seamless execution of productions, drawing on a rich history of diverse roles.
Sorie Bangura brings over 20 years of experience in the theatre industry, both on-stage and behind the scenes. As Sport for Jove’s Production Manager, he oversees the seamless execution of productions, drawing on a rich history of diverse roles.
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Before joining Sport for Jove, Sorie made significant contributions to the Australian Theatre for Young People, where he served as Production Manager and Stage Manager. His impressive portfolio includes key productions such as War Crimes (2015), Dignity of Risk (2017), Charlie Pilgrim (2018), Bathory Begins (2019), Follow Me Home (2019, 2021), and M.Rock (2022). His expertise also extends to the NSW State Public Schools Arts Unit, where he has been a Stage Manager for OnStage and the State Drama Festival since 2012.
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At Sport for Jove, Sorie has successfully managed a range of projects, from Outdoor Festivals and interstate tours to all of SFJ's Education and Independent shows since 2023. His energetic approach and meticulous management make him a driving force behind the scenes, ensuring every production is executed with precision and flair.
George Banders
Education Coordinator
George Banders began his journey with Sport for Jove in 2013 and has since become one of the leading Drama Teaching Artists in New South Wales. With a deep commitment to arts education, George brings over 14 years of experience working with prestigious institutions such as Actors Centre Australia, Bell Shakespeare, and Sydney Theatre Company.
George Banders began his journey with Sport for Jove in 2013 and has since become one of the leading Drama Teaching Artists in New South Wales. With a deep commitment to arts education, George brings over 14 years of experience working with prestigious institutions such as Actors Centre Australia, Bell Shakespeare, and Sydney Theatre Company.
George's expertise and passion for teaching have taken him all over Australia. He has taught in rural communities, corporate settings, juvenile detention centres, and schools across the country, impacting countless lives through the transformative power of drama. His dedication to fostering a love for theatre and empowering students of all backgrounds has made him an invaluable asset to Sport for Jove and the broader educational community.
As Education Coordinator, George continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of actors and theatre enthusiasts, ensuring that the arts remain an accessible and integral part of Australian culture.
Isabella Milkovitsch
Assistant Producer
Isabella Milkovitsch holds an Honours Degree in Theatre and Performance Studies from the University of Sydney. Since completing her degree, she has established herself as a dynamic presence in the Sydney Independent theatre scene.
Isabella Milkovitsch holds an Honours Degree in Theatre and Performance Studies from the University of Sydney. Since completing her degree, she has established herself as a dynamic presence in the Sydney Independent theatre scene.
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Isabella is a part-time Drama teacher and director at International Grammar School, where she has honed her skills in both education and creative direction. Her recent directorial work includes A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Real Inspector Hound.
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In the independent theatre scene, Isabella has served as Assistant Director for Twelfth Night (Virginia Plain) and Banging Denmark (New Theatre). She has also produced several notable productions, including Much Ado About Nothing (Attractive, Not Model Attractive).
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Additionally, Isabella has contributed to Sport for Jove’s 2023 and 2024 Education Productions as Stage Manager for Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet as well as the award winning production of Timon of Athens. Her diverse skill set and extensive experience make her an exceptional producer, bringing creativity and precision to every project she undertakes.
Our Board
SPORT FOR JOVE'S Board
Gordon Stalley
Chairman
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Gordon Stalley is one of Australia’s most experienced fire services engineers and contractors. Beginning his career in 1974 as an engineering cadet with a major industry contractor, Gordon swiftly advanced to become the NSW Manager at the age of 25. In 1987, he founded Premier Fire and continues to lead the Premier Services Group as Managing Director.
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Gordon serves as the NSW President of the National Fire Industry Association and is a director of the Australian Construction Industry Forum. In these roles, he frequently delivers presentations to building owners, certifiers, contractors, and other industry organizations on technical and legislative issues. He also participates in consultative committees with the Department of Planning and the Fire Protection Association of Australia.
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Gordon's interest in theatre was ignited when his son aspired to be an actor. This passion for the art form, combined with his desire to apply his corporate and business management skills, led him to contribute to Sport for Jove. Sixteen years later, Gordon has made significant contributions to the company through both his time and philanthropic support. He is enthusiastic about Sport for Jove’s next phase in its journey, continuing to leverage his expertise to foster its growth and success.
Gai Strouthos
Finance Director
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Gai has been a founding member of Sport for Jove. Holding a B. Bus with a major in Law and Accounting she is a CPA with over 27 years corporate experience as CFO, Finance Director and Managing Director in national and multi-national corporations. She has lectured in Accounting and Management at TAFE and specialises in systemisation, statutory compliance, grant procurement, reorganisation, change management, HR Management , IT roll outs and operation refinement for all levels of commercial enterprise.
Terry Karabelas
Director
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Terry Karabelas is Co-Artistic Director of Sport For Jove theatre. In 2011, Terry co-directed The Libertine at the Darlinghurst Theatre, which was nominated for 5 Sydney Theatre Awards, winning Best Production, Best Actor and Best Actress, along with Winning Timeout People’s Choice Award for Best Production.
Also on the board:
Damien Ryan & Bernadette Ryan