WAAPA Careers Connect is designed to support performing arts students in navigating the transition from study to industry. Whether you're in your first year or preparing to graduate, this session offers valuable insight into the diverse professional pathways available across the performing arts sector.
Hear from experienced creatives and industry professionals as they share their career journeys, lessons learned, and advice on building a sustainable career in the arts.
What to Expect:
• Insights into careers across performance, production, and creative industries
• Guidance on professional readiness, networking, and self-promotion
• Real-world advice from those working in the arts
• Q&A and networking opportunities
• Light catering provided
🗓 Thursday 11 September
🕓 4:00pm–6:00pm
📍 ECU Mount Lawley Campus (17.103)
🎟 Free event – Registration required - ECU current students only
✨ Hear from:
🎶 Robyn Holt – Human Resources Manager, West Australian Symphony Orchestra
Robyn Holt – With over 25 years in the Recruitment and Human Resources area Robyn has worked in multiple industries including security, automotive, logistics, engineering, construction and finally the Arts. She has been responsible for recruiting front line workers to senior managers in all the organisations she has worked with and delivered pragmatic human resource solutions that provide outcomes to meet business strategies and needs.
🎭 Evan Kennea – Director of Programming and Engagement, West Australian Symphony Orchestra
Evan Kennea has enjoyed a multi-faceted musical career in Perth, the UK and the Netherlands. Over the last 25 years he has established himself as a sought-after artistic advisor and arts industry executive.
In 2011 he was appointed to the position of Executive Manager, Artistic Planning, at the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, responsible for planning the orchestra's annual season of concerts and events. Highlights of his time at WASO include planning the orchestra's first Beethoven Symphony Cycle, a major Brahms Festival, and critically acclaimed concert performances of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde. He also helped develop the orchestra's Assistant and Emerging Conductors programs, appointed two Composers in Residence and initiated several major recording projects in collaboration with the ABC, including a Brahms symphony cycle and Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, both conducted by Asher Fisch. Since 2025 he has held the position of Director of Programming and Engagement at WASO, additionally assuming responsibility for the orchestra’s education and community activities.
From 2005 - 2011 he held the position of Program Manager of Music at the Perth International Arts Festival and from 2001 - 2005 Concerts and Music Outreach Manager at the UWA School of Music.
A graduate of UWA, Evan majored in composition, studying with Roger Smalley. He furthered his composition studies in London with Anthony Payne and at the Royal Conservatorium in The Hague with Louis Andriessen and Martijn Padding.
Evan served on the board of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra in 2011 before taking up his current role with the company. He has served on artistic assessment panels for the Australian Music Centre, West Australian Department of Culture and the Arts and Australia Council for the Arts. He was Artistic Advisor of Music Viva Australia’s Perth Ménage Concert Series from 2001 - 2008 and Vice President of the Musica Viva Australia WA Committee from 2007 - 2009.
🎭 Deanna Faust – Head of Operations, Black Swan State Theatre Company
Deanna Faust is a versatile arts leader and business manager with over two decades of experience spanning performing arts and not-for-profit operations. She is currently Head of Operations at Black Swan State Theatre Company where, for the past five years, she has overseen strategy implementation, organisational systems, HR, governance, and policy development to support the company’s artistic and business goals. Deanna brings a consultative leadership style and a deep commitment to operational excellence in creative environments.
Her personal background is deeply rooted in the arts. Deanna began dancing at age 7 and went on to study ballet, jazz, contemporary and Spanish dance before pursuing Flamenco in Melbourne and Spain. She has performed with acclaimed artists and was awarded a scholarship in 2019 to return to Inmaculada Ortega’s Flamenco summer school in Spain. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Deanna combines creative passion with business insight to enrich the cultural sector.
✨ 4th speaker – to be announced soon!
Also check out other Arts events in Joondalup, Entertainment events in Joondalup, Music events in Joondalup.
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