Ambassadors
ASPAH AMBASSADORS
Australia’s performing artists are the ultimate beneficiaries of ASPAH and the many industry and professional bodies that advocate for artists’ health.
On this page are those performing artists who have pledged their support for ASPAH, our vision, our goals and our ultimate aim to benefit those involved in all aspects of the enormous industry that is Australia’s performing arts.
PAUL KNOBLOCH
Australian Choreographer, Creative Director &
Ballet Répétiteur
ANGELIQUE CASSIMATIS
Music Theatre Performer
TOM OLIVER
Artist, Producer &
Festival Director
PAUL KNOBLOCH
Australian Choreographer, Creative Director & Ballet Répétiteur
Paul Knobloch is an Australian choreographer, creative director, and Ballet Répétiteur, renowned for his expertise in ballet, contemporary dance, and theatre, working across a diverse array of stage, film, and television.
An honours graduate of the Australian Ballet School, Paul joined The Australian Ballet in 2002, quickly ascending to the rank of soloist before embarking on an international career. In 2009, he accepted an invitation to join the prestigious Béjart Ballet Lausanne as a Principal dancer and has showcased his talents with esteemed companies such as the English National Ballet, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, West Australian Ballet, and Sydney Dance Company.
Throughout his performing career, Paul has embodied numerous leading roles in the ballet canon, capturing the attention of eminent choreographers who have entrusted him with originating several key roles in a variety of new creations.
As a choreographer, Paul is celebrated for his ability to seamlessly blend classical and contemporary dance. His innovative style has received critical acclaim for its dynamic and visually striking performances, drawing comparisons to the legendary Marius Petipa, as noted by The Herald Sun. His work has led to numerous commissions from prestigious companies, including The Australian Ballet, Queensland Ballet, and Ballet Victoria (Canada), as well as leading dance schools and institutions across Australia, Canada, and the USA.
In 2019, Paul collaborated with the internationally recognized Australian children’s music group, The Wiggles, and remains actively involved as a choreographer and performer in various stage and screen projects.
In 2015, Paul was invited by former Artistic Director David McAllister AC to serve as a ballet master for The Australian Ballet, and in 2023, he took on the role of Ballet Répétiteur for the company’s National Tour and Storytime Ballet under the direction of David Hallberg.
In addition to his choreographic endeavors, Paul is committed to sharing his expertise through guest teaching engagements with esteemed companies and schools worldwide, including Les Ballets de Monte Carlo, Tokyo Ballet, Hong Kong Ballet, St. Petersburg Ballet Theatre, National Ballet of China, Queensland Ballet, Bangarra Dance Theatre, and Sydney Dance Company.
Paul’s significant contributions to the dance community have earned him numerous accolades, including the highest honour of being named the ACT Young Australian of the Year in 2001.
A passionate advocate for dance, Paul serves on the boards of multiple organizations and holds ambassador roles for various companies within the dance sector.
With a career marked by artistic excellence and steadfast dedication, Paul continues to expand his creative horizons as a freelance choreographer. His aim is to push the boundaries of innovation in dance, enriching the experiences of future generations of dancers while inspiring and influencing the performing arts landscape both in Australia and beyond.
ANGELIQUE CASSIMATIS
Music Theatre Performer
Angelique is a true triple threat performer, excelling as an actor, singer and dancer in Australia, New Zealand and overseas, with an extensive list of professional stage and live theatre credits.
Angelique is currently performing in the original Australian cast of Eddie Perfect’s Broadway hit Beetlejuice (Michael Cassel Group) as Miss Argentina. Most recently she performed in the Australian tour of Chicago: The Musical (John Frost for Crossroads Live & Jones Productions) covering and appearing in the role of Velma Kelly. She played The Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz for Queensland Performing Arts Centre and Prospero Arts after appearing in their 2022 production of Singin’ in the Rain in the role of Kathy Selden, and earlier this year she appeared in the disco cabaret extravaganza, Velvet for its Hamburg, Germany season. Angelique starred as Cassie in critically acclaimed A Chorus Line(Darlinghurst Theatre Company) for Sydney Festival and the Sydney Opera House, played the role of Jean in American Psycho at the Sydney Opera House (BB Arts Entertainment) and appeared in Pippin (John Frost & Suzanne Jones) at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre including performances as Berthe and Leading Player. She played Jeanie in Hair (Peace Productions), Annette in Saturday Night Fever (Gordon Frost Organisation) and a Diva in the 10th anniversary tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
Angelique began training for a performance career with The Dance Works in Brisbane, Australia and furthered her studies at The Australian Dance Performance Institute. She made her professional musical theatre debut in Annie in 2000. Further theatre credits include the role of Mabel in Mack & Mabel for the Hayes Theatre season, Handa Opera’s production of Carmen on Sydney Harbour, the role of Crystal in the Australian tour of Little Shop of Horrors (Luckiest Productions & Tinderbox Productions), The Production Company’s Jesus Christ Superstar, the role of Mimi in Rent (Highway Run Productions), Stephanie Shanks in Strictly Ballroom (Global Creatures), and the role of Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show. She has also appeared in King Kong Live on Stage (understudy Anne Darrow), Mary Poppins (Cameron Mackintosh), High School Musical (Disney), The Production Company’s Guys and Dolls and Handa Opera’s outdoor extravaganza Sydney Opera House – The Opera, The Eighth Wonder. Angelique has performed to critical acclaim in her one-woman show Guilty Pleasures.
TOM OLIVER
Artist, Producer & Festival Director
Tom Oliver is an acclaimed artist, producer, and festival director with extensive experience across theatre, music, and large-scale event production. Known as a sharp Swiss Army knife in the international arts and entertainment industry, Tom seamlessly dances between roles as an actor, singer, presenter, producer, and creative director—adapting effortlessly to the needs of each project.
As the Founder and CEO/Artistic Director of the Wynnum Fringe Festival, The Augathella Spiegeltent, and Queensland Fringe Foundation, Tom has built a dynamic platform for independent artists, transforming Wynnum Fringe into one of Queensland’s most exciting cultural events. In 2024, he and his team brought a rundown Spiegeltent back to life through a miraculous crowdfunding campaign, turning The Augathella into a vibrant touring venue and community beacon.
Tom’s company, Tom Oliver Productions, creates and tours premium live productions around the world. Recent highlights include Rhonda’s After Party starring Rhonda Burchmore AM in Australia, and association with Peter Rix AM on international productions of Velvet, as well as being the Australian producer for UK storytelling duo Wright & Grainger (Fourthwall) for many of their award winning shows. He also produced the Australian premiere of Elf: The Musical on behalf of John Frost AM and Crossroads Live Australia at the Sydney Opera House.
As a performer, Tom’s credits include the national tour of FOURTEEN with Shake & Stir Theatre Co, starring roles in Velvet, opposite Marcia Hines AM, across Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Germany, and the lead role of Johnny in the critically acclaimed concert drama Rolling Thunder Vietnam, backed by the John Farnham Band. He was also plucked from Channel 9 to join Kylie Minogue’s inaugural team on The Voice Australia.
With deep industry connections and a track record of delivering artist-driven, accessible, and ambitious projects, Tom continues to shape and champion Australia’s creative landscape. His contributions have been recognised with inclusion in Queensland’s 40 Under 40 list of savvy innovators and the prestigious Gold Matilda Award for outstanding contributions to the arts in Queensland.
Tom can’t wait for his next adventure.
