SpudPuppy Production's
Who Are we?
Welcome to SpudPuppy Production's, a Children's Theatre Company founded by Tessa Luminat, Nicola Pohl, Steph Beza and Patrick Hill in 2021. Our mission is to create performances that educate, enlighten, and entertain both children and adults, regardless of age or ability.
Through the use of various techniques like Call and Response, Rhyming, Memetics, Song, and physical comedy, which we've honed in our extensive work in children's theatre, we aim to engage our audience and convey important messages with a whole lotta humor. One of our key focuses is encouraging discussions about climate change and empowering individuals to make positive changes in there wider community.
We recognize the natural curiosity and playfulness of young audiences, and by creating work specifically for children, we immerse ourselves in their mindset, seeking to connect and communicate effectively. Our performances offer a chance for both performers and viewers to rediscover the joy of simplicity and the wealth of knowledge that accompanies it.
Meet the company!!
Tessa Luminati She/Her
(Performer/Co-Creator/Co-Producer)
Tessa is an emerging actor/theatre-maker who began her formal training at Patrick Studios Australia graduating with a Diploma of Music Theatre in 2015. Deeply interested in acting she decided to continue her development and training by completing a Bachelor of Acting for Stage and Screen at Federation University in 2018. Tessa has been exploring Suzuki and theatre-making techniques in the Melbourne based ensemble The Thursday Group. She performed and trained with physical theatre company 5 Angry Men on the Bells and The March during the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Within The Thursday Group she is currently working on, “Orpheo Machine” and solo performance, “The Waves.”
Nicola Pohl She/Her/They
(Director/Co-creator/Co-Producer)
Nicola is an emerging performer, producer, and theatre maker from Naarm. She trained at FedUni, gaining her Bachelor of Arts (Acting) then went on to study under John Bolton in Lecoq’s pedagogy of theatre making. She has since worked in Children’s theatre, Shakespeare, Immersive theatre, Dance Theatre, and film. She is a board member of the new theatre company The Knack Theatre, and is currently Associate Producing their premiere season of Cuddle Parlour by Emma Gibson. Nicola is also a recurring cast member for Alpha Shows, touring to primary schools across Australia over the course of three years.
Steph Beza She/Her
(Performer/Co-Creator)
Performer/Co-Creator) is a performer, actor and creator from Melbourne. After graduating from Federation University’s Bachelor of Music Theatre, she began her career in Opera Australia’s Faust. Since then she has acquired several years experience in Children’s Entertainment. In addition to performing, Steph is a trained martial artist and musician. She is also currently completing a Certificate III in Auslan. In creating this performance her role is a co-writer, co-choreographer and sound designer.
Oliver Cowen He/Him
(Performer/Co-Creator/Sound-Designer)
Oliver Cowen (He/Him) is a Melbourne based theatre-maker, clown, writer, and actor. Training at NICA as a teenager, Oliver went on and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Acting at Federation University Arts Academy in 2015 and recently completed training at the John Bolton Theatre School in 2019. Since then, Oliver has kept his skills sharp with varied training, including with Leisa Shelton of Fragment 31, and clowning and bouffon workshops with Paul Bourke and Cam Venn respectively. Oliver also takes part in hosting weekly clown sessions through NICA and Circus OZ alongside Alex Pinder, Clare Bartholomew, Kimberely Twiner, Lily Fish, and Denni Dennis. Oliver co-wrote and performed in the premiere production of The Tales of Witchmen (2018 Melbourne International Comedy Festival). Most recently, Oliver performed in his new solo show, Oliver Sudden, at the 2021 Melbourne International Comedy Festival to substantial acclaim.
Patrick Hill He/Him
(Co-Creator, Set/ Lighting/ Sound Designer )
is a multidisciplinary artist with 2 decades of professional experience. Trained by Monash Uni and Victorian College of the Arts, Patrick has produced, directed, designed, and performed in venues as humble as a remote regional RSL hall, and as grand as the Sydney Opera House. Recently, Patrick was the venue technician at Ayers House for the Adelaide Fringe Festival 2021, and designed LX for Lana Schwartz’ The Terminator. Patrick’s experience in children’s theatre includes touring with Alpha Shows, and co-creating Cultural Infusion’s Journey of Remembrance for the Victorian Government’s 100th anniversary commemoration of World War I.