Tropic Sun Theatre - John Goodson

John Goodson

John has worked as an actor for Tropic Sun Theatre Company since 1996 (then Tropic Line), when he graduated from JCU with a Bachelor of Theatre. He has written and directed the Fire and Water show for Thuringowa River Festivals in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

John has been a puppeteer and children's entertainer since 1998, when, with the Billabong Puppet Theatre, he toured throughout Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, performing at Schools, Child Care Centers, Shopping Centers, Festivals and private parties.

In 2002, John created Cantankerous Old Goat’s Puppet Theatre, based in Townsville. Uncle Cuthbert’s has performed and held puppet making workshops at festivals, schools, private parties and city council events throughout the Townsville and parts of North Queensland.

John is a musician and songwriter who plays several instruments, and has composed music for theatrical productions for Tropic Sun Theatre and James Cook University including Shakespeare’s OTHELLO, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and THE TAMING OF THE SHREW; Carol Churchill’s VINEGAR TOM and David Mammot’s BOSTON MARRIAGE. He was musical director of ROBIN HOOD AND THE SEVEN DWARFS for Tropic Sun Theatre, and has been a writer, musician, and sometimes composer, musical director and director for Woodenbong Fire Tribe’s performances since 1996.

Qualifications, Education

Registered Teacher, (Queensland College of Teachers)
Bachelor of Education, (James Cook University)
Bachelor of Theatre, (James Cook University)
Facilitate Group Process course, (QCAN)
Beginner Stage Combat Certificate, (SAFDi)
Clown School, (Tropic Sun Theatre)

Security clearance

Blue Card (Working with Children Check)
Criminal History Check (Teacher Registration)

Employment History

Teacher, Cleveland Education and Training Centre (Jan 2008 – present)
Advisory Visiting Teacher, English as a Second Language (July 2006 – Dec 2007)
Drama Teacher
La Luna Youth Arts (2002, 2003, current)
Cleveland Youth Detention Centre for Tropic Sun Theatre (2004)
Murrell Academy of Drama (2004)

Acting

Tropic Sun Theatre

2007
THE ZIM ZOOM CABERET
Rodrigo in OTHELLO by William Shakespeare
Monk O'Neill in A STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION by Jack Hibberd
Tenor in THE UR SONATA by Kurt Schwitter

2005
Several roles in UNDER MILKWOOD by Dylan Thomas
Sir Richard Vernon and Welsh Harpist in HENRY IV, PART I by William Shakespeare

2004
Talbot Finch in MYTH, PROPAGANDA AND DISASTER IN NAZI GERMANY AND CONTEMPORARY AMERICA by Stephen Sewell

2003
John in OLEANNA by David Mamet
Dr Bradman in BLITHE SPIRIT by Noel Coward
The Sheriff of Nottingham in ROBIN HOOD & THE 7 DWARVES by John du Feu
Duke Frederick & Duke Senior in AS YOU LIKE IT by William Shakespeare

2002
Ensemble member in SHAVE MY CACTUS by Jean-Pierre Voos
Bank Manager, Raoul, Veich and Ponti in OUTSIDE LIVES by John du Feu
Grumio in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by William Shakespeare
Monk O'Neill in A STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION by Jack Hibberd
Dr Bradman in BLITHE SPIRIT by Noel Coward
Slave and Jew in SALOME by Oscar Wilde (adapted by Jean-Pierre Voos)
Richard in THE LOVER by Harold Pinter

1997
Simeon/Murry in BODY PARTS by Michael Beresford Plummer

1996 Lennox in MACBETH by William Shakespeare
Herrik in THE CRUCIBLE by Arthur Miller

Film Acting - Highly Dubious Films:

2003
Johnno in IN THE PUB 2

2002
Fish Man in IT CAME FROM THE BURDEKIN
Drunken Friend in IN THE PUB

Directing

2008
Woodenbong Fire Tribe

2006, 2005 & 2004
FIRE AND WATER SPECTACULAR – Thuringowa River Festival

2003
TLC
WHAT DID YOU SAY WHAT FOR? by James Paul Dey
Musical Director of ROBIN HOOD AND THE SEVEN DWARVES

Puppeteering

2003 - 2008
Uncle Cuthbert’s Cantankerous Old Goat’s Puppet Theatre:

PUNCH AND JUDY SHOW – Elizabethan Fair, Eco Fiesta, Palm Creek Rainforest Festival, Thuringowa River Festival, Italian Australian Festival.

SIR SCEPTIBLE AND THE DRAGON – Townsville City Library, Thuringowa City Library, Willows State Primary School, South Townsville State Primary School, Ingham Italian Festival, Sims Metal Family Fun Days.
Puppet Making Workshops – Palm Creek Folk Festival, Townsville City Library, Thuringowa City Library, South Townsville State Primary School, Thuringowa City Council Fun Days, Eco Fiesta, Townsville City Council Fun Days.
Giant Puppet Performance – Thuringowa City Council’s New Years Eve Celebrations
Giant Puppet making Workshop – Thuringowa RADF; Palm Creek Folk Festival

1998 – 2003
Billabong Puppet Theatre
Christmas holiday performances in Townsville CBD.
Performances and workshops Palm Creek Folk Festivals, Mud Fest (Mission Beach); RiverFest (Cairns) and probally some others too.
Tours of Child Care Centers, Shopping Centers and Primary Schools - Qld, NSW, Vic & ACT

Composer

Songs and incidental music:

OTHELLO, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING by William Shakespeare, BOSTON MARRIAGE by David Mammot (Tropic Sun Theatre)
Score and songs for VINEGAR TOM by Carol Churchill. (James Cook Uni)