People - Michael Cassel Group

Michael Cassel Group produce, present and create world-class musical, theatrical productions and live entertainment. Our mission is to inspire audiences by offering them the very best live entertainment experiences.

While our home is in Sydney, Australia our outlook is global. With management staff based
in Sydney, Melbourne, New York, London and Singapore, our productions entertain audiences around the world – on stage in Australia, on tour internationally and on stages on Broadway and
the West End.

MICHAEL CASSEL AM

Producer & CEO

MICHAEL CASSEL AM

Producer & CEO

Michael Cassel AM is an internationally recognised producer and the founder of the Michael Cassel Group, established in 2012. His company has become a global force in theatrical entertainment, producing world-class productions for stages across Australia, Broadway, the West End and Asia.

In Australia, he is currently the producer of the Australian premieres of MJ the Musical and the Beetlejuice the Musical. Looking ahead to 2026, Cassel will present a bold new West End production of Dracula, starring Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winner Cynthia Erivo and directed by visionary Tony Award nominee Kip Williams.

Cassel was the lead producer of the Broadway premiere of Sydney Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of The Picture of Dorian Gray, starring Succession’s Sarah Snook. Following a record-breaking, sold-out West End season and Snook’s Olivier Award-winning performance, the Broadway production earned six Tony Award nominations. Sarah Snook was awarded Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for her extraordinary solo performance at the 78^th annual awards, and Marg Horwell was recognised with Best Costume Design of a Play.

Cassel is a co-producer of the global hit MJ the Musical. In September 2025, he will co-produce a brand-new production of The Hello Girls at Syracuse Stage in New York.

Other recent Australian credits include Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – the longest running play in Australian history, Dear Evan Hansen and Titanique.

Following its success in Australia, Cassel produced the first ever international tour of Hamilton in partnership with original producer Jeffrey Seller, launching in Auckland in 2023 and touring throughout Asia and the Middle East. He also produced the first international tour of Disney’s The Lion King, which toured for nearly five years, playing cities including Manila, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul and Bangkok – becoming the first musical ever staged in Abu Dhabi. Additional international credits include the first Asian tour of & Juliet, and the upcoming Abu Dhabi and Singapore seasons of Beetlejuice the Musical.

His earlier productions include the Australian and international tour of Les Misérables, & Juliet, Mary Poppins, The Phantom of the Opera, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Priscilla Queen of the Desert (10^th Anniversary Tour), the Australian premiere of Cyndi Lauper’s Kinky Boots, Singin’ in the Rain and the Melbourne transfer of Sydney Theatre Company’s The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Cassel’s Broadway and West End credits include Almost Famous, Into The Woods (including US Tour), Redwood, Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical, The Prince of Egypt, Pretty Woman: The Musical and The Cher Show.

His concert and live event credits include Patti LuPone: A Life In Notes, Celeste Barber, Lea Salonga, Tina Arena, Rita Wilson, Darren Criss and Not Now, Not Ever with Julia Gillard. For television, Cassel produced A (Very) Musical Christmas, broadcast nationally on the ABC and accompanied by a live cast recording; The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium; and the opening celebration of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, seen by a global audience of 1.6 billion.

Cassel is committed to developing and investing in new content, overseeing a slate of original IP and productions for Broadway, West End and global markets. In 2021, he launched a commercial ‘First Look Agreement’ with Sydney Theatre Company, offering the opportunity for new works to be remounted and toured commercially across Australia and internationally.

Beyond theatre, Michael Cassel Group also represents prominent figures including former Australian Prime Minister, The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, journalist and broadcaster Liz Hayes, best-selling author Sarah di Lorenzo and media personality Sami Lukis. In 2025, he expanded the Group further with the launch of Michael Cassel Music.

Prior to founding Michael Cassel Group, Cassel worked for renowned Australian producer and celebrity manager Harry M. Miller and spent a decade with Disney Theatrical Group in Australia and New York.

Cassel was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) for significant service to theatre production, and holds honorary doctorates from the University of Wollongong (Doctor of Letters) and Griffith University (Doctor of the University).

Production

TODD LACY

Head of Production

TODD LACY

Head of Production

Our Head of Production, Todd Lacy, most recently served as Senior Vice President of New York Productions for the Madison Square Garden Company. Amongst his responsibilities, Todd oversaw business and production aspects of the Christmas Spectacular and New York Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, including financial, creative, technological, marketing, and administration.

Todd also worked for twelve years at Disney Theatrical Productions. He was the Associate Producer for The Lion King, overseeing the launch of United States tours and international productions in Australia, Netherlands, Shanghai and South Africa, concurrent with oversight of Broadway and productions in London, Japan and Germany. Additionally, Todd served as the Associate Producer for the Broadway production of The Little Mermaid and the Broadway and US Tour productions of Mary Poppins.

ANNELIES CROWE

Deputy Head of Production

ANNELIES CROWE

Deputy Head of Production

Prior to joining Michael Cassel Group, Annelies worked for Sydney Theatre Company (STC) as Company Manager across all productions, including the world premiere of Muriel’s Wedding the Musical (STC and Global Creatures). Prior to her role as Company Manager at STC she worked as Casting Coordinator and then Casting Manager.

Previously, Annelies worked for Belvoir as Company Manager on the international tours of Diary of a Madman(BAM), and The Book of Everything (The New Victory Theatre).

Annelies has a Bachelor of Arts Management (WAAPA) and Bachelor of Contemporary Art (Theatre)(UTAS).

JENNIFER BARTLETT

Associate Producer

JENNIFER BARTLETT

Associate Producer

Before joining Michael Cassel Group, Jen was an Associate Producer at Opera Australia, where she managed various mainstage Opera productions for the company. In previous roles at Opera Australia, Jen was tour manager for the company’s 2019 tour of Madama Butterfly, and looked after the day-to-day operations of Opera Australia’s national and schools touring programs.

Prior to this, Jen was the Administration and Marketing Coordinator at CDP Theatre Producers, working broadly across the company’s productions.

In her time at Michael Cassel Group, Jen has had the pleasure of working on The Lion King International Tour, Mary Poppins, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Dear Evan Hansen.

Jen holds a Bachelor of Arts (History and Performance Studies) from the University of Sydney.

JAKE JARRETT

Associate Producer

JAKE JARRETT

Associate Producer

Jake’s commercial theatre career began at Back Row Productions in London, after winning an international scholarship in his final year at NIDA.

Since returning to Australia, Jake has worked in various roles on productions including Priscilla Queen of the Desert – The Musical, Tap Dogs (Back Row Productions), Wicked (The Gordon Frost Organisation), Mary Poppins the Musical (Disney/Cameron Mackintosh Limited), War Horse (Global Creatures/The National Theatre), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (James Anthony Productions), Les Misérables (Michael Cassel Group/Cameron Mackintosh Limited), The Lion King (Disney), Singin’ in the Rain (TEG Dainty Theatrical/Michael Cassel Group) and Sweeney Todd (TEG Life Like Company).

Before returning to Michael Cassel Group, Jake was the General Manager of TEG Life Like Touring where he produced international and domestic tours of family entertainment productions for brands including Nickelodeon, Disney and Warner Brothers.

Jake has a Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Technical Production) from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).

JAQUELINE KOLEK

Associate Producer

JAQUELINE KOLEK

Associate Producer

Jaqueline started her career as a summer intern in New York for the general management company Richard Climans Inc. where she assisted on the production of Twelve Angry Men, produced by The Roundabout Theatre Company.

She then moved to London, working as a stage manager, box office and production assistant at the Menier Chocolate Factory and later for Robert Fox Ltd. on the West End production of The Lady From Dubuque starring Maggie Smith.

For three years Jaqueline worked in-house for the Theatre Royal Haymarket Productions on numerous West End productions including Waiting for Godot starring Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart.

Jaqueline was the Associate Producer under Daniel Sparrow and Mike Walsh on the London production of Holding The Man.

In her spare time in London, Jaqueline produced shows at the Edinburgh Festival and Theatre503.

Jaqueline moved to New York in 2010, returning to Richard Climans Inc. working on numerous Broadway productions including; The Mountaintop starring Samuel Jackson and Angela Bassett, Porgy and Bess starring Audra McDonald and An Evening with Patti and Mandy.

For five years, Jaqueline was a Producer for Blue Man Group Productions, based in their head office in New York, working on countless Special Events around the world in various mediums – from sky diving stunts in Las Vegas, Carnival in Rio-de- Janeiro and a two-hour concert event of Blue Man Group at the Hollywood Bowl. She later worked on the Blue Man Group show with productions in New York, Chicago, Boston, Las Vegas and Orlando. Jaqueline remounted the Berlin production in 2014 and launch the Blue Man Group World Tour in Singapore in 2016.

In 2017 Jaqueline moved back to Australia and started working with Michael Cassel Group as Associate Producer on Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and the ICC T20 World Cup Opening Celebration.

LIAM MANGAN

Associate Producer

LIAM MANGAN

Associate Producer

Prior to joining Michael Cassel Group, Liam was the Artistic Administrator at Sydney Theatre Company where his broad responsibilities included producing the company’s artist and creative development programs, planning and scheduling of the company’s mainstage performance seasons, and the project management of the Muriel’s Wedding The Musical creative developments and its documentary Making Muriel. While at STC, Liam also tour managed the Australian Defence Force coproduction The Long Way Home national tour. Previously, Liam was Administration Officer at Perth Theatre Company.

Liam graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts with a Bachelor of Arts (Arts Management), and currently sits on the WAAPA Arts Management Industry Advisory Committee.

YOSSI TORBINER

Associate Producer

YOSSI TORBINER

Associate Producer

Yossi graduated as Valedictorian from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) with a Bachelor of Production (Lighting/Stage Management) in 2012.

He has worked at Michael Cassel Group since 2014 in a variety of roles across several productions in Australia and Asia including Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Beautiful, Kinky Boots and Les Misérables.

In 2019, Yossi was Associate Producer of the Helpmann Awards, which were presented in Melbourne for the first time.

Other professional credits include Assistant Stage Manager on the Australian Tours of Grease The Musical (GFO/Howard Panter) and Legally Blonde The Musical (John Frost/Sue Farrelly).

RACHEL BROWN

Production Administrator

RACHEL BROWN

Production Administrator

Rachel comes to Michael Cassel Group from CDP Theatre Producers where she worked as an Associate Producer across the company’s touring productions for young audiences. Prior to this, Rachel was the Technical Operations Manager at English National Ballet, managing the day-to-day operations of the department, and producing the company’s national tours of the My First Ballet Series. Rachel also held positions in the Engagement department at the English National Ballet, coordinating the company’s outreach and education programme. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Arts (Dance and Culture) from the University of Surrey, and a Master of Arts (Arts Management) from Middlesex University.

MICHELLE SVERDLOFF

Production Administrator

MICHELLE SVERDLOFF

Production Administrator

Michelle started at Michael Cassel Group in the Company Management team for the Lion King International Tour, and has since worked for the company as both a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. She has worked across many Michael Cassel Group productions, such as Hamilton, & Juliet, Dear Evan Hansen and MJ The Musical. She holds a Bachelor of Communication (Theatre/Media) from Charles Sturt University and a Master of Business (Arts and Cultural Management) from Deakin University.

Prior to joining Michael Cassel Group, Michelle worked freelance in Company and Stage Management for over seven years. She has worked for many of Australia’s performing arts companies, such as Opera Australia, Griffin Theatre Company, Ensemble Theatre, Bell Shakespeare and CDP Theatre Producers. She also worked in New York on Punchdrunk’s renowned immersive theatre show ‘Sleep No More’ in 2016. Michelle is passionate about theatre and loves supporting artists to make, present and tour their work.

PHOEBE WILLIAMS

Production Administrator

PHOEBE WILLIAMS

Production Administrator

Phoebe was most recently the Company Manager of Moulin Rouge! Australia (Global Creatures). Prior to this, Phoebe served as Company Manager on Billy Elliot (LWAA), and as Deputy Company Manager on MAMMA MIA! (LWAA). She has worked in a variety of other roles across theatre, ceremonies and live events, in Company Management, Stage Management and as Associate Producer, working with several organisations including GFO, Bell Shakespeare, FiveCurrents, Jack Morton and Imagination.
Phoebe graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) with a Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Production) in 2012.

AMELIA BOTTER

Production Assistant

AMELIA BOTTER

Production Assistant

Amelia is thrilled to join the Michael Cassel Group team as a Production Assistant.

Prior to the role, she gained valuable experience as the Office Manager at the Australian Shakespeare Company. Amelia has also worked on various productions, including touring as Assistant Stage Manager for Frozen the Musical (Disney Theatrical Productions), S.S. Metaphor (Malthouse Theatre), Because the Night (Malthouse Theatre) and Hide the Dog (Performing Lines).

A 2021 graduate of The University of Melbourne (Victorian College of the Arts), Amelia holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Production.

Marketing

Kendra Reid

Chief Marketing Officer

Kendra Reid

Chief Marketing Officer

Kendra has spent her life working in theatre and live entertainment, both in Australia and around the world.

After graduating from Edith Cowan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Public Relations – she started her career as a publicist for the legendary Suzie Howie, working on a stellar line up of productions including Chicago, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, RENT and many more.

She then moved to London where she was as Head of Marketing and Press for theatre impresario Cameron Mackintosh for seven years.

Kendra was Managing Director of the theatrical marketing agency Aka, working with Adam Kenwright to set up the Australian arm of the international agency, working on Australian tours of Disney’s The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Matilda the Musical, Les Misérables, amongst many others.

In 2015 she set up KLR Consulting– working as a Strategic consultant for White Night Melbourne, Kinky Boots the Musical, Disney’s Aladdin the Musical, Frozen the Musical, and Beauty and the Beast, Marriner Theatre Group and Found Entertainment.

Kendra was the Marketing Director for the record-breaking season of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the Marketing Director for Global Creature’s Moulin Rouge! The Musical in Australia.

Kendra has been an ambassador for Entertainment Assist – which supports Mental Health within the Entertainment industry and was also on the advisory committee for Arts Centre Melbourne’s Wellbeing Collective – an Arts Centre Melbourne initiative that comprises a consortium of arts and cultural organisations whose shared vision is to effect better mental health and wellbeing for performing arts workers.

NATALIE BYRNE

Head of Marketing

NATALIE BYRNE

Head of Marketing

As Head of Marketing, Natalie provides leadership and direction across all marketing related functions including ticketing and PR for all MCG productions.

Natalie has over 15 years’ experience in the arts and culture industry and spent the last 7 years in New York City working with leading Broadway advertising agency AKA NYC. As Senior Director of Agency Communications and New Business, Natalie was responsible for business diversification and strategic communications enhancing the Agency’s profile and market share. Natalie also worked in Client Services across Broadway productions including Matilda, Les Miserables and Anastasia to name a few.

Prior to NY, Natalie spent 4 years with AKA Australia in the position of Client Services Director, NSW following several years working with Disney Theatrical Productions on the Australian premiere seasons of Mary Poppins and The Lion King.

Natalie is excited to bring her family home to Sydney and apply the invaluable experience gained in NYC to this new chapter working with the exceptional team delivering world-class content at MCG.

TESS HERRETT

Director, Marketing

TESS HERRETT

Director, Marketing

An experienced music and entertainment industry marketer, Tess most recently served as Marketing Manager at the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Leading the Sydney Symphony Presents portfolio – a portfolio of major commercial live concert events – Tess managed strategy and campaign execution for an array of events, from concerts with international artists including Lea Salonga and Ben Folds, to blockbuster films-with-orchestra such as the Harry Potter™ and James Bond series.

With a love of all things brand and audience, Tess has collaborated on rebrands, e-commerce website redevelopment, data research and segmentation, as well as product pipeline strategy.

Previously, Tess has worked with the Michael Cassel Group on the leading productions of Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Kinky Boots.

TAMMY HOFBAUER

Senior Publicist

TAMMY HOFBAUER

Senior Publicist

Tammy Hofbauer is an experienced communications expert having spent 15 years at Sony Music Entertainment Australia in various capacities, culminating in her final role there as Senior Director, National Promotions.

Tammy guided the publicity and promotions strategy for many of Australia’s favourite musicians, as well as managing the campaigns for some of Sony’s most significant international artists including Leon Bridges, Paloma Faith, Hozier, Elle King, Tinashe, Fifth Harmony, Noah Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson, Meghan Trainor, and more.

Most recently, Tammy held a leadership role at independent record label and management company Rage More, managing the day-to-day career of singer/songwriter Amy Shark across commercial, label relations, touring and TV.

Having studied a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre/Film from UNSW and completing a certificate in language studies at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France, Tammy is passionate about the arts, music and live entertainment.

Tammy is thrilled to be joining the Michael Cassel Group as Senior Publicist.

BRENT DAVIDSON

Senior Ticketing Manager

BRENT DAVIDSON

Senior Ticketing Manager

With 14 years of experience in the ticketing industry, Brent has built a successful career managing diverse and complex ticketing operations for major entertainment events. He began his journey in Ticketmaster’s National Groups Department and went on to hold key roles within the box offices of prestigious organizations, including the Marriner Group Theatre, Melbourne Theatre Company, Melbourne International Film Festival, and Melbourne Fringe Festival. His experience also includes serving as Assistant Ticketing Manager at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Throughout these roles, Brent has developed a comprehensive skill set, gaining invaluable experience with high-profile events and complex ticketing challenges. Prior to his current role at Michael Cassel Group, he served as Account Manager and Pricing Analyst for Antix Management, overseeing ticketing operations for the Disney productions of Frozen and Beauty and the Beast.

Passionate about dynamic pricing, inventory management, and travel distribution, Brent is dedicated to optimizing revenue strategies and delivering seamless ticketing experiences for live events and performances.

SOPHIE INKSTER

Manager, Marketing

SOPHIE INKSTER

Manager, Marketing

Sophie joins the Michael Cassel Group after previously working at AKA Australia and following her move from the UK in 2015 where she worked for Leeds based dance inclusion company, Yorkshire Dance.

As the Social Content Manager at AKA, Sophie worked across numerous theatre productions including SIX the Musical, Billy Elliot the Musical, Aladdin and Frozen the Musical.

Sophie has also worked in Hospitality and Event Marketing and in the PR and influencer space and is particularly interested in social sentiment, data and analytics, and creative strategy.

She has always been incredibly passionate about all things theatre and is thrilled to work with the fantastic MCG team on such special productions.

TAYLA JARRETT

Manager, Marketing

TAYLA JARRETT

Manager, Marketing

An accomplished marketing professional with a love of theatre and live events, Tayla joins Michael Cassel Group after seven years at entertainment marketing agency ACMN. As Account Director at ACMN, Tayla developed and executed campaigns for major theatrical productions, including the Australian tours of WICKED, The Woman in Black, Madagascar The Musical, and 9 to 5 The Musical.

Passionate about connecting audiences with unforgettable live experiences, Tayla combines creativity with data-driven decision-making to deliver impactful campaigns. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and a Graduate Certificate in Marketing and Digital Communications from Monash University, equipping her with a unique blend of industry knowledge and strategic expertise.

VANESSA KNOX

Manager, Ticketing

VANESSA KNOX

Manager, Ticketing

Vanessa has extensive experience in event ticketing ranging from musical theatre, to concerts, sports and festival ticketing.

Vanessa started her career in ticketing at Ticketmaster, moving her way up from Call Centre Casual to Box Office Manager, before moving on to her first of three Sydney Festivals. Other ticketing roles have included Ticketing Manager at ANTIX Management, Ticketing Services Manager at City Recital Hall and Guest Ticketing Coordinator for Sydney Worldpride. Vanessa also has vast experience with Front of House and Stage Door at Sydney’s Capitol and Sydney Lyric Theatres.

Vanessa is beyond thrilled to be joining the team at Michael Cassel Group.

FELICITY CLIFFORD

Publicist

FELICITY CLIFFORD

Publicist

Felicity is a seasoned marketing and publicity professional with experience working across arts and entertainment, real estate, and for-purpose sectors, in both commercial and non-profit environments. With Bachelors of Business (PR) and Fine Arts (Drama), and a Masters of Business (PR), Felicity contributes a unique blend of creative flair and strategic acumen.

During her time with Michael Cassel Group, Felicity has worked between both publicity and marketing teams, helping to deliver campaigns across productions and tours including Hamilton, & Juliet, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Mary Poppins, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Not Now, Not Ever: Live on Stage with Julia Gillard and Darren Criss’ Australian tour.

Previously, Felicity was the Sales and Marketing Manager at SPACE Property where she spearheaded all marketing activities and managed client relationships with the agency Principal. As the Development and Events Coordinator for Queensland Theatre she managed corporate partnerships, led company events, and was responsible for the Legal Chapter philanthropic group.

Felicity has a strong interest in social justice, having volunteered with organisations including Micah Projects and Young Mothers for Young Women. She also played a pivotal role in the rebranding of community support organisation 3rd Space.

LILY EVEREST

Marketing and Education Coordinator

LILY EVEREST

Marketing and Education Coordinator

Prior to joining Michael Cassel Group, Lily worked in the Education Department at Melbourne Theatre Company. Previously, she has worked in ticketing roles at Melbourne Theatre Company and RISING and as the Education Consultant on BBC Earth Experience.

With a passion for the performing arts education of young people, Lily currently sits on the Youth Advisory Body for the Australian Theatre for Young People.

Lily holds a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) and a Master of Arts and Cultural Management from The University of Melbourne.

JORDAN LIDE

Publicity and Marketing Coordinator

JORDAN LIDE

Publicity and Marketing Coordinator

Jordan began at Michael Cassel Group in the role of Receptionist / Office Assistant. Prior to this she worked as a Production Assistant with Packemin Productions on their shows Wicked, Mammia Mia! and Kinky Boots and completed an internship with Merrigong Theatre Company.

Jordan is highly passionate about theatre and works across publicity and marketing to help deliver campaigns and strengthen the brand of various productions and concerts including Hamilton, & Juliet, A (Very) Musical Christmas, Titanique, MJ The Musical, Beetlejuice The Musical! and The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Jordan holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Management) and a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Theatre) from the University of Wollongong.

Finance, Data & Analytics

NICOLE MARCUSSON

Chief Financial Officer

NICOLE MARCUSSON

Chief Financial Officer

Nicole joined MCG in 2024, coming from Endemol Shine Australia (ESA), the number one independent TV production company in Australia, responsible for blockbuster formats such as MasterChef, NCIS Sydney, Survivor and Gogglebox.

During her time at ESA, Nicole was the Head of Finance, providing strategic and operational guidance across key areas of company performance, while leading and scaling the finance function through an unprecedented period of growth for the business.

Prior to her time with ESA, Nicole held senior roles across commercial, FP&A, business control and strategy with both Volvo and Qantas Group.

A proud Wiradjuri woman, Nicole is a qualified CPA and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith University.

AOIFE DENNISON

Head of Finance

AOIFE DENNISON

Head of Finance

As Head of Finance, Aoife provides leadership and direction across a range of disciplines, oversees commercial arrangements, tax, treasury, financial planning and reporting.

Aoife has over 13 years’ experience working in the entertainment industry, most recently working at Opera Australia with the finance and commercial teams on transformation project for their musicals.

Prior to that, Aoife worked for over 11 years as Finance Manager for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Australian subsidiary, The Really Useful Company, touring first class musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera and Cats through Australia and Asia, providing decision making support to senior executives, managing risk, commercial deal structuring and financial planning & analysis.

Aoife has an honours degree from Trinity College, Dublin and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

Originally from Ireland, she moved to Sydney in 2001 where she lives with her family.

KEVIN PITTAWAY

Director, Data Analytics

KEVIN PITTAWAY

Director, Data Analytics

Kevin Pittaway is an accomplished Analytics Director with a passion for driving business growth and leading high-performing teams. He has held senior leadership roles at global companies including Qantas, Amazon, and Twitter, where he spearheaded transformative initiatives across diverse sectors, including leading the Digital Transformation at Qantas and expanding Twitter’s operations into new markets to enhance user engagement and optimise revenue.

Kevin honed his analytical and data expertise, translating complex business trends into actionable insights that drove significant impact across large-scale operations. This included expertise in forecasting, creating clear data visualisations, and managing data to optimise operations and revenue. He gained valuable experience organising and streamlining data processes, directly contributing to improved business performance.

Beyond his professional achievements, Kevin is a passionate podcaster, exploring his creative side and expanding his technical skills.

PHYLLIS WANG

Group Financial Controller

PHYLLIS WANG

Group Financial Controller

Phyllis is a chartered accountant with over 7 years’ of accounting experience in South Africa and Australia. Previous roles include managing the end-to-end finance function of various entities of the Allan Gray group and shortly after, taking on the responsibilities of a group statutory reporting manager at AMP Limited. Prior to this, Phyllis practiced as an auditor with Deloitte in South Africa and across USA.

Phyllis graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Business Science Finance degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting and is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand and Connecticut Society of CPAs.

Born and raised in South Africa, Phyllis and her family moved to Sydney in 2020. She joins the Michael Cassel Group in October 2021 as a Production Accountant.

GREG KNIGHT

Manager, Information Technology

GREG KNIGHT

Manager, Information Technology

Greg has worked in the IT industry since 1989. Initially working in internal Software support at Coopers & Lybrand and moving to external IT Consulting at PKT Technology and starting his own IT Consultancy support business in 1999. As a qualified Chartered Accountant, he is able to bring a strong business focus to his clients.

Greg has been working for Michael Cassel Group since it started in 2012 and brings his 30+ years of IT Experience to bear in managing all facets of MCG’s technology requirements. In addition to managing MCG’s IT needs, Greg assists with Facilities Management and any special projects!

GREG THORNTON

Audience Insights Coordinator

GREG THORNTON

Audience Insights Coordinator

Prior to joining the Michael Cassel Group, Greg worked in the entertainment industry for over 10 years as a Pre-Production Executive in the operations department for Universal Sony Pictures, for the two studios home entertainment business in Australia and New Zealand. There he managed the physical pre-production as well as the operational functions of transactional digital releases across both studios content.

With a passion for live theatre and the performing arts, Greg is excited to join the Ticketing team at Michael Cassel Group.

DANIELLE CARTER

Senior Production Accountant

DANIELLE CARTER

Senior Production Accountant

Danielle returned to Michael Cassel Group in 2021 as the Production Accountant on Mary Poppins, after coming full circle from her 2015 internship with the company.

Since 2019, she has been working for Musica Viva Australia as their Financial Accountant. Her role included working closely with the CFO on board reports and budgeting, while also being responsible for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the day-to-day accounts.

Prior to this, Danielle worked as a Senior Associate for Grant Thornton in Audit & Assurance where she was lucky enough to work with companies such as NIDA, Bell Shakespeare, and Sydney Film Festival. She also interned at The Hayes Theatre and Opera Australia throughout her university studies.

Danielle’s passion and dedication to the arts combined with strong financial skills has allowed her to build a wonderful career in the entertainment industry, and she is excited to grow further with Michael Cassel Group.

Danielle is a CA qualified accountant.

MAUDY WORUNG

Senior Production Accountant

MAUDY WORUNG

Senior Production Accountant

Maudy joined Michael Cassel Group in 2018 as Production Accountant for The Lion King International Tour. She has more than 10 years’ experience in managing production accounts for both Australian productions and International touring productions.

Her most recent experience was with Opera Australia working as Production Analyst and Production Accountant for My Fair Lady the Musical – Australian tour 2016-2017.

Maudy first introduction to the entertainment industry was when she joined the finance team of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Really Useful Group Sydney office back in 2004. She was responsible in managing & reporting production accounts for CATS International Tour, Love Never Dies Australia, and the Phantom of The Opera Asia Tour 2012-2016 with seasons in Manila, China, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong & Istanbul.

Maudy is a CPA Australia qualified accountant. She graduated from Australian Catholic University in North Sydney majoring in Business Accounting.

INDIA CORNISH

Production Accountant

INDIA CORNISH

Production Accountant

India hails from Wollongong where at Wollongong University she completed her Master of Professional Accounting with Distinction and her Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting. Prior to her accounting degrees, India undertook a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Philosophy and French at the Universite Francois-Rabelais, in Tours, France.

India is no stranger to the entertainment industry coming highly recommended from our partners at Disney. Indeed, India worked as a Park Greeter at the Walt Disney World Resort Orlando Florida, in the USA as part of Disney’s International College Program.

More recently India has worked as a company accountant in the Aged Care Sector and Labour Hire Corporate industry.

India has relocated from Wollongong to Sydney to join us at the Michael Cassel Group and is looking forward to the challenging but rewarding industry that live entertainment is.

MING YANG

Financial and Management Accountant

MING YANG

Financial and Management Accountant

Ming is a qualified accountant with more than 15 years’ experience in Finance. After graduating from Western Sydney University with a master’s degree in accountancy, Ming worked for the coffee brand Robert Timms as a corporate accountant for 6 years. She then move to SGK, a global creative and designing company to work as a Senior Financial Accountant.

Ming is competent at gathering and monitoring financial data, preparing financial statements and reports, forecasting and budgeting, and advising company leaders on business practices and strategies. She is passionate about her work in this industry and working to pursue the best result.

CELINA BRECKNER

Accounts Administrator

CELINA BRECKNER

Accounts Administrator

Celina is a keen fan of musicals, movies and theatre and therefore enjoys the creative energy that the Michael Cassel Group provides. She has seen over 30 live productions from South Pacific (her favourite) to The Lion King and Singin’ In The Rain.

Celina joined the Michael Cassel Group Finance team after many years of working in such diverse industries such as Insurance, Health Care, Banking and Wine Retail. In her most recent role as Finance Officer at Beazley Underwriting Group, she streamlined processes and was responsible for multi-million dollar payments. She liaised with external suppliers and clients ensuring that all invoices and queries were handled effectively and promptly and while working at a wine retailer, she once got to sample a glass of port from 1896!

Though new in the Entertainment business, Celina is responsible for some of Michael Cassel Group’s Payroll functionalities, Accounts Payable and Receivable to name a few. She also assists the Production Accountants in a various range of duties.

In her own time, Celina loves to cook, paint and decorate. She enjoys the simplicity of life and is looking forward to learning more and enjoying “now”.

MASUMA BEGUM

Finance Assistant

MASUMA BEGUM

Finance Assistant

Masuma first joined the Michael Cassel Group Finance team in 2022 as her first step into the entertainment industry. This opportunity prompted her interest in music, play and drama. Before working at Michael Cassel Group, Masuma spent past years working with different tax, recruitment, and transport business organisations where she further developed her skills and experience.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science and an accounting Diploma.

Masuma is excited to experience the new experience of the musical theatre platform.

Business and Legal Affairs

GLENN MCGUINNESS

Head of Business Affairs

GLENN MCGUINNESS

Head of Business Affairs

Our Head of Business Affairs, Glenn McGuinness, has over 25 years’ experience in the Arts and Entertainment Industry in senior executive positions working with ticketing companies, venues and retail. Following seven years managing art galleries on the east coast of Australia, Glenn joined Ticketmaster in 1998. Over the following decade, Glenn held several general management roles overseeing business development, marketing and operations. During his tenure at Ticketmaster, Glenn oversaw the entry of Ticketmaster into several new markets including Western Australia, South Australia and New Zealand. In 2005/6, Glenn managed the commercial and operational components for the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games selling a record 1.67million tickets.

In 2010, Glenn joined Marriner Group as General Manager overseeing operations at the Regent, Princess, Comedy and Forum Theatres. Over the next seven years the venues played host to a diverse range of shows including musicals such as The Lion King, Matilda, Book of Mormon and King Kong as well as numerous concerts by local and international artists such as Madonna, Pink and Paul Kelly.

Glenn has also worked as a consultant to ticketing companies, promoters, producers and venues across Australia providing specialist advice on ticketing, audience development, programming and maximising commercial outcomes.

KELLY KIM

Legal Counsel

KELLY KIM

Legal Counsel

Kelly joins Michael Cassel Group after previously working as a media and communications lawyer in Sydney.

Kelly’s legal background involves advising and representing clients in the media, advertising and marketing communications sector including global and boutique agencies, household brands and entrepreneurs.

Kelly has also assisted various industry bodies in Australia including Advertising Council of Australia and she has been part of the Best Practice Working Group at AiMCO (Australian Influencer Marketing Council) assisting on various guide sheets regarding all-things influencer and social media law.

Prior to obtaining her law degree and legal qualifications at Macquarie University and The College of Law, Kelly also completed her Bachelor of Music (Performance) at Sydney Conservatorium of Music, majoring in classical piano. She brings to this role a passion for the arts, entertainment and theatre, which stems from her own experience as a performer.

SU YAP

Legal Counsel

SU YAP

Legal Counsel

Su Ling has been a legal counsel in the entertainment industry for over 25 years and has an L.L.B. (Hons) from the National University of Singapore.

Prior to joining Michael Cassel Group, Su Ling was the Asia-Pacific Legal Counsel for Cirque du Soleil and was responsible for corporate and legal affairs in the region. She was part of the global legal team providing legal support for productions across Asia-Pacific as well as Europe and North America. Additionally, Su Ling was involved in the business development team identifying the commercial potential of new markets and partners in Asia-Pacific.

Creative Development

JANE ABRAMSON

Head of Creative Development

JANE ABRAMSON

Head of Creative Development

A producer and creative executive, Jane Abramson spent the first two decades of her career developing and managing new Broadway musicals for Disney Theatrical Group, including Frozen, Aladdin, Newsies, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins and The Lion King as well as the regional and international productions of Hercules, Freaky Friday, The Jungle Book, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Shakespeare in Love, Aida, Tarzan, Peter and the Starcatcher, High School Musical, and Beauty and the Beast. In 2018, in collaboration with her Disney colleagues, Abramson co-founded and produced the landmark event Women’s Day on Broadway, which has now grown from an annual forum to year-round programming. Independently, Abramson has produced over three dozen productions in the downtown, New York theater circuit, including plays, musicals, short musicals, and short films.

Discovering new voices, nurturing the creative process, and collaborating with innovative talent across the theater industry is a passion and a calling for Abramson. As is working for Michael Cassel Group.

ANNA FOX

Manager, Creative Development

ANNA FOX

Manager, Creative Development

Anna Fox has been working in Creative Development for over a decade: as Creative Producer, Associate Producer, Script Editor, and Dramaturg for Bird Flight Films, LucasFilm and A24, among others. She recently worked as Creative Development Associate at Rodeo Productions and was previously Head of New Work at Selladoor Worldwide. As a freelance Dramaturg, Anna has worked with international artists at all scales and stages of their development – from mentoring and training early career writers to working alongside Grammy, Tony, and Oscar winning creatives.

Anna is a trustee at inclusive theatre charity Angel Shed, and a volunteer dramaturg and director for child mentoring and playwriting charity Scene and Heard.

Anna has also been International Associate Director on &Juliet since 2018, was Resident Director on Matilda in London’s West End, and has had a successful directing career in her own right, with credits including The Show Must Go On Live! at the Palace Theatre, Son of Dyke at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Mancoin and Two Roads at London’s VAULT Festival, and the UK and international Tour of Guess How Much I Love You, which she also adapted from the beloved children’s book.

HUNTER LOWDON

Creative Development Assistant

HUNTER LOWDON

Creative Development Assistant

Hunter is thrilled to be working at Michael Cassel Group! He previously worked at the Nederlander Organization, where he supported the VP of Production & Touring across Broadway and US touring shows. Prior to that, Hunter worked at Ars Nova as the Executive Project Coordinator working closely with their Artistic Leadership to align strategic, artistic & organizational goals.

Hunter is in his third year of his MFA in Theatre Management & Producing at Columbia University. This final year will be spent completing his graduate thesis about using live capture as an audience development tool and the digital distribution of theatrical content.

Prior to his time in New York, Hunter attended UCLA and worked in Arts Administration across Los Angeles at Geffen Playhouse, YADA, Broadstage, and ACT. He also worked in casting, assisting on Hollywood projects like Equalizer 2, The Beach Bum, Mamma Mia! live at the Hollywood Bowl, Curb Your Enthusiasm (musical episode), and the first US national tour of Dear Evan Hansen. Hunter began his career as a performer and can be seen singing and dancing on the musical episode of the TV show Bones.

Office of the CEO

MICHEL HRYCE

Director, People & Culture

MICHEL HRYCE

Director, People & Culture

As Director of People and Culture, Michel leads the company’s human resources strategy and labour relations across the company’s slate of productions, including talent acquisition, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organisational structuring and cultural enrichment, as well as employee learning and advancement programs, with responsibility for supporting a diverse workforce of over 500 employees.

Prior to joining Michael Cassel Group, Michel served as In-house Counsel, Director of People and Culture at the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australia’s flagship orchestra.

Bringing to the role extensive experience in theatre, entertainment and labour relations, Michel served, for eleven years, as National Director of Theatre, Lawyer and NSW Secretary for the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) negotiating collective bargaining agreements on behalf of the union’s members with SBS, the Sydney Opera House, Opera Australia, the Australian Ballet, the Sydney Dance Company, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and national theatre companies in both the subsidised and commercial sector. Following her time at MEAA, Michel was General Manager, Human Resources and Industrial Relations at the Sydney Ferries Corporation from 2004 until 2009.

In August 2023, the Australian Government’s Minister for the Arts announced Michel as one of six inaugural members of the Creative Workplaces Council of Creative Australia, previously the Australia Council of the Arts. The role of the Creative Workplaces Council is to inform and support the operation of Creative Workplaces. The Creative Workplaces Council will promote fair, safe, and respectful l workplaces for Australian artists and arts workers. It will support arts workers and arts organisations. Michel’s appointment is for 4 years commencing 24 August 2023.

LUCIE MCGEOCH

Director, Client Management

LUCIE MCGEOCH

Director, Client Management

After more than fifteen years working across the Australian television and media industry Lucie joins the Michael Cassel Group as Director of Client Management.

Lucie’s career has been driven by a desire to connect with people, tell their stories, discover new talent, seek out opportunities and deliver high-quality content to a broad Australian audience.

Beginning as a producer at Foxtel, Lucie was selected for a News and Current Affairs cadetship at the Nine Network. Lucie soon after began as a producer at A Current Affair, then the number one national current affairs programme, hosted by Ray Martin followed by Tracy Grimshaw.

Five years later, Lucie spent over a year in weekly magazines as News Editor for Woman’s Day before returning to the highly competitive world of nightly current affairs this time Today Tonight with the Seven Network.

As a producer Lucie’s most memorable stories remain a profile with the late Prime Minister Bob Hawke and Blanche d’Alpuget, and also a story about Colin McLaren, a former undercover police officer turned bestselling author and documentary maker who Infiltrated the Australian Mafia.

Lucie was promoted to Chief of Staff at Today Tonight where over two years she helped to lead a team of reporters, producers and production staff.

For the last Seven years Lucie worked as Supervising Producer at Australia’s number one morning show, The Morning Show with the Seven Network.

Lucie has two young sons Ted and Rex.

DEETA COLVIN

Director, Corporate Communications

DEETA COLVIN

Director, Corporate Communications

Deeta Colvin has had a successful career in marketing, communications and strategic integrated campaigns for building international brands. These include Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Dior, Versace, Krug, Cointreau, RM Williams and BMW. Her expertise lies in communications strategies and marketing initiatives to support brands in achieving a unique position in their respective markets.

She started her own communications business specialising in luxury brands in fashion, food and wine and as part of the platform created very tailored special events, such as the Cointreau Ball, which she started with her team in 1987 and finished in 1997. Deeta sold her business in 2001 and was appointed Director of Corporate Relations and Events for PBL Media which included at that time, Channel Nine, ACP Magazines and Ninemsn. When PBL Media was sold in 2008 Deeta commenced work with Consolidated Press Holdings assisting in relationship opportunities and events for clients. Deeta is a current Non-Executive Director on the National Breast Cancer Foundation Board.

JENNIFER DANG

Manager, Office of the CEO

JENNIFER DANG

Manager, Office of the CEO

Prior to joining the Michael Cassel Group Jennifer worked for TEG as Executive Assistant to the CEO. For over 2.5 years Jennifer was involved in all facets of the TEG business which included managing, ticketing and promoting live events across the music, sport and exhibition genres, both domestic and international, primarily in the Asia-Pacific region.

Jennifer started her career as Executive Assistant to the General Manager, Sydney Showground. During her 5 years at Sydney Showground Jennifer also worked with the events team on a number of major events such as the annual Sydney Royal Easter Show, Stereosonic, Big Day Out, Swedish House Mafia and sporting events such as the V8 Supercars, GWS Giants and T20 Cricket.

Jennifer graduated from the University of Technology with a Bachelor of Business & Event Management.

Jennifer is delighted to join Michael Cassel Group.

ELOISE OLIVER

Receptionist / Office Assistant

ELOISE OLIVER

Receptionist / Office Assistant

Eloise holds an Advanced Graduate Diploma in Arts and Cultural Management and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from the University of Melbourne. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Eloise is bilingual in English and Mandarin and values communications and cultural engagement in both creative and professional settings.

Outside of work, Eloise’s arts journey began as a singer and theatre performer and over time has become increasingly focused on writing and directing. Her creative work includes directing Trinity College’s 150th Anniversary musical and as a writer in Pull Back The Curtain 2018, when her short original play Healed was selected and staged at the Hong Kong Arts Centre. Eloise is passionate about the power and benefit of live entertainment and is a keen advocate of the performing arts both on and off the stage.

Eloise is thrilled to join the Michael Cassel Group as their new Receptionist / Office Assistant.