Meet the Team
It takes a great team to teach great students! Whilst we’ll have many new faces through our Guest Teachers throughout the year, here below are some of the constant creatives involved behind the scenes at Mad About Development.
Madison Thew-Keyworth - Artistic Director / head of acting
Madison has worked professionally as a Director and Choreographer between Australia and New Zealand for the past 15 years. Prior to stepping on to the production side, Madison trained as an Actor with NIDA through their YAS program, and in classical ballet from a young age. Madison was part of the Australian National Tour of Calendar Girls, as well as having appeared in Gigi, Hello Dolly!, Cabaret, A Dream Play and The Gingerbread Lady.
On the production side, Madison’s show credits include Disenchanted, Legally Blonde, Chicago and My Brilliant Divorce (MAT Australia), Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia! and The Wizard of Oz (VTA New Zealand). Madison is also thrilled to spend her time instilling a love for the performing arts with up and coming talent at Sunshine Coast Youth Theatre (Australia) and cannot wait to extend this teaching and expertise now to the performers at Mad About Development.
Madison is excited to be working as Creative Producer on the new Australian musical, Li’l Elvis Jones and the Truckstoppers, which premiered at The Powerhouse in January 2025.
Courtney Johnston - Director of courses / Head of Voice
Currently completing her Masters of Vocal Pedagogy at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for musical theatre voice to her teaching. With over a decade of experience as both a professional performer and music director, she draws on her industry insight to deliver dynamic, real world training in the classroom at Mad About Development. Dedicated not only to vocal excellence but also to mentorship, Courtney is committed to helping each student unlock their full technical, artistic and personal potential.
Nicole Kaminski - head of dance
Nicole is a versatile performer and passionate arts educator who began her journey in Perth, WA, before relocating to Victoria to study at the University of Ballarat Arts Academy. She graduated in 2015, with performance credits in Urinetown, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and the title role in Thoroughly Modern Millie.
After graduating, Nicole toured nationally with Alpha Shows, performing in educational theatre, and collaborated on numerous workshops developing new Australian works with emerging writers and composers. While based in Melbourne, she appeared in acclaimed productions such as Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, Heathers, Les Misérables, and joined the 2016 national tour of The Sound of Music.
Now calling Queensland home, Nicole has become an active member of the local arts community, with credits including Mamma Mia (The Show Co), Legally Blonde (Mad About Theatre), and High School Musical (Vargo Studios). Her creative contributions on the Sunshine Coast span shows like The Boy From Oz, Pirates of Penzance, A Chorus Line, 9 to 5, and We Will Rock You.
Most recently, she featured in the Australian premiere of Lil’ Elvis Jones and the Truckstoppers—a collaboration between Mad About Theatre, The Writers Republic, and Brisbane Powerhouse.
Alongside her performance work, Nicole is a leading performing arts educator on the Sunshine Coast, mentoring students aged 2 to 75, from recreational learners to pre-professionals.