Meet our Judges
2026 CONDA Judges
Christopher Hopson
Following 10 years performing in Newcastle, Christopher made his Sydneydebut in the NSW premiere of Les Miserables for Miranda Musical Society, and Jack in the NSW premiere of Into the Woods for Rockdale Musical Society. Chris performed in the Sydney season of Director Vittorio Rossi’s touring production of Turandot and was selected for The Happy Prince and The Little Mermaid, (featuring as the King) for Opera Australia - OperAction. Chris studied voice with Graeme Hands, Christopher Allan (Newcastle Conservatorium, Opera Australia) and Jodie Gillies (Les Miserables, Chess, Aspects of Love). Chris was appointed by the University of Newcastle as Technical Officer andProduction Coordinator with the Conservatorium of Music, and then later moved into the role of Technical Officer - Major Venues Civic Precinct with the City of Newcastle Council. In 2013, Chris was accepted into the Bachelor of Dramatic Art - Production - NIDA. after which developed his own production company, HAPI. Chris has worked on Adele & Justin Bieber Australian tours, Farmer Wants a Wife, Dream Genie Films and Triple J amongst others, in a technical or stage management capacity.
Christine Fletcher
Christine completed a Master of Theatre Arts in 1996 at the University of Newcastle. She was a specialist drama teacher at Hunter School of the Performing Arts from 1998 to 2013 and lectured Drama courses at the University of Newcastle. Christine is a performer, playwright and director as well as an arts administrator. She was the coordinator of the Hunter Primary Drama Festival for the NSW Department of Education and the theatre school principal for YPT for several years.
Wendy Leis
Wendy was a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Theatre CONDA award in 2015. She enjoyed a successful career as a drama specialist teacher and was assistant principal at Hunter School of the Performing Arts from 1993 to 2014. Wendy was the artistic director of Young People's Theatre, where she volunteered for decades, sharing her skills to inspire and educate generations of emerging artists. As a practising artist, Wendy has years of experience as a writer, director, producer and theatre educator.
Dan Stranger
Dan Stranger is a performing arts teacher, director, and writer with extensive experience in theatre, film, and screenwriting. Originally from the UK, he holds a BA in Scriptwriting & Performance and has worked with Hunter Drama, Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, and Maitland Repertory Theatre. Dan has directed productions like Fantastic Mr. Fox, Alice in Wonderland Jr., and The Tempest and has had his writing showcased at international festivals. A skilled stage manager and technical designer, he has also contributed to productions at the Edinburgh Fringe. Passionate about youth theatre, he founded Broken Leg Theatre Company, mentoring young performers in acting, technical production, and creative development.
Joanna Andrew
Joanna Andrew is a seasoned performer, vocal coach, and director with experience in opera, musical theatre, dramatic plays, and oratorio. She began in the NBN Television Children's Choir, performing at events like the Sydney Opera House and Carols by Candlelight, and won numerous Aria competitions across NSW, VIC, and QLD. Over 40 years, she has played diverse roles, including Marmee (Little Women), Mercedes (Carmen), and Valencienne (The Merry Widow), with professional credits in Aida (International Opera Festival), Wagner's Ring Cycle (Sydney Symphony Orchestra), and oratorio performances such as Handel’s Messiah. Jo holds an Advanced Diploma in Arts (UNE), a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, and is pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Inclusive Education. An accredited member of the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW and ANATS, she directs youth productions and has coached students who have gone on to study at institutions like NIDA, WAAPA, and the VCA, achieving success in television, film, and theatre.