He loves cold weather and has chosen to live in one of the hottest cities in Australia, but what drew Robert (Rob) Doran to CQUni Townsville from Cairns wasn’t the weather, but the opportunity. Rob is Associate Lecturer of the new Creative Arts course launched on campus in Townsville this year and he’s loving every minute of teaching our next generation of performers.
What is your favorite film or book of all time?
Masks of God by Joseph Campbell. It is a four volume work of comparative mythology that examines art as storytelling: from Paleolithic cave paintings to 20th century European art.
Who has made an impact on your life? Why?
My teacher and mentor, Lyn Kidd. She trained me to teach and direct acting in a way that resonated for me. Her technique is her legacy to the craft that I hope to keep alive as I teach the next generation of actors and acting teachers.
This weekend is free – what would you do?
Write next Monday’s Theatre History lecture.
What was the moment that made you choose your career?
In grade seven I performed in the local eisteddfod in Bowen. I dropped a mirror on stage that smashed into bits with a loud crash, but I just kept on acting as though it never happened. They gave me a $7 cash prize and at that point I realised there was money to be made in this acting caper.
If you weren’t living in Townsville, where would you be?
Edinburgh, Scotland. My paternal heritage is Scottish and I love the cold.
If you had no responsibilities, where would you be right now?
In a studio creating work with a bunch of actors.
What do you love most about your role?
I get paid to spend most of my time in a studio creating work with a bunch of actors.
