Chris Connelly
Chris Connelly has been acting for three decades with extensive work in theatre, film, and television. His many shows with the Melbourne Theatre Company include; Aftershocks, Pax Americana, The Caretaker, Happy Ending. Among other productions; David Williamson’s The Club and Face to Face, Hotel Sorrento, Kitten, West Side Story, Barassi and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Also solo shows; The Dream of a Ridiculous Man and The Meeting. TV credits include Deadline Gallipoli, Bed of Roses, Stingers, Blue Heelers, Neighbours and The Adventures of Lano and Woodley. Films: John Doe, Michael Rymer’s Angel Baby, Queen of the Damned and Face to Face, Chris was the co founder of the Maya Shakti Drama school in Sri Lanka.
“In my experience, actors and performers are some of the most generous, resilient and positive group of people you could find. Perhaps this is because the work of the performer is to do with the humanity of a story, what lies at the heart of the character in the story or performance. Actors and people in the entertainment industry in general, are constantly supporting causes, helping people, and on any issue will almost invariably take the compassionate position. I think our industry is full of good people who go beyond themselves not only for their art, but also for the greater good of the community. Because of the precarious nature of this business, there are many times when people in this industry need help, this usually coincides with a time of being forgotten in the community, I believe the VABT exists to make sure we’re not forgotten.”