Our Staff Profiles

Mark McDowell (Director)

Mark began his theatre career as a child on stage and in the pit of various Amateur Musical Companies around Melbourne. This initial interest in theatre was re-directed into technical production as he qualified as an Electrician after leaving school whilst studying music at University. During his Tertiary Study he was the Operations Manager at the Pheonix Theatre, Deakin.

Since then, Mark has worked in all technical aspects of live theatre production over the past 20 years. In that time he has worked at all major theatres in Melbourne and Sydney, and on all the major theatrical events. His Australian show credits include “A Little Night Music”(MTC), “Phantom of The Opera” (Melbourne first return season), “Les Miserables” (Melbourne first return season), “SpaceJam” Southeast Asia Promo Tour, “Bombshells” (MTC), “Annie” GFO:Melbourne, “Man from Snowy River – Arena Spectacular”, “The Producers” (Melbourne Season), “Wicked” (Touring), “Dons Party On” (Touring – Sydney).

On these shows he has worked in various technical positions including Head Electrician which covers all lighting roles in the theatre. He has also worked as automation operator and sound designer/operator, as well as filling the role of Assistant to the Music Director.

Mark spent many years working in children’s entertainment for clients such as Warner Bros and Nickelodeon, in which he has held positions including Production Manager, Stage Manager, Lighting and Sound Operator.

Mark has been the Manager of the Mahon Theatre at Aquinas College for the past 10 Years. During this time he has been involved in the School’s Musical in the roles of both Technical Director and Music Director.

He is now full time Director of Yourshow.

Andre Branda-Pawlaczyk (Director)

Andre began his theatre career at La Trobe University acting in a group devised play called "Slow Train". In 1989 he then went onto Rusden College to study a Bachelor of Education in Drama and Media Studies, which he completed in 1993.

Andre has worked in the professional theatre industry for 20 years with Marriner Group, Victorian Arts Cantre, Her Majesty's Theatre, The Melbourne Town Hall, The Athenaeum, Crown Casino Showroom and The Malthouse. He has also toured European, interstate and regional theatres.

Andre's professional shows credits include "Phantom of the Opera", "Scrooge", "CATS", "West Side Story", "Singing in the Rain", "Beauty and the Beast", "The Blue Room", "La Traviata" and "Sleeping Beauty on Ice".

Mark and Andre started Yourshow in 2003, and have been passing on their expertise in theatre to students and teachers. Andre's goal is to give students a fun learning experience as well as a thorough understanding of the technical elements that are used in Professional Theatre..

Andre's professional strengths are his knowledge of technical requirements in the theatrical and corporate world, as well as his Production Management skills in the corporate environment. He delivers this knowledge with a ‘can do' attitude combined with a calm and reassuring manner.