It is rare to come across an individual whose work leaves such a lasting impact on both the hearts and minds of young people, and Anne Gollan is exactly that kind of person. As a drama therapist and teacher, Anne has consistently demonstrated her unparalleled ability to blend the worlds of therapeutic support and creative expression in a way that empowers students to confront their emotions, share their stories, and grow in profound ways. Through her work at Northside Theatre Company, Anne has built an environment that not only fosters creativity but also nurtures emotional well-being, providing young people with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with strength and resilience.

Anne’s productions, such as Perfect Day and Singularity, showcase the depth and emotional range that can be unlocked through theatre. Perfect Day, with its dark comedy that blends the playful absurdity of The Breakfast Club with the apocalyptic weight of The Walking Dead, is a vivid exploration of how young people grapple with feelings of hopelessness, joy, and survival. Singularity, on the other hand, is a raw and powerful examination of sexual assault and the emotional unraveling that follows. These productions are not just performances; they are deeply personal and moving pieces of art, crafted from the lived experiences of the young actors themselves. Watching these performances, it’s clear how Anne’s guidance allows her students to transform pain into art, gaining both emotional clarity and creative confidence in the process.

What truly sets Anne apart is her ability to bring therapeutic techniques into the classroom in an inspiring and accessible way. Her upcoming series of workshops for teachers and wellbeing staff is a reflection of her deep commitment to spreading this transformative practice. These workshops will provide educators with the tools they need to guide their students through emotional exploration, creating a safe, supportive environment where students can freely express their emotions through drama. Anne will teach teachers how to help students turn their personal experiences into powerful works of theatre, whether it’s a monologue, a short vignette, or a full script. The techniques Anne shares are not just about creating theatre; they are about creating space for students to heal, grow, and connect with themselves and each other in meaningful ways.

Through her workshops, Anne will bring teachers closer to their students’ emotional worlds, helping them create classroom environments that promote empathy, emotional literacy, and resilience. These workshops will show teachers how to foster a deeper sense of connection in the classroom by integrating creative expression with social and emotional learning principles. The chance to learn directly from Anne, whose approach to therapeutic theatre has already made such a profound difference, is an invaluable opportunity for any educator looking to make a real impact on their students' emotional and creative lives.

Anne’s work has already touched the lives of countless young people, guiding them through difficult personal experiences and helping them find strength and purpose through theatre. Her workshops will undoubtedly have the same transformative effect on any teacher fortunate enough to attend. If you are looking for a way to inspire and support your students in a truly meaningful way, I can’t recommend Anne Gollan highly enough. Her passion, expertise, and dedication will leave a lasting impression on both you and your students, and I have no doubt that her workshops will become an essential part of any educator’s toolkit.

- Dr Mark Eckersley Arts Learning Leader Santa Maria College, Northcote



As a drama teacher, I was deeply moved by the performances of Perfect Day and Singularity, directed by Anne Gollan. These performances allowed students, many from my school, to express their personal experiences through the therapeutic medium of theatre, fostering resilience and emotional expression. From my own experience, it’s clear how this process can be incredibly beneficial for student well-being, as it provides a creative and therapeutic outlet for reflection.

Anne’s work effectively supports young people in navigating complex emotions and life events, all while maintaining a fun and engaging environment. I believe her upcoming workshops will be invaluable for teachers and wellbeing staff, offering practical tools to guide students in emotional exploration and creative expression, ultimately enhancing their mental health and overall wellbeing.

- Madison Desiato Drama, Humanities Teacher, School Production Co-ordinator Coburg High School

 

Thank you so much for allowing me the privilege of seeing your play Perfect Day. It was an absolute masterpiece! Please pass on my congratulations to all involved - the quality of the performances was exceptional. Please pass on my congratulations to your brother Johnny - he is a creative genius. I sincerely hope this play gets another run, as it was simply amazing.

Finally, can I congratulate you for the gift you give these students by giving them a voice, mentoring them and believing in them. Cudos.

- Joan Rock Principal Santa Maria College, Northcote


I was delighted to attend the production last year and see not only the extraordinary talent of the group but the way the story rang true for them because they had written it and because they live such emotionally complex situations every day. For our students, the involvement provided an outlet to develop their skills, explore their creativity, engage with like minds, and express their thoughts and feelings away from cyberspace and screens, rare opportunities these days!.

- Kylie Kuppe Deputy Principal: Learning and Life

I have witnessed Anne’s processes working with children of all ages, and I see an experienced and deeply caring practitioner who brings both creativity and psychological practice to all her work.

Anne provides a safe place for young people, where they are able to express their reflections, concerns and excitements and then turn these into ideas that can be expressed in the public forum of theatre. She has grown a trusting community of children and teens who use her programs as their ‘third place.

The theatre works that they create together are of the highest calibre, exploring relevant themes with scenarios that resonate with the performer makers, and holding this within high production values to ensure it shines. As an audience member, it is rare and exciting to be so engaged in theatre settings where the works have been co-created by young people.

- Jess Wilson Jessica Wilson is an established artist with a practice in image-based theatre and child participative art.



Anne’s work with our young child has been amazing, she is intuitive, genuine, carin,g and insightful.

We came to Anne after trying many alternatives. Anne is able to bring things to the surface, be it feelings, struggles, or challenges, where we have not been able to.

She does this by building strong and nurturing connections whilst using art, craft, and play to create a comfortable environment where our child is able to be her authentic self.

We highly recommend Anne and appreciate all of the strategies and deeper understanding that she has provided to us.

Beck Parent



Anne is one of the most important humans in my daughter’s therapy world. The connection that she has created with her in a safe, warm, supportive space has been amazing. Truly blessed to watch my daughter grow and flourish in so many areas. Thanks Anne

- K Parent

Anne Gollan worked closely with our daughter (from age 4) and our whole family for over four years. From the start, she built a warm, trusting, and deeply therapeutic connection with our daughter, creating a safe space for growth and understanding. Her ability to recognize and articulate the complexities of a child’s inner world—and help bridge that understanding into real-world change—was invaluable.

Beyond her work with our daughter, Anne supported our whole family, offering insight and guidance that helped us navigate challenges and create lasting positive change. With her professionalism, intuition, and genuine care, she made a meaningful impact on our lives. We remain grateful for her support and the continued therapeutic relationship as our family grows.

- Dr Ava Roubin (TCM).

Anne’s therapy sessions have profoundly impacted my life. Thanks to her, I’ve experienced immense personal growth. She has helped me explore parts of myself I never thought possible and provided me with the tools to navigate life and reach my fullest potential. I will be forever grateful.

-Casey Ash Client

Fantastic Drama Class for Young Performers!

Both my daughters (6 and 8 years old) absolutely love Anne’s drama class! Anne is an extraordinary professional that makes every child feel welcome and confident, creating a fun, supportive, and incredibly creative atmosphere. There is a huge variety of activities and topics covered and my daughters love sharing what they’ve been working on. Anne keeps them engaged through storytelling and providing lots of opportunities for them to shape their own experience in a unique way!

- Maria Parent