Born and raised in Melbourne to a Northern Irish mother and an English father, the nomadic nature of his parents’ lives prior to their arrival in Australia seeped into Dan’s upbringing, introducing him to stories and cultures from all around the world.

He developed a penchant for mimicry from a young age, copying his parents’ accents and mannerisms, and playing dress-ups in their clothes (all of which he still does, to neither of their amusement).

On the recommendation of a primary school drama teacher, Dan joined an extra-curricular acting studio, kindling a passion that led to secondary school productions, performances with the Victorian Youth Theatre, and an invitation to the VCAA Theatre Studies Top Class showcase of 2023.

After secondary school, Dan enrolled at the University of Melbourne, studying Science (Physiology) and French, before being accepted into NIDA in 2024.

His time at NIDA has offered him the opportunity to reconnect with an instinctual curiosity in the world around him and the way it can be carefully distilled through storytelling and performance. He now looks forward to how his training and experiences can help inform the sharing and expression of his own world, and that of others.

NIDA Productions