BETHANY SIMONS

Bethany Simons is an award-winning writer and performer based in Melbourne. Her latest work Reception: The Musical - a collaboration with award-winning pianist Peter de Jager - was awarded Best Cabaret and received a highly commended in the Best Emerging writer category at the 2014 Melbourne Fringe Festival Awards. Inspired by her real life experiences as an administration assistant, the show was selected for the 2015 VCE Drama Playlist and will tour Australia in 2015 and 2016.

Bethany’s first play, The Weather and Your Health, was nominated for two Green Room Awards (Best Independent Female Performer, Best New Writing for the Australian Stage) toured extensively throughout Australia, was awarded the RAVE Touring Award from Regional Arts Victoria for 'outstanding contribution to regional arts and culture' and appeared on the 2012 VCE Drama Playlist. The Weather and Your Health has been published by the Australian Script Centre.

Born and raised in Dubbo, NSW, Bethany is a graduate of BA (Acting for Screen and Stage - Honours), Charles Sturt University. A freelance producer, writer, assistant director, Master of Ceremonies, voice over and recording artist, Bethany also directs drama and playwriting workshops throughout Australia and is a feature writer for AussieTheatre.com

Finding her inspiration in the everyday, Bethany believes that nothing is funnier or more beautiful than real life and true stories. As a theatre-maker she is committed to creating new work for the Australian stage that is honest, uplifting and entertaining.