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Daniel Stoddart
Chief Executive Officer / Producer
Daniel Stoddart is an emerging force in theatre production, known for his bold, innovative approach to creating fresh theatrical experiences. As CEO of Stoddart Entertainment Group, Daniel is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling, developing dynamic new works that resonate with contemporary audiences. With over two decades of experience across acting, directing, and writing, he brings a unique blend of artistry and modern theatrical techniques to his productions.
A multi-award winning artist, some of Daniel’s projects have included: Endgame, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), The Pillowman, Shakespeare’s Fools, Waiting for Godot, Charley’s Aunt, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, Phantom of the Opera, The Threepenny Opera, West Side Story, Oklahoma!, Chicago, Grease, Things I Know to be True, The Book of Everything, Rock of Ages, Shrek The Musical, The BFG, Roald Dahl’s The Twits, Spring Awakening, Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Music Man, The Addams Family, and Rent.
Passionate about original content, Daniel focuses on stories that engage a new generation of theatre-goers, creating immersive, high-impact shows. His leadership at Stoddart Entertainment Group champions innovation, nurturing new talent and fostering collaboration to craft the next wave of exciting theatre.
Hayley Stoddart
General Manager / Associate Producer
Hayley Stoddart is a passionate leader in the Australian entertainment industry, known for her dedication to developing new and emerging talent while fostering international recognition for Australian performers. With a strong background in arts administration, Hayley has been instrumental in creating innovative programs that nurture the next generation of artists, helping them succeed both locally and on the global stage.
Her expertise extends into Work Health and Safety, ensuring that productions meet the highest standards of organisation, safety and wellbeing. This unique skill set makes Hayley a vital figure in both the creative and operational aspects of theatre and live events, balancing artistic innovation with a focus on safety.
Hayley’s commitment to bringing international attention to Australian talent drives her efforts to connect artists with global opportunities and audiences. Through her leadership, she continues to inspire the arts community, blending her administrative expertise with her passion for cultivating creative excellence.
Ashley Taylor Tickell
Head of New Works Development / Associate Producer
Ashley Taylor Tickell is the Owner and Director of award-winning Melbourne-based theatre company Salty Theatre, with over 20 years’ experience across theatre, television and film, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Recent credits include Associate Producer for the Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney seasons of Love Actually? The Musical Parody; Associate and Interim Executive Producer for Footloose the Musical; Producer of the critically acclaimed Australian premiere of The Grinning Man; Co-Producer of METAMUSE for Vass Productions and Luca Dinardo; and Director and Producer of the Australian premiere of cult hit Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical.
A strong advocate for new Australian work, Ashley co-founded The Hatch Lab in 2019 and will launch a new Hatch Lab Writers Initiative in 2026. In 2024, she also founded the Australian Musical Theatre Artists Collective (AMTAC).
Ashley lives in Melbourne with her husband Jeremiah, their son Grant, and their cats Smokey and Bandit.
Sonia Dodd
Associate Producer
Sonia (she/her) is a Malaysian-Australian producer originally from Newcastle with a Bachelor of Communication (Theatre/Media) from Charles Sturt University. Since graduating, she has extensively produced works across various organisations including Monkey Baa Theatre Company, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Opera Australia and theatre-in-education company, Poetry in Action. Highlights include the Australian premiere of Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 and national tour of Once with DTC, and an 80+ venue national tour of Where is the Green Sheep? with Monkey Baa. Based in Sydney, Sonia remains an active member of the independent theatre scene, having produced across venues including Belvoir 25a, Hayes Theatre Company and the Old Fitz Theatre.
Sonia’s creative practice is grounded in a deep commitment and care for artists, community, and meaningful storytelling. Outside of the arts, Sonia can be found camping, playing soccer or talking about her dog, Rudy.
Liane Morris
Media & Marketing Manager
Liane Morris is a communications and arts marketing specialist with 20+ years’ experience connecting audiences, building brands, and creating unforgettable experiences across arts, entertainment, and media.
She has held senior marketing roles with Sydney Symphony, ABC Classic FM, Riverside Theatres (including The Big Laugh Comedy Festival), Canberra Glassworks (winning the ACT Tourism Award), and Time Inc. Magazines (Who Weekly, Sports Illustrated, Time & InStyle), and played a key role in growing Newcastle Fringe Festival into a major cultural event for the city.
With a degree in Drama from the University of Newcastle and an Arts & Entertainment Marketing Diploma she has always been deeply committed to the arts, working to strengthen creative communities. A natural storyteller and strategist, Liane also writes for WCP Media (Intouch Magazine, Your Hunter Valley Magazine & Hello Newy), bringing creativity, insight, and impact to every project she touches in the arts and cultural sector.
Taylor Tran
Business Projects Manager
Taylor Tran is a business projects and event management specialist with a passion for live performance. Having worked across major performing arts organisations including The Australian Youth Performing Arts Team, Royal Academy of Dance, and OzTheatrics Australasia, she brings a blend of artistic insight and business strategy to performance and event projects.
Taylor’s greatest passion is turning creative ideas into high-impact outcomes. Completing a Bachelor of Business Management at Queensland University of Technology, her skills have been recognised in her reception of the QUT Executive Deans’ Commendation for Academic Excellence in 2023 and 2024.
Having been dancing, singing and acting since two years old, Taylor lives to maintain long-term sustainability for an art that has been so important to her story. It is this personal love for live theatre that drives her commitment to fostering innovative, and resilient creative communities where artistry and business work hand in hand to ensure the sector continues to thrive.
Kim Saarenpaa
Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships
Kim Saarenpaa is the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships for Stoddart Entertainment Group, where she forges meaningful collaborations to fuel the growth and impact of Australian entertainment.
A dynamic leader and multi-award-winning entrepreneur, Kim brings a powerful blend of commercial acumen and creative flair to every endeavour. Passionate about connection and community, she champions initiatives that make the arts more accessible and sustainable.
She also maintains a deep personal love of performance, most recently appearing in School of Rock the Musical for Hunter Drama – a reminder that her commitment to the industry spans both backstage and centre stage.