19 August 2025
Bianca Willson (2014) is a Performing Arts Education Professional and Senior Course Coordinator at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), where she blends her love of theatre with a commitment to fostering the next generation of creatives. Now based in Sydney, she remains closely connected to the Pembroke community, attending alumni events and sharing her journey with fellow Old Scholars. A self-described “theatre kid” from her Pembroke days, Bianca has journeyed from performing in school productions to teaching Drama at Pembroke, and most recently completing her Masters in Performing Arts Management in Paris.
What is your favourite memory of your time studying at Pembroke? And who was your favourite teacher at Pembroke and why?
A true ‘theatre-kid,’ at heart, my fondest memories of Pembroke came through my involvements in Pembroke School Productions such as Doro Kara, The Love of the Nightingale, and Into the Woods. Mr Peter Deane will always be my favourite teacher – I could never do him proud in maths, but he made me learn about the type of person and educator I wanted to be.
You returned to Pembroke as a Teacher. What was this like, and how did you find returning?
Being in the staffroom felt illegal. As did calling the famous Dr. Miller by his first name! But truthfully, Drama was my safe place in school, returning as a Drama teacher felt like an opportunity to give others the same place of belonging and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that made Pembroke such a wonderful experience. To be able to return that to Pembroke was an incredible gift.
How did your time at Pembroke, both as a student and teacher, shape the path you are on today?
As a student, Pembroke taught me to embrace every opportunity to with gratitude and authenticity; as a teacher, it taught me how to help others find their place, discover their own dreams, and give voice to every individual — something I valued deeply my own experiences as a student. The combination of ambition and empathy cultivated by my time in that school is what continues to fuel my work in performing arts education and management.
You attended the 2025 Sydney Old Scholars Drinks, how do you feel events like this help maintain the Pembroke community?
They offer a place of connection keeping the spirit of Pembroke alive long after graduation. These events reconnect us with old friends and introduce us to fellow alumni whose journeys inspire us in unexpected ways. It’s also a way of sharing opportunities and building networks that keep the community strong and vibrant. Personally, having just relocated to a new city I found the opportunity to meet new people with this shared place of home a wonderful and grounding experience.
What has been the most pivotal moment in your career so far?
Directing my first Year 12 Production Picnic at Hanging Rock in 2023. This was a full-circle moment and extremely surreal. Seeing my students sign their name on the famous production wall behind Wright Hall as we all once did with so much excitement, was truly special. I’ll be forever proud of my students from ‘Appleyard College.’
What was your experience like in Paris, to finish your Masters in Performing Arts Management?
Achieving my Masters in Performing Arts Management in Paris was a momentous milestone that opened doors into the industry on a global scale. Taking the opportunity to commence further study after establishing my career as an educator enabled me to clearly explore direct connections between education and the performing arts industry, and drive this process with purpose and impact. It also helped me to grow personally through travel, art and connection. I would encourage all students to consider studying abroad.
What key skills have been most instrumental in your success, and how have you developed them over time?
Determination, compassion and gratitude. I have relied heavily on determination to drive myself forward through adversity, compassion to stay true to my purpose in valuing holistic education, and gratitude for the work of others and opportunities I take on. I've also found keeping a big smile, and having a laugh can have a massive impact.
Name three places that have shaped your perspective—whether through travel, work or personal growth?
Paris, for teaching me to embrace change, ambition, and resilience.
Sydney, for challenging me to push forward in a competitive arts industry while still holding onto my values and purpose.
Pembroke, for providing me with the values, tools, drive to guide me forward both personally and professionally.
My favourite podcast/book/TV show right now is…
As a performing arts educator, I wish I had a sophisticated answer for this but unfortunately, trashy reality tv is my crutch. Love Island, Perfect Match, MAFS... Or horror films. Both frightening.
If you could have coffee or dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to have an iced latte with my favourite director Mike Flannigan about his cinematic universe and works such as the Haunting of Hill House/Bly Manor series.
I also wouldn’t mind having a chat with Peter Deane and letting him know I became the educator I am because of him.
