Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Shona Van Lieshout

Elwood,Australia

Summary

Accomplished Senior Producer and Educator with extensive experience in media production and the performing arts, specialising in creative learning and educational programming for children. Proven track record of leading high-performing teams and managing complex projects, while developing innovative programs that foster creativity across diverse audiences. Expertise includes strategic planning, curriculum-aligned initiatives, and overseeing multi-platform content delivery, including broadcast and digital formats. Committed to enriching youth experiences through accessible artistic education and production that aligns with the mission of Arts Centre Melbourne.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Producer & Director

StoryBox Hub
, VIC
03.2019 - Current
  • Lead the production of story reads, “Stories Connect Us All,” an educational platform offering diverse, curriculum-aligned resources for primary school children.
  • Develop and implement creative learning resources in collaboration with the education team that are curriculum-aligned, ensuring inclusivity through a wide range of stories representing diverse characters and themes.
  • Manage production budgets and timelines while fostering relationships with key external stakeholders, including First Nations creatives, AUSLAN Consultancy, Vision Australia, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, and the Children's Book Council of Australia.
  • Work closely with the schools' engagement team to align content with educational outcomes, enhancing student learning through interactive, artistically rich storytelling.
  • Oversee all production and management of internal team members, crew members, freelancers, and performing artists to achieve high production values while keeping projects on budget and on schedule.
  • Currently working closely with team members to generate and secure new funding opportunities with Creative Australia and Creative Victoria.

International Judge

Asian Academy Creative Awards (Children's Category)
09.2019 - 09.2022
  • Contributed to the judging process for the Children’s Category, assessing excellence in children’s media content across Australasia

Series Producer

Story Tools
06.2020 - 06.2022
  • Directed and produced 36 educational webisodes with high production values, teaching children the mechanics of storytelling, managing a $1.2M budget, and a team of 8 staff members, freelancers, and 15 creatives from across Australia.
  • Early involvement in helping to secure a $500K government grant to enhance the project’s reach and impact, ensuring alignment with curriculum standards.
  • Managing and working alongside the internal education team and industry creatives to develop high-quality educational resources and videos for middle and upper primary students, contributing to a broader strategy of engagement in schools for young learners, enriching creative learning.
  • Maintained accurate, timely, and high-level communication with management throughout the production process, bringing the project in on time and managing the budget.

Performing Arts and Media Teacher

Various School Primary and Secondary
Melbourne , VIC
02.2017 - 11.2019
  • A dedicated teacher specialising in performing arts, studio arts and media studies, with a strong desire to inspire young people to pursue careers in the creative industries.
  • Drama & Media Teacher, Melbourne Boys Grammar (2019, PT). I taught drama and media to students in Year 7 and 8, led rehearsals and productions, including a performance at The Malthouse Theatre, and provided curriculum-aligned lesson plans and resources. Worked with diverse student groups, including those with additional support needs.
  • Delivered casual relief teaching across more than 20 schools (private, public, Catholic, co-ed, and single-sex), providing flexible instruction in the arts, performing arts, and media studies while adapting to various school environments and curricula.

Senior Producer

Phenomenom
07.2017 - 12.2017
  • Produced 25 educational webisodes as part of a national initiative to promote healthy eating among primary and secondary school children, hosted by Alice Zavlasky.
  • This multi-platform, multimedia series includes curriculum-aligned resources, ensuring the program meets pedagogical standards and offers engaging learning experiences for students.

Senior Producer

The Amazing Race (International Adaptations)
01.2005 - 12.2015
  • Managed production for The Amazing Race Asia, The Amazing Race Israel, and The Amazing Race Australia, demonstrating expertise in large-scale project management, high-level communication, cross-cultural collaboration, high-level delegation, and fast decision-making, adapting quickly to resolve problems in an environment characterized by high levels of change.
  • Oversaw all aspects of production, from concept to delivery, ensuring quality and consistency across international markets.
  • Working and collaborating with a large traveling team of over 100 staff members to achieve required production goals and outcomes.

Senior Producer & Director

We Are Young (Student Swap Schools)
02.2015 - 08.2015
  • Produced and directed a cross-cultural program exploring the educational systems in Australia and China, fostering greater understanding and collaboration between young people from different cultural backgrounds.
  • Facilitated communication between all production departments to ensure smooth operations, overseeing all areas of production, and building a safe and trusting bond with the youth, talent, and international crews and executives.

Series Producer

Prank Patrol
02.2008 - 12.2012
  • Produced a children’s television series that was internationally recognized and nominated for a Logie Award.
  • Led a large creative production team to deliver high-quality programming that adhered to children’s television standards, balancing entertainment while adhering to all OHS and the well-being of our child performers.

Education

Bachelor of Education - Drama and Media

Deakin University
Melbourne, VIC

Diploma of Theatre Arts -

Victorian College of The Arts
Melbourne

Skills

  • Leadership and Team Management
  • Creative Learning and Educational Content Development
  • Strategic Planning and Development
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building
  • Budget Management
  • Theatre and Broadcast Production Expertise
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education Content
  • Curriculum-Aligned Educational Resources
  • Skilled in Grant Procurement
  • Creative Leadership
  • Multi-platform, digital, and online learning
  • Script writing and high-level communication

Certification

First Aid Certified - current

Victorian Institute of Teaching card - current

Working With Children Card - current

Police Check - current

Anaphylactic certificate - current

Drivers license - current

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Series Producer

Story Tools
06.2020 - 06.2022

International Judge

Asian Academy Creative Awards (Children's Category)
09.2019 - 09.2022

Senior Producer & Director

StoryBox Hub
03.2019 - Current

Senior Producer

Phenomenom
07.2017 - 12.2017

Performing Arts and Media Teacher

Various School Primary and Secondary
02.2017 - 11.2019

Senior Producer & Director

We Are Young (Student Swap Schools)
02.2015 - 08.2015

Series Producer

Prank Patrol
02.2008 - 12.2012

Senior Producer

The Amazing Race (International Adaptations)
01.2005 - 12.2015

Bachelor of Education - Drama and Media

Deakin University

Diploma of Theatre Arts -

Victorian College of The Arts

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Shona Van Lieshout