Commencing his working life with a passion for teaching, John Nicholas Saunders is presently established as the dynamic Director of Education and Community Partnerships at The Sydney Theatre Company - a role that sees him guide the educational experiences for young audience members who attend the plays in their current season. It is a role that also takes him into schools, guiding teachers and students; and travel, around the world, presenting keynote addresses and attending conferences and meetings.

No slouch, he is always on the go and has served time on the committees and as president of Drama QLD and Drama NSW. He currently serves as The President of Drama Australia.

John has also co-written THE SCHOOL DRAMA book developed by the STC - as an approach to teaching literacy through drama.

He has conducted countless workshops and when pushed - has managed to get in some shopping and bag the odd bargain - all of this while completing his Doctorate in Drama Education.

John is great company and STAGES talked with him about the importance of Arts subjects in the curriculum and why he sees Drama and the Theatre, as significant sources for learning.