Frank Van Straten is a performing arts historian, author and a former director of the Performing Arts Museum in Melbourne. You've probably read one of his insightful commentaries on the history of a musical or play, in a program you purchased whilst visiting a theatre.

Van Straten was the first archivist of the Performing Arts Museum (now the Performing Arts Collection), at the Victorian Arts Centre, and was the director from 1984 until 1993.

For many years he researched and presented ABC Local radio's Nostalgia segment, broadcast on Melbourne's 774 and the ABC Victorian Regional Network.

He has acted as the Historical Consultant for Graeme Murphy's dance musical TIVOLI, and given his vast knowledge, has accepted invitations to contribute information to considerable books, speeches, biographies, performances and exhibitions.

In recognition of his services to the performing arts in Australia Van Straten was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1999.

Frank's passion for our performing heritage is palpable and his knowledge is supreme ... with an ability to talk at length on any subject to do with the performing arts in Australia he is the ideal guest on STAGES.