About the Directors - Essential Talent Performing Arts Academy - Dance classes in Adelaide, dance academy, dance studio.

Richard Laidlaw – Director

Richard is a man of many talents, originally an Australian Silver medalist Ice Skater, who upon completing a successful competitive career turned pro and toured Internationally first with Ice Shows as Principle Skater followed by a variety of other shows performing as a Singer, Dancer, Acrobat working for World famous companies such as Disney, Warner Bros, Kapades On Ice, Hollywood On Ice and many more.

Richard saw the need to create a company which specialized in producing and then marketing shows to the then thriving entertainment industry thus the creation of RICARP PRODUCTIONS. The company continually expanded with the purchase of ESSENTIAL TALENT, CREATIVE SOULS, and finally ACTORS INK.

These days Richard spends most of his time negotiating contracts for the many Professional Actors and Variety Artists he represents locally and internationally as well as overseeing his entertainment empire which covers Production of live entertainment, Film & Television Industry and a Talent school producing the next generation of Australian Performers.

Richard still works frequently as a singer/ actor in various theatre restaurant shows, pantomimes and the occasional overseas tour.

Tony Carpenter – Entertainment School Director

Tony a hairdresser by trade and a former Australian Aerobics Champion began his entertainment career late in life compared to most performers, but managed not only to reach their standard and notoriety, but surpass them to become a highly successful performer. Tony has toured Australia and Asia with many shows and companies such as Disney and Warner as a dancer. Tony's first introduction to Ricarp Productions was by means of being a member of a Ricarp show touring to Korea. Following that Richard could see that Tony would be a valuable member to have on the Ricarp Production team and immediately offered Tony a senior position at Ricarp.

Since joining Ricarp Productions Tony has carved a niche for himself not only as a dynamic performer who is always in demand and has continued to tour frequently but has also gained a reputation as one of the most innovative choreographers around who successfully combines the elegance of traditional showgirl with the raw energy of contemporary jazz and funk.

Tony's talents don't stop there he also works regularly as an actor in various plays, theatre restaurant shows and pantomimes. Tony's position at Ricarp Production as Production Co Ordinator sees Tony casting and overseeing the choreographers and general production of the overseeing and corporate shows.

Roz Laidlaw

A veteran of the entertainment industry, Roz enjoyed a successful modelling and dancing career before marriage. She walked the local catwalks shoulder to shoulder with Australia's top models of the time, and starred in shows with such greats a Chubby Checker and Johnny O'Keefe as a dancer.

Roz has devoted her time and knowledge of the entertainment business to company since it's inception in 1985, assisting in all areas of what started as a small business, she has seen the company grow and now heads her favorite section of the business - Essential Talent Agency.

Roz runs the agency boasting a stable of over 300 talented performers and is the first point of call for our clients. You can rest assured that Roz will fulfill all your entertainment needs in a personal, friendly and efficient manner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adelaide's performing arts academy