Melanie Penicka-Smith

A passionate event professional, with the community at the centre of all her work, Melanie Penicka-Smith has over 15 years’ experience in events & stage management, organising special events, cultural festivals, street festivals, and high profile & technically complex concert events.

With extensive experience working with a range of commercial & not-for-profit organisations, Mel is the go-to-girl for planning & staging events. There aren’t many things she hasn’t seen.

With significant knowledge & experience working with local & state government bodies, Mel  has a good understanding of the many & varied legislative requirements.

Mel's specialty is risk management.

In collaboration with Sarah, Mel produced Purcell’s Fairy Queen for the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir, the first ever opera staged by an LGBTQI choir.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Event Management | Risk Management Planning & Assessment | Production Management | Event Management Documentation | Venue Liaison

Concert Production | Chamber Opera Production | Choral Event Consultancy

CURRENT POSITIONS

Events, Markets & Events Coordinator - City of Sydney
Founding Director - Pacific Pride Choir

PREVIOUS POSITIONS

Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (2008 - 2013)
Director, Surry Hills Festival (2005)
Assistant Stage Manager, Sydney Gay Games (2002)

OPERA

Campra - Tancrede (Opera Prometheus, 2013)
Cummins - Anacreontea Antipodean* (Opera Prometheus, 2011) Cummins - Timor* (Opera Prometheus, 2015)
Glass - Akhnaten (Ondine Productions, 2013)
Krasa - Brundibar (Joseph Toltz/Opera Prometheus, 2014)
Leon - Monsoon* (Opera Prometheus, 2015)
Menotti - The Medium (Opera Prometheus, 2015)
Purcell - The Fairy Queen (Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir, 2009)

* = world premiere

CONCERT EVENTS

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir, SGLC Goes Platinum 20th Anniversary Concert (2010)

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Diploma of Events
Sydney Institute of TAFE (2012)

Diploma in Business (Marketing), majoring in Event Management
APM Training Institute, St Leonards, Sydney (2004)

Bachelor of Arts & Diploma of Education
Macquarie University, Sydney (1984-87)

Header Photo: courtesy of Diversity Choir, Hanoi, Vietnam

Photo: Penny Ryan, Penny Ryan Photography