Noni Hazlehurst

"I have known Peter Blackburn for a number of years - we first met through 16th Street when I was a participant in the first Larry Moss Masterclass in Australia.

Peter is the kind of director our industry needs - unfailingly enthusiastic and supportive, incredibly knowledgable with a great eye and terrific instincts, but above all, he is kind and humble.

He is empathetic to his team and to the audience, and he fully understands that all of us in this business have a duty to do work that connects people and reminds us that we are not alone in this hostile world, which is, after all, the function of the arts."

"Working with Peter both as a coach and director has been liberating. He creates a safe and collaborative environment where the text and artist merge to create work that is authentic. Through his direction in our show 'The Trial of Dorian Gray', my work and character creation became fearless. He helped me navigate vulnerable waters to embrace the level of sexual prowess and femininity required for my character, whilst skillfully analyzing the script to reveal the many layers of subtext and truths of the characters. Peter's passion for actors and the work is evident with his generosity, warmth and sensitivity."

"During rehearsals of 'Holding The Man', there was a two-week period of time when our director, Larry Moss, had to be away. He left, entrusting the work to Peter who helmed the production capably in his absence. Under Peter’s direction the cast honed what was already set in place by Mr. Moss, intricately exploring more deeply each character’s truths. He was professional, precise, diligent, and methodical in his approach, but was also compassionate and knew when certain scenes required more time and understanding."

"Peter’s unique approach is all about the actor and their needs. His methods are exploratory, nuanced and illuminating. His empathetic and collaborative rehearsal room fosters a feeling of joy, safety and support. Peter embraces challenging subject matter, helping to guide the actor towards a performance that is free, spontaneous and connected. His experience and breadth of knowledge is matched only by his passion for inspiring the performer."

"Peter is a wonderful scene coach and director and a very good human.  And he has an encyclopedic knowledge of film (it truly is amazing).  Having worked with him in my roles as an actor, writer, producer and through interviewing him on my web series, tête-à-tête, I know he is a brilliant and caring teacher.  If you are looking for someone to work with, whether you are experienced or a beginner, you couldn’t do better."

"I’ve gone through much of my career (and life!) being called ‘too sensitive’. But I remember a particular session with Peter, where he said to me: ‘your empathy isn't a weakness, it's a superpower,’ and I have carried this with me every day since. Because I now know that empathy is the most crucial part of what we do as actors. Being open to understanding other people and myself has made me a better performer."

"I have worked with, studied with and trained with Peter over a 10 year period. His knowledge of the craft of acting, and openness to working with the actor in front of him, is a real strength to the way that he teaches. When working with or watching Peter work, you can see that he has a history as a teacher and theatre director. He cares deeply for what he is teaching, and works diligently to arm the actor with a workable skillset. I've been fortunate to work with Peter on two productions, and often seek coaching when preparing for upcoming roles and projects."