From Stage to Screen to Studio: The Dynamic Creativity of Chris Curran

Chris Curran is a man of many talents. Creative Director at Transit Dance and an all-around powerhouse in the dance world, Curran has built an impressive resume as a performer, casting director, executive producer, and designer.

From a young age, Chris was captivated by the performing arts and all of its possibilities. As a budding actor and musical theater performer, he immersed himself in the world of drama and stagecraft, honing his skills and preparing himself for the world of show business. 

Chris Curran with the producers on the set of UP HERE.

His passion for the industry grew exponentially as he landed crucial roles within Australian TV shows State Coroner (Network Ten) and Stingers (Nine Network). But it wasn't long until Chris' creative talents needed to be channeled into a wider scope of production, and he found himself taking his experience to the next level, by becoming a casting director. 

This was a pivotal moment in his career, and he was fortunate enough to work alongside acclaimed directors such as Jean Pierre Jeunet (Amelie), Adam Zwar (Lowdown) and Tony Rogers (Wilfred) on a series of high profile advertising campaigns and TV programs.  Using his keen eye for talent and ability to spot promising performers, Chris has played an integral role in launching the careers of many successful performers. 

Chris’ journey into the world of dance however, began in 2011 when he first crossed paths with fellow performer and entrepreneur, Paul Malek. The two recognized a shared determination to create thriving businesses within the performing arts industry, thus beginning their epic entrepreneurial journey. 

From their first venture, a small-scale production company called Boom Media, which was a media company created specifically for the dance industry, success quickly followed. This led to the birth of several other dance businesses, such as UNDRGRND, Victorian Dance Festival, Immersed Dance Industry Night and dance company Collaboration The Project, highlighting their unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and unrelenting passion for the arts. 

Hosts Yvette Lee and Paul Malek on the set of Dance Chat LIVE.

Over the years they have worked together as Executive Producers on several films, live productions, and special events, including the celebrated online talk show, Dance Chat, hosted by Paul Malek and Yvette Lee, and the critically acclaimed contemporary production of Yours Truly. The latter received numerous accolades, including the Victorian Dance Award for Best Production, and is considered one of Curran's most triumphant accomplishments as an Executive Producer.

Chris Curran hard at work designing on his computer.

However, for Curran, the most significant milestone of his career is the founding of Transit Dance with his partner, Paul Malek. According to Curran, "This is undoubtedly my proudest moment," as it allows him to give back and assist aspiring young people in pursuing their dreams, just as he had.

As Creative Director, Curran's exceptional graphic design and filmmaking skills make an indelible impact on Transit Dance. He uses his visionary creative leadership and modern branding strategies to help the company emerge as a cutting-edge and pioneering entity in the dance industry. His passion for excellence and artistic vision permeated Transit Dance's culture, inspiring everyone to push boundaries and explore their creativity to the fullest.

As a dynamic leader in the dance world, Chris Curran has redefined the boundaries of what's possible in the industry. His extensive experience as a casting director, producer, and Creative Director at Transit Dance reflects his unwavering commitment to art and creativity. Indeed, his legacy is not only one of sheer talent and hard work but also one of inspiration, which will undoubtedly continue to fuel the careers of many future performers and industry professionals in the years to come.

Want to join our community of passionate artists? Auditions are coming up on 22 July, Register your spot here