Our Band of Misfits

Room and Board is all about it's characters, and what happens when conflicting personalities are forced to share a close proximity to one another. So, you know, it's a sitcom. Find out a little bit about who these characters are and the talented actors who are bringing them to life.

'Will' – Scott Middleton

A true blue country boy, Will moved away from the rural town of Ditch Creek to follow his dream of becoming a nurse. He’s a real decent bloke, thoughtful and caring, though a little naive when it comes to folks from the big smoke. Compared to his larger-than-life housemates, some might see Will as the straight man, though as a nursing student with a sensitive side, ‘straight’ is not something he seems to be able to convince others of.

Originally from Bendigo, Scott graduated from the University of Ballarat Arts Academy Acting course in 2008. After graduating he scored the lead in the Indy feature film, 'Less Adolescent' which had screenings in Melbourne and San Francisco. From there he delved into theatre. From devised physical theatre to Disney touring shows, contemporary dramas to Shakespeare in regional areas, he loves it all. He is proud to be a founding member of Mockingbird Theatre, a new Melbourne company receiving critical acclaim for its work, including 'The Laramie Project', 'Blue/ Orange' and recently 'How I Learned to Drive'. Scott's recent TV credits include appearances in 'Dr. Blakes Mysteries' and 'Underbelly: Squizzy'. Scott has loved working with the cast and crew of Room and Board and playing the character of Will. He hopes you love the show as much as we do!

'Jen' – Stephanie Danielides

Focused. Intelligent. Ruthless. You’d be forgiven for thinking we were describing a velociraptor. Jen has always been a motivated young woman. In kindergarten she would do after hours finger-painting homework. By grade 5 she was reading textbooks in-between episodes of Saddle Club. In high school she took a teacher to court for giving her a ‘less than acceptable’ grade. It was then that she realized she wanted to, nay, would be a lawyer. Ever since she’s kept her nose to the grindstone, protecting her ambition in a cocoon of anal retentiveness and bad moods.

Steph’s not sure exactly when she decided that she wanted to become an actor, but has vivid memories of putting on shows for her family and friends as a kid. From these humble beginnings she made her way into the Children's Performing Company of Australia, was elected the Performing Arts Captain of her school in Year 12 and was the recipient of a Malthouse Theatre Company Award. Despite all of this, Steph stubbornly decided to keep going with this acting thing and studied Drama at Deakin University. She also managed to pass her P’s test first time around, so at least that is kind of impressive. These days she is busy with lots of short films, theatre and extras work whilst continuing her studies with a short course at Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia. Steph considers herself to be a ‘pretty cool chick’.

'Jack' – Nelson Gardner

A ladies man with a silver tongue, startlingly good looks and a massive, rock hard…smile. This is Jack, or at least Jack as he would like to be described. A private school alumnus from a family of substantial means, Jack decided he wanted to blaze his own path and make it on his lonesome, and, with no better place to start, enrolled in a higher education business course. Considering his father’s huge successes in the world of business, it’s likely Jack is a genetically gifted entrepreneur, but as long as continues to be an arrogant slob who would do anything to avoid work/get laid, these hidden talents may forever go to waste.

Nelson is an actor who found himself gracefully stumbling into the world of musical theatre at the age of 16. He has been studying classical voice with Adam Lyon ever since and graduated from VCA in 2011, wielding a Bachelor of Music Theatre. Since then he has performed professionally in theatre workshops, kids' theatre, corporate functions, two consecutive musicals with The Production Company ('The Producers' and 'Chess') and a musical adaptation of 'Alice in Wonderland' with The Australian Shakespeare Company. He has also performed in a couple of TV pilots, a generous handful of short films and a pinch of undeservingly viewed YouTube videos. He directed and choreographed 'Slutmonster and Friends' for the 2013 Melbourne International Comedy Festival to rave reviews, critical acclaim and a Golden Gibbo Award nomination. He prefers savory food in general and loves scotch. Also, most of his mind and body live on an inexplicable, astral plane which is only ever in existence whenever somebody is thinking about it. Thank you for keeping him alive.

'M' – Lucinda Burney

Just exactly who is ‘M’? There is a lot that’s not known about this mysterious young lady. Where is she from? What’s her story? What exactly does ‘M’ stand for anyway? Even the basics of M are riddles wrapped in enigmas. As an extremely enthusiastic acting student, M likes to role-play…a lot. Like, all the time. It’s impossible to know which version of her you’ll get on any given day. Will she be a glamorous diva? A sexy super spy? A rough and tough space marine? Or maybe a coffee table with dreams of racing in the Melbourne Cup? With M, anything is possible.

Lucinda Burney has been a naughty girl. She's been acting up ever since she got the taste for theatre through playing Shakespeare's mischievous Puck during primary school. She mastered a great resistance to frost in Ballarat, whilst also honing her performing skills at the Arts Academy through a Bachelor in Music Theatre. Since her training, Lucinda has appeared in a number of independent works including David Williamson's 'The Removalists' and the short film 'Playing For It'. She is looking forward to getting ditsy in Cheeky Theatre's production of Neil Simon's 'Come Blow Your Horn' in September. Lucinda is currently studying a Masters of Literature, because one degree with hazy employment options simply isn't enough. Lucinda has revelled in the challenge of recreating classic film moments through the adorably bizzare M, and looks forward to more fun but just hopes like hell she'll never have to don another moustache.

'SOL' – Jack Walsh

Simon Osbourne Lovejoy, or just SOL for short, is an artist through and through. Although society would label him him a drop kick and a stoner, his love for storytelling, film and television is undeniable. Even with his talent for what mum’s call ‘irresponsible behaviour , his passion to make movies was enough to get him into a uni film course. A little older and theoretically wiser than the other housemates, SOL still challenges the more sheltered and prudish housemates to open their eyes and expand their horizons. More often then not, these challenges come in the form of a suspicious looking brownie.

Jack Walsh dropped out of a graphic design and advertising degree when he decided it would be a good idea to pursue a career in acting. He realized that the best place to get an education in the industry is Tinsel Town. Upon moving to downtown LA in November of 2010, Jack began working with renowned acting coach Vincent Chase at the Vincent Chase Workshop. For 18 months he worked on several projects and also his craft with Vince and Shawn Roe. After filling his brain (aka his visa ran out) he returned to Melbourne and now works with Dmitri Pronin at the Chekhov Drama Studio. Since returning Jack has worked on many different projects and is thrilled to be working on the incredible creative endeavour that is Room and Board. But lets put it to a vote. Do you think Jack should have stayed at university? If you don't, please vote with your coins. If you think he should return to his studies, please also part with you money as a graphic design degree is not cheap.

'Lilly' – Libby Brockman

Wait a second, who’s this? Aren’t there only five housemates? Lilly could be considered an honourable roomie. A fellow nursing student, Lilly met Will on the first day of uni. Since then she’s managed to become a familiar part of the Room and Board house, even though she doesn’t live there. Fun and bubbly, Lilly brightens up every room. Its no wonder she’s got no shortage of admires. But there is more to Lilly than meets the eye. Her passionate and dedicated nature makes her a bit of a wild card. Under the right circumstances, there is no telling what this girl might do…

Libby has recently played a loud-mouthed 16yr old Yorkshire lass in The Honeytrap Theatre's "Scarborough" and is somehow getting younger, now performing as a 12 year old girl who likes bird watching in Act-o-Matic's "The Woodsman". This year, she has taken a step back from film, apart from a few educational videos and of course Room & Board, she maxed out her quota of short films late last year - playing emos, nerds, girlfriends, troubled teens, the lot. She has studied at the National Theatre & Ward Studio, as well as completing some intensive physical theatre courses in England, Italy and Spain. In her spare time Libby works on her repertoire of accents (occasionally to the annoyance of those around her), because who knows when you might need to spontaneously imitate a Welshman?

What Now?

So you know the show, you’ve read up on our incredible cast and crew and you’re ready to help us out. What should you do now? Just follow these simple steps.

1/ Pledge

First and foremost, we need to reach our goal, so please pledge! Every little donation helps, and in exchange for your generosity you will receive our eternal gratitude and (depending on the amount you pledge) some great rewards and bonuses. So pledge! Pledge pledge pledge pledge pledge pledge pledge!

2/ Share

We’ve set ourselves a realistic but still daunting goal. The only way we’re gonna make it is if everyone knows about this fundraiser. But we can’t get the message out on our own. Once you’ve pledged (thanks for that!), please take a second to share this page with everyone you know. Facebook it. Tweet it. Google Plus it. Email it. Fax it. Smoke-signal it. Whatever you can do, please help spread the message of Room and Board. (If you look slightly to the left you may see some conveniently placed buttons just for this)

3/ Follow

When this campaign is over, there will still be lots more for us to do. To keep up to date with all things Room and Board, make sure you follow us.

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Everyone at Not Half Bad is working their buns off to make Room and Board a memorable, unique and entertaining piece of television. But we can only do it with your help. Please pledge so that we can bring you the funny, surprising and memorable show that we know Room and Board can be.

Lots of love and many thanks,

Not Half Bad Productions