Tim Schwerdt
derek bradshaw
tim edwards
Tim’s professional career as director and actor has spanned seven countries and thirty-five years. He has also served on casting panels for professional musicals, legit theatre, television and film.
As an actor, credits include Australian Productions of Yes, Prime Minister, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), 42nd Street, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Pajama Game, My Night With Reg, Away (Sydney Theatre Company), Grease The Musical, A Hard God, Teechers and Le Chat Noir. His television and film credits include Wicked Science, Stingers, MDA, The Secret Life Of Us, The Games, Blue Heelers, Three Men and a Baby Grand, Vidiot, Loveless, Home and Away, The Money or The Gun and Boytown.
As Director, credits include Tina Arena’s Australian Concert Tour, which played nationally, opened the newly renovated state-of-the-art Hamer Hall and was filmed exclusively for Foxtel’s Arena channel. In 2016 and 2017, Tim directed the Australian tour of All You Need is Love starring Jack Jones (Southern Sons) with symphony orchestras at the Sydney opera House and Hamer Hall, Melbourne and Stairway To Heaven – Led Zeppelin Masters which toured both nationally and internationally. Since 2017, Tim has gone on to re-direct All You Need Is Love to play at venues around Australia. In 2022, Tim co-created and directed Solitary Man a celebration of Neil Diamond’s award-winning album, Hot August Night starring Hugh Sheridan (Packed To The Rafters) which played at the Canberra Theatre, Sydney Opera House and Hamer Hall. In 2023, Tim was the artistic creator, co-author and director of Russell Morris – The Real Thing. This Australia-wide concert and resulting live album included a 54-piece symphony orchestra.
Tim’s work in the industry has created numerous professional contacts in production management, stage management, lighting, sound, staging, directing, choreographing and producing.
Derek is a seasoned social entrepreneur recognised for his ability to lead innovative ventures that bridge commercial viability with meaningful social impact. With a diverse background spanning multiple industries, Derek has cultivated a reputation for identifying strategic opportunities that deliver both business success and lasting community benefit.
His career has been shaped by a deep commitment to faith, spirituality, and authentic community engagement—principles that led to the founding of Now and Not Yet. This pioneering social enterprise was established as a model for embedding purpose-driven business practices within local communities. More than a decade later, Now and Not Yet continues to make a tangible difference, proving that business can be a powerful force for good.
With a background in music and extensive experience in the creative arts sector, Derek is now focused on transforming the performing arts industry. He is leveraging his entrepreneurial expertise to reimagine how world-class productions are created and delivered, with a vision to empower emerging talent and strengthen the connection between the arts and the wider community.
Tim brings a wealth of experience from a distinguished career in the arts, which laid the foundation for his subsequent transition into ministry. A graduate of The Geelong College, where he served as School Captain, Tim commenced his professional journey in the performing arts immediately after completing his secondary education.
He studied voice at St Catherine’s College, Cambridge University, before continuing his vocal training at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne. In 1991, Tim was awarded first place in Geelong’s “Starsearch,” leading to four successful years performing with the Victoria State Opera. During this period, he also founded and directed the acclaimed regional theatre company, Postcard Productions.
Tim's commitment to the arts extended into leadership and governance roles. He was a Trust Member of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre (1992–1998) and the inaugural CEO of the Courthouse Youth Arts Centre. His contributions were recognized with the Australia Day Council’s Youth Citizen of the Year Award in 1996, following his acclaimed performance as Jean Valjean in the Geelong Lyric Theatre Society’s production of Les Misérables.
In 1998, Tim was appointed the inaugural CEO of the Bathurst Entertainment Centre in New South Wales, where he led the development and establishment of a new arts facility and organisation. He continued to perform occasionally, including as a member of “The Three Geelong Tenors” and in notable stage roles such as Old Deuteronomy in Cats with Footlight Productions in 2008.
Following a period in arts consultancy and his role as Manager of Creative Communities at Regional Arts Victoria, Tim undertook formal retraining and transitioned into a vocation in ministry. His diverse background reflects a lifelong dedication to creativity, leadership, and community engagement.