David Atkins, OAM[1] (born 12 December 1955)[2] is an Australian dancer, choreographer, music-theatre director and producer.

David Atkins
David Atkins, who designed the Opening Ceremony of the Doha Arab Games, answers a question from the media
Born12 December 1955 (1955-12-12) (age 68)
Sydney, Australia
Occupations
  • Executive producer and artistic director
  • dancer
  • choreographer
Years active1967–present
Children2, including Tobi Atkins
Websitehttp://www.dae.com.au/

Career

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Stage and television

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Atkins began his performance career aged 12 with a role in the musical Mame. As an adult performer, as well as performing in shows such as A Chorus Line and The Pirates of Penzance, he created and performed in his own works Dancin' Man and Dynamite.[3]

World events

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Atkins has directed and produced major live events in various countries. These include Opening, Victory and Closing Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.[4][5]

Honours and awards

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Atkins was recognised in the 2003 Queen's Birthday Honours with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contribution to the Australian entertainment industry.[1] In 2010, the Australian Event Awards presented him with a Lifetime Achievement Award[6] for his enduring contributions to the Australian events industry.

Mo Awards

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The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards (commonly known informally as the Mo Awards), were annual Australian entertainment industry awards. They recognise achievements in live entertainment in Australia from 1975 to 2016. David Atkins won nine awards in that time.[7]

Year Nominee / work Award Result (wins only)
1991 David Atkins Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre Won
1992 David Atkins Musical Theatre Male Performer of the Year Won
David Atkins Musical Theatre Performer of the Year Won
1994 David Atkins Musical Theatre Male Performer of the Year Won
David Atkins Australian Showbusiness Ambassador Won
1995 David Atkins Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre Won
David Atkins Australian Showbusiness Ambassador Won
1997 David Atkins Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre Won
1998 David Atkins Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre Won

References

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  1. ^ a b David Atkins official website – about us
  2. ^ Melbourne Observer Archived 19 October 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Dunn, Amanda (2 August 2013). "Lunch with David Atkins". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  4. ^ "Australian hired to S produce 2010 Olympic ceremonies". CBC News. 20 September 2007. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
  5. ^ David Atkins and Vancouver 2010 Opening Ceremonies:Backstagejob Archived 21 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  6. ^ Australian Event Awards Archived 18 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine – 2010 Official Website
  7. ^ "MO Award Winners". Mo Awards. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
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