About us
Principal teacher
Ian Wilmoth is the principal teacher at Drama By Design. He trained as a lawyer before moving into the performing arts and education. Ian has a bachelor degree in laws, a bachelor of arts and a graduate diploma of education. He is also a Chinese language teacher. Ian has taught screen acting since 2000.
Ian has appeared in Australian and international television dramas such as MDA, The Secret Life of Us (opposite Claudia Karvan), Stingers (opposite Peter Phelps), Halifax f.p., Blue Heelers, Neighbours, children's shows such as Ocean Girl III and Driven Crazy, and appeared in a series of TV commercials for Snack in a Box noodles, pasta and rice. Ian has acted in many short films including the Awgie winning Absolute Zero, written and directed by Alan Woodruff, The Urge with Bud Tingwell, and has acted in his own short films The Jerrys and Dare, both of which he directed. He also appeared in the feature film Angel Baby with John Lynch, and so is only three degrees of separation from Kevin Bacon. However, he has absolutely no sense of humour, and for that he apologises.
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Ian Wilmoth had secured a small speaking role in the Marvel movie Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions meant he was unable to attend the shoot.
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Ian Wilmoth will appear as Detective Parsons in The Clearing and as Shane Warne's barrister in Warnie.
Student comments
"The best classes I’ve ever had."
"After two sessions I came away feeling positive, enthusiastic, motivated and tingling with anticipation of getting stuck into the work."
"Ian is very skilled at creating an environment that is safe yet challenging."
"Classes are held in an environment of trust and care."
"His student-centred approach and his vast knowledge of the industry make a dynamic, creative and enjoyable class. He's great!"
"My daughter benefits a huge amount from your experience and guidance. She's so much more relaxed about the audition after seeing you today."
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"Ian was honest and very quick to suss me out, challenging....made me look outside the obvious."
"Ian is an excellent teacher who knows his stuff!"
"Best value classes in town."
"Through an ideology of fun and a focus on technique, Ian draws out the best, the worst, and everything in between....he draws out the actor."
"Gave me back my confidence."
"Classes are the highlight of my week."
Ian Wilmoth, principal teacher at Drama By Design.
Past and present students
Students have appeared and currently appear in international and Australian film and television dramas and comedies.
Girl Asleep, a South Australian feature film with Bethany Whitmore starring in the lead role, won the AGE Critics Award at MIFF and the Grand Jury Prize and Futurewave Award at SIFF in 2016. Bethany has been universally praised for her mature and brave performance. She is one of the Top 10 finalist for the Heath Ledger Scholarship 2018.
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"When I use Ian to prepare for auditions, I get more call-backs and more work."
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From 2019-21 Kyle Keuris has played the role of Louie in the three series of the Australian television series Five Bedrooms.
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