The recent death of Michael Fuller is sad news for Flinders and for Adelaide’s performing arts community.

An inspirational teacher of movement and dance, Mr Fuller taught hundreds of drama students at Flinders during his 15 years on staff. He is remembered by his colleagues and former students for his extraordinary talent, dedication and professionalism.

He was born in England in 1947 and educated in England and Ceylon. After studying acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, Mr Fuller travelled to Australia where he found work as a teacher at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA).

Involvement with director Colin George and the Australian Theatre for the Deaf brought Mr Fuller to Adelaide in 1977 and he took up a residency as choreographer and actor with the State Theatre Company, before going freelance and then joining Flinders to lead the teaching of movement in the Drama Centre.

In addition to his Flinders role, Mr Fuller choreographed for several local theatre companies including Troupe, Doppio Teatro, Red Shed and Patch as well as the State Opera and the SA Film Corporation, and was also responsible for directing several productions, including musicals. In recent years he choreographed high school productions for Pembroke and Norwood Morialta.

His career, which saw him instruct numerous prominent Australian actors and collaborate with directors such as Jim Sharman, George Ogilvie and Gale Edwards, was recognised recently by the award of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Adelaide Critics’ Circle.