Justin Freind - Company Founder

Justin began his career at the age of 7 in a production with the Bridgetown Repertory Club. In 1992, he commenced his training at the Western Australian Conservatorium of Music, where he gained a Certificate in Classical Music, a Diploma of Performing Arts, and a Bachelor of Music (Performance).

As a soloist, he has performed with the Conservatorium Chorale, The Geraldton Choral Society, The Malcolm Sargent Choir, The Savoy Singers, The Julian Singers, The Madrigal Singers, St George’s Cathedral Choir, I Voci Choir, P.L.C Choir, Aquinas College Choir, Trinity College Choir, The Lieder Society of W.A., Collegium Choirs, Perth Undergraduate Choral Society, U.W.A Choral Society, and Perth Oratorio Choir.

Justin has performed leading roles with the Midnite Youth Theatre Co., Regal Opera, Music Theatre Co. of W.A., Gilbert & Sullivan Society of W.A., Music Spectrum, M.S. Society of W.A., Old Mill Theatre, Melville Theatre, Harbour Theatre, and sung with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, Perth Pops Orchestra, West Australian Opera, and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra.

As a Musical Director and Conductor, he has led performances for the Savoy Singers, The Real Sing, Gilbert & Sullivan Society of WA, Midnite Youth Theatre Co., On Stage Productions, J&G Musical Productions, Melville Theatre, Old Mill Theatre, and Koorliny Arts Centre.

In 2001, Justin performed the lead role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables at the Regal Theatre to much acclaim and was also the conducting intern for the West Australian Youth Orchestra.

Justin is one of Australia’s leading Gilbert & Sullivan performers, having been involved in over 30 productions. He served as President of the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of WA from 2001–2009. Internationally, he has performed at the UK’s International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival (2004–2005) and with R.A.G.S.T in New Zealand (2008, 2012).

In 2016, he created the role of Henry/Britten in the WA premiere of The Habit of Art, and at the 2017 Independent Theatre Association's Robert Finley Awards, won both Best Actor in a Musical and Best Musical Director for The Secret Garden. He was inducted into the ITA Hall of Fame that same year for his contribution to community theatre.

In addition to his performance and directing work, Justin has built a strong career in venue and arts management. He has managed several of Western Australia’s key performing arts venues, including the Quarry Amphitheatre, Cummins Theatre, and Koorliny Arts Centre. He currently serves as the Coordinator of the Esperance Civic Centre, where he continues to foster vibrant cultural programming and community engagement.

In 2017, Justin co-founded Bel Canto Performing Arts with his wife, Katherine. Created to support the next generation of performers, the company focuses on providing opportunities in musical theatre and beginner dance for young people across Perth, fostering confidence, creativity, and foundational stage skills in a supportive environment.