DeepBlue have collaborated with Michael Whelan, Studio G and Autism Queensland to produce two shows: Altered States and Super Conductor and the Big Game Orchestra.

Associate Professor Michael Whelan is an academic, writer, musician and autism advocate. Michael has written music and directed productions for theatre companies and festivals including Queensland Theatre Company, La Boite Theatre, Access Arts, Qld Youth Arts Festival and the Sydney Festival. In addition to his interdisciplinary live arts practice, Michael has written and directed a range of short films on topics ranging from post school transition for young people with autism to youth at risk and bullying. Michael was a foundation contributor and state editor for the AMEB’s Contemporary Popular Music syllabus and was an examiner from 1995 – 2000. In addition to his memoir, The Other Country which was published by Pan Macmillan in 2008, Michael also wrote the documentary film What are you doing?. This educational film for school audiences on the topic of social inclusion and autism was distributed to every school in Australia and was screened at the United Nations in New York as part of World Autism Day activities in April, 2013.

Michael’s recent research involves the role of creative practice programs in supporting young people experiencing equity and access obstacles in the transition from school to tertiary education and training.