Mads Hillam is a Maker, Stage Manager and is currently the Workshop Manager at Terrapin, with experience in technical production, construction, and design. Originally from Townsville, Mads worked with TheatreiNQ and Dancenorth before studying at the Victorian College of the Arts, graduating in 2020 with a Bachelor of Design and Production, majoring in Set and Props.
Mads has held various roles, including leading hand at Aludean Sculpture, working on large-scale bronze public art, and at Meridian Sculpture, a studio and foundry, focusing on wax modelling and finishing. As a props technician for the Sydney season of An American in Paris (2022), Mads was responsible for running the props track and performing maintenance. On Hairspray (2022–2023), Mads toured as Assistant Stage Manager and Props Master, managing sourcing, making, maintenance, and the props track for the national tour.
In 2023, Mads began at Terrapin as the Jennifer Davidson Creative Trainee in puppet construction and Workshop Coordinator. Mentored by Bryony Anderson, Mads contributed to the puppets for Feathers and built Duck and Rita the BeeEater. Mads has also worked as lead maker for A Whale Tale and designed and built Space Fish for the band Whistle and Trick. They also work as a facilitator for shadow puppetry workshops with diverse communities.