Anna Houston
Anna Houston is an actor, director, facilitator and communication coach with more than 15 years’ experience helping professionals communicate with confidence, presence and impact. A graduate of NIDA’s Acting program, Anna also holds a Bachelor of Communication and Cultural Studies from Curtin University, where she was awarded the Cultural Studies Medal for her research into the ways gender and status influence communication. This combination of performance training and communication theory gives her a distinctive perspective on leadership, influence and interpersonal connection.
Following her graduation from NIDA in 2004, Anna built an accomplished career across theatre, screen and directing. She has performed with many of Australia’s leading theatre companies, including Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir, Griffin Theatre Company, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare and Sport for Jove. After receiving both the Mike Walsh Fellowship and the Gloria Payten/Gloria Dawn Fellowship, she undertook further training in physical theatre at the renowned École Philippe Gaulier in Paris. Her performance career also includes national tours with The National Theatre of London’s production of War Horse, performing in more than 250 shows across Australia, along with television and film credits including Blue Heelers, All Saints, A Place to Call Home and Event Zero.
As one of NIDA Corporate’s most experienced core facilitators, Anna has worked extensively with clients across the public and private sectors, delivering communication, presentation and leadership programs in both face-to-face and online environments. She is recognised for her ability to translate sophisticated performance techniques into highly practical communication tools that help professionals build credibility, influence and authentic presence.
Anna’s facilitation draws on her expertise in voice, physical communication, storytelling and audience engagement. A passionate lifelong learner, she continually researches and evolves her practice, bringing fresh insights into communication, leadership and human behaviour. Her coaching style is energetic, thoughtful and encouraging, creating supportive learning environments where participants can challenge themselves, develop new skills and achieve lasting growth
Whether working with senior leaders, technical specialists or emerging professionals, Anna helps people communicate with greater confidence, clarity and authenticity. Her unique blend of artistic excellence, communication expertise and practical facilitation experience enables individuals and teams to make a stronger impact in every professional interaction.
What our clients said
“Anna was a fantastic trainer – really encouraging and gave very useful and practical feedback. Her expert facilitation of the course and group meant that everything we learnt was stepped out in a logical, smooth and enjoyable way. How she maintained her energy and warmth through the entire two days was incredibly skillful.“
