David Jobling

Notes

David Paul Jobling is a versatile Australian actor, writer, and multidisciplinary arts practitioner whose career is defined by its experimental spirit and broad reach across theatre, film, and digital media. Born in Whyalla, South Australia, Jobling professionalised his craft through studies at the NIDA Playwright’s Studio, where he graduated in 1999. His education that year also included time at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and TAFE SA. As a writer and dramatist, Jobling has seen his work staged by prestigious institutions such as the Sydney Theatre Company and the Adelaide Festival Centre Trust. His writing often tackles complex social themes; notably, he co-authored Short Performance Works in 1998, a collection exploring gay identity and the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Australia. Beyond writing his own scripts, he has contributed extensively to the development of many stage plays in various support roles, working behind the scenes to bring local stories to life. Jobling’s acting career is equally varied, with credits ranging from gritty television dramas like Water Rats and Love My Way to cult films like Rolf de Heer’s silent-style comedy Dr Plonk. His dedication to the craft is particularly evident in his support for emerging filmmakers; he has appeared in numerous short films for students at AFTRS, Swinburne University, and Metro Screen. A celebrated improviser and on-air host at 2SER FM and Radio Adelaide, Jobling has a long-standing relationship with community media. He has produced current affairs content for national programs like The Wire and served as a producer and host for Sydney Educational Radio and Radio Adelaide, where he hosted the arts-focused programs, Stages and Art Throb. His voice and improvisational skills have made him a staple of the South Australian arts scene, where he also serves as a prolific critic for publications like FIFTY+SA and ABC News. In recent years, Jobling has pivoted toward immersive art. His project The Fit In Room is a tactile installation where he provides "Poetry Massages," using textiles and screen-printed garments to prompt participants to explore their own identities. This blend of performance, literature, and visual art cements his reputation as an artist who consistently defies traditional categorisation.