Damian Callinan

Comedian & MC

Award-winning comedian, actor, and writer Damian Callinan is known for Skithouse, Before The Game, and his inventive character comedy. With sold-out festival seasons, multiple Barry Award nominations, and TV appearances including Backyard Ashes and It’s A Date, Damian delivers unforgettable performances and tailored after-dinner speeches that leave audiences laughing and inspired.

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Damian Callinan is a multi award-winning stand-up comedian, actor, and writer, renowned for his sharp wit, engaging stage presence, and ability to instantly connect with audiences. He is perhaps best known for his roles in Skithouse and Before The Game, and has built a reputation as a talented MC capable of delivering unforgettable after-dinner speeches.

Damian is also a master of hoax and character comedy, tailoring personas to suit any event. His alter egos, such as ex-AFL country coach Troy Carrington, deliver more than laughs—they ensure audiences leave with memorable experiences.

A touring powerhouse, Damian has sold out seasons at Melbourne and Adelaide Fringe Festivals with shows like The Merger and The Wine Bluffs (a collaboration with Paul Calleja). His acclaimed works, including The Lost WWW1 Diary, Swing Man, Sportsman’s Night, Spaznuts, Proxy Heroes, and The Cave the Rave, have earned multiple nominations for the prestigious Barry Award, along with other major national and international accolades.

Damian’s television credits include ensemble lead roles in Backyard Ashes and appearances on ABC’s It’s A Date, Sammy J & Randy: Ricketts Lane, and The Dr Blake Mysteries. With a mix of sharp satire, inventive characters, and crowd-pleasing humor, Damian Callinan is a sought-after performer and host for corporate, festival, and public events.

Damian hosted the launch of our 2017 theatre season. Damian’s knowledge of the touring network along with his comedic and entertaining style bought each of the shows in our program to life, he was an audience favourite, with some patrons stating that he was the best MC Frankston Arts Centre has ever had at a launch. Frankston City Council
It was the perfect act for the bank's conference. You tailored your act to perfectly suit the theme of our night. The act went off without a hitch and was thoroughly enjoyed by both our community directors and staff alike. A fantastic night. Thanks. Bendigo Bank
On behalf of the convenor, Dr Bill Watkins and the organising committee of the Fertility Society Annual Conference, thankyou for the wonderful performance at our dinner. Your show 'Spaznuts' could not have been more appropriate for our delegates and they enjoyed every moment. Your performance was, without doubt, one of the stand-outs of the conference and was discussed and re-lived in detail throughout the next day! We greatly appreciated the work you put onto 'personalise' the show to our delegates and the conference. Fertility Society
Just a quick note to let you know that the client thought Damian was superb. She really enjoyed his performance and has already received lots of positive feedback. She has sent out feedback forms to attendees of the conference and hopes to put together some written testimonials for Damian when she gets them all back just before Christmas. She said he was lovely to work with and really appreciates how he called her etc. Thank you for all your help once again and please pass on a big thanks to Damian. Victoria University