Isabella Anderson she/her

Born and raised in East Melbourne, Isabella began her performance career as a dedicated classical ballet dancer. Since then, Isabella has trained as an actor, singer, and dancer at institutions such as 16th Street Actors Studio. In 2018, Isabella had the privilege of training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London for their Young Actors Summer School. During her studies at the Arts Academy, Isabella performed in Semi-Monde (Tanis Marshall) and Welcome to Thebes (Aglaea). A highlight of her university studies was workshopping and originating the character of Grace in the new musical Zoe Becomes a Comet by Shanon D. Whitelock and Anthony Crowley.

Erin Barrett she/her

Erin discovered her love for the stage at four when she began singing and dancing classes. Erin has an extensive dance background including completing numerous exams, as well as many years of private singing training. In 2020 Erin moved from Perth, Western Australia, to Ballarat to study at Federation University Australia. At the Arts Academy Erin has been involved in Metamorphoses (Dance Captain), Zoe Becomes a Comet - a new work by Anthony Crowley and Shanon D. Whitelock (Salem, Dance Captain) - and Into the Woods (Florinda), as well as the student-devised show Exquisite Corpse 2.0.

Rohan Berghan-Carrick he/him

Rohan is an actor and writer hailing from Melbourne’s inner north-east. He is passionate about the creation and presentation of both contemporary and classical theatre. He has enjoyed the chance to work under Kim Durban twice in Semi-Monde (Jerome) and Welcome to Thebes (Polykleitos). He has also worked with Ross Hall in 2021’s Jane Eyre (Rochester). Rohan is excitedly awaiting any opportunity to collaborate with other creatives post-graduation in 2023.

Emily Burnett she/her

Growing up on Wurundjeri land nurtured by the extensive artistic culture of Melbourne, Emily is an enthusiastic queer performing artist. Her deep love of dramatic texts and fascination with human behaviour drew her to theatre from an early age. Emily began her formal training at the Arts Academy in 2020, as a High Achiever’s Scholarship recipient. She is honoured to have been directed by Kim Durban twice, in Semi-Monde (Beryl) and Welcome to Thebes (Antigone) and had the privilege of working with Ross Hall in Jane Eyre (Adele). Emily is especially engaged by contemporary Australian theatre and eagerly anticipates kick-starting her professional career in 2023.

Jackson Cross he/him

Jackson is a performing artist and writer born in Geelong. During his time at the Arts Academy he has been a part of several stage shows, including most recently playing The Baker in his 2022 company production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods directed by Alister Smith and musically directed by Trevor Jones. Other credits include Tribe (Guru) directed and written by Anthony Crowley, Man and Superman (John Tanner/Hector Malone) directed by Angela Campbell and writing and performing in Exquisite Corpse 2.0: We, The Mariner directed by Kirsten von Bibra and musically directed by Mark Jones. Jackson is also writing an opera that will commence production in 2024.

Flynn Davis he/him

Flynn is a queer actor who has an immense passion for Australian theatre. Growing up in the countryside, Flynn immersed himself in dance classes and later discovered a passion for acting and musical theatre. During his studies, Flynn has had the opportunity to be directed by Anthony Crowley in the Australian musical Tribe (ManBoy). Furthermore, Flynn has also been directed by Kim Durban in the Greek-inspired tragedy Welcome to Thebes (Tiresias). Flynn has created new work such as ‘The Disease of Disconnection’, a song that was performed in the student-devised show Exquisite Corpse 2.0.

Chiara Di Sipio she/her

Chiara has always loved to tell stories through the arts. Prancing around the living room re-enacting Grease at the age of two, putting on shows for family and forcing her sister to join in was only the beginning. She began practising the arts through extra curriculars at school and furthered her passion at the Arts Academy - which is where she recently closed her graduating show Welcome to Thebes (Ismene) by Moira Buffini, directed by Kim Durban. Her Italian background contributes to her lively personality: you can guarantee that being up for a chat, a laugh, a feast or simply enjoying the company of others is always on the cards.

Sian Dowler they/she

Sian is an enthusiastic queer artist raised and nurtured in a family of thespians who have always supported her creativity. Her passion for heightened language and movement began at an early age. While studying at the Arts Academy Sian was lucky enough to work with Anthony Crowley on his original musical Tribe (Spooky), George Bernard Shaw's Man and Superman (Ann Whitefield) directed by Angela Campbell, the devised piece Exquisite Corpse 2.0 directed by Laura Burzacott, and Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods (Lucinda) directed by Alister Smith. Sian has a passion for Cabaret and Burlesque and in future wishes to create her own unique works.

Rhianah Ebony she/her

Rhianah is an actor, dancer, and singer. She started her dance training in 2006 at Margot Dawkins School of Dance in East Gippsland, where she studied jazz, tap, callisthenics and ballet. In 2007 she started training at Urban Funk Dance where she continued to further her studies in contemporary dance, hip-hop and musical theatre. In 2020 Rhianah commenced her formal training at the Arts Academy. During this time, she has performed in shows including Semi-Monde directed by Kim Durban, Exquisite Corpse 2.0: Plastic Purgatory directed by Laura Burzacott, and Welcome to Thebes directed by Kim Durban, as the company swing.

Abigail Fritsch she/her

Abigail is a performing artist who has trained across the mediums of theatre, musical theatre, screen, and live music. Beginning as a singer she has performed across multiple venues in both contemporary pop bands as well as a funk/jazz/rock band. She undertook a VET course to study live music and obtained her Certificate 3 in Music Industry. She has since participated as a performer in various theatre productions at the Arts Academy including Metamorphoses (various roles), Man and Superman (Ann Whitefield/Henry Straker), and Welcome to Thebes (Talthybia). She also worked as a deviser and performer as part of Exquisite Corpse 2.0: Plastic Purgatory where she wrote and performed her own work.

Connor Gale he/him

Connor is an actor and writer who wants to create and produce his own theatre works - he is currently writing a play, ‘53’, Connor has always had passion for performing and creating new worlds that intrigue and immerse audiences. Throughout his time at the Arts Academy, he has performed in: Semi-Monde, directed by Kim Durban; Jane Eyre, directed by Ross Hall; and Exquisite Corpse 2.0: Plastic Purgatory directed by Laura Burzacott with music direction by Anthony Crowley. In Exquisite Corpse Connor’s writing was featured in the scene ‘The Slimy Sea’. Most recently Connor performed in Welcome to Thebes (Prince Tydeus) directed by Kim Durban.

Lilian Hudson she/her

Lilian is an ardent and joyful performer with a love of contemporary Australian works. During her studies, she was fortunate to be directed by Kim Durban in both Noël Coward’s Semi-Monde (Violet), and Moira Buffini’s Welcome to Thebes (Pargeia). Lilian also originated the role of Salzburg in Zoe Becomes a Comet; written and directed by Anthony Crowley and Shanon D. Whitelock. She further developed her love of devising theatre in the show Exquisite Corpse 2.0 under the direction of Kirsten von Bibra and music direction of Mark Jones. She looks forward to continuing to bring her positive attitude to her work, and engaging audiences, both as a performer and writer.

Kirby Hunt he/him

Hailing from regional Victoria, Kirby is a passionate performer, writer, and creative. Kirby’s energetic and abundantly curious nature have led to interests beyond the stage including Kargyraa throat singing, filmmaking, and creating worlds as a professional Dungeon Master. During his time at the Arts Academy Kirby performed in Metamorphoses (Midas/Cinyras), Man and Superman (Jack Tanner/Don Juan), Welcome to Thebes (Haemon), and wrote and performed material for Exquisite Corpse 2.0: Plastic Purgatory. Kirby’s other credits include The Wedding Singer (Robbie Hart), and One Man, Two Guvnors (Francis Henshall).

Pearl Hunter she/her

Pearl started her performing arts training at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, graduating from the theatre arts program in 2019. Whilst enrolled she performed in The Bridge (Des) directed by Christopher Button, Music Theatre Workshop choregraphed and directed by Ross Hannaford and Tanya Mitford, The Beaux Stratagem (The Countrywoman) directed by Christopher Button and Homer’s Iliad (Hecuba) directed by Goran Banyai. Pearl has continued her performing arts education at the Arts Academy. Productions include Semi-Monde (Dorothy)directed by Kim Durban, Zoe Becomes a Comet (Nadiya Yaga)directed by Anthony Crowley, Exquisite Corpse 2.0 directed by Kirsten von Bibra and Into the Woods (The Witch) directed by Alistair Smith.

Gursimar Kaur she/her

Gursimar has involved herself in performing from the age of four, when she started learning various Indian dance styles. Her passion for performing extended when she discovered her love for singing, song writing, piano and acting. Gursimar was a part of the 'Speak Now' project with the Wyndham Theatre Company which ignited her interest in script writing. During her studies at the Arts Academy, she has been a part of various projects including Into the Woods (Jack’s Mother) directed by Alister Smith, and Metamorphoses (various characters), directed by Ross Hall.

David Kay he/him

Growing up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, David studied at the Victoria Youth Theatre for six years. David has a passion for performance and creating characters in many different mediums including screen acting, Shakespeare, plays and musicals. He has worked on many productions whilst at the Arts Academy including Metamorphoses directed by Ross Hall, Man and Superman directed by Angela Campbell, and Exquisite Corpse 2.0 directed by Kirsten von Bibra with musical direction from Mark Jones. David has performed in Legally Blonde and The Little Mermaid both directed by Kacey Michelle. David has also undertaken screen acting training at the Australian College of Dramatic Arts.

Monique Kerr she/her

Monique is an actor, singer, musician, and dancer based in Melbourne/Ballarat. During her studies at the Arts Academy, she played the lead role Zoe in Anthony Crowley and Shanon D. Whitelock’s original production of Zoe Becomes a Comet and was directed by Alister Smith as The Witch in Into the Woods. Monique has toured Europe and the UK as lead vocalist in contemporary/experimental music outfits. In 2019, Monique was nominated for Best Female Lead by the Music Theatre Victoria Guild Association. She will be playing Steve Hart in Ned Kelly: The Big Gay Musical at Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2023.

Lucy May Knight they/she

Growing up in Tasmania, Lucy was able to explore multiple opportunities in the creative field, from bands to semi-professional theatre, film, and TV. Lucy has always had a strong vision of being in the creative sector. The start of 2022 Lucy worked with Kirsten von Bibra and Mark Jones in Exquisite Corpse 2.0. Lucy was a strong contributor to the creative aspect of this project. This also opened opportunities to work with composer Rick Chew on pieces that were written for the show. Lucy is excited for new adventures as she kickstarts her career with Melbourne Shakespeare Company playing Anne Page and Robin in The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Madeleine Lacy she/her

Madeleine has been interested in the arts from an early age - starting with ballet and piano lessons. Madeleine discovered her love for the theatre, in particular music theatre, when she began classes at Stage School Australia (Young Australian Broadway Chorus) which she belonged to from 2015-2019. During her time at Arts Academy, Madeleine developed her skills in both stage and screen acting. Performing in Anthony Crowley’s Tribe (Marx) she was privileged to premiere one of the musical’s newest characters. Other highlights from her studies include Jane Eyre (Adèle); Exquisite Corpse 2.0, a group-devised work; and most recently, Into the Woods (Little Red Ridinghood).

Antonia Maher she/her

Antonia is a passionate performing artist and has been from an early age. Credits include working with industry producers and professionals at a vocal boot camp in Los Angeles as well as being a part of Grease the Arena Experience in Melbourne. Since joining the Arts Academy, Federation University Australia, she has been a part of amazing shows including Ross Hall's Metamorphoses and an original musical production of Zoe Becomes a Comet by Anthony Crowley and Shanon D. Whitelock. Antonia played the Baker's Wife in her third-year production of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods directed by Alister Smith.

Maggie Matthews she/her

Born and raised in regional Victoria, Maggie is a driven young performer who began gigging acoustically from an early age, playing both the acoustic and electric guitar. During her time at Federation University Maggie has been fortunate to work on several productions such as Anthony Crowley’s original musical Tribe (Trotsky), Jane Eyre (Jane Eyre) and most recently Welcome to Thebes (Thalia). A highlight for Maggie was creating a self-devised piece with Anthony Crowley and Laura Burzacott, titled ‘Pirate Song’ which she wrote and performed in Exquisite Corpse 2.0.

Georgia McAleer she/her

Georgia is a performing artist/creative based in Melbourne. Growing up surrounded by entertainment in the Yarra Valley, Georgia found her passion for all things performing arts at an early age. While studying at the Arts Academy she has worked on productions such as Jane Eyre (Mrs Fairfax/Composer) directed by Ross Hall, and Tribe (Princess) directed by Anthony Crowley. She most recently appeared in Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife) directed by Alister Smith. Composing is a strong focus for her as she is set to release her debut album in late 2023. Georgia will be performing as a soloist at Broadway Unplugged in early December.

Emily McKenna she/they

Emily is a neurodivergent and queer actor born in the south-east suburbs of Melbourne and raised with a love for jazz, theatre, science, and European football. Emily has a love for children and playfulness, having worked as a music teacher for children for three years. Her credits include originating the role of Elvis in Zoe Becomes a Comet by Anthony Crowley and Shanon D. Whitelock, as well as Into the Woods (Jack), Exquisite Corpse 2.0, and Les Misérables (Eponine understudy).

Victoria Angelique Mertzanidis she/her

Victoria is a queer, autistic performer/creative with an indiscriminate passion for music; her knowledge of theory and competency in a plethora of instruments fuels her to compose lyrical piano and musical theatre pieces. Victoria’s love for music culminates into her long-standing drive for theatre and the arts. At the Arts Academy she has been directed by Kim Durban in Semi-Monde (Beverley), Anthony Crowley in Zoe Becomes a Comet (Madame Moira), Laura Burzacott in Exquisite Corpse 2.0: Plastic Purgatory (Ensemble/composer). Most recently she has been directed by Alister Smith in Into the Woods (Rapunzel).

Bailey Metz-Graham he/him

Bailey is a queer singer, actor and mover born in regional Victoria. Growing up in Ballarat, he has always been fascinated by the world of performing arts. During his studies at the Arts Academy, he performed in Man and Superman (Jack Tanner) directed by Angela Campbell and collaborated as a writer/performer in the devised ensemble piece Exquisite Corpse 2.0: We, The Mariner directed by Kirsten von Bibra. Bailey has also been directed by Kim Durban in two productions – Semi-Monde (Owen Marshall), and most recently Welcome to Thebes (Junior Lieutenant Scudor).

Olivia Mitchell she/her

Olivia is an emerging performer from Melbourne, with strong passions in every facet of the performing arts industry – stage, screen, dance, writing, singing and backstage. Prior to 2020, Olivia undertook seven years of ballet and a short course at the Victorian College of the Arts. She gained a position at Loyola College Melbourne as the Performing Arts Assistant, where she was able to teach and direct students, as well as operate lighting, cameras and stage-manage. At the Arts Academy, Olivia devised work for Exquisite Corpse 2.0, and performed in Zoe Becomes a Comet (Jenny Greenteeth), Welcome to Thebes (Euphrosyne), and Metamorphoses (Alcyone/Hermes).

Madeleine Norwood she/her

Madeleine is from the small town of Maffra, Victoria where her passion for theatre and the arts began at an early age, when she discovered her joy for performing while gigging in bands as the lead singer. Madeleine loves the art of storytelling and delivering powerful ideas through performance. Whilst studying at the Arts Academy Madeleine has been a part of productions such as Semi-Monde (Susanne), Jane Eyre (Jaye Eyre), Exquisite Corpse 2.0 and most recently Welcome to Thebes (Phaeax). Madeleine is eager to continue to expand her skills and be a part of a variety of artistic projects and performances.

Oscar O'Brien he/him

Oscar is a performer and collaborator originally from Horsham, Victoria, now based in Melbourne. Oscar has a passion for fresh, new works and hopes to take hold of opportunities to collaborate on these kinds of works, whether that be with his graduate peers or other folk hungry to tell stories in the industry. As an actor, Oscar enjoys playing in comedies. Recently he was lucky enough to work as Cinderella’s Prince in Sondheim’s Into the Woods, directed by Alister Smith. Other performances throughout his studies at the Arts Academy include Semi-Monde (Mike) and Jane Eyre (Mr Rochester) in 2021, and the group-devised production Exquisite Corpse 2.0: Plastic Purgatory in 2022.

Veronica Olesh she/her

Veronica has always been extremely passionate about performing – she was singing around the house before she could talk. She is lucky to have family who are incredibly supportive of her endeavours and always encouraged her to pursue her dreams. In 2016 she attended the Victorian College of the Arts Musical Theatre Short Course, where her passion and knowledge for the art only grew. In 2019, she attended Stage School Australia’s First Year Program with a scholarship. Productions in this program were toured around Victoria for primary schools, secondary schools, and the public, honing her skills in children’s theatre. Most recently at the Arts Academy she played Cinderella in Into the Woods directed by Alister Smith.

Rafal Pyka he/him

Born in Poland, Rafal has loved performing all his life. Moving to Australia at the age of eight he grew up on Phillip Island immersing himself in the local theatre scene. During his time at the Arts Academy, he has performed in Metamorphoses (Phaeton, Hades) directed by Ross Hall, Man and Superman (Mendoza, Devil) directed by Angela Campbell, and a group-devised cabaret Exquisite Corpse 2.0: Plastic Purgatory directed by Laura Burzacott where he performed his own work. Most recently Rafal appeared in Welcome to Thebes (Miletus, Xenophanes) directed by Kim Durban.

Hadyen Rees he/him

Hayden is an actor based in Ballarat. He has enjoyed performing and portraying a wide range of characters in musicals, plays, and dance eisteddfods from an early age and has completed a Certificate 2 in Dance and Theatre Studies with Ausdance. Hayden appeared in the movie Road to Boston. During his studies at the Arts Academy Hayden has performed in productions including Metamorphoses (Hunger, Narcissus, Philemon), Man and Superman (Octavius Robinson), Exquisite Corpse 2.0, and Into the Woods (Steward). Hayden has performed at The Ballarat Business Awards, has been studying singing with Jason Wasley, and will be singing at the Ballarat Vocal Studio Soiree.

Meg Richardson she/her

Being brought up in a small country town, Meg has been exposed to many facets of life which inform her practice and give her a unique set of practical skills. In 2021 she was thrilled to collaborate with Anthony Crowley and Shanon D. Whitelock on Zoe Becomes a Comet, originating the role of Alice. In 2022 Meg worked with Laura Burzacott in Exquisite Corpse 2.0: Plastic Purgatory - a group-devised work in which she played the drums and performed. Most recently Meg had the pleasure of being directed by Kim Durban as lead Eurydice in Welcome to Thebes.

Giannina Sacchetta

Giannina is a Melbourne-based performing artist. At the Arts Academy she has performed in Welcome to Thebes by Moira Buffini, Man and Superman by George Bernard Shaw, and Semi-Monde by Noël Coward. She also had the opportunity to create theatre under the direction of Laura Burzacott and Anthony Crowley in Exquisite Corpse 2.0, in which Giannina choreographed a contemporary dance piece and highlighted her movement skills as The Albatross (Death). Previously Giannina graduated from Melbourne Polytechnic with a Diploma of Theatre Arts and performed in Doorways and All of Us or None a collection of excerpts from Bertolt Brecht’s plays where she also was the dance/movement choreographer.

Bailee Scott they/she

Bailee, originally from Ipswich, Queensland and now residing in Melbourne, has a dynamic portfolio in the performing arts. They first began their professional training completing an Advanced Diploma of Musical Theatre at the Australian Dance Performance Institute in 2018. Bailee has an extensive list of credits in performance, with highlights including self-devised performance, in which she takes a keen interest. Credits include Federation University Arts Academy: Welcome to Thebes (Harmonia/Eris), Exquisite Corpse, Zoe Becomes a Comet (Fulda), Semi-Monde (Norma, Joshua); Ipswich Musical Theatre Company: Ladies in Black (Lisa).

Daisy Shoebridge she/her

Growing up in Melbourne, Daisy quickly found her love for theatre and performance. She trained in singing, dancing, and acting at Flashdance Performing Arts from the age of eight. At the Arts Academy she performed in Tribe (Courtney and Dance Captain) directed by Anthony Crowley, Jane Eyre (Jane Eyre) directed by Ross Hall, and Exquisite Corpse 2.0 directed by Kirsten von Bibra for which she also created a song. Daisy’s passion for theatre increased when she lived in America for four months, working as head of the theatre department at Kenmont Kenwood. Most recently, a highlight for Daisy was performing as Cinderella in Into the Woods, directed by Alister Smith.

Tristan Sicari he/him

Tristan garnered a love for performing arts from an early age; studying theatre at the School of the Arts Singapore and being involved in numerous youth theatre productions through Stage School Australia. At the Arts Academy he originated the character Shakespeare in Zoe Becomes a Comet, a new musical by Anthony Crowley and Shanon D. Whitelock; performed Salvatore in a workshop of Momo by Rick Chew and Anthony Crowley; and wrote and performed material for Exquisite Corpse 2.0: We, The Mariner. Tristan’s credits include Into the Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince/Mysterious Man), Metamorphoses (Ceyx/Apollo), Peter Pan in Neverland (Captain Hook), Cats (Bustopher Jones), Godspell (Judas), and Seussical (The Cat in the Hat).

Imogene Tonks she/her

Growing up in the rural hamlet of Rhymney, Victoria, located in the Grampians, Imogene was surrounded by the art of theatre and learnt to value the importance of play in storytelling. Training in singing, acting, and dancing in her hometown for thirteen years, Imogene recently returned to assistant direct Lucky Stiff at the local high school. During her time at Arts Academy Imogene devised and performed her own work in Exquisite Corpse 2.0: Plastic Purgatory as well as performing in Semi-Monde (Harry, Luke, and Elise), Man and Superman (Violet), and Into the Woods (Jack and Milky White).

Emma Venzke she/her

Emma Venzke is a passionate performer originally from Brisbane, now based in Melbourne. She is a graduate from Australian Dance Performance Institute, holding a Diploma of Musical Theatre. At the Arts Academy she performed in Tribe (Freak) directed by Anthony Crowley, Jane Eyre (Blanche Ingram and others, and co-composer) directed by Ross Hall, and collaborated on the group-devised show Exquisite Corpse 2.0 directed by Kirsten von Bibra. For the latter, she utilised her composition skills to write songs and vocal arrangements with the guidance of musical director Mark Jones. Emma dance-captained her third-year musical Into the Woods directed by Alister Smith, as well as stepping into the demanding high-heels of Stepmother.

Adam White he/him

Adam White is a screen and stage actor, musician and writer hailing from Melbourne’s inner southeast. Adam has indulged himself in performing arts from an early age. He also writes and produces music with his band. At the Arts Academy he worked with director Kim Durban as the male lead in Welcome to Thebes (Theseus) and Semi-Monde (Cyril). Adam was a writer and performer in Exquisite Corpse 2.0: We, The Mariner directed by Kirsten von Bibra and musically directed by Mark Jones. In addition, he performed in Jane Eyre (Mr Brocklehurst, Pilot) under the direction of Ross Hall.