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Eileen Dunn
Owner/Managing Director
Eileen Dunn commenced her career as a teacher before pursuing her interest in arts administration. She joined the Victorian Youth Theatre (then known as the Victorian Children’s Theatre) in 1987 which was based in a small hall in Kew and offered Drama classes for 8-12-year-olds. The success of this program and the enjoyment the children had in class has been the ongoing inspiration for the company to build young people’s performing and personal skills through the performing arts. Since then, over the past 30+ years, Eileen has overseen the growth of Stage School Australia to offering a wide range of classes for 4-18-year-olds at locations across Melbourne, while still maintaining the company as a family-run organisation. The Victorian Youth Theatre has continued to grow since its humble beginnings and is now one of the largest performance-based drama programs in Melbourne.
In 1996, a musical theatre component was introduced as part of the Victorian Youth Theatre (VYT) and three years later in 1999, the Young Australian Broadway Chorus (YABC) was born. Given her original training in education, Eileen supported the introduction of Beginners OnStage in 2003 for 5-7-year-olds. In 2017 Beginners OnStage ~
Foundation opened up to 4-year-old pre-school children. Eileen has also supported the creation of the Australian Boys Dance Academy, the Talent Company of Australia and the growth of The Costume Dept. As tour and production manager, Eileen has overseen many national and international performance tours to Asia, Europe and the USA.
Catherine Dunn
Executive Director
Catherine has been involved in Stage School Australia throughout her life. Having trained with Stage School for over ten years, appearing in countless productions and two international performance tours (USA ‘96 & Europe ‘02), she began working at the organisation while competing her studies at Monash University. Since leaving Stage School Australia in 2005, Catherine has gained extensive business expertise, holding senior positions across the corporate sector. As Executive Director, Catherine is privileged to contribute her expertise to Stage School Australia’s continued success. She is passionate about performing arts participation and the profound impact it has on children’s confidence and skill development. Catherine is immensely proud of the Stage School Australia team and the legacy they’ve built over the past four decades. With her leadership, she aims to ensure that Stage School continues to thrive, providing exceptional performing arts education and experiences for many more years to come.
Robert Coates
Artistic Director/ Co-CEO
Robert began working for Stage School Australia in 1995. Most recently he directed Spring Awakening and Oliver JR (2023), CATS (2020), the sell-out seasons of Les Misérables (2019) and Wicked (2018) at the National Theatre and The Wizard of Oz ~ Young Performers Edition at the Union Theatre (2019).
His many other directorial credits include Rags, Joseph’s Dreamcoat, Oliver!, Man of La Mancha, Star-Cross’d Lovers, Godspell and all of the Young Australian Broadway Chorus Gala Concerts at the National Theatre, Back to Bacchus (Musical Director/Associate Director – Tours of Europe ‘97 and USA ‘99, World Tour 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008), What a Circus (Adelaide Fringe ‘98), Once On This Island (Adelaide Fringe 2010), Spring Awakening (National Theatre 2011), Conference of the Birds and Seussical TYA (Adelaide Fringe 2013), Guys & Dolls 2013, The Wizard of Oz 2014, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Malthouse & Adelaide Fringe 2014), Disney Alice in Wonderland and Conference of the Birds (Melbourne Fringe 2014), This Is Australia USA Tours 2015, 2016 & 2018, Disney Aladdin Jr. 2015, Disney The Little Mermaid Jr. 2015, The Secret Garden – Spring Version 2016, Disney Alice in Wonderland Jr. 2016 and Disney Beauty and the Beast Jr. 2016 and the 2017 seasons of HONK! Jr – the musical tale of the Ugly Duckling and Chicken Licken at the Lawler Theatre, Southbank Theatres – home of the MTC, which also toured to the Adelaide Fringe Festival and Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. 2018.
Robert directed the world premiere of Devil’s Snuffbox, the Victorian premiere of The World Goes Round (Victorian Music Theatre Guild nomination – Best Director) and the world premiere season of the Bryant/Frank musical, The Silver Donkey which also toured the USA.
Kristie Hollow
Chief Financial Officer
Since 2010, Kristie has been a pivotal force at Stage School Australia, skilfully guiding the company's financial trajectory. Possessing a Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) with Distinction, she is poised to complete her CPA this year. With a rich professional background, including seven years in various accounting roles at Ford Motor Company, Kristie's expertise adds depth to her role. As a member of the executive team, Kristie's leadership spans aligning business and finance strategies, nurturing the growth of the finance team, and overseeing both financial and management accounting. Her commitment to excellence is evident in ensuring compliance, monitoring cash flows, and proficiently managing company budgets—all of which have been instrumental in driving the financial success of Stage School Australia. Beyond her financial acumen, Kristie's love for the arts infuses a unique passion into her contributions to the company's overall success.
Elysia Krstevski
Producer/Co-CEO
Elysia has worked for Stage School Australia for over 10 years. In addition to bringing her expertise to the business management of the company, Elysia had produced many of the Young Australian Broadway Chorus’ theatrical productions and international tours. Her credits include the sell-out seasons of Cats (2020), Les Miserables (2019), The Wizard of Oz (2019), Wicked (2018), Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR (2018), Honk! JR and Chicken Licken at Southbank Theatre and Adelaide Fringe Festival Tour (2017), Shrek JR (2017), The Secret Garden (2016), Disney Aladdin JR (2015), Disney The Little Mermaid JR (2015) and the Australian Youth Theatre regional tour of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (2016). Elysia was instrumental in the production of Stage School’s last three international performance tours of This Is Australia to the USA, where the troupe performed in five cities across the country. Elysia holds a Bachelor Degree (Performance) from JMC Academy and is also a dancer, singer and composer.
Seth Rintoule
Director of Operations
A former student, Seth trained with Stage School Australia for nine years, appearing in countless plays including ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (Puck) and ‘Rhinoceres’, two seasons at the National Theatre playing Seymour from ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, Emcee from ‘Cabaret’, and two international performance tours (USA ‘96 & Europe ‘04). He began teaching at Stage School in 2005 and was Associate Tour Director for the 2008 USA Tour. Seth has appeared in several television commercials and a guest role on Crash Zone. Since 2003, Seth has been working full-time at the Stage School head office as Administrator and IT support, and now brings over 20 years of company knowledge to the role of Director of Operations.
Josh Mulcahy
Creative Director
Joshua has Production Managed many Young Australian Broadway Chorus and Australian Youth Theatre productions including Les Misérables and The Wizard of Oz (2019), Wicked (2018), Honk! JR at both Southbank Theatre and the tour to the Adelaide Fringe (2017), Disney Beauty and the Beast JR (2016), Disney Alice in Wonderland JR (2016), The Secret Garden ~ Spring Version (2016) and Babe the Sheep Pig (2015 & 2017) amongst others. He has also been the Director of Production for Mordialloc College for the past five years and co-wrote One More Year which had its debut performance in 2012. Josh is also a performer having begun dancing at a very young age. He grew up as a student of the company training with both the VYT and the YABC. With the YABC, Josh toured on multiple occasions to both the Adelaide Fringe Festival and the USA playing a range of characters including Pascal in The Silver Donkey and The Cat in the Hat in Seussical. He also plays percussion for shows across Melbourne.
Jacqui Green
Resident Choreographer
Jacqui Green is one of Australia’s leading choreographers, adjudicators, dancers and dance teachers. Most recently she choreographed the 2018 season of Wicked at the National Theatre. As a choreographer and dancer, Jacqui’s credits include The Don Lane Show, The Ronnie Corbett Show, The Midday Show, The AFI Awards and The Logie Awards. Jacqui played the leading role of Cassie in the national tour of A Chorus Line (Mo Award Nomination), and has also featured in productions of Funny Girl, The Sound of Music, Hello Dolly and Cabaret. Directorial credits include a tour of Asia and New Zealand as the resident director of Joseph’s Dreamcoat for the Really Useful Group. She has toured internationally with numerous Stage School Australia productions including the 2015 and 2016 This Is Australia tours of the USA. Jacqui has choreographed the sell-out seasons of Stage School Australia’s productions of Seussical TYA at the Malthouse, Disney The Little Mermaid Jr., Disney Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Disney Aladdin Jr. at the Union Theatre, Disney Alice In Wonderland, The Secret Garden ~ Spring Version in 2016 at Southbank Theatre and the 2017 season of HONK! Jr – the musical tale of the Ugly Duckling at the Lawler Theatre, Southbank Theatres – home of the MTC, which also toured to the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
Roby Favretto
Resident Director - Drama
Roby holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre Practice) from the VCA. His credits include ‘My Life Is Murder’ (Network 10), ‘Rostered On’ (Netflix), the ‘Sleep with Kip’ series (Story Box Library) and ‘Cactus & Mime’ (Short Film) for which he won Best Actor at Canberra Short Film Festival and Best Writer at Canada Shorts Film Festival. Roby directed AYT’s production of 'Peter Pan in Neverland’ and produced two Best Performance nominated plays at Melbourne Fringe Festival.
Chelsea Plumley
Resident Director - Voice
Chelsea Plumley is a five-time Green Room Award nominated musical theatre performer, GLUG award-winning cabaret artist, musician, host, teacher, producer, playwright and television actor. Television appearances include seven seasons as the ‘Queen of the Fairies’ in the Nine Network’s William & Sparkles' Magical Tales, Offspring, Shaun Micallef’s The Ex PM, I Will Survive and producer, actor and assistant director on Australian Pop Duo “Bachelor Girl’s” film clip, Speak. Her musical theatre credits include Miss Andrew in Mary Poppins, Deidre Chambers in Muriel's Wedding, Margaret Johnson in The Light In the Piazza, Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers, Rizzo in Grease, Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Betty in Sunset Boulevard, Amy in Company, Jolene Oakes in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Marge MacDougall in Promises, Promises, Lalume in Kismet, and Gabby/Bobbi in City of Angels. Chelsea has written, produced & toured her one-woman shows nationally & internationally to the UK, USA and India. She has hosted global phenomenons Sing-A-Long-A Sound of Music and Love Actually in Concert. Her play, Beautiful Highness, had its world premiere in Melbourne in 2023. Chelsea is a Master Teacher, conducting master classes and workshops in universities and drama schools in Australia and the UK.
Georgia Carrigan
Associate Artistic Director
With 9 years as a mentor and 16 years as a performer, Georgia prides herself in her ability to empower young actors to unlock their potential and embody the same principals as an actor. Using her training from QUT, Trinity College and local schools, Georgia has worked as an actor, director and performance creator. Recent directional credits include: ‘We Need to Talk… Period’ (Self & Milne), 'Fear & Chaos' (Self & Milne); and acting include: 'Temperance' (Milne), 'The Twits' (Kade Tyler). She is now preparing for a reboot of non-verbal one-woman show ‘Temperance’
Victoria Morris
Curriculum Coordinator - Dance
Victoria holds a Diploma of Dance from Dance World Studios, and graduated as Dux of her class. Upon graduating, she was cast in the Australian and New Zealand Tour of Mary Poppins (Disney/Cameron Mackintosh). Victoria’s other credits include West Side Story (The Production Company), Nice Work If You Can Get It (The Production Company), Hollywood Honky Tonk (Michael Ralph) and guest artist in Derek Deane’s Strictly Gershwin (Queensland Ballet). She has also worked extensively in Australia and internationally as a dancer, children’s entertainer and model, both on stage and screen. Victoria's choreography credits within the company include Spring Awakening, Oliver! JR, CATS, The Wizard of Oz JR, Madagascar JR.
Dylan Dickson
Curriculum Coordinator - ABDA
Dylan is a graduate of Robert Sturrock’s Industry Dance and the renowned Broadway Dance Centre, New York. He has travelled the world, visiting over 70 countries whilst working as a dancer with Princess Cruises, Coasta Cruises and Carnival Cruises. Dylan’s credits include working with Jessica Mauboy, Rhonda Burchmore, Channel Seven’s ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ (Channel 7) and ‘Everybody Dance Now’ (Network 10). With over ten years’ experience teaching at some of Melbourne’s most prominent full-time performing arts institutions, Dylan is now studying a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance/Drama), with plans to complete a Masters of Teaching.
Petra Glieson
Curriculum Coordinator - Drama
A professional actor in Australian film, television and theatre. Her T.V and theatre credits: Metrosexual, City Homicide, Neighbour’s, Blue Heelers, Stingers, State Coroner, ABC’s It’s A Date and Dr. Blake Mysteries and Janus, innovative theatre companies ‘Machination Theatre Ensemble’ (Megan Jones) ‘Ward Theatre Company’, ‘Beautiful Highness’ by Chelsea Plumley. Petra has facilitated and Directed workshops and programs for Wakakirri National Dance Story season, VCE drama, directed and developed specialist drama programs for schools in Melbourne and India.
Erin McKellar
Curriculum Coordinator - Voice
Dr Erin McKellar, a two-time Downbeat award winner, is an Australian vocalist, songwriter, and composer. Known for her hit musical 'A Box of Memories,' winning the Bank SA Best Theatre Award, having recently returned from tour in the United States and set to premiere in New Zealand, June 2024. Erin holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in music theatre composition, a First-Class Honours and a Bachelor in Jazz Performance from the Sydney and Elder Conservatorium of Music. Awarded the Helpmann Academy Rob Lyon's Award for Voice in 2020, Erin has global training and has shared the stage with artists like Guy Sebastian and James Morrison. As a songwriter, her works have featured on Eurovision Australia Decides and The Voice and Farmer Wants a Wife. This year Erin is a finalist for the prestigious APRA Professional Development Awards in Music theatre and is producing her newest musical ‘Where’s the Dog?’ in March 2024.
Reuben Liversidge
TCA Talent Agent
Reuben has worked with Stage School Australia for over 10 years. He has trained in music theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts and has a Bachelor of Arts from LaTrobe University. Reuben has appeared on both stage and screen throughout his career as a performer. Highlights include roles in Round the Twist, Blue Heelers and various TV commercials. He is a founding member of international theatre company Four Larks and has performed in several of their works over the last five years, including a successful U.S. Tour in 2014. Reuben is also a freelance reviewer for theatre and film.
Key Personnel
Owner/Managing Director
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Eileen Dunn commenced her career as a teacher before pursuing her interest in arts administration. She joined the Victorian Youth Theatre (then known as the Victorian Children’s Theatre) in 1987 which was based in a small hall in Kew and offered Drama classes for 8-12-year-olds. The success of this program and the enjoyment the children had in class has been the ongoing inspiration for the company to build young people’s performing and personal skills through the performing arts. Since then, over the past 30+ years, Eileen has overseen the growth of Stage School Australia to offering a wide range of classes for 4-18-year-olds at locations across Melbourne, while still maintaining the company as a family-run organisation. The Victorian Youth Theatre has continued to grow since its humble beginnings and is now one of the largest performance-based drama programs in Melbourne.
In 1996, a musical theatre component was introduced as part of the Victorian Youth Theatre (VYT) and three years later in 1999, the Young Australian Broadway Chorus (YABC) was born. Given her original training in education, Eileen supported the introduction of Beginners OnStage in 2003 for 5-7-year-olds. In 2017 Beginners OnStage ~
Foundation opened up to 4-year-old pre-school children. Eileen has also supported the creation of the Australian Boys Dance Academy, the Talent Company of Australia and the growth of The Costume Dept. As tour and production manager, Eileen has overseen many national and international performance tours to Asia, Europe and the USA.
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Executive Director
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Catherine has been involved in Stage School Australia throughout her life. Having trained with Stage School for over ten years, appearing in countless productions and two international performance tours (USA ‘96 & Europe ‘02), she began working at the organisation while competing her studies at Monash University. Since leaving Stage School Australia in 2005, Catherine has gained extensive business expertise, holding senior positions across the corporate sector. As Executive Director, Catherine is privileged to contribute her expertise to Stage School Australia’s continued success. She is passionate about performing arts participation and the profound impact it has on children’s confidence and skill development. Catherine is immensely proud of the Stage School Australia team and the legacy they’ve built over the past four decades. With her leadership, she aims to ensure that Stage School continues to thrive, providing exceptional performing arts education and experiences for many more years to come.
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Artistic Director/ Co-CEO
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Robert began working for Stage School Australia in 1995. Most recently he directed Spring Awakening and Oliver JR (2023), CATS (2020), the sell-out seasons of Les Misérables (2019) and Wicked (2018) at the National Theatre and The Wizard of Oz ~ Young Performers Edition at the Union Theatre (2019).
His many other directorial credits include Rags, Joseph’s Dreamcoat, Oliver!, Man of La Mancha, Star-Cross’d Lovers, Godspell and all of the Young Australian Broadway Chorus Gala Concerts at the National Theatre, Back to Bacchus (Musical Director/Associate Director – Tours of Europe ‘97 and USA ‘99, World Tour 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008), What a Circus (Adelaide Fringe ‘98), Once On This Island (Adelaide Fringe 2010), Spring Awakening (National Theatre 2011), Conference of the Birds and Seussical TYA (Adelaide Fringe 2013), Guys & Dolls 2013, The Wizard of Oz 2014, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Malthouse & Adelaide Fringe 2014), Disney Alice in Wonderland and Conference of the Birds (Melbourne Fringe 2014), This Is Australia USA Tours 2015, 2016 & 2018, Disney Aladdin Jr. 2015, Disney The Little Mermaid Jr. 2015, The Secret Garden – Spring Version 2016, Disney Alice in Wonderland Jr. 2016 and Disney Beauty and the Beast Jr. 2016 and the 2017 seasons of HONK! Jr – the musical tale of the Ugly Duckling and Chicken Licken at the Lawler Theatre, Southbank Theatres – home of the MTC, which also toured to the Adelaide Fringe Festival and Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. 2018.
Robert directed the world premiere of Devil’s Snuffbox, the Victorian premiere of The World Goes Round (Victorian Music Theatre Guild nomination – Best Director) and the world premiere season of the Bryant/Frank musical, The Silver Donkey which also toured the USA.
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Chief Financial Officer
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Since 2010, Kristie has been a pivotal force at Stage School Australia, skilfully guiding the company's financial trajectory. Possessing a Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) with Distinction, she is poised to complete her CPA this year. With a rich professional background, including seven years in various accounting roles at Ford Motor Company, Kristie's expertise adds depth to her role. As a member of the executive team, Kristie's leadership spans aligning business and finance strategies, nurturing the growth of the finance team, and overseeing both financial and management accounting. Her commitment to excellence is evident in ensuring compliance, monitoring cash flows, and proficiently managing company budgets—all of which have been instrumental in driving the financial success of Stage School Australia. Beyond her financial acumen, Kristie's love for the arts infuses a unique passion into her contributions to the company's overall success.
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Producer/Co-CEO
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Elysia has worked for Stage School Australia for over 10 years. In addition to bringing her expertise to the business management of the company, Elysia had produced many of the Young Australian Broadway Chorus’ theatrical productions and international tours. Her credits include the sell-out seasons of Cats (2020), Les Miserables (2019), The Wizard of Oz (2019), Wicked (2018), Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR (2018), Honk! JR and Chicken Licken at Southbank Theatre and Adelaide Fringe Festival Tour (2017), Shrek JR (2017), The Secret Garden (2016), Disney Aladdin JR (2015), Disney The Little Mermaid JR (2015) and the Australian Youth Theatre regional tour of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (2016). Elysia was instrumental in the production of Stage School’s last three international performance tours of This Is Australia to the USA, where the troupe performed in five cities across the country. Elysia holds a Bachelor Degree (Performance) from JMC Academy and is also a dancer, singer and composer.
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Director of Operations
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A former student, Seth trained with Stage School Australia for nine years, appearing in countless plays including ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (Puck) and ‘Rhinoceres’, two seasons at the National Theatre playing Seymour from ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, Emcee from ‘Cabaret’, and two international performance tours (USA ‘96 & Europe ‘04). He began teaching at Stage School in 2005 and was Associate Tour Director for the 2008 USA Tour. Seth has appeared in several television commercials and a guest role on Crash Zone. Since 2003, Seth has been working full-time at the Stage School head office as Administrator and IT support, and now brings over 20 years of company knowledge to the role of Director of Operations.
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Creative Director
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Joshua has Production Managed many Young Australian Broadway Chorus and Australian Youth Theatre productions including Les Misérables and The Wizard of Oz (2019), Wicked (2018), Honk! JR at both Southbank Theatre and the tour to the Adelaide Fringe (2017), Disney Beauty and the Beast JR (2016), Disney Alice in Wonderland JR (2016), The Secret Garden ~ Spring Version (2016) and Babe the Sheep Pig (2015 & 2017) amongst others. He has also been the Director of Production for Mordialloc College for the past five years and co-wrote One More Year which had its debut performance in 2012. Josh is also a performer having begun dancing at a very young age. He grew up as a student of the company training with both the VYT and the YABC. With the YABC, Josh toured on multiple occasions to both the Adelaide Fringe Festival and the USA playing a range of characters including Pascal in The Silver Donkey and The Cat in the Hat in Seussical. He also plays percussion for shows across Melbourne.
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Resident Choreographer
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Jacqui Green is one of Australia’s leading choreographers, adjudicators, dancers and dance teachers. Most recently she choreographed the 2018 season of Wicked at the National Theatre. As a choreographer and dancer, Jacqui’s credits include The Don Lane Show, The Ronnie Corbett Show, The Midday Show, The AFI Awards and The Logie Awards. Jacqui played the leading role of Cassie in the national tour of A Chorus Line (Mo Award Nomination), and has also featured in productions of Funny Girl, The Sound of Music, Hello Dolly and Cabaret. Directorial credits include a tour of Asia and New Zealand as the resident director of Joseph’s Dreamcoat for the Really Useful Group. She has toured internationally with numerous Stage School Australia productions including the 2015 and 2016 This Is Australia tours of the USA. Jacqui has choreographed the sell-out seasons of Stage School Australia’s productions of Seussical TYA at the Malthouse, Disney The Little Mermaid Jr., Disney Beauty and the Beast Jr. and Disney Aladdin Jr. at the Union Theatre, Disney Alice In Wonderland, The Secret Garden ~ Spring Version in 2016 at Southbank Theatre and the 2017 season of HONK! Jr – the musical tale of the Ugly Duckling at the Lawler Theatre, Southbank Theatres – home of the MTC, which also toured to the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
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Resident Director - Drama
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Roby holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre Practice) from the VCA. His credits include ‘My Life Is Murder’ (Network 10), ‘Rostered On’ (Netflix), the ‘Sleep with Kip’ series (Story Box Library) and ‘Cactus & Mime’ (Short Film) for which he won Best Actor at Canberra Short Film Festival and Best Writer at Canada Shorts Film Festival. Roby directed AYT’s production of 'Peter Pan in Neverland’ and produced two Best Performance nominated plays at Melbourne Fringe Festival.
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Resident Director - Voice
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Chelsea Plumley is a five-time Green Room Award nominated musical theatre performer, GLUG award-winning cabaret artist, musician, host, teacher, producer, playwright and television actor. Television appearances include seven seasons as the ‘Queen of the Fairies’ in the Nine Network’s William & Sparkles' Magical Tales, Offspring, Shaun Micallef’s The Ex PM, I Will Survive and producer, actor and assistant director on Australian Pop Duo “Bachelor Girl’s” film clip, Speak. Her musical theatre credits include Miss Andrew in Mary Poppins, Deidre Chambers in Muriel's Wedding, Margaret Johnson in The Light In the Piazza, Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers, Rizzo in Grease, Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Betty in Sunset Boulevard, Amy in Company, Jolene Oakes in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Marge MacDougall in Promises, Promises, Lalume in Kismet, and Gabby/Bobbi in City of Angels. Chelsea has written, produced & toured her one-woman shows nationally & internationally to the UK, USA and India. She has hosted global phenomenons Sing-A-Long-A Sound of Music and Love Actually in Concert. Her play, Beautiful Highness, had its world premiere in Melbourne in 2023. Chelsea is a Master Teacher, conducting master classes and workshops in universities and drama schools in Australia and the UK.
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Associate Artistic Director
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With 9 years as a mentor and 16 years as a performer, Georgia prides herself in her ability to empower young actors to unlock their potential and embody the same principals as an actor. Using her training from QUT, Trinity College and local schools, Georgia has worked as an actor, director and performance creator. Recent directional credits include: ‘We Need to Talk… Period’ (Self & Milne), 'Fear & Chaos' (Self & Milne); and acting include: 'Temperance' (Milne), 'The Twits' (Kade Tyler). She is now preparing for a reboot of non-verbal one-woman show ‘Temperance’
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Curriculum Coordinator - Dance
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Victoria holds a Diploma of Dance from Dance World Studios, and graduated as Dux of her class. Upon graduating, she was cast in the Australian and New Zealand Tour of Mary Poppins (Disney/Cameron Mackintosh). Victoria’s other credits include West Side Story (The Production Company), Nice Work If You Can Get It (The Production Company), Hollywood Honky Tonk (Michael Ralph) and guest artist in Derek Deane’s Strictly Gershwin (Queensland Ballet). She has also worked extensively in Australia and internationally as a dancer, children’s entertainer and model, both on stage and screen. Victoria's choreography credits within the company include Spring Awakening, Oliver! JR, CATS, The Wizard of Oz JR, Madagascar JR.
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Curriculum Coordinator - ABDA
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Dylan is a graduate of Robert Sturrock’s Industry Dance and the renowned Broadway Dance Centre, New York. He has travelled the world, visiting over 70 countries whilst working as a dancer with Princess Cruises, Coasta Cruises and Carnival Cruises. Dylan’s credits include working with Jessica Mauboy, Rhonda Burchmore, Channel Seven’s ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ (Channel 7) and ‘Everybody Dance Now’ (Network 10). With over ten years’ experience teaching at some of Melbourne’s most prominent full-time performing arts institutions, Dylan is now studying a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance/Drama), with plans to complete a Masters of Teaching.
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Curriculum Coordinator - Drama
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A professional actor in Australian film, television and theatre. Her T.V and theatre credits: Metrosexual, City Homicide, Neighbour’s, Blue Heelers, Stingers, State Coroner, ABC’s It’s A Date and Dr. Blake Mysteries and Janus, innovative theatre companies ‘Machination Theatre Ensemble’ (Megan Jones) ‘Ward Theatre Company’, ‘Beautiful Highness’ by Chelsea Plumley. Petra has facilitated and Directed workshops and programs for Wakakirri National Dance Story season, VCE drama, directed and developed specialist drama programs for schools in Melbourne and India.
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Curriculum Coordinator - Voice
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Dr Erin McKellar, a two-time Downbeat award winner, is an Australian vocalist, songwriter, and composer. Known for her hit musical 'A Box of Memories,' winning the Bank SA Best Theatre Award, having recently returned from tour in the United States and set to premiere in New Zealand, June 2024. Erin holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in music theatre composition, a First-Class Honours and a Bachelor in Jazz Performance from the Sydney and Elder Conservatorium of Music. Awarded the Helpmann Academy Rob Lyon's Award for Voice in 2020, Erin has global training and has shared the stage with artists like Guy Sebastian and James Morrison. As a songwriter, her works have featured on Eurovision Australia Decides and The Voice and Farmer Wants a Wife. This year Erin is a finalist for the prestigious APRA Professional Development Awards in Music theatre and is producing her newest musical ‘Where’s the Dog?’ in March 2024.
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TCA Talent Agent
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Reuben has worked with Stage School Australia for over 10 years. He has trained in music theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts and has a Bachelor of Arts from LaTrobe University. Reuben has appeared on both stage and screen throughout his career as a performer. Highlights include roles in Round the Twist, Blue Heelers and various TV commercials. He is a founding member of international theatre company Four Larks and has performed in several of their works over the last five years, including a successful U.S. Tour in 2014. Reuben is also a freelance reviewer for theatre and film.
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Our History
1984
Established in 1984 as the Victorian Children’s Theatre, it initially operated from East Kew Primary School. Rapid growth led to six Melbourne locations and the formation of the Victorian Youth Theatre (VYT).
1995
In 1995, they presented “Salad Days,” sparking interest in musical theatre from the advanced students. This year concluded with a season of Godspell at the Gasworks Theatre. Subsequent seasons included Man of La Mancha, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oliver! and Rags.
1996
By 1996, the VYT had hundreds of students and began touring with productions like “A Well Spun Yarn” which marked the first international tour in the US, and performances at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, and “Back to Bacchus” in Europe in 1997, 2002 and 2004, and the USA in 1999.
1999
In 1999, the ensembles became known as the Young Australian Broadway Chorus (YABC) and started hosting musical theatre gala performances at the National Theatre in St Kilda.
2003
In 2003, the YABC opened doors for younger students (ages five to seven) known as Beginners and Sub-Juniors. The Children’s Talent Company of Australia (CTCA), later the Talent Company of Australia (TCA), launched in 2003 to provide cost-effective representation of its members.
2004
In 2004, the VYT celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a season of Australian works at The Malthouse Theatre where more than 700 students performed.
Tours & Events
- 1996
USA Tour
USA, New Hampshire, Boston, Washington, New York, Orlando – Disneyworld
- 1999
USA Tour
New York, Florida, West Virginia, Seattle and San Jose, including performances at The Lincoln Center (New York) and Walt Disney World (Florida)
- 2002
Europe Tour
Singapore, Germany, France and England, including performances at Australian Embassy, Paris, Disneyland Paris, Soho Theatre London.
- 2004
Europe Tour
Singapore, Italy, France and England, including performances at Disneyland Paris and Pegasus Theatre Oxford.
- 2006
USA Tour
San Francisco, New York, Washington DC, Orlando, and Las Vegas, including performances at Disney World Florida and York Theater, NYC.
- 2008
USA Tour
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and New York, including performances at Disneyland LA, Acorn Theatre, NYC.
FAQs
Joining Us
Why choose Stage School Australia?
Stage School Australia (formerly the Children’s Performing Company of Australia) has been a leading provider of performing arts training for young people for 40 years. In this time, we have crafted what we believe to be the highest quality program for young people interested in developing their skills in this field.
Does my child need to audition?
For Beginners OnStage, Australian Youth Theatre (AYT) and Young Australian Broadway Chorus entry is by audition – and it’s fun! Auditions enable us to place students in the most appropriate class for their age and level of ability. We cater for students across all skill levels, from those who have never tried the performing arts, to those who have had many years of experience. Our audition sessions are also a great opportunity for parents to see our classes. Auditions are held three times a year, in February/March, June/July and November/December. For Australian Boys Dance Academy entry is by try-out, or trial class which can happen up until Term 3. Call to book on (03) 8199 8344.
At what age can a student start?
Beginners OnStage caters for children aged 4-7 years of age. The Australian Youth Theatre (AYT) and the Young Australian Broadway Chorus (YABC) accepts students aged between 8-18 years of age. The Australian Boys Dance Academy are boys-only classes for ages 6-18 years.
Do students require previous experience?
Many of our students join our classes exclusively to increase their self-confidence and social skills. No experience is required to join any of our programs.
Do you cater for students with previous experience?
Yes, we cater for students with all levels of experience in the performing arts. During the initial audition, we encourage students who have had previous experience to participate to the best of their ability, allowing us to place them in the most suitable group.
Why would my child not be accepted?
We ensure that every student who trials or auditions has the ability to thrive in our classes. Our audition activities have been chosen because they are simple enough for inexperienced students to participate fully, yet allow more experienced students to demonstrate their training and ability. Occasionally we find that our classes are not a good fit for a student who has auditioned. A good example of this would be a student whose behaviour disrupts the learning of others or fails to follow instructions when given. Our commitment is to ensure that all students are given a fair and equal opportunity to succeed, this includes removing or not accepting students who would be highly disruptive to the learning of others. Assessments are based on participation in these exercises and the student’s willingness and aptitude to develop these skills in our classes.
Can my child request to be in the same class as their friends?
Class divisions are made strictly by birthdate. Over time we have found that this is the most equitable way to divide classes.
What commitment is involved for parents/guardians?
The biggest commitment for our parents/guardians is ensuring that their child arrives at rehearsals and other scheduled activities on time and are collected when they conclude. We would also ask that parents/guardians are supportive of their child’s commitment to the course.
Rehearsals
What are the age ranges and how many students are in each class?
Where possible, there is no more than a two-year age range between the oldest and youngest in a class. It varies depending on the class type and performing level. On average the Young Australian Broadway Chorus class size is between 18-20 but can increase slightly at an advanced level. The Australian Youth Theatre and Beginners OnStage class sizes will generally have no more than 18 students.
What happens in rehearsals?
The Young Australian Broadway Chorus and Beginners OnStage have their rehearsals split into three segments including singing, dancing and drama. Specialist rehearsal directors take students for each discipline. More information can be found in YABC course information and Beginners OnStage course The Australian Youth Theatre start rehearsal with a fun-warm up that has been selected to relate to the skills work to follow. The majority of the rehearsal is then based around developing students’ core skills. More information can be found in AYT course information.
Who are your teachers?
Our teachers are all industry professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds. From experienced and working actors to singers, leading choreographers and directors, our staff bring the best of the performing arts industry direct to our rehearsals. Many are even past students who have gone on to be successful in their chosen field! Additionally, all staff have a current Working with Children Check (Victoria) or Blue Card (Queensland).
What is the duration of weekly classes?
Class length varies depending on the programme and level at which a student is at. Beginners and training level group classes are between one and a half to two and a half hours in duration, while advanced performing levels may extend up to three hours.
Can we change venues or programmes halfway through a semester?
Yes, as long as there are a suitable class and space available at the venue.
Where are your venues located?
We have over 30 venues located across Melbourne and Brisbane. See our locations page for more information.
Can a student progress into more challenging classes?
Within the Australian Youth Theatre and the Young Australian Broadway Chorus, we offer a developmental pathway for students to progress through as their skills develop and they are promoted to more advanced classes. See YABC course information and AYT course information for more details. Beginners OnStage students can progress into either the Young Australian Broadway Chorus or the Australian Youth Theatre once they are old enough.
How do YABC and AYT students get a promotion?
Students are assessed on their progress in the course and eligibility to reach the next level in the hierarchy. This assessment occurs internally by our teaching staff over a semester. Key areas we look at include, performance confidence, energy, skills, rehearsal technique and attendance. Students will always be placed in an appropriate class for their age and level of ability.
Can a student progress into more challenging classes?
Within the Australian Youth Theatre and the Young Australian Broadway Chorus, we offer a developmental pathway for students to progress through as their skills develop and they are promoted to more advanced classes. See YABC course information and AYT course information for more details. Beginners OnStage students can progress into either the Young Australian Broadway Chorus or the Australian Youth Theatre once they are old enough.
Performances
How many times do students perform each year?
Students in the YABC, AYT and Beginners OnStage perform at least twice each year. Students in the Australian Boys Dance Academy have a video performance outcome in the first semester, and then a Demonstration for family and friends at the end of each year.
Costumes & Uniforms
Do parents have to provide costumes?
Our team at The Costume Dept. provide all costumes at the theatre, including washing and laundering.
Do students wear uniform?
Yes, students will purchase a t-shirt from our uniform shop on the members page. These are $32.50 and are specific to each program.
Fees & Payment
How much do your programs cost?
Payment for our programs is by annual fee. The following annual fees are for training level classes across our programs. Beginners OnStage Foundation classes are $980 annually. Beginners OnStage classes are $1,420 annually. YABC training level classes range from $1,770 to $1,965 annually. AYT training level classes range from $1,675 to $1,875 annually.
What do fees include?
Our fees include all rehearsals, extra workshops, performances, and costumes. Fees do not cover the compulsory uniform t-shirt, or tickets for friends and family to see the performances.
Do you have a payment plan available?
You may wish to pay the annual fee via payment plan. Up to 31 January - The annual fee is split into 12.5% upfront, and then 7 x subsequent monthly instalments of the remaining amount. I.E. If your annual fee is $980, then you would pay $122.5 in January, and then 7 x monthly instalments of $122.50. From 1 February - The annual fee is split into 25% upfront, and then 6 x subsequent monthly instalments of the remaining amount. I.E. If your annual fee is $980, then you would pay $245 in January, and then 6 x monthly instalments of $122.50.
If we start mid-year, are fees different?
Yes! We have Semester 2-only fees, which work out to be 55% of the annual fee. Semester 2 is slightly longer than Semester 1.
Careers
Why work for us?
Why work for us?
Stage School Australia is one of Australia’s largest performing arts companies, specialising in providing training for young people. With 40 years of legacy, over 30 venues across Melbourne and Brisbane, over 5,500 students and a faculty of 200+, Stage School is the industry leader in its field.
What we’re looking for:
What we’re looking for:
Stage School Australia is a fun and fast-paced theatre company for young performers. Accordingly, we’re looking for energetic and enthusiastic staff with an interest in the performing arts.
Work experience
Work experience
If you are interested in doing work experience with Stage School Australia, please email staffing@stageschool.com.au
Current Job Listings
Voice/Singing, Dance & Drama Teachers - Melbourne
We are currently seeking expressions of interest from suitable applicants to accept Voice, Dance & Drama teaching shifts in various locations across Melbourne. Whether you are a graduate student looking to begin your teaching career or an accomplished tutor, we want to hear from you! Join our team of specialists to deliver high energy, fun, repertoire-based group classes.
ApplyVoice/Singing, Dance & Drama Teachers - Brisbane
We are currently seeking expressions of interest from suitable applicants to accept Voice, Dance & Drama teaching shifts in various locations across Brisbane. Whether you are a graduate student looking to begin your teaching career or an accomplished tutor, we want to hear from you! Join our team of specialists to deliver high energy, fun, repertoire-based group classes.
Apply