What first sparked your interest in the theatre world? How did you know this was what you wanted to do?
My mother decided one day to take my brother, sister and I to see The Phantom of the Opera in Melbourne, when I was about 9 or 10. I fell immediately in love.
It sounds corny, but there's nothing quite like the rush you get when you're on stage. Imagine having that feeling everyday and getting paid for it!

Walk us through your day-to-day life.
For me life revolves around sleeping in late, singing practise, singing lessons, studies at Edith Cowan University (Drama Education), fitting in any dance classes I can, rehearsals three times a week, teaching singing and work.

How did you first start out?
I remember asking my little sister to tell Mum and Dad I wanted singing lessons for my next birthday. As luck would have it, the music teacher that used to work at Girton Grammar School (the same place my dad worked) was a singing teacher and lived down the end of my street. I started lessons with her in Grade 6 and continue to study singing now.

What steps have you taken to get where you are today?
I've done as lots of short courses and masterclasses with NIDA and WAAPA. I've also performed with in as many musicals and plays as I could - some of my most enjoyable performances were with BTC and BCTA. I completed Yr 12 VCE Music in singing at CCB and auditioned for WAAPA that same year. I was put through to the final round but was given the ‘thanks, but no thanks' after failing the dance part of the audition.

The next year I threw myself into dance and more shows. After another failed WAAPA audition I spent a year at the Melba Conservatorium of Music studying Classical Voice. In 2004, I was offered a place at WAAPA in their one year Certificate II: Music Theatre Course. I learnt a great deal there and made lots of good contacts. At the end of that year I was again through to the final round of the WAAPA Bachelor of Music Theatre Course - and passed the dance audition - but was pipped at the post once more!

I decided to embark upon a Drama Education degree, as I had a real love for teaching - and for me it would never be a fall back career. I also auditioned for yellowglass theatre inc., an independent theatre company that present very high quality productions - often casting WAAPA Music Theatre graduates. I emailed them for an audition and they almost tried to give me the brush off saying, ‘wait for our next audition call'. (I can say that lovingly as this group would soon become my Perth family). Unfortunately for them I wasn't taking no for answer. I emailed them back with more information about me, saying how close I had come to the WAAPA course, and they gave me an audition time. I was cast in Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon) in the next couple of weeks.

I have learnt so much with this group. Just watching other performers was an amazing experience - some of these people are currently working in the professional music scene now - let alone the direction and advice I was given. Never underestimate what you can learn through simple observation.

I have since performed in the WA premier of RENT (Ensemble/Mark's Mom) and Company (April). In 2007, yellowglass theatre inc. signed on with Eventainment, a production company who would fund their next productions and help move their productions into the professional arena.

Their next production was HAIR in May this year, and I was cast as Crissy along side Nikki Webster, Rob Mills and Cosima DeVito. After our opening night performance, I was approached by Rob Mills' agent who asked if she could represent me. I of course said yes. You just never know who might be watching you!

I have had one audition for the upcoming production of Guys and Dolls starring Marina Prior and Magda Subzanski. I wasn't a stand out in the dance audition unfortunately, (I can't get my leg over my head just yet) and I didn't get asked to stay and sing which was a shame. But again, it was a real eye opener on the whole professional audition process. There will be other auditions and now I know what to expect.

I then went on to perform in an opera The Marriage of Figaro (Barbarina) and am now currently rehearsing for the encore season of RENT in October. This will star Tim Campbell, Anthony Callea and Nikki Webster.

I'm by no means famous, or even established in the professional theatre world, but I feel like I'm slowly finding my own way there.

Describe yourself in one word.
Persistent.

What was it like for you growing up in Bendigo?
Wouldn't swap it for anything! Great friends, a supportive theatre community, and lots of opportunities to learn.

What has been the toughest moment of your journey so far?
Getting to the final round for the WAAPA Musical Theatre Course for the second time and not being accepted. Actually I think Mum and Dad took it harder than I did.

Re-live your most embarrassing performance moment?
I had one prop in HAIR. It was a Hawaiian lei and in the opening songs I had to put it over the tribe leader's head so he could use it in the next scene. One night I accidentally went on stage without it, and only realized as I walked up to give it to him. I looked at him and gave the most apologetic face I could muster. Luckily for me our production manager was on the ball, spotted me without it, and tossed it to him during the next scene. The cast and crew never let me forget it.

Who has been your greatest mentor throughout your career?
I think I've had a few. At the moment it would be Chris Kabay and Simon Holt, the creative team behind yellowglass theatre inc, and my singing teacher Lesley Perrin. Lesley is the singing teacher for WAAPA and has many years experience in preparing young performers for the professional world.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time?
I've just been to see Cirque du Soleil's Varekai and would love to be singing for them in five years time. I would also love to be touring in a musical around Australia, or performing somewhere like Universal Studios in Tokyo. I would also be happy to be teaching - I am glad I have so many options open.

Who is your idol? Why?
My idol would be Kristin Chenoweth or Marina Prior. Two performers from a classical background, who are wowing music theatre audiences around the world.

If you could ‘un-know' one thing that you know, what would it be?
Nothing. The more you know the more you are worth.

What advice would you give a young Bendigonian who wants to get into the industry?
Get as much experience as you can. Start dance lessons! Do any classes or courses you can, NIDA, WAAPA, VCA. Be seen: if you want to be involved with a company and have no luck at auditions at first, offer to work backstage, do any courses they offer. Audition for anything and everything - directors really do remember your face. Be quietly persistent. I'm a firm believer that if you want something enough you'll get there.

If you had a racehorse what would you call it?

Midnight Jellyfish or Without a Doubt

What's your theme song?
My Simple Christmas Wish by David Friedman
"I want to be rich, famous and powerful.
Barbara Streisand had it all - and I can do what she can do..."