Stage Door Podcast

What keeps an actor in the game? In part two of our chat with Otis Dhanji, we go beyond Peter and the Starcatcher and dive into the highs, the hurdles, and the “this is why I do this” moments of his career. From handling the pressure of big projects at a young age to navigating rejection and jumping between stage, film, and TV—Otis shares what he's learned about making it (and staying) in the industry. Missed part one? Catch up now, then hit play on this one! 🎧 🔗 Don’t miss Peter and the Starcatcher playing at the QPAC from the 14th of March—tickets and details at https://peterandthestarcatcher.com.au/tickets/ 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review! Share your episode ideas via Instagram, our website or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine 🎵 Intro/Outro Music: Tropic - Anno Domini Beats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our new bonus episodes with bedtime stories from some of your favourite creatives. This week Otis Dhanji lets us in on his worst stage mishap whilst playing Peter in the current touring production of Peter and The Starcatcher! Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll explore more of Otis’s career and experiences in the industry! 🔗 Don’t miss Peter and the Starcatcher—tickets and details at https://peterandthestarcatcher.com.au/tickets/ 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review! Share your episode ideas via Instagram, our website or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine 🎵 Intro/Outro Music: Tropic - Anno Domini Beats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did Peter Pan learn to fly? In the first of our two-part conversation with Otis Dhanji, we dive into his journey with Peter and the Starcatcher. From stepping into the rehearsal room to keeping the show’s magic alive onstage, Otis shares how he approached this imaginative world, the challenges and joys of working with puppetry, and the surprising lessons he’s learned about himself as a performer. Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll explore more of Otis’s career and experiences in the industry! 🔗 Don’t miss Peter and the Starcatcher—tickets and details at https://peterandthestarcatcher.com.au/tickets/ 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review! Share your episode ideas via Instagram, our website or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine 🎵 Intro/Outro Music: Tropic - Anno Domini Beats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes A Christmas Carol such a timeless holiday classic? In this episode, Eliza chats with Aisha Aidara, current cast member of the Melbourne production, about stepping back into the role of Little Fan, the joy of festive cast traditions, and managing the whirlwind of 8-show weeks. They also explore why this beloved tale continues to resonate with audiences year after year. Get ready for a heartwarming behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Christmas theatre! 🔗 Make sure to get tickets to see A Christmas Carol currently playing at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre: and christmascarolaustralia.com.au/ 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Tori Bullard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s it really like to rule the stage in Six the Musical? In this episode, Tori and Eliza chat with two queens, Chelsea Dawson and Kimberley Hodgson, about their reigns as Howard and Aragon. Chelsea shares the experience of stepping back into her role, while Kim reflects on how Aragon feels like home. Together, they dive into what makes Six such a phenomenon, the rituals that get them ready to slay their performances, and so much more. Don’t miss this royal behind-the-scenes chat! 🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Kimberley and Chelsea on instagram and get tickets to SIX currently touring around Australia: @chels.eadawson, @kr_hodgson and @sixthemusicalau 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our season 5 finale deep dive, we’re pulling back the curtain on musical theatre’s best-kept secrets! Joined by fan-favorite guest Gareth Isaac, Eliza, Tori, and Gareth each champion an underrated musical: the dark drama of Jekyll and Hyde, the cult-following of Groundhog Day, and the hauntingly beautiful Islander. What makes a musical underrated, and why aren’t more people talking about these hidden gems? 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Curious about navigating the theatre world as a neurodivergent performer? In this episode, Eliza chats with Daniel R. Nixon about playing Christopher in The Curious Incident, creating inclusive spaces in theatre, and advice for neurodivergent performers. Daniel also talks about returning to his role in Drizzle Boy with Queensland Theatre and what he’s most excited about for the regional tour. Packed with insight and inspiration, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! 🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Daniel on instagram and get tickets to Drizzle Boy currently touring around Queensland and Canberra: @danielrnixon and @qld_theatre 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder what it takes to start your own theatre company? Tori and Eliza chat with Meg and Sarah, the creatives behind Penpals and founders of Sydney’s The Little Big Theatre Co. They dive into the inspiration for their company, the creation of Penpals, and share advice for those looking to produce original works. Packed with insights and tips, this episode is a must-listen! 🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Little Big Theatre Co. and get tickets to 'Penpals': @littlebigtheatreco and events.humanitix.com/penpals 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Tori Bullard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder what it's like to nail your first professional audition straight out of uni? In this episode, Tori and Eliza chat with Sophie Montague, who did just that, landing the role of Sister Mary Robert in the Australian tour of Sister Act! They spill on belting their tits off on Sunrise, working alongside stars like Casey Donovan, and even share advice they'd give their younger self. Don't miss this fun, insider-packed episode filled with theatre gems and behind-the-scenes laughs! 🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Monty and get tickets to 'Sister Act': @soph_monty and https://sisteractthemusical.com.au/ 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder what it's like to step back into a beloved role? Tori and Eliza catch up with Ryan Gonzales as they return to Washington Heights as Usnavi, stepping back into a role that’s both a challenge and a source of deep fulfilment. They also dive into their iconic run in Moulin Rouge, where they slayed in Vogue, and discuss the casting shifts happening in Australia. Plus, get the scoop on their upcoming trip to Neverland with the Australian premiere of Peter and the Starcatcher. This episode is packed with raucous stage stories and insider insights you won’t want to miss!  🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Ryan and get tickets to 'Peter And The Starcatcher': @rgonzy and peterandthestarcatcher.com.au 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Michael DiGuglielmo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Tori and Eliza chat with Rose McClelland and Alexander Andrews, the creative force behind Sydney's beloved independent theatre company, Little Triangle. They discuss the company’s origins, the grind of building indie theatre, and their upcoming show, 'A Gay Escapade', a vibrant musical celebration of the LGBTQIA+ experience. Tune in for a lively and inspiring conversation about passion, creativity, and bringing new stories to life! 🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Little Triangle and get tickets to 'A Gay Escapade': @littletriangleco and events.humanitix.com/a-gay-escapade 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Tori Bullard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weeks episode Tori and Eliza are joined by their favourite partner in crime, Gareth Isaac, for an exploration of cult classic musicals. Each team member takes on a different favourite—Rocky Horror, Carrie, and Six—to discuss what makes a musical a cult classic, their devoted followings, and much more. Tune in for a fun and insightful journey into the world of these beloved and quirky shows! 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Tori Bullard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Tori and Eliza are joined by musical theatre performer Peter Ho. Straight off the back of rehearsals for Sunset Boulevard together they dive into Peter's career, the ups and downs of auditioning, the wonders of a good nappaccino, and his time performing in Moulin Rouge! 🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Peter and get tickets to 'Sunset Boulevard': @offical_peterho and https://sunsetmusical.com.au/ 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Tori Bullard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this, our 100th episode, Tori and Eliza are joined by Australia's favourite Wicked Witch of the West, the delightful Sheridan Adams - the sweetest human to have ever gone green! Dive into her audition journey for Wicked, the joy of the musical theatre community, the excitement of being a musical fangirl working in the industry, her hopes for the future, and much more. This episode is a magical ride through the world of theatre with a truly enchanting guest!  🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Sheridan and get tickets to 'Wicked': @sheridanadams and wickedthemusical.com.au/tickets 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Michael Di Guglielmo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode Tori and Eliza sit down with the incredible Lucy Maunder to discuss her sensational role as Roxie Hart in the current Australian tour of Chicago. They explore Lucy's early start in the arts, the balancing act of performing and touring while being a mum, her dream roles, and so much more. Tune in for an episode filled with passion, insight, and inspiration from one of Australia's finest performers! 🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Lucy and get tickets to 'Chicago': @lucymaunder and chicagomusical.com.au/tickets/sydney/ 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Michael Di Guglielmo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode Tori and Eliza sit down with the talented Elise McCann to chat about her experience in the Australian premiere of 'Groundhog Day', and her health and wellness app co-founded with Lucy Durack, 'Hey Lemonade'. Dive into discussions on maintaining mental health during an intense 8-show week, the inspiration behind 'Hey Lemonade', and so much more. This episode is brimming with inspiration and wellness tips for theatre lovers and humans alike! 🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Elise and for more on 'Hey Lemonade' head to heylemonade.com.au 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Tori Bullard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weeks episode Tori and Eliza are joined by the human personification of sunshine Madeleine Wighton, a true beacon of light and life. Dive into empowering conversations about creating your own work, Mads' journey of writing, directing, producing, and starring in the heartwarming rom-com thriller 'Bernice', the vital role of mental health in the arts and so much more. Episode Trigger Warning: This episode contains conversations about mental health a suicide, timestamped: 25 mins - 30 mins Mental Health Resources: Beyond Blue, Lifeline 13 11 14 , Support Act, Arts Wellbeing Collective 🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Madeleine and get updates on 'Bernice' : @madeleinewighton and madeleinewighton.com 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Michael Di Guglielmo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Today's episode Tori and Eliza chat with the sensational Jacob Steen, currently rocking the stage in Groundhog Day The Musical. 🎶 Dive into Jacob's unique journey into the musical theatre world, get tips on maintaining mental health in the industry, and hear about working alongside the legendary Andy Karl from the original Broadway cast of Groundhog Day. 🔗 Follow Jacob and 'Groundhog Day' on Instagram: @jacobsteenn & @groundhogdayau 🎟️ Grab your tickets at groundhogday.com.au and catch the magic before it leaves The Princess Theatre on April 20! 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Michael Di Guglielmo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Tori and Eliza as they kick off the season with the fabulous Annelise Hall, the leading lady of Grease The Musical! Dive into the world of this fresh Grease adaptation, explore handling industry rejection, discover the joy beyond work, and hear about Annelise's involvement in Olivia's Walk for Wellness. 🎭✨ 🔗 For more on Annelise and 'Grease,' check out their socials: @annelisehall & @greaseoztour on Instagram 🎟️ Get your tickets at greasethemusical.com.au and catch Grease The Musical in Melbourne until March 16, Sydney from March 24, Perth from June 30, and Brisbane starting January 2024. 🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to rate and review! Share your ideas for the next episode via Instagram or email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Tori Bullard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this weeks episode we are joined by current cast member of the sensation Miss Saigon, David Ouch! Together we chat about all things theatre from David's Thuy debut, his original work, Moulin Rouge, and learning Muriels Wedding in less than a week! For more about David and 'Miss Saigon' check out their socials: @david.ouch or @misssaigonau on Instagram Tickets are on sale now for Miss Saigon from the now until the 16th December at Her Majesty's Theatre Melbourne and will be off to Adelaide from the 2nd of January 2024 To follow the podcast head to our Instagram @stagedoorpod Or leave us a rate and review below. Let us know what you’d love to hear in our next episode via instagram or our email at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. Created and Produced by Victoria Bullard & Eliza Vine Edited by Michael Di Guglielmo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices