Louisa Mignone joins us to chat about her first time assistant directing and what it really takes to bring Rebecca to life on stage at Melbourne Theatre Company. From reacting to the script for the first time to landing the job, Louisa takes us inside the creative process of this gothic classic. We talk about learning from the powerhouse team behind the show, trusting your gut, and shifting from actor to creative, and how that change means seeing the bigger picture in a whole new way. It’s an honest, funny, and deeply inspiring look at collaboration, courage, and the beautiful chaos of making theatre. 🎧 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 us at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine 🎵 Music: Tropic – Anno Domini Beats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After an accidental three month hiatus featuring unexpected circumstances and a whole lot of being booked and blessed, we’re finally back behind the mic. In this long overdue catch up, Tori spills on their award winning cabaret debut and the making their lead debut in ‘Bonny & Read’, while Eliza fills us in on getting back into the creative swing after an unexpected break. We’re talking chaos, comebacks, creative highs and lows, and everything in between. It’s real, it’s funny, and it’s exactly the Stage Door energy you’ve missed. Grab your tickets to ‘Bonny & Read’, playing at QTopia’s Loading Dock Theatre from the 29th Oct - 8th Nov, a bold queer pirate musical adventure, before they sail away! 🎧 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 us at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine 🎵 Music: Tropic – Anno Domini Beats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What actually makes you stand out in an audition room? In part two of our chat with Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown director Alexander Berlage and choreographer Chiara Assetta, dive into the heart of casting, what they look for, what makes an audition room come alive, and how young performers can bring their boldest selves into the space. We also zoom out to talk about what it really takes to build a show from the ground up, especially in the world of indie theatre. If you're an actor wanting to level up your craft, this one is full of gold. 🎭 Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is now playing at The Hayes until June 8th. 🎧 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 us at ps.stagedoor.podcast@gmail.com. 🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine 🎵 Music: Tropic – Anno Domini Beats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 1 of our two-part deep dive into Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, we chat with director Alexander Berlage and choreographer Chiara Assetta about the bold creative choices behind this chaotic, heartfelt and surreal musical. Alex shares what initially drew him to the show and how he’s crafted a cohesive vision, while Chiara unpacks her story-first approach to choreography and how she adapted it for the intimacy of The Hayes. We also explore how the team balanced farce, emotion, and heightened reality in the rehearsal room to bring this unique piece to life. 🎧 Part 2 drops June 3rd, where we dive into casting, standing out in the audition room, and advice for young artists. 🎭 Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown is now playing at the Hayes—must close June 8th. Follow the pod on Instagram @stagedoorpod and don’t forget to rate and review! 🎨 Created and produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine 🖌️ Logo by Sally Henderson ✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine 🎵 Music: Tropic – Anno Domini Beats Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we’re joined by the phenomenal Alinta Chidzey—star of Moulin Rouge, Chicago, West Side Story, and so much more. We dive into the realities behind the sparkle: handling rejection, surviving the audition grind, and carving out a sustainable, fulfilling career in the arts. Whether you’re chasing your first big break or navigating longevity in the industry, Alinta brings honesty, warmth, and some seriously valuable advice. 🎧 Tune in now and be the first to meet the cast before they hit the stage. 🎭 Strictly Baz Luhrmann is on at HOTA in the Gold Coast on the 14th June and at The Sydney Opera House from the 23rd to the 24th June.  🎭 Catch Alinta in multiple shows and masterclasses at the Australian Musical Theatre Festival in Tasmania 21-25th May. 🎧 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

In part two of our conversation with director Brittanie Shipway and choreographer Leah Howard, we dive deep into the heart of Once On This Island. From the show’s powerful themes of love and sacrifice, to honouring its rich legacy while creating something uniquely their own—Brittanie and Leah share the creative choices shaping this production. Plus, we explore the challenges (and joys!) of staging a dynamic, movement-filled show in the intimate Hayes Theatre. Listen now to go behind the scenes of a bold new vision that celebrates the soul of storytelling. Once On This Island is selling fast—don’t wait to grab your tickets! You can follow Leah Howard @rosechocolatebeauty and Brittanie Shipway @brittanie_shipway on instagram! 🎧 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

Once On This Island: Meet the Cast + Inside the Audition Room (Part 1) We’re back with a bang—and an exclusive! In part one of our two-part chat with director Brittanie Shipway and choreographer Leah Howard, we’re thrilled to officially announce the full cast of ‘Once On This Island’. From how they approached casting this reimagined revival to the care and intention behind creating a safe, empowering audition space, Brittanie and Leah take us inside the early vision of this exciting new production. Plus, a quick intro to the magic of the show for anyone new to the island! 🎧 Tune in now and be the first to meet the cast before they hit the stage. 🎭 ‘Once On This Island’ opens August at The Hayes Theatre—don’t miss your chance to experience this vibrant story brought to life. 🎧 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

From Drama School to Dice Rolls: William Kasper on Acting, Screen & New Adventures. In part two of our chat with Dungeon Master extraordinaire (and friend of the pod!) William Kasper, we step beyond The Twenty-Sided Tavern and into the world of making it as an actor. From the structure of drama school to the unpredictability of the industry, Will shares what’s helped him navigate auditions, screen acting, and big career choices. Plus—a sneak peek at the D&D-inspired musical he’s writing with Natasha Dyson! Roll for insight and hit play now! 🎧 Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern is now playing at the Sydney Opera House—must close April 6th! Don’t miss out—get your tickets before the campaign ends. 🎧 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

In this weeks bedtime story we have Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern's William Kasper! Join us as we hear about some of Williams most chaotic onstage stories. Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern is now playing at the Sydney Opera House! Don’t miss out—get your tickets before the campaign ends. 🎧 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 happens when theatre meets tabletop chaos? In part one of our chat with Dungeon Master extraordinaire (and friend of the pod!) William Kasper, we roll the dice on Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern. From the art of controlled chaos to the wildest audience-driven moments, Will takes us behind the scenes of this immersive, ever-changing adventure. Plus, how do you rehearse for a show where anything can happen? Grab your dice and hit play—this is one quest you don’t want to miss! 🎧 Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern is now playing at the Sydney Opera House! Don’t miss out—get your tickets before the campaign ends. 🎧 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 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