BA (Creative Arts)

ACTING SPECIALIST

CLASSES — NAPA COLLEGE ACTING, AUDITION TECHNIQUES AND ARTIST DEVELOPMENT, NAPA ENSEMBLE

Jacy Lewis is an award-winning actress, accomplished dancer, choreographer, and musical theatre artist, with a dynamic career spanning theatre, television, film, voiceover, and print campaigns.

Her recent screen credits include standout roles in Good Cop Bad Cop (Stan Original), Troppo (S2, ABC TV), In Limbo (ABC TV), Harrow (ABC TV), and The Bureau of Magical Things (Nickelodeon), showcasing her versatility and depth as a performer.

Jacy’s career also includes many years as a lead performer and acting coach at the renowned Australian Outback Spectacular, where she played a central role in bringing to life the powerful stories of Australia’s heartland. As an acting coach, she mentored emerging talent, shaping the performances of future stars in a high-energy, immersive environment.

A seasoned professional, Jacy also spent over a decade working at Warner Bros. Movie World, where she excelled as an actress, face character, choreographer, director, and writer. She was a founding member of the theme park's street theatre department, shaping its creative direction and performance culture for years. As a skilled improvisational actor, Jacy thrives in collaborative environments, bringing fresh energy to every project.

Jacy enjoys balancing her acting career with her role as a teacher at NAPA, where she has been part of the community for over 12 years. Passionate about guiding the next generation of performers, she continues to inspire and nurture emerging talent, leaving a lasting impact in all aspects of her career.

ACTING SPECIALIST AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

CLASSES — BROADWAY EXTENSION

After an acclaimed 15-year professional career with success across every genre, NAPA was thrilled to welcome Hollie to the NAPA team in 2017. With degrees from WAAPA (Music Theatre) and Flinders University (Drama) Hollie has appeared in, won awards and been nominated for her various roles including; FILM:Somersault, TV:Informer 3838, Double the Fist, Underbelly, Doubletake, Supernova (1&2) and Fat Tony, STAGE:Hair (The Production Co), The Last 5 Years (Echelon Productions), Snuggle Pot and Cuddlepie (Belvoir), The Sapphires (Company B/Black Swan), The Wog Boys (Australian National Tour) and The Rabbits (Opera Australia). As a cinematic triple threat (director/writer/actor), Hollie has completed two short films and is currently in the final stages of funding her first full-length feature film as Co-Director/Writer/Actor.

ACTING SPECIALIST AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

CLASSES — SENIOR TREAD THE BOARDS, BROADWAY BOUND, TRINITY GUILDHALL EXAMS

Cilla has worked as a drama teacher, acting coach, lecturer, director and drummer on the Gold Coast for over 25 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Theatre, A Graduate Diploma in Secondary Drama Education and an Associate Diploma through Trinity College, London. Cilla is the Head of Arts at St Andrews Lutheran College.

Cilla has been a Gold Palm Theatre Award Finalist for Best Director 7 times, winning the award for Godspell and Kelly. Her directorial credits include Grease, Sweet Charity, Jersey Boys, The Lion King Jr, Chicago: High School Edition, Kelly, Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid, Jesus Christ Superstar, Downtown, Dusty, Seussical, The Wiz, Little Shop of Horrors, Godspell, The Wedding Singer, Still Standing and Secret Bridesmaid’s Business.

Cilla established Golden Apple Theatrical Productions in 2012 and produced/directed Last Five Years and [title of show].

ACTING SPECIALIST AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

CLASSES — BROADWAY KIDS, BROADWAY TWEENS

Laura started dancing at age 11 at DLDC in Brisbane. After finishing school, she moved to Sydney where she completed her Diploma of Performing Arts at David Atkins Dynamite Studios. After graduating Laura worked professionally as a performer in the industry for over 15 years all over the world. She’s performed and choreographed for Warner Bros. Movie World, Universal Studios Osaka, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network. Her credits include Australian Idol, Aria Music Awards, and the NRL Grand Final. After hanging up her dance shoes she moved into choreography and teaching. She most recently spent 8 years living in the United States working as a drama teacher producing, directing, and choreographing multiple musicals. She loves watching her students rise to the challenge and lives by the Oscar Wilde quote, “Be yourself, everyone else is taken.”

ACTING SPECIALIST

CLASSES — SENIOR FILM + TV, ADVANCED SCREEN ACTING

Carolyn Dante is a Canadian born Australian actress known for her work on BOY SWALLOWS UNIVERSE (Netflix), JOE VS CAROLE (Stan) and NEIGHBOURS (Network Ten). Carolyn has a long history working on big productions alongside star studded casts in the likes of THE WILDS S2 (Prime), THE BUREAU OF MAGICAL THINGS (Netflix/Nickelodeon), TROPPO (Abc), THE END (Foxtel, Sky Atlantic), TOTAL CONTROL (Abc), and SEACHANGE (Nine Network) just to list a few.

Her 30 year plus professional industry experience also includes extensive International & National Commercial and Voiceover work alongside her 2 year Theatre stint playing the lead role of MARGE in the Arena Spectacular Show 'HEARTLAND' at Australian Outback Spectacular. Sharing the sandy stage on horseback and singing alongside some of Queensland's finest human and equine talent.

Carolyn also has an extensive Casting Experience and Teaching background and particularly enjoys making a positive impact with kids and teens.

ACTING SPECIALIST

CLASSES — JUNIOR AND PRE-SENIOR FILM + TV

Julia is a New Zealand actress and former dancer. She has more than 15 years experience in the dance industry, learning over five different dance disciplines and completing her NZAMD qualifications. She has competed and performed across New Zealand, Australia and the USA.

Julia has also trained across various acting schools including NYFA, The Warehouse, Creating Artists and Acting Mastery for a total of four years. Her recent acting credits include films such as, In Bloom, My Heart Calls For You, Reservation, Chasing Daisies and Top Golf Commercial. Julia specialises in Auditioning Techniques, US and RP Accents, Film & Television camera techniques and performance concepts. 

SINGING SPECIALIST AND PRODUCTION MUSICAL DIRECTOR

CLASSES — BROADWAY TWEENS, NAPA COLLEGE SINGING, PRIVATE VOCAL TUITION

Over the past 10 years, Jackie Turner has become one of the Gold Coast’s most highly sought after singing teachers. Having trained and performed in many varying styles of theatre and voice, Jackie prides herself on being a teacher with a speciality in cross training Music Theatre and Contemporary Commercial Music Vocal styles powered by her passion for versatile vocalists.

She graduated from the Queensland Academy for Creative Industries in 2013 where she furthered her studies in Theatre and Film. She also graduated from the University of Queensland where she received A Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Drama.

Jackie’s favourite past time is doing as much continuing professional development as she can around Vocal Pedagogy. Forever a student of the art of teaching voice she is a proud VocaLab VET Alumni, qualified Vocal Health First Aider and real voice science nerd. 

With experience teaching anywhere from pre-prep to adults, Jackie feels comfortable teaching all ages, and is confident that her lessons will engage, excite and extend each individual student to reach their goals.

SINGING SPECIALIST

CLASSES — OPENS MUSICAL THEATRE TEAM, NAPA COLLEGE SINGING, PRIVATE VOCAL TUITION

David is a versatile vocal coach, performer, and director, boasting a rich background in professional and community theatre across London, Sydney, and the Gold Coast. With a passion for nurturing talent, he excels in teaching vocal technique and acting through song to individuals of all ages. David has graced numerous prestigious professional productions, in the West End and UK tours, showcasing his talent in renowned shows like 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, The Mikado, Joseph, and Pirates of Penzance among others. His training at Arts Educational London, coupled with certifications in various methodologies including BAST and Estill, reflects his commitment to continuous growth and excellence in his craft. David's directorial prowess shines in productions such as Gypsy and The Sound of Music (Spotlight Theatre), where he was lucky enough to work with many of the NAPA students. David’s goal is to assist students in building a relationship with their voice, uncovering the joy of singing, and tapping into their full potential.

SINGING SPECIALIST AND PRODUCTION MUSICAL DIRECTOR

CLASSES — BROADWAY BOUND, NAPA ENSEMBLE

Multi-award winning vocal & music director (2012: Best Vocal Director - HAIRSPRAY, The Spotlight Theatrical Company; 2014 Best Vocal Director - SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, The Spotlight Theatrical Company, 2021: Best Music Director - JERSEY BOYS - The Spotlight Theatrical Company)

Matt is a highly accomplished, and sought-after Conductor, Music Director, and Woodwind specialist. He has taught at a number of local primary and secondary schools, and served as a music specialist, teacher and Head of Youth Theatre for The Spotlight Theatrical Company from 2013 - 2021. Many of his former students have gone on to tertiary level study, and work professionally in the entertainment industry.

Matt toured nationally and internationally as Principal Baritone Saxophonist for the QLD Conservatorium Saxophone Orchestra, performing at the Australian Music Conventions in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, the 16th World Saxophone Congress in St. Andrews, Scotland, the Royal College of London, and at the International Seminar of Music Education in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Matt has served as a musician, and conductor for the Tweed PCYC Concert Band, The Hinterland Band, Gold Coast Philharmonic Orchestra, and The Gold Coast City Wind Orchestra, and as vocalist (Bass) for the Brisbane Chorale.

As a reed specialist, Vocal Director, Conductor, Music Director and Music Supervisor, Matt has worked for many production companies in South East Queensland. Most notably, Matt was Music Director for the Australian Premiere production of CURTAINS: THE MUSICAL COMEDY WHODUNNIT (The Spotlight Theatrical Company, 2010), the QLD Amateur Premiere of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (The Spotlight Theatrical Company, 2013), and NOT THE MESSIAH, HE'S A VERY NAUGHTY BOY (The Spotlight Theatrical Company, 2018 - featuring a 30 piece orchestra with live bagpipes). Matt also had the pleasure of serving as Music Director on the Australian premiere, and multiple subsequent productions of Jason Robert Brown's 13! A NEW MUSICAL (2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020).

In 2022, Matt founded SONYQ EDGE PERFORMING ARTS to cater to the growing need for quality, and extensive training in all areas of the performing arts. In October, he staged Sonyq's inaugural production - ROCK OF AGES: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION. In 2023, his senior students will have the opportunity to attend the Australian Music Theatre Festival in Launceston, Tasmania.

B.Ed (Music Education) AMEB Grade 8 - Singing

SINGING SPECIALIST AND PRODUCTION MUSICAL DIRECTOR

CLASSES — BROADWAY KIDS, BROADWAY BOUND EXTENSION

Starting early, Steffanie began performing on stage at age 4. She studied singing throughout her schooling years and completed her AMEB exams in classical voice. She now specialises in musical theatre and contemporary vocal styles. 

Steffanie has been teaching singing for over 15 years at a number of institution across the Gold Coast. She joined the NAPA team as a voice teacher in 2015 and has vocally directed many musicals for the Broadway Kids and Broadway Bound classes. 

Steffanie holds a Bachelor of Education with a specialisation in music and is currently a Year 12 teacher at Silkwood School at Robina. 

SINGING SPECIALIST

CLASSES — BROADWAY EXTENSION, PERFORMANCE TEAM VOCAL ASSISTANT, NAPA ENSEMBLE

Laila is a performer, musician and composer/arranger who began performing onstage at a young age before studying musical theatre part time at the SMC School of Performing Arts in Tasmania. In 2020, Laila joined NAPA and went on to perform in many NAPA youth productions. She has received nominations and won Gold Palm Awards for performances at NAPA and other local community theatre productions, including Chicago, Cats and Dogfight.

Laila has completed AMEB Musical Theatre exams up to Grade 8, receiving High Distinctions, AMEB Cello and AMEB Pianoforte, and performed as an orchestral and solo cellist and pianist for many years. She is also trained in classical and contemporary vocal styles and performed as a chorister with the Australian Honours Ensemble Program and at the Festival of Voices.

Laila is excited to be part of the NAPA team and looks forward to sharing her love of singing with the NAPA students.

SINGING SPECIALIST

CLASSES — BROADWAY TWEENS, PERFORMANCE TEAM VOCAL ASSISTANT, NAPA ENSEMBLE

With 10 years of experience at NAPA, Elysium has explored and trained various dance styles, vocal techniques and acting skills. As a proud graduate of the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Elysium has developed a strong foundation in technique and performance, allowing the expression of her creativity and passion for the performing arts to flourish, inspiring others to embrace their own artistic journeys and explore the transformative power of movement, music, and storytelling.