Alessandra Merlo is a versatile Australian performer, often moving between musical theatre and screen acting. Her passion for musicals comes from her love of acting through song which she feels possesses a similar intimacy in screen acting. A graduate from The Victorian College of the Arts Musical Theatre BFA, she hasperformed in Big Fish (The Hayes Theatre Co), Paper Stars (Salty Theatre Co) and Titanic the Musical in Concert, starring Anthony Warlow (The Marrollo Project). Most recently, Alessandra originated the role of Princess of Veronia in the brand new Australian Musical, Midnight, which played a 6-week run at Melbourne’s Comedy

Theatre.Screen credits include La Brea (NBC ), Safe Home (SBS), Ms Fishers Modern Murder Mysteries (Acorn TV/Seven Network), Neighbours (Fremantle Media). She has also featured in the short film Blvck Gold, which was selected for St Kilda Film Festival 2022 and Flicker Fest 2023, among other International Festival Selections. Recently she associate produced and co-starred in the short film, A Good Boy, which is still in post production with release expected in late 2023.

Born in Adelaide, raised in Melbourne, Benoit (he/him) graduated in 2021 from the VCA with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre). Benoit appeared in Soundworks’ production of Urinetown in 2022, playing the role of Hot Blades Harry. The beginning of 2023 saw Benoit making his Hayes Theatre Co. debut, once again in Urinetown, reprising the same role.

Benoit most recently appeared in the Australian made hit musical, Midnight: the Cinderella Musical, as an on stage swing. Other credits include Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (MSC) and Gabriel in The Newsreader Season 2 (ABC). Benoit is a proud and loud, queer performer and is thrilled to be back on stage with the incredible team at Soundworks!

Cameron began performing at the age of 10 in Baz Luhrmann’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Opera Australia before playing Michael Banks in the first National Tour of Mary Poppins, and understudying Jeremy Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He went on to study Music Theatre at Spectrum Dance Studios. Since graduating Cameron has done various corporate gigs around Melbourne as well as completing contracts with Universal Studios Japan and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Cameron is excited to join the incredible cast of Songs for a New World, which is one of his favourite shows.

Campbell is a Naarm/Melbourne based singer/actor/musician. He is a 2021 graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) with a bachelor degree in Musical Theatre. In his final year of study, Campbell appeared in ‘The Hello Girls’ as Wesson, ‘Sweet Charity’, as well as devising and performing in a variety show, ‘Mongrel 2021’. He was also a lead vocalist in the 2021 ‘Future Oz’ concert. Prior to his training at the VCA, Campbell gained a passion for theatre whilst performing across Melbourne in a plethora of productions and is a multi MTGV award nominated actor. In 2019 he was invited to perform his self-devised Solo performance in the VCE Seasons of Excellence at the Arts Centre Melbourne.

Campbell has loved working with the team at Soundworks Productions as the Stage Manager of ‘13 The Musical’ and ‘Disney’s Camp Rock’ and he is beyond excited to be joining the cast of ‘Songs for a New World’. Campbell is grateful for the support and guidance of Cameron MacDonald and is proudly represented by the team at Ministry of Entertainment.

Chelsi Hardcastle is an American actor, singer and writer residing in Melbourne, Australia. She received an education in both music and stage performance in the United States, with years of experience in both stage and screen. Her most recent film project, in which she wrote all of the original music as well as played the singing voice for the lead, was premiered at Cannes Film Festival and released worldwide in 2022. As a passionate writer, she has written and produced 7 original musicals with another set for a 2024 premiere.

Born and raised in Naarm, Gabriella (They/She) has been performing professionally since 2017 and is thrilled to be a part of such a unique and new version of Songs For A New World. Their most recent credits include both versions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Michael Cassel Group), The Book of Mornon (GFO) and Spring Awakening (StageArt).

Jackson Britza is a graduate from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), where he trained for four years. Through this time, he achieved roles such as Mack Sennett in His Majesty’s Theatre’s production of “Mack and Mabel” and Prez in “The Pajama Game” at WAAPA’s Roundhouse theatre. As well as his WAAPA training, he has received tutelage from many industry professionals (Adam Mitchell, Cameron Mitchell, Simon Masterson etc.), international talent (Mary King), and WAAPA/NIDA alumni.

Originally from country South Australia, Jayden has trained in the performing arts his entire life. Most recently, Jayden resided in New York City where he completed the Professional Semester program at the Broadway Dance Centre NYC. During this time, he performed on numerous occasions for renowned creatives such as Skye Mattox, Christine Cornish, and Jay Mills to name a few. Prior to this, Jayden completed two contracts with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a Dancer and Featured Singer U/S, as well as performing in many corporate events across Australia. Jayden’s theatrical credits began at an early age, professionally debuting as Toby in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (TML Enterprises). He has also appeared in featured child roles in The Australian Ballet’s The Silver Rose and Swan Lake. Jayden can be seen on screens in the TV Series Stateless (ABC).

His recent commercial dance credits include Playback – Adelaide Fringe (Cocktail Creative), Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final (Netball Australia) and the Pacific School Games Opening Ceremony. Jayden is thrilled to be making his Melbourne theatre debut in Songs for a New World and is proudly represented by Ministry of Entertainment.

Katie is a Melbourne based singer/actor with a passion for creating and storytelling. Katie grew up in Bendigo as a member of the Bendigo Theatre Company in which she was heavily involved since the age of 10. Katie has now graduated from Patrick School of the Arts last year in 2022 with a Diploma in Musical Theatre. Whilst training she was seen in roles such as Shena in The Boy From Oz dir. Andrew Hallsworth and Regina in Rock of Ages dir. Yvette Lee. Other credits during training include Guys and Dolls and an original Fosse styled show Jazz dir. Andrew Hallsworth.

Katie was also involved in a workshop presentation of ‘Dreamsong’ written by Robert Tripolino with the role of Clarice Cunningham. Other performances Katie has been involved in was the Melbourne Follies: Cabaret Down Under as a featured singer and in the Crown Atrium Christmas Show as a Lead Vocalist for the month of December last year. Katie is thrilled to have been given this opportunity to work with the exceptionally talented cast and creative team of this show. Katie is also a proud member of the MEAA actors equity.

Originally from Gadigal Country, Matt graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre, and most recently performed as Jack in West Australian Opera’s Into the Woods. Their WAAPA credits include Bright Star (Daryl Ames), The Pajama Game (Dance Captain), Side Show (Sir), Mack and Mabel and Crazy for You. Matt also graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Design in Architecture, and has worked in Sydney’s independent theatre scene for a number of years; directing, designing, and producing. He’s thrilled at the opportunity to join this incredible production of Songs for a New World.

Mollie graduated from the esteemed Music Theatre course at Patrick School of the Arts in December 2022 under the incredible direction and guidance of Andrew Hallsworth and Todd Patrick. During her training, she was part of many productions including Guys & Dolls, Rock of Ages and played April Sunday in the workshop of an Australian musical called Dream Song. Prior to her tertiary studies, Mollie performed with PLOS Musical Productions in Mamma Mia and as Eponine in Les Misérables. Mollie is grateful to have such professional training: with special mention and thanks to her acting teacher Kestie Morassi and her singing teacher/ mentor David Wisken. Mollie is absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of Songs for a New World. She would like to thank her family for their endless love and support, and to her best friend Joel for always being her number one supporter.

Niina grew up, melting everyday, in Cairns QLD. Here, she began training as a wee lil ballerina with her space buns, oversized pink leotard and matching skirt; that grandma bought for her to “grow into”. As the years passed, she moved onto inhaling excessive amounts of hairspray and wearing unbearably itchy sequin costumes. She persevered though because nothing beat that feeling of being on stage. Finally, she completed her Diploma in Musical Theatre at Ministry of Dance in 2019. Throughout her full time training she appeared as a dancer for Tones & I at the AFL Grand Final, AFL footy show revue, White Night Melbourne and Australia’s Got Talent.

Since graduating, Niina has performed in Loredo Malcolm’s ONE LIGHT, Boss Dance Company’s REBORN and originated ‘Frieda’ in Smith-Guard and Jenkin’s ON THE RISE; A NEW MUSICAL at Melbourne Fringe. Choreography credits include Western Arts Theatre’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, Global; Boss Generation and One Light Next Gen. You can also catch her in Gretta Ray’s music video DON’T DATE THE TEENAGER.

Niina loves a good read, a car jam/scream with her closest friends and being outside in nature! She is thrilled to be a part of Soundworks’ rendition of SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD and hopes you enjoy the show.

Born in Melbourne, Tayla is a performer who trained in Musical Theatre at the Australian Institute of Music (AIM). Previously, she completed a year of full time training at Left Leg Studios (LLS). During her time at LLS, Tayla performed the role of the Witch in ‘Into the Woods’. Most recently, Tayla originated the role of Stella Forts in the workshop season and Melbourne premiere of the new Australian musical, 'Jack Frost'.

Other performance credits include: Martha in 'Spring Awakening' (Chapel off Chapel), Dream Team Member in 'DreamSong' the Musical (Ebbflow theatre co.), featured vocalist in Home Grown: The Power of Us (Chapel off Chapel), as well as in Broadway Unplugged at the Royal Botanic Gardens (The Australian Shakespeare Company & BU). In 2018, she originated the role of Joan in 'Decoration Day' (T2 theatre company). Tayla is thrilled to be joining the cast of the newly reimagined ‘Songs For A New World’!

Teo (they/them) is a Naarm born performer who completed their final year of study at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) in 2020, where they graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Music Theatre. Teo initially began their training in 2017 at Centrestage Performing Arts School’s full-time course.

Since training in singing, dancing and acting, Teo has taken their skillset to work in areas of both stage and screen. From 2021-2022, they were a part of the Australian premiere production’s original cast of “Jagged Little Pill: The Alanis Morrissette Musical” dir. By Leah Howard, where they debuted in the ensemble and as understudy to the role of Jo. Earlier this year, Teo also made their screen debut in “Crazy Fun Park” directed and created by Nick Verso as Bridget. They then moved on to make their sophomore guest star debut in “Turn Up The Volume” as Quinn – another visible queer character for young audiences. They are excited to explore other avenues of storytelling through various voice acting credits yet to be announced.

Teo looks forward to being representation for the young queer and trans community throughout their career. Teo is proudly second-generation Panamanian/Australian. They would like to acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded, and they are living and working on Aboriginal Land.

Zac grew up in Townsville, North Queensland and studied musical theatre at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, graduating in 2019. While at The Con Zac played Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, Eddie Birdlace in Dogfight and Enoch Snow in Carousel. At the end of his time studying Zac was selected as a featured vocalist in QPAC’s 2019 Spirit of Christmas concert.

After graduating Zac made the big move to Melbourne and although 2020 didn't end up being the ideal time to move interstate, Zac is thrilled now to finally return to a Melbourne stage for the first time since touring with The Con to Chapel off Chapel in 2019. In 2022 he covered and performed as Dewey Finn in School of Rock in a sold out Qudos Bank Arena as well as covering the role of Ned and toured greater Sydney schools doing performance education with Gibber.

A Melbourne based artist of Moroccan and Pakeha descent, Zayneb was born and raised in Wellington, New Zealand. Zayneb trained in classical ballet, RAD and other dance genres from the age of three, under the guidance of Jean Goodman and Deidre Tarrant. Zayneb moved to Melbourne independently at the age of seventeen to train full time at Dance World Studios, completing the rest of her RAD studies through VCASS and Brunswick School Of Dance. Zayneb continues vocal training with Sally Bourne.

Since graduating Zayneb has appeared in multiple professional productions including the role of Zuma in Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure (Life Like Touring, Australian Tour) as well as performing as a Cast Dancer for Princess Cruise Lines.

As a woman of colour Zayneb is passionate about diversity, representation and equal opportunities in the performing arts industry.

She is especially inspired by choreographers and directors who can integrate this diversity into their art. Zayneb has a passion for Musical Theatre and all of the glorious pathways that dance and music can lead to in storytelling.