Meet The Showboat Follies

Vanessa was born in Perth and lived in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Phnom Penh, where she trained in all styles of dance before moving to Sydney. Since moving to Sydney, she has performed in corporate events and shows, and is delighted to be joining Sydney Showboats.

Tahlia grew up and trained in Adelaide until the age of 19 when she decided to further her dance career and move to Sydney. Tahlia trained full time at The Next Step performing arts 2020 & 2021. In 2023 she furthered her training, completing a program for professionals in Show Business under the guidance of Marko Panzic. She also studied at THEatreBRIDGE under the guidance of Nathan Wright & Andrew Bevis. Tahlia is trained in all genres of dance working as a dancer for the Australian Hair Industry awards, Luxe Listings Premiere for Amazon Prime, EMAS luxury events & with Mini Cooper at the Australia Mardi Gras.

Tahlia is beyond excited for her first season on Sydney Showboats!

Natasha made her professional theatre debut in the 2019 international touring production of West Side Story (Opera Australia, GWB, BB Group) playing Graziella/Anybodys understudy. In 2021 she was asked to rejoin the cast for the remainder of their national tour post-COVID, and was promoted to the role of Anybodys. Natasha then made the move to NYC, and graduated with a Diploma in Musical Theatre from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in 2023. Natasha is a regular performer with “The Diamonds” (SMA Productions), “Santa’s Angels” (Sole Entertainment) and “Ratpack Reloaded” (SMA Productions). Natasha is thrilled to be joining the cast of Sydney Showboats this Winter.

Madeleine, originally from Adelaide, relocated to Sydney straight after completing high school to make her professional theatre debut as a dancer with Opera Australia. Since then, Madeleine has appeared in numerous television commercials, corporate events, cabaret and theatre productions, most recently performing in Christmas Spectacular – A Magical Winter Wonderland with magician Michael Boyd. Madeleine is grateful to perform in Sydney’s leading cabaret aboard Sydney Showboats.

Alongside her performing career, Madeleine has completed a Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) and holds a Masters in Media and Journalism at the University of Sydney.

Lauren is a versatile performer, producer, and entrepreneur with international stage experience. She founded her own production company, prioritising entertainment in regional areas and nurturing local talent. Lauren’s credits include the famous Heilbronner Weihnachtscircus in Germany, multiple contracts at sea with Norwegian Cruise Lines and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Lauren has also been a featured dancer for Ministry of Dance, ABCs television drama, “Wakefield” and Australia’s Got Talent. Lauren is proud to have been a company dancer of the Sydney Showboat cast throughout her career, and now heads the team as the Entertainment Coordinator.

Jazmin grew up dancing on the Mid North Coast, studying at ‘Allstars Studio’ in Laurieton. She moved to Sydney to further her dance career in 2020 and after being accepted into Ettinghausens professional program. Jazmin has since worked on multiple corporate jobs and is now proud to be a company dancer onboard Sydney Showboats 2023.

Originally from Bowral, Southern Highland, Issy moved to Sydney in 2019 to complete her Diploma of Performing Arts at Brent Street. Since then Issy has worked with artists such as Guy Sebastian & The Veronicas as well as performing on The Voice Australia. Issy has performed in music videos, corporate events and film & television including Bollywood movie 'Game Changer' filmed in New Zealand in 2022.

Issy is excited to join the cast of Sydney Showboats and make her professional showgirl debut this season!

Hannah trained at Linda Shaw Dance Centre in Classical Ballet and completed full time training at Brent Street Studios with a Diploma in Dance in 2013. She went on to dance professionally for over 10 years with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a Dancer, Aerialist /Aqua Dancer, Palazzo Germany and Universal Studios Japan.

After returning back to Sydney, Hannah is excited for her first season performing with Sydney Showboats.

Emily’s career began back in 2011 with her Theatre debut in Annie The Musical (Lyric Theatre Sydney) followed by Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Capitol Theatre Sydney). Since then, Emily has continued to train, graduating with an Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts from Ed5 International and now studying a Bachelor of Music at the Conservatorium of Sydney.

After recently completing a contract dancing in Macau for The Londoner and Venetian Casinos, Emily is excited to return to Sydney Showboats for her second contract.

Originally from the UK where her love for performing began, Ellyn moved to the stunning Sunshine Coast as a teenager where she continued her training across all genres of dance and performance. She moved to the ‘big smoke’ at 18 years old to attend ED5 International where she completed her Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts. Since living in Sydney, Ellyn has worked professionally, performing both nationally and internationally and is thrilled to be on board for the Summer Season of Sydney Showboats.

Charlotte began her dance journey at the age of three in Singapore, where she trained in a comprehensive range of dance styles.

She further honed her craft in Australia, graduating from The McDonald College with a major in Ballet. She then earned her Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts from ED5 International under the tutelage of William A Forsythe and other highly acclaimed industry professionals.

Charlotte's recent stage credit include being a Featured Dancer in Woolworths Carols in the Domain, performing alongside the renowned Rhonda Burchmore and various Australian luminaries and Charlotte is delighted to be making her professional debut performing on board Sydney Showboats!

Brodie Shepherd boasts over a decade of experience in performing arts and teaching, with expertise in various dance styles including Acrobatics, Tap, Jazz, and ballet. He holds a Diploma of Performing Arts from ED5international graduating in 2015. Notable credits include "UnTapped" with Raw dance company, NRL Acrobat performing in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Newcastle. In 2023, Brodie was a cast member of Prada’s Priscillas: An All-Male Revue for their national tour. Brodie also showcased his talent as a featured dancer at Adelaide Fringe festival's "Jazz!" by Wilkins & Co. productions in 2023. Brodie excitedly now rejoins the Sydney Showboat cast for his third season.

An emerging Sydney-based performer & choreographer, Brock began dancing at the age of 11 and recently graduated from ED5 International where he obtained an Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts. He has appeared in Dance Academy: The Movie, Carols in the Domain, and on Channel 7 as a featured dancer in Schools Spectacular featuring in the Musical Theatre, Ballet, Contemporary/Lyrical segments, as well as a Soloist for Indigenous Dancing.