Anna Francesca Armenia is a Melbourne/Naarm based Actor who graduated from the Ballarat Arts Academy (Bachelor of Arts, Music Theatre). She has been working in theatre and screen for over a decade, and was recently cast opposite Jack Black in the Hollywood Blockbuster film, ANACONDA (Sony Pictures, Columbia Pictures).

Her theatre credits include Rose Granger-Weasley in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Michael Cassel Group), What If If Only (Melbourne Theatre Company), Alan Brough’s Charlie and the War Against the Grannies (CDP Theatre Producers), Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark (Critical Stages Touring), Sing on Tour (Universal Studios Japan), Petra in A Little Night Music (Watch This), Paw Patrol Live (Life Like Touring), Jason Coleman’s Razzle Dazzle (Ministry of Entertainment) and Nina in In The Heights (StageArt). In 2022, Anna Francesca was cast in the New Zealand production of RENT (The Court Theatre), then joined the 2024 Australian Tour with LPD Productions. She will join the RENT Sydney Opera House season (Opera Australia) later this year.

Campbell is a Naarm/Melbourne based entertainer who is thrilled to be returning to the cast of ‘Songs For A New World’ after falling in love with performing this show during the 2023 Melbourne season!

After graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, Campbell has explored the Melbourne independent theatre scene both on and off stage. Some recent credits include That Creative Hubs ‘Hub on Broadway’, Eleonore Entertainments ‘Australian Launch’, Soundworks Productions ‘Pasek and Paul at the Ballroom’ and the June 2024 ‘Broadway Unplugged’.

Off stage, Campbell works as a Production and Stage Manager. He is currently Production Managing Stars and The Moon’s ‘Shrek the Musical’, opening late August. Outside of theatre, Campbell and his better half, Talana, share their passion for music as a Melbourne-based wedding duo, ‘Chord of Three Strands’.

Campbell is proudly represented by the team at Ministry of Entertainment.

Jackson is a WAAPA trained performer based in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. He has performed as multiple lead roles during his time of study (Mack Sennett in Mack and Mabel, Billy Cane in Bright Star, Prez in The Pajama Game). He has gone on to perform in multiple versions of the professionally filmed children’s musicals at Echelon Productions in Victoria as well as at Chapel off Chapel in Soundworks Productions' 2023 production of Songs For A New World'.

Ethan grew up dancing in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs, training and competing in a wide range of styles. His passion for musical theatre was sparked during a singing lesson, which quickly led him to pursue the art form more seriously. In 2020, he began full-time training at Patrick School of the Arts, graduating with a Diploma of Musical Theatre. During his studies, he had the privilege of working with industry professionals including Andrew Hallsworth, Todd Patrick, Jan Di Pietro, Michael Ralph, and Jimmy Maxfield. Highlights at PSA include performances in Little Shop of Horrors, Xanadu, and The Boy from Oz.

Most recently, Ethan appeared as Otto in Spring Awakening with Soundworks Productions. He is thrilled to be returning to work with Soundworks and to help bring such a unique and powerful show to life. Ethan is incredibly grateful for the opportunity and proud to share the stage with this talented team.

Isabella Gangi is a passionate Music Theatre performer and a graduate of Showfit in Brunswick. Isabella recently appeared as Bonnie Parker in Bonnie & Clyde (WTC) and Mayzie La Bird in Seussical (OCPAC). Her choreography credits include Rock of Ages and Matilda with M2 Productions. Isabella is also about to complete her Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary), combining her love of the arts and commitment to inspiring the next generation. Isabella is beyond excited to be joining the cast of Songs for a New World and would like to thank her agents for their encouragement. She proudly dedicates her performances to her parents Maria and Robert for their constant love and support.

Ben is an emerging performer and all-round artist based in Naarm (Melbourne). Originally hailing from Ballarat, they graduated from the Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) course at WAAPA just last year. Since then, they made their professional theatre debut in Zealous Productions’ Pinocchio: A Traditional Christmas Pantomime, garnering glowing reviews for their portrayal of Lampwick. Notable WAAPA credits include: Emmett Forrest in Legally Blonde, the Emcee in The World Goes ‘Round, Telly in Godspell, and Juliet in Romeo & Juliet.

This presentation of Songs For A New World is Ben’s first production with Soundworks Productions and marks their Melbourne theatre debut! Having visited Chapel Off Chapel as a teenager, Ben is very excited to return and perform this exceptional piece of musical theatre. They would like to sincerely thank the team at Soundworks Productions for this opportunity!

A graduate of Federation University’s Arts Academy with a Bachelor of Performing Arts, Kelsey Halge is a Melbourne-based singer, actor and dancer. She made her professional debut as Annette Hargrove in David Venn Enterprises’ 2022/2023 national tour of Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical (dir. Alister Smith), and is thrilled to be joining Songs For A New World. Kelsey’s theatre credits include Nicola and female swing in Kinky Boots (dir. Martin Croft), which was awarded Production of the Year at the 2024 Green Room Awards. She has also appeared in Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical Party (dir. David Venn) and Thrones! The Musical Parody (dir. James Elmer).

Her screen and commercial work includes campaigns for Snooze ("Every Day, Every Night Amazing"), Wattie’s NZ ("unBEANlievable"), and Myer’s 2023 Christmas TVC. She has also appeared in Nowhere Boys and Please Like Me. Additional credits include Vocal Director for PAC’s Young Industry Project, MTI’s Industry Night, RISE: The Performance Collective, Performing Artist Company Summer and Winter Intensives, Broadway Unplugged’s 10-Year Anniversary, and a dancer for Katy Perry at the ICCU Cricket World Cup. Kelsey has also completed her Masters of Teaching and is passionate about mentoring and coaching the next generation of performers.

Dan Ham is an esteemed performer and artist in Australia’s dance and burlesque industry, winning Mr Boylesque Australia (2015), “Melbourne’s favourite dancer” (MEDEA’s 2024 & 2025), and internationally nominated for the “Silver Tusk awards” in New York.

Ham’s performance credits include “Bring It On – The Musical” (DVE), “50 Shades – The Musical Parody” (DVE), “Saturday Night Fever” (StageArt) and currently tours with “The King of Pop Show - Starring TJ”. His career has also seen him tour nationally with “Lazytown in Schools” and internationally with “Barney and Friends”, including a special performance for the Royal Family of Bahrain.

His burlesque/choreographic career highlights include the Boylesque storyline for long-running channel 10 series “Neighbours”, music videos and performances for multiple Drag Race Down Under stars and Mx Burlesque Victoria/Australia winners.

Most recently Ham was co-choreographer for the remount of “Cruel Intentions - The 90’s Musical” (DV Live), and for the Australian tour of “Footloose The Musical” (DV Live)

Katie is a Naarm/Melbourne based performer who graduated from Patrick School of the Arts (PSA) in 2022 with a Diploma in Music Theatre under the direction of the esteemed Andrew Hallsworth. During her time at PSA she was seen in roles such as ‘Regina’ in Rock of Ages, ‘Shena’ in the Boy from Oz and in Guys and Dolls. Since graduating Katie has been seen performing at Crown, AFLW matches and piano bars across the state. Katie is currently involved with Stars and the Moon theatre company; dedicated to creating accessible and inclusive theatre for all abilities, and will be seen in their production of Shrek the Musical later in August as ‘Fairy Godmother’. Katie is absolutely over the moon to be have the opportunity to swing on this special show once again.

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.

Alessandra Merlo is a versatile Australia performer, often moving between musical theatre and screen acting.

A graduate from The Victorian College of the Arts Musical Theatre BFA, she has performed in 'Big Fish' (The Hayes Theatre Co), 'Titanic the Musical in Concert', starring Anthony Warlow (The Marrollo Project) and most recently, 'Midnight', a brand new Australian Musical starring Shane Jacobson and Lucy Durack. "

Screen credits include ‘La Brea’ (NBC ), ‘Safe Home’ (SBS), ‘Ms Fisher's 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 Flickerfest 2023, among other International Festival Selections. 'Run, Baby’, selected for 2025 St Kilda Film Festival as well as Associate Producing and co-starring in the short film, ‘A Good Boy’ which was selected for the 34th Flickerfest Programme as well as winning Best Cinematography. "

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’!

Ken Paolo is a soulful performer with a Diploma of Music from WAAPA and training in comedy improv performance. Their theatre credits include Op Shop Til You Drop (The Orderly Chaotic Theatre), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Altona Theatre) and Cruel Intentions (Phoenix Theatre Company).

In the cruise entertainment scene, Ken Paolo has featured as a Blue Room front singer, late-night band member, and music guest entertainer aboard P&O’s Pacific Explorer.

As a musician, Ken Paolo fronted the band Ken Paolo and The Space Cadets and was a winner of the NIDA x Triple J Music Video competition and has performed at major festivals including Groovin’ The Moo and 10 Nights at the Port in Fremantle. Their work showcases a unique blend of theatrical flair and musical artistry.

Zac found his love for theatre through his family and local companies while growing up in Townsville, North Queensland. He studied Musical Theatre at the Queensland Conservatorium (the Con) in Brisbane before making the move to Melbourne in 2020 to pursue a career in the arts. In 2022, Zac covered and performed the role of Dewey Finn in School of Rock at Qudos Bank Arena—a career highlight.

He made his Melbourne debut in 2023 with the original Songs for a New World by Soundworks. Since then, he returned to Soundworks as Mr Myers in Fame, and is currently working with inclusive theatre company Stars and the Moon. He will appear as Shrek in their upcoming production of Shrek the Musical later this month. Zac is thrilled to be returning to Songs for a New World—the show that reignited his love for performing.

Born in Adelaide, raised in Melbourne, Benoit (he/him) graduated his professional training in 2021, at The Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre). In 2022, Benoit debuted in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (dir. Nicola Bowman), playing the role of Demetrius. Later in the year, he played Hot Blades Harry in Soundworks’ production of ‘Urinetown’ (dir. Mark Taylor) at Chapel off Chapel in Melbourne.

Travelling up to Sydney in 2023, Benoit reprised the role of Hot Blades Harry, making his Hayes Theatre Co. debut in their production of Urinetown. Later on, he made his professional main stage debut in Midnight the Cinderella Musical at the Comedy Theatre (dir. Pip Mushin and Dean Murphy). Soon after, he was delighted to be a part of Soundworks’ first mount of Songs for A New World (dir. Lauren Mckenna) and is overjoyed to be returning to the remount of this incredible production in 2025.

Teo Vergara (they/them) Is a Naarm based Latinx creative. Recently, they starred in "Converted!" by Vic Zerbst and Oliver John Cameron - a new Australian musical produced by ATYP. Teo is an avid voice actor, also being seen as the leading role of Laura in "The Sloth Lane", streaming now on Binge.

They starred in the premiere of new queer Australian play "Storked" by Myf Hocking produced by Antipodes theatre company earlier this year. They hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts majoring in Music Theatre from the VCA, graduating in 2020. Teo is passionate about developing new works and authentic representation in theatre and media. Insta: @teocvergara rep: Marquee management

Mollie graduated from the esteemed Music Theatre course at Patrick School of the Arts in 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 Tim Smith.

Mollie is honoured to be joining the cast of Songs for a New World once more, after performing in the inaugural 2023 season. She would like to thank her family, friends and agency Patrick Management for their endless love and support.

Maddi Xuereb hails from NSW’s Central Coast, where she was fortunate to train under the mentorship of Darren Disney. She went on to complete her training at Sydney’s renowned Brent Street Studios, graduating with Honours and a Diploma of Musical Theatre & Diploma of Dance under the guidance of industry luminaries such as Lisa Callingham and Cameron Mitchell.

Since graduating, Maddi has performed as a featured vocalist in The Little Mermaid Cocktail Experience at Sydney's SEA LIFE Aquarium and for ICC Premiers Gala Concert. She has provided backing vocals for Guy Sebastian, Australian Idol, and the 2024 ARIA Awards.

Maddi’s commercial credits include campaigns for McDonald’s, Bonds and Mount Franklin, and advertising for Rebel Sport and Rockwear.

Having been a part of the original cast of Gatsby at the Green Light at the Sydney Opera House, Maddi is excited to return to the touring show as dancer and vocal understudy.