Local artist profile: Taylah Chisholm

THIS week we chat with uber-talented young musical theatre performer Taylah Chisholm.

What initially motivated you to become a musical theatre performer?

Growing up as a dancer I was always into the performing arts. I grew up singing around the house, began competing at dance competitions with song and dance routines. It wasn’t until I watched my first musical theatre production that made me realise musical theatre is what I wanted to do.

How would you describe your style?

I describe myself as a contemporary musical theatre performer. I have a naturally modern tone to my voice, so classical theatre never became my thing. Prior to training at WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) in 2022, I had little to no vocal training. My coordinator and teachers in the Diploma helped me build up technique to sing healthily, extend my vocal range etc., so now I can jump from different material with those elements in mind.

Which other performers inspire you?

I’ve got many worldwide inspirations, but some Australian performers I like to follow are Samm Hagen (Legally Blonde, Frozen), Courtney Monsma (Frozen, Wicked) and Callum Francis (Kinky Boots).

I’ve been taught by and worked alongside some amazing professionals that have worked in Australia, on the West End and on Broadway. You take any advice you can get.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

I’ll never forget my first breakthrough in musical theatre. It was 2019. Bendigo Theatre Company were performing Wicked at Ulumbarra Theatre and I was in the dance ensemble. On our sixth show, out of ten, midway through, our leading lady who played Elphaba lost her voice and couldn’t sing.

Quite literally, 10 seconds before running onstage for a number, I got pulled aside by the company president at the time. He asked me, “We need you to sing side stage, can you do it?” I went into shock, but of course I did it.

The role had been a dream of mine for years. I got set up, went into the soundproof booth, holding the president’s hand so tight it could’ve fallen off! My debut was the song Defying Gravity. I had never rehearsed it prior, so I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. I finished the song to end act one, and I dropped to the floor in tears from adrenaline. I then completed act two and sang for Elphaba for the next two shows. Still to this day, I have people bring up that performance.

How can people check out your work?

I have a website which you can find at taylahchisholm.wixsite.com/taylah-chisholm. You can also check out my Instagram @Taylah.chisholm.

What would you say to young regional aspiring performers who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

I would say go for it! If you truly have the passion and determination, then do it. Having supportive friends and family by my side is a huge reason as to why I do what I do. Make sure you do your research, get as much experience as possible, whether that would be auditioning for local theatre company shows, getting singing lessons, dance lessons, anything. The most important thing is to be you. If you get down the track and decide it’s not what you thought, you can always change paths.