THIS week we chat with uber-talented young musical theatre performer Taylah Chisholm.<\/p>\n
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What initially motivated you to become a musical theatre performer?<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019t until I watched my first musical theatre production that made me realise musical theatre is what I wanted to do.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How would you describe your style?<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Which other performers inspire you?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019ve 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).<\/p>\n I\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What are some highlights you have from your career so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019ll 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\u2019t sing.<\/p>\n Quite literally, 10 seconds before running onstage for a number, I got pulled aside by the company president at the time. He asked me, \u201cWe need you to sing side stage, can you do it?\u201d I went into shock, but of course I did it.<\/p>\n The role had been a dream of mine for years. I got set up, went into the soundproof booth, holding the president\u2019s hand so tight it could\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n