Stage Door Podcast

What keeps an actor in the game? In part two of our chat with Otis Dhanji, we go beyond Peter and the Starcatcher and dive into the highs, the hurdles, and the “this is why I do this” moments of his career. From handling the pressure of big projects at a young age to navigating rejection and jumping between stage, film, and TV—Otis shares what he's learned about making it (and staying) in the industry.

Missed part one? Catch up now, then hit play on this one! 🎧

🔗 Don’t miss Peter and the Starcatcher playing at the QPAC from the 14th of March—tickets and details at https://peterandthestarcatcher.com.au/tickets/

🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review! Share your episode ideas via Instagram, our website or email at [email protected].

🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine

🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson

✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine

🎵 Intro/Outro Music: Tropic - Anno Domini Beats

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our new bonus episodes with bedtime stories from some of your favourite creatives. This week Otis Dhanji lets us in on his worst stage mishap whilst playing Peter in the current touring production of Peter and The Starcatcher!

Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll explore more of Otis’s career and experiences in the industry!

🔗 Don’t miss Peter and the Starcatcher—tickets and details at https://peterandthestarcatcher.com.au/tickets/

🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review! Share your episode ideas via Instagram, our website or email at [email protected].

🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine

🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson

✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine

🎵 Intro/Outro Music: Tropic - Anno Domini Beats

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did Peter Pan learn to fly? In the first of our two-part conversation with Otis Dhanji, we dive into his journey with Peter and the Starcatcher. From stepping into the rehearsal room to keeping the show’s magic alive onstage, Otis shares how he approached this imaginative world, the challenges and joys of working with puppetry, and the surprising lessons he’s learned about himself as a performer.

Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll explore more of Otis’s career and experiences in the industry!

🔗 Don’t miss Peter and the Starcatcher—tickets and details at https://peterandthestarcatcher.com.au/tickets/

🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review! Share your episode ideas via Instagram, our website or email at [email protected].

🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine

🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson

✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine

🎵 Intro/Outro Music: Tropic - Anno Domini Beats

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes A Christmas Carol such a timeless holiday classic? In this episode, Eliza chats with Aisha Aidara, current cast member of the Melbourne production, about stepping back into the role of Little Fan, the joy of festive cast traditions, and managing the whirlwind of 8-show weeks. They also explore why this beloved tale continues to resonate with audiences year after year. Get ready for a heartwarming behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Christmas theatre!

🔗 Make sure to get tickets to see A Christmas Carol currently playing at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre: and christmascarolaustralia.com.au/

🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at [email protected].

🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine

🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson

✂️ Edited by Tori Bullard

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s it really like to rule the stage in Six the Musical? In this episode, Tori and Eliza chat with two queens, Chelsea Dawson and Kimberley Hodgson, about their reigns as Howard and Aragon. Chelsea shares the experience of stepping back into her role, while Kim reflects on how Aragon feels like home. Together, they dive into what makes Six such a phenomenon, the rituals that get them ready to slay their performances, and so much more. Don’t miss this royal behind-the-scenes chat!

🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Kimberley and Chelsea on instagram and get tickets to SIX currently touring around Australia: @chels.eadawson, @kr_hodgson and @sixthemusicalau

🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at [email protected].

🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine

🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson

✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our season 5 finale deep dive, we’re pulling back the curtain on musical theatre’s best-kept secrets! Joined by fan-favorite guest Gareth Isaac, Eliza, Tori, and Gareth each champion an underrated musical: the dark drama of Jekyll and Hyde, the cult-following of Groundhog Day, and the hauntingly beautiful Islander. What makes a musical underrated, and why aren’t more people talking about these hidden gems?

🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at [email protected].

🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine

🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson

✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Curious about navigating the theatre world as a neurodivergent performer? In this episode, Eliza chats with Daniel R. Nixon about playing Christopher in The Curious Incident, creating inclusive spaces in theatre, and advice for neurodivergent performers. Daniel also talks about returning to his role in Drizzle Boy with Queensland Theatre and what he’s most excited about for the regional tour. Packed with insight and inspiration, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Daniel on instagram and get tickets to Drizzle Boy currently touring around Queensland and Canberra: @danielrnixon and @qld_theatre

🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at [email protected].

🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine

🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson

✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder what it takes to start your own theatre company? Tori and Eliza chat with Meg and Sarah, the creatives behind Penpals and founders of Sydney’s The Little Big Theatre Co. They dive into the inspiration for their company, the creation of Penpals, and share advice for those looking to produce original works. Packed with insights and tips, this episode is a must-listen!

🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Little Big Theatre Co. and get tickets to 'Penpals': @littlebigtheatreco and events.humanitix.com/penpals

🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at [email protected].

🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine

🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson

✂️ Edited by Tori Bullard

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder what it's like to nail your first professional audition straight out of uni? In this episode, Tori and Eliza chat with Sophie Montague, who did just that, landing the role of Sister Mary Robert in the Australian tour of Sister Act! They spill on belting their tits off on Sunrise, working alongside stars like Casey Donovan, and even share advice they'd give their younger self. Don't miss this fun, insider-packed episode filled with theatre gems and behind-the-scenes laughs!

🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Monty and get tickets to 'Sister Act': @soph_monty and https://sisteractthemusical.com.au/

🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at [email protected].

🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine

🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson

✂️ Edited by Eliza Vine

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder what it's like to step back into a beloved role? Tori and Eliza catch up with Ryan Gonzales as they return to Washington Heights as Usnavi, stepping back into a role that’s both a challenge and a source of deep fulfilment. They also dive into their iconic run in Moulin Rouge, where they slayed in Vogue, and discuss the casting shifts happening in Australia. Plus, get the scoop on their upcoming trip to Neverland with the Australian premiere of Peter and the Starcatcher. This episode is packed with raucous stage stories and insider insights you won’t want to miss! 

🔗 Make sure to stay up to date with Ryan and get tickets to 'Peter And The Starcatcher': @rgonzy and peterandthestarcatcher.com.au

🎧 Follow the podcast on Instagram @stagedoorpod, and don't forget to leave a rating and review. Share your episode ideas via Instagram or email at [email protected].

🎨 Created and Produced by Tori Bullard & Eliza Vine

🖌️ Logo Created by Sally Henderson

✂️ Edited by Michael DiGuglielmo

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices