I count myself very fortunate that from the moment I was introduced to this magical world of the performing arts, I knew it would be my future. Because of this, from the age of three, I trained in all areas of dancing, singing and acting with my unwavering determination and passion to achieve my dreams. This training took me around Brisbane, Queensland all the way to London where I did the four-month professional program at the Associated Studios. It was here my voice really started to advance under the direction of Leontine Hass which expanded my vision.
The past nine years of my professional career has seen me work in film, TV, the recording studio, on concert stages and most of all in theatre internationally with ten musical show credits to my name.
“How did I get here?” Work, dedication, resilience, courage, being a good person, having a burning love for what I do, and doing it because I want to inspire the world.
This year for me was going to be a year of big change whereby I would move back to London after years of touring Australia. Instead, the world saw a different change and has seen me stay in Australia and work my creativity in many mediums. I have pushed myself spiritually and creatively this year all aspiring to live more in line with my truth so have been doing a lot of growing. I am confident overseas work and living is in the cards for my future and so look forward to the day that opportunity arises. But in the meantime, am excited about making and doing art I believe in here. The freedom of jazz music has inspired and moved me since I was first introduced to it on my first professional job.
This time has allowed me to relish in this world more and so can find me gigging around town! Next year will see me live out a dream role of mine being Ulla in The Producers which I can’t wait to sink my teeth into.
Here’s to 2020’s growth and a 2021 of endless possibilities…
-Rachael Ward
Rachael most recently played the role of Go-To-Hell Kitty in the Australian National Tour of Chicago The Musical. Other roles have included Margarita (Tango feature) in Opera Australia’s EVITA The Musical, originated Bombalurina in CATS the Musical at the Théâtre Mogador in Paris and for Royal Caribbean, Blue Girl in Shout! The Mod Musical, and Roxie Hart and Mona in Chicago.
Rachael understudied the role of Lina Lamont in the Australian tour of Singin’ In The Rain and went on to tour the show to Tokyo. Further musical credits include GFO’s Australian tour of the London Palladium Production Wizard of Oz – The Musical, the Production Company’s Hello, Dolly! and Jesus Christ Superstar. Rachael’s TV appearances include the 2019 Carols by Candlelight, 2017 Carols in the Domain, 2016 Helpmann Awards, appearances on Sunrise and various TVCs and MVCs.
She has danced for Kanye West in his live concert and in 2017 was chosen as a semi-finalist for the prestigious Rob Guest Endowment Award.
Rachael has trained internationally with top private coaches and studios including the Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia and the Associated Studios London.
Alongside her Jazz gigging, Rachael will next be seen taking to the stage as leading bombshell Ulla in the smash hit musical The Producers playing at the Brisbane Powerhouse in 2021.
To find out more about Rachael Ward, visit her website www.rachaelvward.com or follow the social links below.
