Bree Stephens

Published in Print July 2025 order now!

By Danielle Brown

Bree Stephens’ journey from a young tap dancer in Tasmania to a versatile performer on Australia’s grandest stages is a testament to her dedication and adaptability in the performing arts.

Her passion ignited early: “I started tap dancing at the age of four, and it became the foundation of everything I do. Tap taught me rhythm, timing, coordination, and style—all essential skills that continue to support my career today. I instantly fell in love with it, and I’m incredibly grateful to my childhood teachers, who nurtured my development from those first lessons right through to my final years of training at 19.”

Seeking to broaden her horizons, Bree transitioned to ED5 International in Sydney. She recalls, “Training in a broad range of styles gave me the versatility I needed to make the leap to ED5INTERNATIONAL. Interestingly, I almost took a completely different path. At the time, I was considering a career in personal training because I couldn’t find a performing arts school that aligned with everything I wanted to study. But at my final dance competition, Nathan Sheens—one of the original Tap Dogs—approached me and asked what was next. When I told him about my dilemma, he encouraged me to submit a late application to ED5. I did—and thankfully, I was accepted!”

At ED5, Bree’s training encompassed more than just performance. She notes, “The training at ED5INTERNATIONAL, curated by Elena De Cinque, Mario De Cinque, and William Forsythe, is incredibly comprehensive. It’s not just about performance skills—we also covered practical elements like nutrition, anatomy, writing a CV, makeup application, audition attire, and stage etiquette.”

This holistic approach prepared her for the rigours of professional performance. “One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how to properly prepare for auditions. For me, it always starts with research—understanding the show and its characters inside and out. Then comes the prep work: rehearsing the vocal material and scenes, often with guidance from my vocal coach. I also take great care of my physical and mental health leading up to an audition—lots of Pilates, good sleep, and a balanced diet to ensure I can deliver my best.”

Bree’s professional debut came with Royal Caribbean International, performing in “Grease” and “Hairspray.” The transition was challenging: “The biggest adjustment was show load and stamina. At ED5, we performed our graduation show for two or three nights—suddenly I was doing eight shows a week on a 13-month contract! That was a huge physical and mental shift. I quickly learned that giving 80% of my energy each night (instead of pushing for 110%) actually preserved performance quality while keeping me consistent and injury-free throughout the week. It took me about 6–8 weeks to fully adapt to that schedule, and understanding how to manage my body’s limits was a crucial step in my professional development.”

Her versatility shines through her diverse roles: from “The Phantom of the Opera” on Sydney Harbour to touring with “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” and portraying “Minnie” in “West Side Story.” Currently, she’s touring with Disney Theatricals’ “Beauty and the Beast,” covering the role of Babette. Preparing for such roles requires adaptability: “I always start with research—looking into the era, style, and intention behind the show. Immersing myself in the history helps me authentically embody the tone and physicality of that period.”

She adds, “I also draw inspiration from previous cast performances or iconic artists associated with the genre. That helps me understand the essence of the character and find my own version of it, while staying true to the show’s vision.”

Understudying Babette presented unique challenges: “When I was first cast as Babette, I was really nervous about the French accent—it was something I had never tackled before. Luckily, we had a dialect coach who guided me through it, helping me build confidence and authenticity.”

“Once I had the accent down, I started developing her character. I wrote down key traits—like her playful flirtation with Lumière—and considered how their relationship would manifest even while they’re enchanted objects. That inner world gave me the tools to create a fully realised performance, even in a supporting or cover role.”

Maintaining peak performance requires discipline: “No matter what show I’m in, my Pilates and gym routines remain consistent. They help me maintain strength and flexibility, which are essential for longevity in this career. Most productions also have a resident physiotherapist who tailors injury-prevention programs. These exercises are designed to counterbalance repetitive movement patterns and keep our bodies functioning at peak performance.”

Beyond theatre, Bree engages in corporate entertainment with The Diamonds. She explains, “Corporate gigs are completely different because I’m not playing a character—I’m performing as myself, just a heightened version. It’s all about stage presence and audience connection. Unlike traditional theatre, there’s no fourth wall, so it’s a more direct and personal style of performing.”

For aspiring performers, Bree offers sage advice: “Keep learning. Stay curious. This industry is always evolving—and so are you. At the same time, keep your purpose at the centre of everything. Ask yourself: Why do I love this? It’s easy to lose sight of that in the hustle. Also, support your peers. We all start somewhere, and being kind and encouraging creates a safe space for others—and yourself—to thrive.”

Her inspirations are rooted in both education and classic performers: “One of my early inspirations was Leslie Bell, our musical theatre teacher at ED5. I remember learning Fosse choreography with her, and it was a turning point for me—I fell in love with musical theatre in that moment. Other inspirations include Cyd Charisse, Ginger Rogers, and Bob Fosse. They all had a unique presence that went far beyond technique. It’s that intangible charisma—something you can’t teach, but you can definitely aspire to.”

Looking ahead, Bree remains ambitious: “I was incredibly lucky to tick Moulin Rouge! off my dream-show list—but there are still a few on the bucket list: Chicago, Smash: The Musical, Burlesque: The Musical, 42nd Street, A Chorus Line, and The Great Gatsby. Right now, I’m working with a new vocal coach and exploring new sides of my voice, which is opening doors for the next phase of my career. I’m excited to see where it leads!”

Bree Stephens’ journey exemplifies the blend of talent, resilience, and continuous growth essential for success in the performing arts.