Chloé Zuel

Chloé Zuel is one of Australia’s most compelling musical theatre artists, known for extraordinary vocal power, commanding stage presence and a grounded professionalism that has sustained her across some of the industry’s most demanding productions. From Hamilton to Six the Musical and her acclaimed portrayal of Anita in West Side Story, she represents the modern triple threat performer, versatile, resilient and deeply committed to her craft.

For Chloé, performing was never a distant dream, it was simply the path she chose early and pursued without hesitation. “I don’t think I saw any other option,” she reflects. “I decided from a very young age that I was going to be a professional performer and travel the world, so I just kept persevering. I had encouraging teachers and small wins along the way and a very supportive family which helped.” Rather than waiting for validation, she committed to the work, allowing perseverance and consistency to shape her trajectory.

Her full-time training at ED5 International became a critical bridge between aspiration and employability. “Full-time felt like home to me. After not enjoying my time at school I loved being with like-minded creative people and I loved being challenged to be the best I could be every day.

ED5 prepared me for the hard work, made me feel audition ready and gave me a safe space to try, fail and learn.” She is clear that without that experience, stepping directly into professional work would have been far more confronting. “I think I would have found it a lot more difficult going straight into a job post high school without full-time bridging the gap.”

For students considering full-time training, she emphasises mindset over medals. “Maybe the biggest difference is mindset and a willingness to learn and adapt quickly, leaving ego at the door. Showing up prepared without being chased, taking direction quickly, backing yourself, managing your energy, treating people with respect and understanding that talent is only part of it. Professionalism, resilience and consistency matter just as much.” Industry readiness, she suggests, is about how you function within a company as much as how you perform.

Auditions, even now, are not easy. “Well, it’s almost always terrifying and that doesn’t seem to change.” She describes the process with clarity; preparation is essential because rooms move quickly. “You usually take in a song or two of your choosing in the style of the show or alternatively do a dance call first and learn a section of the show. You then might get show material to prepare for callbacks.” Beyond preparation, she reframes the experience. “The panel really do want you to do a good job and succeed. The only thing you can control once you’re there is yourself and how you show up. You can only do your absolute best and if it’s right for you then it won’t pass you by.” Then comes the harder lesson. “Once you’ve done it, you need to congratulate yourself for putting yourself out there, being vulnerable and working hard, then let go of what you can’t change.”

That discipline over outcome carries into her development as a triple threat. “Musical theatre asks a lot of us, and I definitely didn’t feel strong in all three areas at once.” Dance felt instinctive. “Dance is where I always felt at home because I’ve done it since I was four. While it’s maybe not my strongest of the three, it’s what has felt most comfortable and free.” Singing required deeper technical understanding. “Singing probably took the longest for me to feel truly solid because it demands so much discipline, stamina and understanding of the voice. I’m still learning and do singing lessons often.” Acting has evolved through experience. “My acting skills deepened as I gained more life experience and learned on each job that I did but it’s also an area I’m still growing in. I’ve found storytelling through singing has been an amazing gateway for me into the acting side of things.” For her, confidence is not bravado. “Confidence didn’t really come from feeling fearless but more from doing the work and consistently showing up and trying my best.”

Having worked in both ensemble and leading roles, Chloé speaks passionately about collaboration. “The energy you give on stage, backstage and to all the people around you matters. In ensemble roles especially, you’re responsible for the engine of the show and if the ensemble drops, the whole production feels it.” Consistency becomes respect. “Knowing your material, being on time and delivering the same standard every show regardless of how you’re feeling off stage.” Generosity is equally vital. “Supporting the story and the person who is telling the story in that moment, understanding that theatre is collaborative and you’re part of the whole picture, not just your moments.” She has observed that the most respected performers share common traits. “Some of the best performers I’ve worked with, whether in the ensemble or leading a show, are hard workers, present, open and respectful to everyone in the building, no matter what role.”

The physical and mental demands of eight shows a week require strategic care. “Yep it is a different type of athleticism, and I treat it like that,” she says. Her routine is disciplined and preventative. “I do Pilates, move my body every day and keep up regular singing lessons. I see a physio when I need to, steam, nebulise and always do vocal warmups and cool downs. I make sure I eat healthy food that fuels me, I limit alcohol and pace myself socially.” Perhaps the greatest lesson has been restraint. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is not to push through for ego, take a day off when you need to. If you want longevity you have to respect the load you’re under and look after your body and mind. It’s mentally and physically draining, and you are also responsible for the energy you bring into the building.”

Chloé was just 18 when she secured her first professional role, driven by what she describes as relentless hunger. “I had a deep hunger and desperation to perform and be in the industry. That kept me motivated and working hard.” Consistent employment allowed her to refine her craft in real time. “I was privileged enough to be consistently employed which meant a lot of my habits and skills were refined while I was getting paid, which I’m incredibly grateful for and don’t take for granted.”

That gratitude shapes the advice she offers young performers who doubt themselves. “If you are truly passionate about performing and you can’t see anything else that you’d rather do then strap in for the ride and work your butt off to get to where you want to go. It’s not easy but it is so rewarding. You’ll learn so much along the way about yourself and your resilience. First step is trusting yourself and believing that you can do it.”

Chloé Zuel’s career is not built on luck or fleeting momentum, it is built on conviction, discipline and respect for the collaborative nature of theatre. Her story offers emerging performers something powerful and practical, talent matters, but mindset, work ethic and generosity are what sustain a life on stage.

ED5International