Avigalle trained under the guidance of Glenda Yee and Johanna Van Althius-Jones at GY Dance during her junior years. In addition, she has undergone vocal and elite dance private training with Melanie and Keira Noble. Avigalle went on to complete a Diploma of Musical Theatre at Brent Street, graduating with honors. Her musical theatre debut was at the age of nine in Opera Australia’s Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific as a Child Swing and performed as Cosmos/Mustardseed Swing in The Australian Shakespeare Company’s Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies. Avigalle toured with TML Productions’ Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the ensemble and performed as the Narrator, understudying Paulini. Most recently, Avigalle continued her musical theatre journey touring with Moulin Rouge the Musical in the ensemble and covered the role of Arabia. Currently, Avigalle is a Swing in the Australian touring production of Hamilton. She is proudly represented by Focus Talent Management.
Hello Avigalle! I’m so excited to sit down with you today for Word on the Street. Can you start us off with a little introduction about yourself, as well as your course and graduating year at Brent Street?
Hi! My name is Avigalle Mendoza, a proud Filipina 21 year old performer born and raised in Western Sydney. I graduated from Brent Street with a Diploma of Musical Theatre in 2021.
Thinking back to your time in the Musical Theatre course – what was a highlight or special moment?
I have such fond memories of my year at Brent Street regardless of the few months spent on zoom due to COVID. Outside of gaining some great friendships and building resilience through the long days of training – I’d have to narrow it down to Darren Yap’s acting classes. He created such a nurturing environment that pushed me out of my comfort zone allowing me to grow both professionally and more importantly personally. He instilled in us that knowing and believing in YOURSELF was the first thing you had to conquer before stepping into any role. Being able to then work with him the following year in Joseph was very special.
Avigalle in her Full Time Musical Theatre Graduation Showcase (2021).
That’s so special – Darren is amazing! So you were a Sydney gal your whole life, dancing over at GY Dance before coming to Brent Street for the Musical Theatre Course. What drew you to Brent Street?
I spent a lot of time researching courses that aligned in achieving my career goals and Brent Street ticked those boxes. They’ve created an environment that leads with the belief system that all styles of dance and facets of the arts are equal; creating an all rounded artist. That was integral for me when choosing the right course. I grew up training in all dance styles and had weekly singing lessons but wanted to explore the world of acting whilst still developing my other skills further. The opportunity to also train under the guidance of the Industry’s best; Cameron Mitchell, Angelique Cassimatis, Kat Hoyos and Jen Peers (to name a few!) made the Musical Theatre course the best fit for me!
So, only a few years out of Full Time and you’ve got an insanely impressive list of credits already – Joseph, Moulin Rouge, Westside and now Hamilton… insane! This might be tricky to answer – but can you tell us your highlight so far (and why)?
Avigalle on the night she covered Paulini in the role of Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (image supplied).
It has truly been a blessing and not something I take lightly. It’s taken a lot of hard work and determination but I have the most amazing support system who have helped me through. A definite highlight would have to be understudying the incomparable Paulini as The Narrator in Joseph. Taking on a leading role in my first musical as an adult brought its own challenges in resilience and self belief. Although being able to create and mould the role to fit me and perform on The Capitol Stage in my home city is a feeling I’ll never forget.
I have to also mention the Sing-a-long performances whilst on Moulin Rouge. It’s a feeling you can’t explain and have to experience first hand. Audiences were always so receptive to the show but on those nights – there was a heightened emotion in the theatre as you could hear them sing freely. They felt truly a part of the show. Unforgettable!
Yes – those sing-a-long shows are electric! Now, I’m sure it’s not all glamorous – there’s got to be a fair share of challenges and low moments along the way. What’s something that you learnt in the MT course that you’re able to draw upon in moments like these?
I have to circle back to Darren Yap’s classes in doing the work in finding who you are! I’ve learnt a lot in being self aware. Finding how I cope with certain situations, what I need to fill my cup in and out of work and setting healthy boundaries. Discovering what brings me the most joy and what grounds me to be more present as a performer and as Avi.
My family is heavily involved in the Filipino Chaplaincy Diocese of Parramatta, so being able to attend their monthly masses is important to me. With touring, I’ve tried to find a Catholic Church to attend every Sunday morning before shows. This is time for me to reflect on my week and reground myself. I must add having an outlet/support system outside of work has been a massive help.
Filling your cup is certainly vital to longevity! In such a short amount of time you’ve had a variety of roles in all different types of shows – which clearly demonstrates your versatility. What’s something you do to stay versatile and keep your options wide open?
Avigalle backstage with the cast at Moulin Rouge! The Musical (image supplied).
I have my junior years of training and Brent Street to thank for shaping me into the versatile performer I am. Undeniably, each show has been so stylistically unique and I’ve grown as a performer through them all; from contractions and contorting doing Sonya Tayeh’s choreography to executing intention lead movement created by Andy Blankenbuehler.
I’ve also been so fortunate to cover/understudy on each contract. With this massive undertaking I’ve invested in many vocal lessons with an array of teachers to ensure I’m prepared to step into a leading/featured role. As well as vocal lessons, attending as many dance classes when possible. I do my best to get to class whilst performing as a way to refresh the mind and body away from show material.
Thank you for your time today, Avigalle! There’s plenty of budding performers reading this right now, who would all kill to see success like yours straight out of Full Time. What’s your piece of advice to someone who’s breaking into the industry?
Be your most authentic self. Sounds ridiculously cliche but just being you is enough. It’s so easy to conform to this mentality of ‘fitting the mould’ of what you think the industry wants. Trust that your individuality, honesty and authenticity will always serve you over trying to be like anyone else.
Hesitancy and uncertainty are all emotions of wanting to do well! Just go for it and don’t hold back! You can only bring one YOU to the table and YOU might be exactly what a panel is looking for.
Finally, come to terms with knowing that there isn’t one pathway that works for everyone. You’re on your own individual journey. Continue to learn, explore and discover the world and your life experience will shape you as a performer. I promise it will serve you well as a performer and a human.
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Follow Avigalle and keep up-to-date with her journey:
@avigalle.mendoza
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Auditions are currently open for Brent Street’s 2025 Musical Theatre Course intake.
Register your interest and get a copy of the Prospectus at www.brentstreet.com.au/audition.
