Lela McManus (she/her) is an emerging actor based in Meanjin (Brisbane), currently studying a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Acting) at QUT. Originally from a rural town, she brings a grounded perspective to her work. Passionate about storytelling and performance, she continues to develop her craft and is excited to bring a dream like dynamic to the stage.

"My wildest dream is for you to see this show ;) "

Thomas is currently studying drama and performance studies at university. He has performed in many productions around Brisbane including ‘A Midsummers Night Dream’, ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ , ‘Troilus and Cressida’ and in a Beenleigh Theatre Group production ‘Shakespeare in Love’, and in a Villanova Players production of 'Away'. 

Zoë first found herself onstage in 2019 in a school production to the surprise of friends, family and really, herself. She has since quelled her fear of people (to a certain extent) and has even gone so far as to pursue a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Acting) with QUT. 

Her credits (admit it, you’re dying to find out) include; A Hundred Words for Snow with Mockingbird Theatre (Feb 2026, upcoming), A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Echo Theatre (2024 & Dec 2025, past and upcoming (confusing, right?)), Lord of the Flies with Canberra Repertory Society (2024), Happy Meals, Happy Kids with Sunny Productions at The Q (2024), Legacies with Ribix Productions (2023), Sympathetic Resonance with Canberra Youth Theatre (2023), Puffs! with Echo Theatre (2023), and This Changes Everything with Echo Theatre (2022). 

This will be Zoë’s first show with Villanova Players and she hopes you enjoy this crazy dream!

Nikolai has recently completed a Masters of Teaching at QUT with a focus on Film and English. Nikolai was Assistant Stage Manager for Brisbane Arts Theatre on productions including, ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘Avenue Q’. His recent stage performances include: ‘Ladies in Lavender’ (St. Lukes Theatre), ‘Ladies in Black’, ‘The Lion in Winter’, ‘Summer Rain’, ‘Snapshots from Home’, 'The Venetian Twins' (Villanova Players) and 'Freaky Friday' (BTG), and 'My Family and Other Animals'.

‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ marks Carmen’s first appearance with Villanova Players. Having made the move to the Gold Coast last year to complete her Diploma of Screen and Media (Acting for Film) from the New York Film Academy Australia, Carmen is excited to be back doing theatre in Brisbane. Most recently, she played the role of ‘Beatrice’ in Growl Theatre’s production of ‘The Servant of Two Masters’ (2025). As well as this, she performed in an all-female rendition of ‘Lord of the Flies’ with the Gold Coast Little Theatre (2024). Having spent her childhood admiring the Brisbane theatre scene, Carmen had always dreamed of one day being able to take the stage herself. She is excited to help bring this Shakespearean classic work to life alongside such an incredible team of artists.

Reece Milne has many credits across film, television, and theatre. He is best known for his role as Wayne “Tank” Snelgrove in Home and Away (2015–2016). His screen work also includes roles in The Warriors (2017) as Doc, Lightning Point (2012) as Liam, Rise (2014) as Ben, Rake (2010) as Agent Rene, In Our Blood (2023) as Kurt, and Good Cop/Bad Cop (2025) as Dave Schneider. Alongside his screen career, Milne has previously performed with Villanova Players, appearing in their 2025 production of A Murder is Announced as Patrick Simmons. Reece graduated from QUT’s Acting course in 2013.

When not playing the part of an egotistical actor with an over inflated sense of his own abilities, Matthew usually spends his time being an egotistical actor with an over inflated sense of his own abilities. A veteran of over 40 productions on the Brisbane stages, he is no stranger to take out meals greedily consumed between rehearsals and long hours spent deciding which pair of socks will accurately reflect his character's mood.

Matthew's wildest dream is performing Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre!

Darian Strachan, having graduated from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Drama is exploring the space shared the stage and the fantastical.

An avid DND player, Darian adores the power of a story, the potential of fantasy and the possibility of what can come from a team that truly cares.

Rahul is very excited and thrilled to be performing in his third Villanova Players production, appearing as Snug the Joiner in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

His previous theatre credits include Ginger Mick at Gallipoli (2015), Alone It Stands (2013), Punch-A-Tantra (2002–2004) — a children’s musical that toured across India and Europe — and the Iona Passion Play (since 2012). Rahul has also featured in a television series on POGO, a children’s channel known for its animated and live-action shows.

This production is especially meaningful for him as he shares the stage for the very first time with his daughters, Tyneal and Siana, in their Villanova Players debut.

"My favourite character is definitely Charlie Chaplin – timeless, funny, and proof that you can say everything without saying a word."

Ian is  a regular member of the Iona Passion Play, in various roles. With Villanova players, he has taken on the role of Spiros in the production of My Family and Other Animals. Ian is a strong believer in being willing to step out of his comfort zone (occasionally, it is rather comfortable after all).

Nathan has performed with Villanova Players since 2023.   Previously seen in The Great Gatsby and The Great Divide (2025), he has also appeared in Towards Zero (St Lukes, 2024). He was the youngest Fail brother in Failure: A Love Story (2024), and his first performance was in My Family and Other Animals (2023).  Nathan has laughed a lot putting this together and hopes you get a laugh out of watching the show!

"My favourite character is Puck. I think he is exceptionally well cast and I just love the mischief he causes!"

Crystal has previously performed in: Villanova’s Rough Crossing, The Wind in the Willows, Madwoman of Chaillot, Picnic at Hanging Rock, Falling from Grace, Summer Rain and The Great Gatsby, Nash Theatre’s La Cage Aux Folles, St Luke’s Natural Causes, Beenleigh Theatre Group’s Raggedy Ann. She has completed examinations in dance, ATOD and CSTD syllabi and have performed in many different shows and was selected to perform at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games. Crystal has an Advanced Diploma in Acting from the Australian Performing Arts Conservatory and is currently studying Law.

Her big dream is to travel the world.

Ollie is a witty funny 12 year old who has a true love for the stage. He had grown up in the theatere. Doing a wide array of roles in the Iona Passion Play of late he has been one of the witnesses recounting the story.
His first role with Villanova Players was Young Gerry in My Family and Other Animals.
Oliver has really enjoyed being part of his first Shakespeare.

I’ve done quite a few cultural shows with my siblings, but my first real theatre adventure was the Iona Passion Play last year (also directed by Leo!). I started out as a market kid and a Roman soldier, and this year I took on a speaking role as the Blind Child as well. The IPP was where my love for theatre started! When I’m not playing a fairy on stage, you’ll find me running between wickets on a cricket pitch, chasing a football, battling Year 8 assignments, obsessing over F1, or lost in all things music - my guitar and I are basically in a long-term relationship at this point!

My wildest dream is to drive a F1 car and to meet Charles Leclerc! My favourite character is Pyramus because he's so funny and overdramatic (like me!)

I'm currently in Year 8, and I'm an avid reader (Percy Jackson is my hero). I’m really enjoying learning about one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays by being a part of this production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. I’ve been participating in the Iona Passion Play since last year and have loved watching how every tiny detail helps bring the story to life. My favourite part of theatre is definitely the costumes! The fairy costumes and makeup in this show are so whimsical, and make it feel as if we’ve stepped straight into the story. I also love music and singing, but I’m at my happiest when I’m tucked away with a good book and exploring the whole world waiting inside it.

My favourite character is Puck because he is full of mischief!

I’m Gigi and I’m 8 years old. My previous theatre experience has mainly been with the Iona Passion Play, and I really like that I get to participate in it with my family and friends - even if my 7-year-old brother can be super annoying! I’m having a blast being a fairy in A Midsummer Night's Dream because the costumes and makeup are amazing, and I get to twirl and “fly” around the stage. I love make-believe, singing, and dancing, and right now I’m completely obsessed with the show Bread Barbershop and pigs! Pigs are just the funniest and cutest creatures. The only problem is that I also really like bacon so that makes it a bit awkward!

My dream is to own some pigs (though mum says that's not happening in our house). My favourite character is Queen Titania because she is kind and pretty.

I’m 7 years old and I live for musical theatre. My mum says I act like I’m in a show all the time with my singing and dancing! I’ve been in a few Iona Passion Play roles, but my favourite so far was playing the Pigeon Boy this year because I got to shout and make the pigeon seller chase me around the stage! I’m also the world’s biggest Wicked fan and know every word to Defying Gravity. Right now, I’m obsessed with K-Pop Demon Hunters too, and I’m just waiting for them to make a musical out of it.

I'd like to be a member of the Saja Boys (from K-Pop Demon Hunters), so I can sing and dance like them! My favourite character is Puck because he is funny and naughty.

Tyneal is thrilled to be performing in her first-ever theatre production with Villanova Players. Passionate about storytelling and the arts from a young age, she brings great energy, curiosity, and creativity to the stage. Tyneal enjoys sports, reading, and spending time with family. She’s excited to learn from the talented cast and crew and looks forward to many more performances to come.

Tyneal’s favourite character is Helena because she’s loyal, brave, and follows her heart — even when the world around her turns upside down.

Siana is delighted to be making her stage debut with Villanova Players in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She has previously participated in the Iona Passion Play. A natural performer with a love for drama and the performing arts. When she’s not rehearsing, she enjoys dancing and spending time with her family (and occasionally performing for them too!). Siana is excited to bring her character to life and to share the stage with such a talented cast in her first theatrical adventure.

Siana's favourite character is Puck, because he’s cheeky, magical, and always up to something!