Joel Batalha

I studied as an actor before pivoting into theatre education, directing, writing and acting coaching. I have spent 25 years working with young people to develop their passion for the arts. I chose education over a professional career as I felt I could really make a difference in shaping our future generations of performing artists. But I guess there comes a time in life where you stop and reflect on your journey and the work you have done with the people you have worked with. I think now about all the people who have gone on to have careers in their own right and am currently working at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School where I am about to start a specialist musical theatre training stream where students will be better prepared for their transition to tertiary training like VCA, WAAPA, Griffith and NIDA. What draws me to this show is that I get an opportunity to walk the path I have encouraged countless others to take and specifically utilise my skills as an educator and working with young people in a cast like this to be a safe and inclusive company. To potentially have a chance to work alongside a wide range of performers including youth to tell a unique and engaging story is something I have been wanting to do and to upskill myself in industry to ensure I can continue to bring relevant and important learning to future generations. I feel it is time to put me first and reignite my own passion for the stage and story telling and I know that as a trained character actor - what better show than Matilda The Musical to throw my hat in the ring.

• @joelbatalha