Cast
/ Creatives
Jesse Dutlow (They/Them)
Angel
JESSE DUTLOW (they/them) is a non-binary artist born in Melbourne, Australia, with South African heritage. They most recently toured Australia and Asia as May in & Juliet (Michael Cassel Group). Other theatre credits include FANGIRLS (Belvoir/Sydney Opera House). Jesse holds a Bachelor of Arts (Drama) from Deakin University (2021). They were a semi-finalist on Season 7 of The Voice Australia (Nine Network) and have released original music including the singles Soaked and Powerless, and their EP XX. Jesse is thrilled to be joining the cast of RENT.
Googoorewon Knox (he/him)
Collins
Googoorewon Knox is a Gamilaraay actor and musician from Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia. He is best known for his portrayal of George Washington in the 2024 Australian return season of Hamilton, making history as the first Indigenous Australian to play the role. This performance marked his debut in musical theatre.
As an Indigenous artist, Knox’s work contributes to the growing visibility and representation of First Nations peoples in the Australian entertainment industry. His performances inspire and pave the way for future generations of Indigenous artists.
Knox honed his acting skills at the International Screen Academy, graduating in 2016. He began his formal training in 2013, developing the skills necessary for a successful career in the acting industry, signed then by his current agent and good friend, Anthony Kidd of Benchmark Creative Management.
He has appeared on TV in Black Snow (2022-23), While the Men Are Away (2023), Queen of Oz (2023) and Erotic Stories (2023), as well as the short film Nangana (2018).
Raised in a family deeply rooted in music, Knox’s grandfather, Roger Knox, is a renowned country music artist, and his mother, Auriel Andrew, is a respected performer. Knox himself performed in his father’s band, blending his heritage with his musical talents.
Tana Laga’aia (He/They)
Benny
Of proud Samoan heritage, Tana graduated from NIDA in 2023, receiving a Diploma of Musical Theatre.
Tana made his professional debut as comfort counselor, ‘Mitch Mahoney’ in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (September Remedy Productions) at The Hayes Theatre. Most recently he appeared as ‘Peter’ (U/S Caiaphas) in Jesus Christ Superstar (Crossraods Live). Tana was part of the workshop cast of Converted! as ‘Silent Greg/Kyle’ (ATYP) and is delighted to return to RENT having toured Australia as ‘Benny’ (U/S Collins & Angel) previously for LPD Productions.
Calista Nelmes (She/Her)
Maureen
Calista is a proud kiwi born artist, originally from Tauranga, New Zealand but is now residing in Sydney. Following her graduation from the National Institute of Dramatic Art, she was fortunate enough to join the original cast of SHOWGIRL! aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, before making her professional musical debut as Lorraine in the New Zealand tour of Jersey Boys. In 2023, she re- introduced herself to Australia by gracing Australian screens on season 12 of The Voice, where she made it all the way to the top 12 of the competition. Calista made her Australian music theatre debut by taking on the iconic role of Maureen in the Australian tour of RENT, earning her rave reviews and a nomination for best performance in a musical for the 2024 Time Out arts and culture awards. Most recently, Calista has been touring Australia as a Soul Singer/Ensemble in Jesus Christ Superstar.
Kristin Paulse (She/Her)
Mimi
Kristin Paulse is a South African-born, New Zealand-raised performer now based in Melbourne. She is making her Australian leading role debut as Mimi Marquez in RENT—a dream come true. Kristin made her Australian stage debut as a Dynamite in Hairspray the Musical, before touring nationally in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, where she notably understudied the role of Tina Turner, among the other roles she played. Outside of theatre, Kristin is a singer-songwriter, releasing original music under the name KRISTN.
Henry Rollo (He/Him)
Mark
A graduate from The Victorian College of the Arts, Henry was most recently seen as Tenor Priest/Ensemble in the Australian Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar– covering the roles of Annas, Simon and Judas. Prior to this, Henry played Riff Raff in The Rocky Horror Show: 50th Anniversary Tour– for which he received a Sydney Theatre Award nomination for ‘Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical’.
Other credits include Jagged Little Pill (GWB Entertainment), RENT at The Sydney Opera House (2021)and The View Upstairs (Sugary Rum Productions).
Henry writes his own alternative pop music and has several releases on Spotify/Apple Music.
Harry Targett (He/Him)
Roger
Harry Targett is fast building his musical theatre credits; which include Sonny (Danny Zuko & Kenickie cover) in Grease, Sketch in the Australian tour of Hairspray, the role of Don Kerr in A Chorus Line at the Sydney Opera House and Parramatta Riverside Theatre, the Elf in a regional tour of The Fairies, and Anthony Hope in Victorian Opera’s production of Sweeney Todd. Harry was most recently seen in the production of Dear Evan Hansen playing the role of Connor Murphy.
A graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Harry was the recipient of the Leslie Anderson Showcase Award for Musical Theatre and his WAAPA credits include the leading role Scott Hastings in Strictly Ballroom and Drew Boley in Rock of Ages.
Harry has extensive training in dancing, acrobatics as well as classical and contemporary singing.
Imani Williams (She/Her)
Joanne
Having just completed her third original Australian company tour; Imani is an actress on the rise. Making her professional debut in Jagged Little Pill (GWB) she continued on to the pop sensation & Juliet (Michael Cassel Group), where she played Lucy and covered the title role of Juliet. Having just wrapped up on the Tony and Grammy award winning musical Hadestown (Opera Australia and Jones Theatrical Group) where she played Fate, Imani is honoured to help tell the beautiful story that is RENT. She has been a proud MEAA equity member since 2021.
Anna Francesca Armenia (She/Her)
Featured Ensemble
(Joanne Cover)
Anna Francesca Armenia is a Melbourne/Naarm based Actor who graduated from the Ballarat Arts Academy (Bachelor of Arts, Music Theatre). She has been working in theatre and screen for over a decade, and was recently cast opposite Jack Black in the Hollywood Blockbuster film, ANACONDA (Sony Pictures, Columbia Pictures).
Her theatre credits include Rose Granger-Weasley in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Michael Cassel Group), What If If Only (Melbourne Theatre Company), Alan Brough’s Charlie and the War Against the Grannies (CDP Theatre Producers), Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark (Critical Stages Touring), Sing on Tour (Universal Studios Japan), Petra in A Little Night Music (Watch This), Paw Patrol Live (Life Like Touring), Jason Coleman’s Razzle Dazzle (Ministry of Entertainment) and Nina in In The Heights (StageArt). In 2022, Anna Francesca was cast in the New Zealand production of RENT (The Court Theatre), and then joined the 2024 Australian Tour with LPD Productions.
Kobe Brown (He/Him)
Featured Ensemble (Collins / Angel / Benny Cover)
Kobe is an actor and singer hailing from Michigan in the United States. He made his Australian debut in 2022 with Hairspray and was most recently in Cruel Intentions at the Alex Theatre in Melbourne. He spent 2024 touring across the United States as young Rick James in Superfreak: The Rick James Story and is excited to be back down under working on a dream show! Other credits include Rustin (Netflix), SNL (50th anniversary premiere), Hairspray (US Tour) and Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! (Crossroads Live North America).
Sam Harmon (He/Him)
Featured Ensemble
(Roger / Mark / Benny Cover)
Sam Harmon is a versatile performer from Sydney Australia. He graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in 2019.
Most recently, Sam appeared in the 50th Anniversary Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar (Crossroads Live) as part of the ensemble, understudying the lead role of Jesus, as well as covering Peter and Pilate. Prior to this he made his main stage debut in LPD Productions’ award-nominated RENT as onstage swing/cover for Roger, Mark, and Benny.
Sam’s other theatre credits include Kip/John Merrick understudy in the award-winning musical The Marvellous Elephant Man (Floating World Entertainment), Ensemble/Cover in Metropolis (Hayes Theatre Co/The Little Eggs Collective), and Harry in Kinky Boots (Packemin Productions).
Sam is proudly represented by T&E Management.
Lawrence Hawkins (He/Him)
Featured Ensemble
(Mark / Roger Cover)
Lawrence Hawkins (he/him) is a young trans composer, multi-instrumentalist & performer from Naarm.
Earlier this year, Lawrence covered the roles of Evan Hansen and Connor Murphy in the Australian premiere of Dear Evan Hansen (STC/Michael Cassel Group) and has previously toured with the 2024 Australian production of RENT (LPD Prod.), and played Laurie in Little Women (JRP/Hayes theatre co.).
Studying his bachelor of music composition, Lawrence has composed numerous short film scores including Kiss For Me, which has been nominated for multiple international awards.
Screen credits include Theo Kaloudis Neighbours (Amazon Studios/Network 10/Paramount +), and Leo Situationship (CIMP entertainment/STUDIO47).
Carmel Rodrigues (She/Her)
Featured Ensemble
(Joanne Cover)
Born to parents with Portuguese, Indian and European heritage and raised in Sydney, Carmel has been performing from a young age. She might be familiar to audiences from when she appeared in 2016 as a semi-finalist on season five of The Voice, where she was coached by Jessie J and the Madden Brothers. Carmel played the lead role of Tracy Turnblad in the Tony Award-winning production of Hairspray in 2022. In 2024, Carmel joined the Australian National Tour of Dear Evan Hansen, as Alana Beck, and the Michael Cassel production of a (Very) Merry Christmas.
Eliza Soriano (She/Her)
Featured Ensemble
(Maureen / Mimi Cover)
Born and raised in Melbourne, Eliza Soriano is a proud Filipina-Australian with a lifelong passion for the performing arts. She completed her training at the Australian Institute of Music with a Bachelor of Music (Music Theatre). Fresh from her professional debut in the original Australian company of Hadestown where she played Worker 1, Eliza is so thrilled to be joining the cast of RENT!
Stacey Thomsett (She/Her)
Featured Ensemble
(Maureen Cover)
Stacey is a magnetic and versatile performer whose work spans theatre, screen and writing. A Green Room Award-winning writer, she co-created and toured the acclaimed comedy-cabaret ’Tis the Season…. Her recent credits include Lady Anne Kerr in the Seymour Centre’s The Dismissal (Squabbalogic), Alexi Darling in the 25th anniversary production of RENT staged at the Sydney Opera House (LPD/Sugary Rum Productions), Schapelle Corby in Schapelle Schapelle (Piano Room Productions), Betty in Catch Me if You Can (Hayes Theatre) Mona in Cry Baby (LPD) and Mole in Wind in the Willows (Australian Shakespeare Company).
Stacey is proudly represented by Mollison Keightley Management.
Theo Williams (He/Him)
Featured Ensemble
(Collins / Benny Cover)
Theo is proudly of African-American descent and hails from beautiful Newcastle in NSW. He was a regular on local stages from the age of 10 and has since stepped out onto stages nationally. Most recently Theo toured Australia in Sister Act 2025 (Crossroads). Previous productions include RENT 2024 (LPD Productions), The Australian premiere of Choir Boy 2023 (National Theatre of Parramatta), for which he received a nomination for ‘Best Newcomer’ at the Sydney Theatre Awards and Passing Strange 2022 (Antipodes Theatre Company). Theo is thrilled to be revisiting this wonderful production for a second time.
Chad Rosete (He/They)
Onstage Cover
(Angel Cover)
Born and raised in Naarm, Chad has always had a passion for performing since they were a child.
Chad completed a Diploma of Music (Music Theatre) at The Australian Institute of Music in 2019, as well as a Diploma of Musical Theatre at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance in 2021.
Chad’s theatre credits include Travis/Willard Understudy in Footloose (David Venn Live), Angel & Ensemble in RENT (LPD Productions), Hot Box Dancer/Sky Masterson Understudy in Guys & Dolls (Antipodes Theatre Company), Ensemble/Casey Understudy in Bearded the Musical.
Chad is proudly represented by Ministry of Entertainment.
Bree Tipoki (She/Her)
Resident Choreographer / Onstage Cover
(Mimi Cover)
Bree is a proud First Nations mother, creative and performer of the Palawa people of Lutruwita. Bree graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts. Most recently Bree was the Resident Director/Choreographer of Jesus Christ Superstar (Crossroads Live) Previous credits include; Co – Dance Captain/US La Choc & Arabia Moulin Rouge! the Musical (Global Creatures), Director/Choreographer for Once on this Island and Associate Director/Choreographer for The Producers (Altitude Theatre), Shrek (GFO), Resident Choreographer for School of Rock (GWB), Dance Captain for The Wizard of Oz (GFO). Rachel Marron U/S in The Bodyguard (GFO), Side Show (Hayes Theatre), Cats (RUG), Showboat (TPC), Truly Scrumptious U/S in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (TML), WICKED (GFO).