Since walking into a Rock & Roll Circus rehearsal at the Princess Theatre as a drama student in 1998, Allie Wilde has gone on to become a highly sought after producer, circus choreographer, acrobat, aerialist, agent, trainer, mentor and programmer. She is an internationally recognised specialist in the delivery of unique, site-specific and highly physical hybrid art performance works.

Allie applies a theatrical focus to all her work and truly enjoys working with communities and artists to deliver uniquely tailored creative outcomes for a vast range of clients. She has an extensive Australian and international performance and producing history. This experience brings a richness and depth of understanding to her work, her relationship with the artists she engages and the clients and communities she works with. Be it small scale or vast scale, Allie loves to collaborate and believes passionately in the value and necessity of Art to society.

Just some of the companies that Allie has created bespoke entertainment for include Brisbane City Council, Urban Utilities, Jack Morton International, Uhan Shii Cultural Collaboration & Theatre Company (Taiwan), Canal City- Fukuoka (Japan), Queensland Arts Council, Warrawa Arts (Taiwan), SunPAC, Strut & Fret Production House, Arts Centre Gold Coast, Artslink, Queensland Music Festival – Youth Touring Program, Queensland Arts Council, Homunculus Theatre, IZIT? Entertainment, Vulcana Women’s Circus, Flipside Circus, Circa, Rock ’n’ Roll Circus, Aerial Angels, La La Parlour, Gale & Vallance, Fractal Theatre Company, Quilpie Fringe Festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival, Queensland Youth Ballet, Woodford Folk Festival, DG Theater (Netherlands), Hans De Visser (Netherlands), Surfers Paradise Street & Fringe Festival, Surfers Paradise Alliance, Australian Circus Festival, Warrawa Arts (Taiwan), Southern Cross University, The Brisbane Ekka!, Slack Taxi, Hype Entertainment, Pen 2 Stage (Singapore & Brisbane), Top Chick Management, Queensland Theatre Company, Ozworks, Zest Factor, Versace (Gold Coast) and Tashmadada (Vic).

An accomplished well-rounded performer with 22 years of experience in the arts and entertainment industries, Amanda is the founder and director of legendary circus, knock about, vaudeville group “The Crackup Sisters” forging entertainment through rural and remote Australia. Amanda has also created two full length solo works, and commissioned pieces for the likes of The Queensland Symphony Orchestra, The Ekka Main Arena, Pepsi Cola and The Mount Isa Rodeo.

Amanda is a five-times runner-up Queensland Women’s whip cracking champion, places sixth in the world for Bullock whip cracking, and is also a cloud swing artist, clown, actress, creator and performer. Amanda-Lyn’s passion is to tell stories. Her work is distinguished by her energy, humour and gutsy enthusiasm and as an added bonus she’s an easy, fun-loving artist to have on set, site and stage.

"Vibrant, Compelling - you can't help but watch her "

★★★★★
- The Australian

A professional physical theatre/circus performer and trainer, specialising in duo and trio adagio (stage or roving) and aerials. Her roving performances are strongly character based.
Ana has performed extensively throughout Australia and Asia at a vast range high-profile corporate events, major, regional and remote festivals including the Lantern and Taoyuan Family Festival (Taiwan), the Brisbane Ekka, the International Circus Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, Surfers Paradise Festival, Brisbane Festival, River Feast and the Adelaide Fringe Festival.

Ana is also a member of the Sault Poets trio. She has been a successful ensemble performer in shows such as the Limelight Revue, Bulldust and Spangles, Outside the Safety Zone, Hello Kitty (Singapore and Dubai), Juice , Doch and the Circus.

Ana is fluent in German (her nationality) and Mandarin, after having spent two years in Taiwan studying language and culture. She also has an academic career and has successfully completed a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese, a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Environmental Science, and a Diploma in Editing and Publishing. In addition to her performance career, Ana is also working as a part-time freelance editor.

Camaron is one of Australia’s finest flamenco guitarists. He’s also a killer electric player, latin master and gypsy jazz shredder. Cameron spent years in Spain perfecting his craft. As great bass player and drummer as well, Cam is a prolific composer, performer and multi-instrumentalist.

Chae is a circus performer and trainer with over 15 years of experience in corporate entertainment. Over that time she has created and performed acts for countless clients and events including QLD Premier's Department, Adelaide Fringe Festival, Under the Radar Festival, The G20 Cultural Program, Bleach Festival, Brisbane City Council, Harvest Festival... she has even performed for the King and Queen of Belgium!

Chae also has a long history in community arts. She held the position of Workshop Program Manager and Head Trainer for Vulcana Women’s Circus for 10 years and was Acting Artistic Director in 2010-2011. Chae was also a member of the management committee of ACAPTA (Australian Circus & Physical Theatre Association) 2011-2012. Chae has many years of experience working with children, youth and adults from diverse cultural backgrounds and has facilitated circus projects in schools throughout Brisbane and regional Queensland.

Clint Bolster is a clown, physical actor, mask theatre specialist, stilt trainer and teaching artist. Clint has spent the last 16 years developing new works and training extensively. He regularly performs in Australia and internationally in the United Kingdom, Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.

Clint's repertoire of original performance works includes Homunculus Theatre Company (In-schools programs), Manoeuvre Roving Stilt Performers (Roving stilt acts), The Mask Family (Highly visual and interactive roving mask theatre acts) and HIGH TEA with BOOFF (a regal, mischief-loving high-status impresario clown). These works are highly active throughout Australia, New Zealand & Asia, and have extensive annual programming in regional Australia, particularly in the community, cultural and education sectors.

Clint’s most recent work, “High-tea with Booff” is a full scale, state of the art, self-contained venue with striking and impactful visual presence. It is available as a festival venue and immersive theatre work starring Clint’s iconic clown BOOFF. Currently in high demand at arts festivals across the country Wilde Applause is proud to offer this unique and exciting project for corporate events and conferences. Head to our Shows page for more details.

“A great performer, teacher and human, Clint brings all of himself and leaves us with a unique insight about ourselves after seeing the world through the tears and the fears of a clown, which always provokes laughter from places rarely observed in our daily life. BOOFF, like Clint’s other clowns, is a masterwork”

★★★★★
- Paul Bishop, Actor & MP - (AUS).

An award-winning artist specialising in puppetry and visual theatre, Anna has over a decade of experience working across theatre and television both as a performer and maker known for her allegorical works of 'fierce originality' and ‘grotesque whimsy’. Anna prioritises working with found and recycled objects in her practice as a designer. Her workshops in storytelling are sought for across Australia, and she can adapt to any time frame, budget and age group.

Anna won the state-wide industry Matilda Award for audio-visual design in 2016 for her original illustrations in Queensland Theatre’s blockbuster production of The Wider Earth, for which she was also lead puppeteer. Anna also earned a 2018 Matilda Award nomination for best set design for her sell-out debut production of her gothic feminist fairytale, Umami Mermaids, which was commissioned by Brisbane Festival. Since then, Anna has designed five new Queensland works, including Squad Goals (Share House), The Revisionist, (Refraction Theatre), Genesis (A Very Theatre Company) and Rockpocalypse (Jess Lamb).

Anna’s solo puppet show, The Boy Who Ate Teeth, was a critically-acclaimed success at the 2017 Brisbane Festival, and has regularly toured to festivals since, such as Woodford Folk Festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival and the Short and Sweet Festival. Anna is regularly commissioned to design and make puppets, props and sets throughout the country. She has worked for companies including the Commonwealth Games, Cirque du Soleil, Erth, Beyond Productions, White Rabbit Theatre, and Shock Therapy Productions. Street theatre and roving are also a staple part of Anna’s performance career - she works regularly for Wilde Applause, Snap Creative and IZIT? Entertainment.

A creative entertainer for over 26 years hosting and performing for theatre, gala events and festivals throughout Australia and New Zealand, Stefan has created a suite of incredible characters and brings vivacious energy to every performance.

Starting his career in professional Theatre Sports, improvisation and acting before transitioning into character entertainment, theatre, film, television and event MC’ing.

Stefan has developed, workshopped and performed multiple touring schools shows including most recently Active Travel for Brisbane City Council and Water Warriors for Urban Utilities. Stefan is also a skilled commercial photographer and videographer.

A dynamic and compelling performer and teaching artist who brings a wealth of training and global experience to her workshops. Helen has performed, trained, taught and directed in many performance disciplines including physical and classical theatre, Shakespeare, circus, clowning, cabaret, street theatre, film and television with companies such as the Queensland Theatre, La Boite, deBASE, Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre, Grin and Tonic, Strut n Fret, Bell Shakespeare, MTC, Hoodlum Entertainment, Imagine Entertainment, Unlimited Theatre (UK) and Spiegelworld in Las Vegas.

Helen’s breadth of training and experience in acting, movement, physical theatre, voice, clown and character give her a well-balanced approach and vision. She has led workshops for high schools, primary schools, corporations, industry peers and at festivals; and can easily tailor workshops to meet her clients/students needs. Her directing experience means she can also facilitate the creation of new work.

“Born for the spotlight”
- XS Entertainment

Frans Vogels is a renowned multi-discipline theatre maker and performer from Holland. His background is in mime, pyrotechnics and pantomime. He has studied with many masters including Marcel Marceau and Halina Witek. After 19 years of founding and directing a multi theatre company and being instrumental in establishing the concept of corporate theatre in Holland, Frans decided it was time for a new challenge and moved to Australia to build an audience here! We are thrilled he made this choice as he has been a core Wilde Applause Artist now for many years!

Since primary school David has embraced the arts in so many ways. He studied Ballet, Jazz, Piano, Singing and Acting. After graduating from the National Theatre Drama School, in Melbourne, he went on to a professional career that included Television, Film, Music Theatre and Corporate Entertainment. David toured in shows such as: The Pirates of Penzance (1986 & 1994 to 1995), HMS Pinafore (1987) and How to Succeed in Business (1993) and performed in 3 stage shows at Jupiter’s Casino between 1989 to
1993. After a six month stint with the Expo Dance Company he became involved with the Natural Theatre Company, which were initially contracted for World Expo ’88, and continues as a roving troupe to this day. In 2020 David celebrated 30 years of roving with this troupe, creating various improvisational comedic characters.

David has performed the Fat Controller at the Workshop Rail Museum in Ipswich since 2004. Since 2014 he has performed for Wild Applause’s Active Travel Show as Walker which tours various Primary Schools in Brisbane. As part of his arsenal he is also a mask performer for the well respected Homunculus Theatre Company. Since 1991 David has been seen as Santa and over the past 10 years has been Santa in the Brisbane Christmas Parade.

With a passion for performing that is a joy to behold, Serena brings the highest degrees of professionalism and enthusiasm to her work. She strives to ensure all her appearances exceed expectations. Skilled in Stilt Walking, Stilt Acrobatics, Jumping stilts, Fire and LED Twirling, Face Painting and Balloon Artistry; Serena continues to train new aspects of her performance so as to continuously develop and inspire others. Experimentation and unique experiences are some of her true passions in life and she is fortunate to work in a field which she deeply loves and which continues to allow her to fulfill many of her professional aspirations.

After studying Theatrical Circus Performing at Teatro Tascabile di Bergamo in 2008, Italian born Serena Andreini became part of the eclectic, experimental award winning Bilicoteatro stilts dance group, where she had the privilege of performing in various urban, contemporary and multi-disciplinary events.

Heidi is an experienced actor, singer, entertainer and teacher, with a broad background in theatre and music. She is also one of the 'Water Warriors' in the Urban Utilities school show program that Wilde Applause proudly delivers.

A QUT music graduate; Heidi has appeared as a backing vocalist in the nationally televised Lord Mayor’s Carols In The City, regularly performed with Underground Opera Company, and is currently a touring member of ABBALIVE. Notable acting credits include WICKED (Elphaba), LEGALLY BLONDE (Elle Woods), and CHICAGO (Roxie Hart); in addition to commercial TVC credits. Additionally, Heidi has extensive experience facilitating performing arts workshops, and loves working with emerging artists as they build skills and confidence.

Born into a family that owned a theatre entertainment restaurant, Rhett grew up backstage amongst the glam and glitter of different forms of the performing arts but it was the thrill and excitement of the circus that drew his attention.
Aprofessional circus artist who has been performing locally in Australia and overseas for over 15 years, Rhett is known for winning the Australian Street Entertainment Championships in 2015 and 2017. He has trained in the renowned International Circus School Beijing and also a part of many productions - "Aqua Voyage' in Ocean Park, Hong Kong; “The jungle book” in Singapore also featured his own headline act on Carnival Cruise lines around the Pacific Ocean. Specializing in balloon artistry, juggling and chinese pole, he has many circus skills up his sleeve from tumbling and acro-balance to slapstick comedy and plate-spinning. Rhett is an round circus performer who always brings his “A” game.

“Definitely a 10/10 for us! Thank you for spreading such joy and happiness on our son’s special day!”

Sean is a director, producer and award-winning actor who has trained extensively in Brisbane, Sydney, London and Los Angeles. Sean is currently Head of Acting for The Australian Performing Arts Conservatory and Artistic Director of his own company Dennehy Productions, which provides creative and production consultancy, direction and choreography to the arts industry and a vast range of clients.

Alongside Allie Wilde, Sean was the co-creator and director of the original hit show ‘Opracus Seasons - A Stunt Opera’ (Xinbei International Arts Festival, Taiwan 2011). There have been many site-specific evolutions of the original Opracus ever since, including ‘The Planets - by Opracus’ (Lantern Festival, Miaoli, Taiwan) and ‘Wizards from Oz - by Opracus’ (Taoyuan 2016) as well as various adaptations of the original work that have appeared numerous times at events including Brisbane Festival, Goondiwindi Festival and Quilpie Outback Festival.

Sean’s larger-scale production and directing credits include ANZAC Toowoomba Royal Show (2016), Dream World Tiger Show and multiple small to large scale community collaborations over the years involving up to 500 community and professional performers at any one time.

In 2009, Sean introduced Short+Sweet Theatre+Cabaret to Queensland - 11 Festivals, over 700 shows and over 1000 emerging and professional artists later he is looking forward to the 12th year. Starting with just one production/stage manager the company has grown into the premier festival for emerging artists in Queensland. Sean has also been a director and acting coach for OperaWorks LA for five years, and is the Moving Opera Director for Opera Q.

Sean’s acting credits for film and television include credits include Rake, Princess of Paddington, I Can Hear Your Heartbeat, Jiva, Don’t Tell, Alien Cargo (US) Girl Clock and James Cameron’s Sanctum 3D. His theatre credits include As You Like It (4MBS), Mercy Thieves (ACGC) Rigoletto and Turandot (Opera QLD).

A Brisbane-based professional Circus and Physical Theatre performer and trainer, Nick is also a qualified Animal Behavioural Ecologist (BA, BSch Hons). He is a highly skilled acrobat, counter-weighter and object manipulator, and has developed skills under the guidance of the world’s best master trainers. Since 2001 Nick has worked alongside Allie Wilde as a performer and in facilitating a wide range of national workshop and emerging professional programs. Nick has extensive training in the disciplines of clowning, movement, Suzuki, mask and improvisation. Nick also works frequently with Brisbane based companies Homunculus, Arts Health Institute, Premiers Department, Izit? Entertainment, Wilde Applause and More than Mime. Nick also specialises in drama facilitation and has extensive experience in supporting young people on the spectrum
As the Sault Poets , Nick Cilento and Allie Wilde have worked together - both performing, creating works and teaching, since 2001. Their relentless combined theatrical focus is to develop highly skilled, creative physical performance works, which are richly character and/ or thematically driven. They focus much of their application of circus skills into an exploration of the potential ‘physical poetry of the body’.

"What was the outcome of the hospital workshop series? 600 surgeons and nurses can’t be wrong… the accolades can still be heard from the hospital corridors!"
- Helen and Michael Whelan – Code Blue – St Andrew’s Hospital Gala Ball Project 2017

An actor, playwright, and director of national renown Merlynn is a highly sought-after and critically lauded artist. In 2018, Merlynn wrote Good Grief, a play for Queensland Theatre’s The Scene Project. In 2019, she adapted Antigone for Queensland Theatre. As a playwright, Merlynn has published two one-woman shows - Ma Ma Ma Mad, the true story of her mother’s suicide, and Blue Bones, a semi-autobiography of teenage romance as it blossoms then warps in heat of bustling Singapore. Blue Bones has recently won 6 Matilda Awards, including the Lord Mayor Award for Best New Australian Work, Best Mainstage Production and Best Female Actor in a Leading Role.

Some of Merlynn’s recent performances include White Pearl (Sydney Theatre Company & National Theatre of Parramatta), The Shot (Queensland Theatre, The Scene Project), Harrow 2 (ABC), Reef Break (ABC/M6), Top of the Lake: China Girl (BBC & Sundance Films, Jane Campion), What I’m Here For (Elbow Room & Flowstate), The Mathematics of Longing (La Boite Theatre), The Lost Lending Library (Punchdrunk & Imaginary Theatre), Hotelling (Bleached Arts), Bitch: Origin of the Female Species (Brisbane Festival), Blue Bones (Playlab & Brisbane Powerhouse), Viral (Shock Therapy Productions, Gold Coast Arts Centre), Straight White Men (La Boite Theatre), Ma Ma Ma Mad (Brisbane Powerhouse), The Theory of Everything (Brisbane Festival), The Wizards from Oz (Taiwan, Taoyuan International Children’s Festival) and Hot Brown Honey (Judith Wright Centre).

Erika is a seasoned performer and vocalist who graduated with a Diploma in Commercial Dance & Music Theatre from the Australian Dance Performance Institute. Erika made her professional debut as Ado Annie in the 60th Anniversary production of OKLAHOMA! at QPAC. She is a staple performer in the infamous cabaret series BOY&GIRL (Oscar ProCo) and is a current member of international female vocal group THE 7 SOPRANOS.

Erika has had the opportunity to workshop multiple new Australian works, most recently playing Ruth in the professional development of BLACK BOX (Tinderbox Productions), written by Paul Hodge and directed by Priscilla Jackman.

Other notable performances include: SWEET CHAIRTY (Charity Valentine), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Mary Magdalene), COMPANY (Marta), LES MISERABLES (Eponine), STRICTLY BALLROOM (Fran), ELFIES: THE SOUTH BANK CHRISTMAS SHOW (Elba) and a critically acclaimed turn as Veronica Sawyer in HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL.

A circus/physical theatre artist based in Meanjin/Brisbane. Mayu has performed with companies like Casus Circus, Polytoxic, GUSH, Wilde Applause and Aerialicious Entertainment.

Mayu specialises in aerial rope and non-traditional aerial apparatus. She also performs silk, duo lyra, acrobalance, group acrobatics, duo bike and stilts. Mayu trained at Vulcana Women’s Circus which continues to be her circus home. Before discovering circus, her creative outlet was dance. She performed both in Japan and Europe before coming to Australia. Her training institutions include Royal Antwerp Dance School in Belgium, Frankfurt University (Dance faculty) in Germany and Suzuki Classic Ballet Academy in Japan. Mayu’s work is unconventional, drawing on skills and knowledge from her broad physical training and dance experience.

Jess Heinemann is a professionally trained presenter and Science Communicator with a passion for education, performance and Lego.

Jess was a contestant on Lego Masters Season 3 (Channel 9) and is a strong advocate for women in STEM.

She has experience Internationally and across Australia in developing, writing, managing and delivering interactive shows, hands-on workshops, professional development, careers information sessions, events, conferences and mentoring programs.

She began her career as a Scientist working in the lab trying to grow organs for transplant, before discovering her love of performing and communicating Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). She holds a Bachelor of Biomolecular Science, an Honours degree in Applied Science, a Masters of Science Communication (Outreach), and has also trained in screen acting and musical theatre.

She is an enthusiastic presenter, engaging host and constantly strives to make a difference, smash stereotypes and inspire others to achieve their dreams.

Zoe Houghton began her career with Queensland's renowned Shakespearean Company, Grin & Tonic. As a core member of the troupe for two years, she toured Australia-wide, performing Shakespeare's classics to thousands of young people. Since graduating from NIDA in 2002, she have enjoyed a vast and eclectic range of roles, including stage and film work throughout every state in Australia.

Zac’s most recent and significant credits include: Clyde in Feature Film Brisbane by Stewart Tyrrell (2018), Mark in 13 by Mike Bartlett, Dweezil and Phil in cartoon Space Chickens in Space (2018), Veles in Xbox game Hand of Fate 2 (2018), Earl in Agnus and Earl – Commonwealth Games (2018), Participant of PlayLab Incubator program (2017), Guest Artist Teacher at Yeronga State High (2016-18), Seasonal QUT Acting Tutor (2016-17), DJ in Hanako Brisbane Festival (2016), Zac in one man show The Fever (2015).
Zac’s debut short film “Jessy” is currently making waves at film festivals across the world,wInning multiple awards.

Dr Nerida Matthaei is an award-winning choreographer, performer and the Artistic Director of Phluxus2 Dance Collective. The underlying pulse of her work comes from an ingrained passion for contemporary choreographic practice as a beautifully planned anarchy of mind-body collaboration. Driven by challenging socio-political orthodoxy and breaking conventions through physical performance, she is a much sought-after collaborator across the dance and performance sectors internationally.

Originally from Brisbane, Tla began her circus & acrobatics training at the age of 4. She was fortunate enough to have been coached by some of the best in the industry which then led to her starting her performing career at the age of 10. She has performed her skills in many different shows around Australia and internationally, also spending 5 months training at the Beijing International Circus Arts School studying acrobatics, handstands, hula hoops and flexibility.

An acrobatic artist who combines strength, agility and grace in the air and on the floor; Bianca strives to create work that is from the heart and soul.

One of three co-founders of “3 Is a Crowd” Circus Company, Bianca has developed and toured work extensively in Australia, Asia and Europe with a variety of companies including Tumble Circus (Ireland), Cirque du Loin (Switzerland), CIRCA, Wilde Applause Creative Productions, The Crack Up Sisters, Aerial Angel Productions and Clowns without Borders (Sweden and Australia).

Bianca’s skills and acts include ground-based Dance, tumbling and Hula-Hoops and air-based Aerial Ring, Lyra, Silks and Tissu.

Highlights of her career so far include winning ‘Best Circus and Physical Theatre’ award in Adelaide and Perth Fringe for 3 Is a Crowd’s debut show Fright or Flight, selling out at the Sydney Festival, performing for the Queen of Malaysia and having a “the show must go on” moment whilst hula hooping during a Typhoon in Taipei, to a standing audience of 10,000.
Bianca has performed at festivals including Recklinghausen (Germany), Spoffin (Netherlands), Helsinger Festival (Denmark), Adelaide Fringe Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Sydney Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, Hoopla Festival and to many to name throughout Sweden, Denmark and Ireland.

Since beginning his circus career in Darwin in 2010, Sam has been weaving his way through the circus world picking up crazy various skills including acrobatics, juggling, unicycling, rola bola, meteor spinning and more! Training at numerous schools: Beijing International Arts School, Australia Academy of Circus Arts and Trix circus to name a few has led him to amazing opportunities to perform all throughout Australia and Asia.

Rachael is a trained singer/performer based on the Gold Coast. Rachael’s greatest achievement is her recording contract and being in a successful Australian girl group, which led to winning 2016 AIMA’s best pop song. Rachael performed in various music videos and has travelled and performed in national and international arenas, for prime ministers and dignitaries, such as opening the Commonwealth Games. Rachael has also performed at the GC casino, HOTA and opened several promotional and public events, lending her voice to many charities. Aside from these, Rachael currently works as a face and suit character at Movieworld.