Chelsea Dean: From Australian Musical Theatre Festival to WICKED National Tour

From small-town beginnings in Launceston to the dazzling heights of WICKED, Chelsea Dean is living the dream she once thought was beyond reach. Discovered by a casting representative at the inaugural Australian Musical Theatre Festival, this rising star found herself catapulted from community stages to the grand Emerald City, where she now portrays Nessarose at just 19 years old. In the space of a few short years, Dean’s experiences at the festival helped hone her performance skills, build her confidence, and launch a professional career she could scarcely have imagined as a teenager.

Now, the festival that first showcased her talent is entering an exciting new phase. With the Tasmanian Government’s investment of $640,000 and a star-studded line-up featuring luminaries like Caroline O’Connor, Alinta Chidzey, and Mark Vincent, the 2025 programme promises an even greater platform for budding artists—especially with the award-winning Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra joining the fray. In this exclusive interview, Dean reflects on her journey from local youth productions to the bright lights of Oz. She shares her advice for this year’s participants, her favourite foodie spots in Launceston, and why celebrating musical theatre in regional centres remains critical for nurturing the next generation of Australian performers.

Could you tell us a bit about how taking part in the first Australian Musical Theatre Festival led to your discovery by the show’s casting team?

I vividly remember finding out about the Australian Musical Theatre Festival and feeling very intrigued. I have always loved to sing and discovered my love of acting through high school productions and community theatre so, knowing that there was a festival that could open up more opportunities to explore my passions was very exciting. I never thought that my participation in this festival would lead me to the world of Oz, however I feel so grateful to have met so many wonderful people along the way who I now have the pleasure of working with. So full circle.

What was it like growing up in Launceston and then returning as part of this important festival? Did you ever imagine it might be such a powerful platform for launching your professional career?

Growing up in Launceston, I was always encouraged by my friends, family and mentors to pursue my passion for performing. I soaked up everything around me like a sponge and gained more confidence as the years went on. When I discovered the Australian Musical Theatre Festival, I realised that musical theatre was something I could see myself pursuing professionally so it feels incredibly surreal to return to the festival having begun my hopefully long journey in the industry. I look back at those years fondly and am eternally grateful for the support I had around me which led me to where I am now.

Looking back, how did taking part in the Australian Musical Theatre Festival help shape your performance skills and build your confidence as an emerging artist?

Looking back at my time at the Australian Musical Theatre Festival, I feel as though it majorly shaped my ability to trust myself and unapologetically take up space as an artist. I also learnt so many valuable lessons and skills off stage as well as on, which, for me, is of equal importance. Collaborating with other artists who I looked up to, learning about their journeys and soaking up as much goodness as I can, was such an eye-opening experience which I am incredibly fortunate to have had at such a young age.

Can you describe the moment you realised someone from the WICKED casting team had spotted you at the festival? Did it take a while to sink in that you’d soon be treading the boards in a major musical?

Nothing truly prepares you for the moment you are made aware that there is a possible audition opportunity on the horizon, especially for your dream show. I have loved WICKED so deeply for a very long time and couldn’t believe that I was going to have the pleasure to work with the material for what I thought was just a one-off audition. I never thought that I would be in WICKED. I always thought that dreaming of being in this musical was dreaming too big. Being offered the role of Nessarose at 19 years old is something that 12-year-old Chelsea would have never thought was possible.

The festival is expanding in 2025, featuring the award-winning Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra alongside stars like Caroline O’Connor, Alinta Chidzey, and Mark Vincent. How do you think this heightened collaboration will influence aspiring talents in Launceston?

This is so exciting! I think it’s easy for young aspiring artists to forget that their favourite performers all started somewhere, whether that be community theatre, talent shows, high school drama competitions, the list goes on. Expanding the festival with this heightened collaboration will allow for more industry connections to be made and for these brilliant artists to share their extensive knowledge as well as inspire the next generation of performers.

There’s significant support for the festival, with the Tasmanian Government investing $640,000 to ensure its growth. From your perspective, why is such investment vital for both the local arts scene and young performers dreaming of a breakthrough?

That’s incredible! Having support like this from the Tasmanian Government allows for there to be more opportunities and resources which makes a huge difference when nurturing new talent. It allows young performers of all diversities, ages and abilities to have the chance to excel at their craft and follow their dreams! Being a small town, it can often feel like we are isolated from further opportunities but, with the creation of this festival and the extensive support to ensure its growth allows new young artists to flourish.

Given your journeys far, what advice would you offer this year’s festival participants hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Being “happy to be here and easy to work with” is a simple formula but goes a long way. Keep learning! Stay true to yourself, don’t be afraid to set boundaries and reach out when you need that extra support. Stay present and humble, soak up everything around you and breathe, you’ve got this.

The festival’s five-day programme spans multiple venues and includes an international city of gastronomy vibe. Are there any particular Launceston spots or experiences you’d recommend for visitors who love pairing great performances with top-notch food and wine?

I would recommend Havilah Wine Bar and Mudbar! Brilliant service and delicious food and wine!

How important do you think it is for regional cities—like Launceston—to celebrate musical theatre? What unique energy or sense of community do you feel emerges when smaller cities host large-scale festivals?

It’s incredibly important. You can feel the infectious energy beaming through this town when the festival arrives each year and it’s something that is quite special to witness. I feel so fortunate to have experienced this growing up and I couldn’t be happier that the next generation of young artists get to feel it too!

Finally, you’ve experienced the festival as an aspiring newcomer, and now you’re appearing in WICKED. What’s your next big dream or challenge, and does it still feel special to come home and perform in Tasmania where it all started?

It always feels special and wholesome to be back at home. Coming home keeps me grounded and reminds me to slow down. As far as for what is next, I am taking it one day at a time and trying my absolute best to stay present. Appearing in WICKED is still something I am processing; I am so honoured to be a small part of this legacy and am savouring every magical moment here in Oz. However, regarding the future, I hope that I get to do what I love as a job for the rest of my life whether that’s musical theatre, film, tv, music, anything! I love to create and make art, so I hope it’s always a part of my life in some way.