OUR 2026 MENTOR TEAM
PerformX is led by its Founder & Director who oversees the vision, standards and direction of the Academy. Working closely with our Program Team Leaders, Mentor's and Program Assistants, to ensure every class, every student experience and every program reflects the PerformX commitment to excellence, care and creative growth.

PROGRAM TEAM LEADER + DANCE MENTOR
Madison Rostron
A graduate of Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance, Madison holds a Diploma of Musical Theatre and a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management. With over 12 years of experience in dance and performance, she brings industry-leading training alongside real-world stage and commercial dance experience to PerformX. Madison’s professional credits include performing in Tones and I’s Dance With Me music video, showcasing her talents at major entertainment events such as the Victorian Dance Festival and featuring as a model for Sting Active. She continues to pursue her passion and grow her stagecraft through musical theatre, appearing in productions including The Boy From Oz, The Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, Wicked, and The Addams Family. As PerformX Program Team Leader, Madison plays a key role in shaping the student experience across the academy. She works closely with our mentor team & Program Director to uphold training standards, support curriculum delivery, and ensure every class is aligned to the PerformX pathway creating consistency, excellence, and care across all programs.

PERFORMANCE & WELL-BEING MENTOR
Sam Siddiqui
Sam leads the Emotional Intelligence & Mindset pillar at PerformX, supporting the development of confident, grounded, and emotionally resilient young performers. With a Master of Psychotherapy & Counselling and a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), Sam brings formal mental health expertise into the performing arts space in a way that is thoughtful, age-appropriate, and deeply human. Her work focuses on confidence, emotional regulation, resilience, self-belief and helping young performers navigate the internal pressures that come with training and performance. Alongside her mental health background, Sam has extensive experience working across professional theatre environments, including rehearsal rooms, backstage settings, and production support roles. Her theatre experience includes supporting productions such as Into the Woods Jr. and Spring Awakening, as well as professional development on major commercial productions with Michael Cassel Group, including & Juliet and Hamilton. This gives her a firsthand understanding of the emotional demands performers face both on and off the stage. At PerformX, Sam works alongside our dance, vocal and drama mentors to ensure students are not only developing strong performance skills, but also the mental strength and emotional awareness needed to apply those skills with confidence and care. She leads reflection circles, designs scientifically informed mindset activities, supports mentor training, and plays a key role in protecting the culture and values of the academy as it grows.

PROGRAM MENTOR | VOICE + X1 PROGRAM
Shyla Farrugia
Shyla brings a wealth of performance experience and a passion for inspiring the next generation of performers. Her career began at a young age, with standout professional credits including Matilda the Musical with the Royal Shakespeare Company, where she toured Australia and New Zealand, and numerous appearances in theatre, film, and television. Her screen work includes lead roles in Peeps (VCA Short Film) and The Highlighter Games (Deakin University), as well as credits in commercials for major brands such as Kmart, Myer, and Samsung. She has also worked alongside acclaimed creatives in productions like Jurassic World: The Exhibition and the Syfy mini-series Childhood Ends. Shyla has trained extensively in musical theatre, acting, and vocal performance, earning scholarships to both the Ministry of Dance Musical Theatre program and Patrick Studios Australia’s Performing Arts Full-Time Course. Her skills span across jazz, hip hop, ballet, tap, musical theatre, acrobatics, lyrical and contemporary dance, alongside advanced vocal training. At PerformX, Shyla’s goal is to create a fun, safe, and inspiring environment for our performers, helping them grow in confidence and discover their love for the stage.

PROGRAM MENTOR | VOICE
Cooper Marin
Cooper is an award-winning emerging performer and passionate vocal mentor, bringing fresh energy, authenticity and real-world experience to PerformX. Cooper’s versatility as a singer and actor has earned him two Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Awards, including Leading Performer in a Male Presenting Role and Best Supporting Performer. Trained under renowned vocal coaches Andy McGarvie and Ed Chan, and holding a Certificate III in Music Performance, Cooper combines strong technical foundations with an inspiring, relatable approach to teaching. His training in piano, percussion and ensemble performance enriches his ability to guide young performers in vocal technique, musicality and stagecraft. With lead roles in productions with community and musical theatre companies, including Chicago, Seussical, Little Shop of Horrors and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cooper continues to develop his stagecraft through live performance experience. Currently writing his own original stage show, Cooper brings a creative, forward-looking energy to PerformX passionate about helping every student find their voice, build their confidence and fall in love with the art of performance.
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Performing Arts Mentor - Drama
Gillian Winifred
Having studied Acting for Stage and Screen at Federation University, Gillian has continued to train with some of Australia’s most respected institutions, including Brave Studios, 16th Street Actors Studio, The Audition Technique, and Dance Factory. Her training spans stage, screen, clowning, stage combat, character development, Suzuki and self-taping techniques giving her a well-rounded and versatile toolkit as both a performer and mentor. Her performance work includes community theatre, music videos and immersive storytelling experiences and she has taken on roles both on stage and behind the scenes including leading workshops and serving as a committee member and publicity coordinator for a local community theatre group in the Eastern Surburbs. Known for her empathy, creativity and unwavering commitment to helping others grow, Gillian brings a calm and inclusive energy. She creates a space where students feel safe to explore, take risks and build confidence in themselves as artists and individuals.

Program Mentor | X1 Program
Isabelle Pascua
Isabelle comes to us straight from the stage, having recently appeared in Theatrical’s production of Legally Blonde at Melbourne’s iconic National Theatre. Her performance credits also include Chicago and Isabelle has also performed at major events and venues, including live at Rod Laver Arena. Isabelle holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts from Federation University and has trained extensively in singing, dance and acting with some of Australia’s most respected educators. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and will be a key part of ensuring our program is delivered with both creativity and care. With a warm, professional presence and a genuine passion for the performing arts, Isabelle is a fantastic addition to our growing team and we’re excited for our students to work with her.

PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Hope Zorbas
Hope is a Melbourne-based performer with extensive experience across musical theatre, live performance, and vocal performance. Trained in singing, dance, and acting, Hope brings a strong technical foundation paired with real-world stage experience. She has performed as a principal vocalist for major events including the Victorian State Schools Spectacular and served as the voice of the Shrine of Remembrance, alongside leading roles in amateur productions such as Heathers, Wicked, Carrie: The Musical, and We Will Rock You. With professional training in musical theatre and contemporary dance styles, Hope is passionate about supporting young performers to build confidence, stage presence, and strong performance habits.
Our 2025 Junior Mentor Team
Our Junior Mentors play a key role in supporting the delivery of our X1 Program. They’re young leaders who help guide our youngest performers, build their confidence, and inspire them with the fearless spirit of PerformX.

Junior Mentor - X1 Program
Annika

Junior Mentor - X1 Program
Sophia
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