Performances – a timeline
Katie Lees – CV
“Katie is an award winning actor with a degree in performance and extensive experience in theatre, voice over and short film. She won Best Actress at an international play festival in Chennai for a monologue she performed. Most recently, Katie has been cast in a Theatre in Education role for a show touring Italy in 2015. She is actively involved in the Sydney theatre community and believes that as artists, we can all grow and learn from each other.”
“Katie graduated from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Arts / Creative Arts (performance) in 2011. Since then, she has been working extensively in independent theatre and short films. In 2012, Katie volunteered with a theatrical events company in Vietnam and worked on a local community arts festival as a production assistant and choreographer. In 2014, she won Best Actress at Short+Sweet Chennai, in India. Prior to becoming an actor, Katie completed the first year of a Bachelor of Primary Education. She is deeply passionate about education and is looking forward to inspiring young people through The Monologue Project.”
“Actor, singer, performer who has recently moved to London. Has worked in the U.K, Italy, Sydney and was awarded Best Actress at the short play festival in Chennai India for her performance in a quirky dramatic comedy monologue. Katie spent 2015 touring children’s theatre in Italy, bringing larger than life characters to Italian schools. Katie has explored the stage through self devised and group devised performance…”
Education
Bachelor of Creative Arts – Performance
University of Wollongong, 2011
Maura Fay Acting and Auditioning Masterclass
Short course, 2012
Kate Gaul Advanced Acting Masterclass
Siren Theatre Company, 2014
Screen acting course
Sydney Screen Actors Group, 2014
Please click on titles for more information.
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Original drama piece, Foundation Day, Springwood High School, 2002
Pulse, Springwood High School Theatre Company
The Lizard of Ox, Springwood High School Theatre Company
Handbag Heaven, Springwood High School Theatre Company, 2003
2009
“Katie graduated in 2011 from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Arts (Italian with Distinction) and a Bachelor of Creative Arts Performance. Whilst at university, Katie was involved in many devised projects including devising with renowned South Korean Director Younghee Park, as well as working on new stage adaptations of contemporary and classic texts. Katie’s studies covered all aspects of Performance including acting, voice, singing and movement.” – Katie Lees Tumblr
‘Finding Love’, character: Teenage Girl, Director: Younghee Park, University of Wollongong Performance Space, 2009
‘The Pigeon’, Ensemble, Director: Deborah Pollard, University of Wollongong Performance Space, 2009
2010
‘ABXY‘, theatre, Chris Dunstan, University of Wollongong, 2010
‘This Old Man Comes Rolling Home‘, theatre, character: Julie, Director: Dr Janys Hayes, University of Wollongong Performance Space, 2010
‘Qualia’, exhibition, self devised performance art ‘ A Voyeur’s Answer,’ artist curator: Nicola Walkerden, Mils Gallery, 2010
Kasia & Rosalie’s Revolt, character: Kasia, 2010, moving image artwork. Director: Nicola Walkerden.
‘Ubu Roi’, Ma Ubu (lead), 2010
2011
‘Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat’, theatre, Director: Laura Scrivano, character: Liz, University of Wollongong, Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 2011
‘Antony & Cleopatra’, character: Menas, Director: Tim Maddock, University of Wollongong, PACT Centre for Emerging Artists, Sydney, 2011
Katie graduated from a Bachelor of Creative Arts Performance, University of Wollongong, 2011
2012
“2012 was Katie’s first year in the performance industry as a new graduate. Katie worked on a variety of new Australian plays and devised new works with fellow graduates. It is always exciting to to the first performance of a new work, bringing it alive on stage for the very first time.
This period was also the start of Katie’s short film work. She collaborated with visual artist and film maker Nicola Walkerden on three films as performer, choreographer and costume designer. More of Nicola’s work can be viewed at www.nicolawalkerden.com
A highlight of 2012 was having the opportunity to travel to Vietnam to complete a 2 month internship with Le Quy Duong Theatre and Events company. Katie worked as production assistant and choreographer for the opening ceremonies of the Ben Tre Arts Festival and Festival Hue.” – Katie Lees Tumblr
‘State of Mind’, short film, Nerida, 2012.
‘Into the Mirror‘, 2012, Katie Lees performed the roles of Laura, Nurse 1 and Nurse 2 characters in DamShel Productions play Into The Mirror written by Shelley Wall, King Street Theatre Company
Maura Fay Acting and Auditioning Masterclass, short course, 2012.
‘MLT’, short film, costume and choreographer, 2012. Director: Nicola Walkerden.
‘Brickworks’, video work, Re:group Performance Collective, 2012
‘The Gallery‘, short film, character: Visitor (lead), 2012. Director: Nicola Walkerden.
‘Farid in the West’, short film, character: Beach Goer, 2012
Ben Tre Coconut Festival, choreographer, Ben Tre, Vietnam, 2012
‘Floorboards #1‘, theatre, Re:group Performance Collective, 2012
2013
“2013 was a very busy year for Katie getting heavily involved in the independent theatre scene in Sydney, Voice over and more short films. The beginning of the year saw her collaborate with Stephen Wilson-Alexander and fellow performers to devise a new work as part of the Wollongong Youth Centre Arts Residency. Later in the year, she won awards for her performance in Falling for Harry, a short dark comedy written and directed by Warren Glover and joined the Underground Cinema Actor’s Troupe with whom she performed three interactive and immersive theatre pieces.” – Katie Lees Tumblr
‘Tyreswing’, short film, character: Librarian, 2013
Crash Test Drama: ‘Falling for Harry’ Harriet, Runner Up Best Actress, Judges Choice best Play
“‘Falling For Harry’ (Written and Directed by Warren Paul Glover, starring Katie Lees and Terry Ryan) was performed in 2013 Crash Test Drama Finals winning Best Play and Best Actress. In Short and Sweet Theatre Festival Sydney 2014 it won Runner Up People’s Choice Week 4.” – Katie LeesUnderground Cinema Presents ‘Water (Beasts of the Southern Wild)’, Principle Actor and Singer, 2013
Underground Cinema Presents ‘Hollywood (LA Story)’, Jane Russell, 2013
‘The Salsa Plays‘, theatre, character: Robbie, Rachel Jordan, Archway 1 Theatre Company, 2013
LG Air Conditioner Voice Activator, Voice over sample, 2013
All Together Now Anti- Racism campaign/App, film clip, character: Voice Over and Actor, Will Harvey, All Together Now, 2013
‘Don’t Rain on my Parade’, short film, character: Elinor (lead), 2013
Cops In The Head, theatre, Actor/Creative Developer, 2013
2014
“This year has been a year of theatre projects and professional development for Katie. Earlier in the year, she wrote and performed her own monologue ‘The Art of Love’ as part of a monologue showcase at Archway 1 Theatre Company in Sydney. The show was very well received and she is currently working on adapting this piece to a full length one woman show. She continued her work with Underground Cinema, performing in the immersive world of the Life of Brian. For Katie, growing as a performer is never complete. So she completed short courses in screen acting with Sydney Screen Actors Group and acting Masterclass with renowned theatre director Kate Gaul.” – Katie Lees Tumblr
Underground Cinema presents: Epidemic 2.0, Principle Actor, Tamasin Holyman, 2014
‘Checkout‘, International stage debut in Chennai, India
‘Checkout’ monologue, Abhinay Performing Arts Short Play Festival, Yannick Lawry, 2014
‘Checkout’, monologue, Yannick Lawry, 2014“Katie had the opportunity to perform ‘Checkout’ (written by Australian playwright Pete Malicki and Directed by Yannick Lawry) at the Short and Sweet Festival in Chennai India. Not only was this a fantastic experience to be immersed in theatre in another culture, but she made many professional and personal connections. Especially with local theatre collective Stray Factory with whom she has plans to collaborate with in the future. Katie’s performance in ‘Checkout’ won a Play of the Day Award, Best Actress Week 3 and Best Actress overall. However, the only Tamil Katie managed to remember was ‘na-gri’, thank you!!”
Siren Theatre Company, Kate Gaul Advanced Acting Masterclass, 2014
Sydney Screen Actors Group, Screen acting course, 2014
Underground Cinema presents: Rome, Principle Actor, Tamasin Holyman, 2014
‘The Art of Love’, original monologue by Katie Lees, Archway 1 Theatre Company, 2014
‘Falling for Harry‘, Short and Sweet Play Festival – Week 4 People’s Choice Winner, 2014
Script In Hand, 2014.
“Since September, Katie has participated in two more Script In Hand Performances. October saw her play a cop undercover as a witness to bring down a corrupt officer. Last night, she finished off the 2014 SIH season by playing Ms Hyde, a sociopath woman out for revenge.Katie enjoys the range of characters she is able to explore and bring to life in a short period of time at Script In Hand, and the opportunity to work with fellow actors, writers and directors in the independent theatre community.”
‘Exodus’, Short and Sweet Play Festival, 2014
‘Choice’, Short and Sweet Play Festival, 2014
2015
Teatrino Theatre Tour, Actor, 2015
“Katie Lees is cast in Teatrino’s Theatre in Education 2015 Tour! This is the video that got her there. Exciting times ahead! Katie has been cast in Teatrino’s 2015 tour, taking shows to children in schools all over Italy. Teatrino is Italy’s largest Theatre In Education company. She will be working with a group of international actors to perform and run workshops, whilst enjoying what this beautiful country has to offer. Un bocca al lupo e buon viaggio Katie!”2016
Fairytales and sketch shows (various), Romina Tappi/Teatrino, Italy, 2016
Dick Whittington Touring Pantomime, Queen Ratania/Alice, 2016
Vibe Teaching Competition Promo, Vibe Productions, 2016
‘Boyfriend Troubles’, character: Claire, film, Lauren Walker, Buckinghamshire New University, 2016
‘Plays Rough’, Seren Theatre, Red Lion Theatre, 2016
‘Dick Whittington’, character: Queen Ratania, Hurricane Productions, Alice Theatre, 2016
2017
‘Romeo and Juliet’, characters: Mercutio/Lady Capulet, Sandy King, Cloud Theatre, Prince Paris Theatre, 2016
Macmillan Cancer Support, character: M&S Cake Lady, Commercials Unlimited, 2017
“Katie participated in Script- In- Hand, performing a staged reading of ‘She’s not who She Says She Is’ a witty rom-com written by Aaron Nilan and directed by Ruth Fingret.
Script- In- Hand is a great way to meet other actors, directors and writers and to come together and share work. As an actor, Katie enjoys the challenge of giving a good performance, whilst essentially still reading the script. She finds it a good way to keep up cold reading skills which is helpful for auditions.”
2018
Creating Stages Drama Workshops, 2018
“A former Springwood High School drama student and graduate of the University of Wollongong, Lees’ acting career has taken her to India, Turkey, the UK and Italy, where she facilitated workshops for children just beginning their performing arts journey.
She said she was inspired to launch Creating Stages after three years acting and teaching abroad, including with UK charity The Flying Seagull Project, who perform clown shows for vulnerable children and their families across Europe.
“It was extremely rewarding and humbling,” she said. “To be allowed to share a stage with people who have experienced trauma and conditions that we can never imagine was a privilege.
“Seeing children who have lost everything cry with laughter because your clown tripped over a suitcase is amazing. Even more so, seeing parents, whose faces carry the weight of their journey, lose themselves to the freedom of performance is something I will never ever forget.” – Read more in the Blue Mountains Gazette.
2019
Katie’s one-woman-show ‘Temporary’ plays at the Adelaide Fringe Festival:
Feb 21-23 at
BASEM3NT Studios at BASEM3NT
Basement Level, 15-17 Featherstone Pl,, off Gawler Pl, Adelaide, SA, 5000Feb 24-26 at
Loft at A Club Adelaide
109 – 111 Waymouth St, Adelaide, SA, 5000Tickets can be purchased here:
https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/temporary-af2019Instagram: @lateralproductions
Interview with Samantha Tipler.
Adelaide Fringe Review, The AdvertiserHour of Power – Katie & Grace Comedy, Sydney Fringe Festival
28th, 30th August & 1st September, 2019, The Factory TheatreKatie’s one-woman-show ‘Temporary’ plays at the Melbourne Fringe Festival:
September 16 – 22, The Butterfly Club
Instagram: @lateralproductions
2020
- This Weekend In Sydney, 17 January 2020
- How to get to BridgeClimb, 2020
‘Bridge’ written and directed by Debbie Neilson
Short & Sweet Festival
Week 2, February 20 – 23, 2020
Tom Mann Theatre, Surry Hills
Cast: Christine Firkin, Neil Modra, Greg Thornton, Katie Lees, Lloyd Darling, Olivia Tegart.Hour of Power – Katie & Grace Comedy, Flight Path Theatre:
January 23 – 25, 2020Australian Seniors advertisement – ‘Life’s Booming (Kaz)’:
Katie appears as the daughter of ‘Kaz’ in this television commercial, July 2020StandOUT Comedy
Monday August 31st, 2020
The Chippo Hotel, SydneyDeadly Women, Series 14, Florence Ransom, character: Jessie Guildford, September 2020
StandOUT Comedy
Monday September 21, 2020
The Chippo Hotel, Sydney
Featuring: Daniel Muggleton, Anthony Locascio, Jenna Suffern, Hour of Power – Katie Lees & Grace Rouvray, Tom Cashman, Snake Pit2021
YEAH THE GIRLS COMEDY
Sunday March 14, 2021
The Chippo Hotel, Sydney
Featuring: Sarah Gaul, Lizzy Hoo, Katie Lees, Rose Piper, Michelle Azevedo, Bridget Hassed, Peta Mitchell, Sheba Williams, Carolyn SwindellStandOUT Comedy
Monday 19 April, 2021
The Chippo Hotel, Sydney
Featuring: Billy D’arcy (MC), Jeeves Verma, Katie Lees, Grace Rouvray, Sam Wade, Sophia Morrison, Jessica Adie, Jake Howie, Ange Lavoipierre, Patrick GolamcoSydney Water, ‘Turn it off Bob’ television commercial, character: Firefighter, 12th June, 2021
Katie was scheduled to perform her show ‘Temporary’ at the Flight Path Theatre in Marrickville in 2021. Sadly, COVID-19 lockdowns in Sydney led to this being cancelled. To honour her performance career, together with Flight Path Theatre, Katie’s family and friends have created the inaugural Katie Lees Fellowship – please visit here to read more.
The inaugural Katie Lees Fellowship shortlist has been announced – Winner to be decided in the week commencing 23rd May 2022. “Thank you to all of those generous souls who donated to Flight Path Theatre in Katie’s honour.” – Flight Path Theatre
Katie Lees 