Meet our Team

Loic Valmy

Director – Head of Education
With more than 45 years of international career and experience in the Performing Arts, Loic stands as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration within our Academy.

Loic’s career started when he was just 6 year old as a singer in a children choir back in France. After spending his childhood and teenagerhood performing in numerous professional productions of musicals, Loic went to university and obtained his Masters in psychology after which he got accepted in one of the toughest Performing Arts Schools in Paris, Alice Dona’s Studios.
In the years following his graduation, Loic rapidly became one of the most demanded Artistic Directors in Paris. The biggest Major Record Companies such as Universal, EMI and Sony Music called him to coach and direct their talents.

In the past 30 years, Loic has produced and directed more than 60 Musicals (Les Mis’, Aladdin, Van Gogh,…) and Cabaret shows in France, Europe and Australia. As a vocal coach and educator, Loic has mentored hundreds of young perfomers; most of whom have now professional careers. 

Loic’s experience of our industries extends to the realm of academia, where he spent a decade as a distinguished university lecturer. His tenure encompassed a pivotal role in shaping the minds of aspiring professionals in the business and entertainment business management fields, as well as the broader creative industries.

Through insightful guidance and comprehensive instruction, Loic’s method and approach instill in our students a profound understanding of the intricate interplay between artistic expression and effective management. This unique blend of practical experience and academic prowess enables LVBA to offer a holistic perspective that empowers our students not only artistically but also strategically. Loic’s dedication to imparting knowledge and fostering a new generation of industry leaders underscores our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals poised for success in every facet of their creative journey.

More about Loic: http://loicvalmy.com

Leanne Schmidt (Ms. Lee)

Director and Head of Dance and Youth Departments
Lee has been dancing (Ballet, Broadway Jazz and Tap) from the age of 4 years old. Leanne is an active member of the dance and musical theatre community of Brisbane as both a performer and choreographer.

Lee is the dynamic and vibrant force behind LVBA’s ethos. With over two decades of experience as a dedicated dance teacher and performer, Lee brings a contagious energy that ignites our institutions and inspires students to reach new heights of skill and expression.

As a professional dancer, Lee has performed in musicals such as Singin’ in the Rain, Disco Inferno and The Little Mermaid.
She has also choreographed numerous Musicals and Cabaret productions including Snow White, The Wizard of Oz’, Singin’ in the Rain and more recently, Billy Bucket and Mary Poppins.

Having graced prestigious stages and shared the art of dance with countless individuals, Lee possesses an innate ability to convey the intricacies of movement while nurturing each student’s unique style. With her commitment to fostering technical prowess, coupled with her nurturing spirit, Lee creates an environment where students not only master the art of dance but also develop a deep appreciation for its transformative power. As a mentor and collaborator, Lee’s expertise enriches the tapestry of our Academy, guiding students towards becoming confident, versatile dancers ready to leave their mark on the world stage.

Marguerite Du Plessis

Executive Assistant and Social Media Manager
South African born Marguerite has had her toes in the world of performance from a young age. She has trained in the styles of Jazz (CSTD), Ballet (RAD), Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary and Cabaret. Armed with her knowledge of social media and content management, along with an amazing talent for people, Margi is our little fairy working her magic to support and help our students on their journey as well as make LVBA shine on social media. If you saw something about us on Instagram or Facebook, it’s probably thanks to her. 

Virag Dombay

Acting I to IV / Improvisation / Diploma of Musical Theatre

Virag is a passionate teaching artist, theatre-maker and author who is committed to creating works that connect audiences, whether it be for the main stage or youth productions.
“No matter what ‘hat’ or ‘hats’ I wear in my creative projects, the most fundamental aspect of my work in the arts sector, as a youth educator, and in the literary scene, is this idea of connection; to each other, to the characters, to the story, and to the audience members.”

Graduating from QUT with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Drama with Distinction in 2019 and a Masters of Education (2021), Virag has performed and trained with a plethora of theatre companies in Brisbane. Through these experiences, she has performed her original works at a number of venues including the Brisbane Powerhouse and Metro Arts and festivals including Anywhere Festival, Short+Sweet, Backbone Festival and Brisbane Fringe.

Virag is also the director of Room to Play Kids; a youth arts company for kids and teens based in the inner-city suburbs. Virag is very passionate about youth arts engagement, as reflected when she created and directed the play “Dear Adults…”, and its successive tours and seasons, as well as the drama programs she delivers for schools.

Aurelie Roque

Singing II-IV / Musical Theatre (III & IV) / Vocal Ensemble (III / IV)

Aurélie studied Vocal Performance and Dance at the UMKC Conservatory before moving to Australia 7 years ago. Her cabaret career started at the famous bar Natasha, where she wrote and co-starred in several cabarets: A CABARET AT LAST, TAKING ON The MOUSE (I & II), which held the record for highest attendance of a cabaret, as well as her first one woman show, THE DOCTOR IS IN. She then came to Australia in 2016.
In the last few years, Aurélie choreographed for the 24 HOUR MUSICAL PROJECT (2017-2019), and choreographed / directed in Taipei. Most recently, she created a 6 part workshop series called CABARET CREATION (which assisted individuals in designing and showcasing their own shows from scratch). A complete artist who’s mastered the triple-threat of singing, acting and dancing, Aurélie has performed in numerous professional productions such as (but definitely not limited to) Boy&Girl and a very naughty Christmas.

Georgia Spark

Musical Theatre (III & IV) / Vocal Ensemble (III / IV)

Passionate and driven, Georgia is a Brisbane based performer who loves diving into the minds of different characters and exploring their possibilities. Georgia received her Bachelor of Musical Theatre from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University in 2017 and has been performing ever since. Her latest credits include Oz in “We Will Rock You” (IMTC) & Killer Queen “We Will Rock You” (Empire Theatre). During the day, Georgia works as a private vocal coach, singing teacher at The Wallace Academy, promotional staff at LARF Productions, and a School Officer at St Peter Claver College. Georgia is also studying her Masters of Secondary Teaching at Griffith University, majoring in Music & Drama.

Calum Johnston

Clowning

Calum Johnston is an established actor, director, and theatrical clown. After graduating with a Bachelor of Acting and Performance Making (University of Canberra), Calum continued to train with Circa, Franz Vogel, and Garry Starr. He has worked with several companies across Brisbane in the last six years, including Glitter Martini, Spy Monkey and X Collective.  Calum’s theatre company, Moth Light Theatre, received rave reviews after presenting Moon With a View, written and performed by Calum at Wynnum Fringe and Pip Theatre. He currently works with NIDA as a Teaching Artist. 

Maryanne Nucifora

Theatre Jazz Choreography / Diploma of Musical Theatre

Maryanne has been a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer for more than 12 years and is well-known in the industry, abroad and in Australia. 
She started dancing at the age of 5 and has trained in the styles of Jazz, Ballet, Commercial, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop/Street Dance, Contemporary and Lyrical. Some of her professional credits include ‘The Madonna Show’ (Choreographer & Show Director), TAG Live UK (Rehearsal Director), African Beach Resort Italy (Choreographer, Director), Norwegian Cruise Lines (Dancer), Pink Matter Entertainment (Dancer), Dubai Parks & Resorts (Performance Captain,
Dancer, Stunt performer), Universal Studio’s Singapore (Performer, Dancer), ‘The Wizard of Oz’ – Lynch & Paterson (Choreographer), Brisbane Broncos Annual Networking Event (Choreographer), Legally Blonde the Musical – Brisbane
Performing Arts students (choreographer & co producer) and Aladdin Jr the Musical (St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace). Maryanne’s main focus this year is to challenge and drive the next generation of artists to achieve their goals and
aspirations.

Marguerite Du Plessis

Ballet / Theatre Jazz Tech – Professional Musical Theatre Program

South African born Marguerite has had her toes in the world of performance from a young age. She has trained in the styles of Jazz (CSTD), Ballet (RAD), Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary and Cabaret. In her final year of school Marguerite completed her Certificate III in Dance at Theatre & Dance under the direction of Kylie Goeldner. She also completed her Diploma of Musical Theatre through Creating Links training and just completed studying Musical Theatre and Commercial Dance at Queensland College of Dance whilst completing her Advanced Diploma under the direction of Jacqui Devereux. Some of Marguerite’s theatre credits include Lorraine in All Shook Up, Jean Paul Satre in Godspell, Heather Duke in Heathers, Heather McNamara in Heathers, Lina Lamont in Singin’ in the Rain and Cha Cha in Grease the Musical to name a few. She is thrilled to be teaching at Loic Valmy Broadway Academy and eager to be playing a part in educating Brisbane’s up and coming performers!

Rhianna Tunks

Yoga / Pilates / Commercial Heels / Diploma of Musical Theatre

Rhianna has been dancing since the age of 4 across many styles of dance including hip hop, jazz, ballet, tap, and acrobatics.
Rhianna is passionate about educating dancers and empowering them to take care of their bodies to achieve their full potential in dance.
She graduated from Curtin University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and has since been working as a dance physiotherapist and Pilates instructor. Rhianna completed full time dance training with the Dream Show Business in 2021.

She currently trains and competes in street styles and commercial dance with The Home Base. She has completed intensive training under Caetlyn Watson during the course FORMÉ in 2022.

Rhianna is also passionate about commercial heels and has trained with Yanis Marshall and Cassandra Merwood (Mission Stiletto). She enjoys creative direction and choreography which has lead her to choreograph and perform for clothing brands including Ally Fashion and Ra Ra Superstar.
In the past 10 years, Rhianna has worked closely with full-time ballet and contemporary students at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and was the treating physiotherapist for the cast of The Dream Dance Company’s 2021 show ICON.

Nathan Seiler

Piano lessons

Nathan’s 30+ years in music encompasses multiple arenas. Nathan has producer & composer credits in film, television & radio. He has performed with many national & international artists such as Wendy Matthews, Peter Cupples, Carol Lloyd, Luke Kennedy & many others. He has recorded with ARIA charting artists- Caitlyn Shadbolt, Natalie Dunn, Christie Lamb, The Viper Creek Band to mention a few. Nathan has taught and mentored many artists and musicians who are now enjoying successful careers as musicians, international artists and educators. Jordan Rakei (2.5 Million monthly Spotify listeners) is one such success story.

These days, Nathan balances his time between his creative projects and sharing what he knows through teaching piano, lecturing in various universities and sharing his ideas online. Nathan composes and publishes his own music through his ‘Pianoscapes by Nathan Seiler’ project which has received nearly 4 million streams on Spotify.

“After more than 30 years of teaching, I have realised that learning and teaching is intrinsically linked. Music gives me so much joy and fulfilment as a vehicle to appreciate the present moment and freely express my ideas and emotions. SO I teach what I know, aiming to inspire and encourage others to find their own avenue of creative artistic expression. Teaching and making art go hand in hand. It forms a symbiotic relationship. In essence- My art informs my teaching and my teaching informs my art.”

Jacalyn Adcock

Piano lessons / Diploma of Musical Theatre

Jacalyn is a recent graduate from the Bachelor of Music (Honours) at the University of Queensland, where she studied classical voice.  Jacalyn’s performance with Opera Queensland’s touring production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Ruddigore in 2018 was the start of her operatic stage experience.  During her time at UQ Jacalyn went on to study the roles of Priesterinn in Telemann’s Orpheus, Lauretta in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Rosalinde in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus (Act II), and Pamina in Mozart Die Zauberflöte.  Jacalyn has been an award winner in the Australian Concerto and Vocal Competition and the UQ Margaret Nickson Prize.  She has featured as a soloist with the Seven Sopranos, Kelvin Grove Wind Orchestra, University of Queensland Chamber Singers, and the Queensland University Musical Society.  She is an avid multi-instrumentalist who also enjoys playing and teaching both violin and piano.

Nykita O’Keeffe

Youth Singing, Acting and Musical Theatre

Nykita is a musical theatre performer and musician from Brisbane.

With an avid love for musical theatre, she has been involved in multiple productions across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Her theatre credits include Funny Girl, Annie: The Musical, Spamalot, Pirates of Penzance, Mary Poppins, Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables and more recently Spring Awakening for which she receives numerous outstanding reviews.

Nykita also performs as vocalist in professional gigs around Brisbane such as Bigsound Music Festival, the Lord Mayor’s Seniors Christmas Parties, and Brisbane City Sounds gigs.

Nykita is a direct LVBA Alumni and has trained with us for 2 years, working on advanced singing and performing techniques in musical theatre. Loving every part of what LVBA teaches, she has stepped into the role of teacher and couldn’t be more thrilled to share her experiences and knowledge to young minds.

Marguerite Du Plessis

Ballet / Theatre Jazz Tech – Professional Musical Theatre Program

South African born Marguerite has had her toes in the world of performance from a young age. She has trained in the styles of Jazz (CSTD), Ballet (RAD), Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary and Cabaret. In her final year of school Marguerite completed her Certificate III in Dance at Theatre & Dance under the direction of Kylie Goeldner. She also completed her Diploma of Musical Theatre through Creating Links training and just completed studying Musical Theatre and Commercial Dance at Queensland College of Dance whilst completing her Advanced Diploma under the direction of Jacqui Devereux. Some of Marguerite’s theatre credits include Lorraine in All Shook Up, Jean Paul Satre in Godspell, Heather Duke in Heathers, Heather McNamara in Heathers, Lina Lamont in Singin’ in the Rain and Cha Cha in Grease the Musical to name a few. She is thrilled to be teaching at Loic Valmy Broadway Academy and eager to be playing a part in educating Brisbane’s up and coming performers!

Alannah Pilson

Youth Singing, Acting and Musical Theatre
Alannah has trained in musical theatre classses for 11 years now.

She has years of dance training with Miss Lee and is currently doing her level 8 trinity college drama exams.
Over the years, Alannah has competed in several Eisteddfods continuously ranking 1st, 2nd or 3rd.
“I want to be a teacher to help students grow, to inspire and motivate them to push them to unleash their full potential.”

Caitlin Granrose

Dance, Theatre Jazz and Tap

Caitlin is a musical theatre performer and dancer from Brisbane. She has a strong passion for all things surrounding music and dance.

Since the age of 3, Caitlin has been involved in jazz, tap, ballet, contemporary, and hip hop. She has had the chance to learn new skills and express herself through numerous musical productions such as Singin’ In the Rain, Shrek, High School Musical, Annie, and more.

Caitlin is very excited to teach with LVBA this year. With a love for learning and teaching, she cannot wait to help students feel safe to express themselves and feel confident in their talents.

Thomas Armstrong-Robley

Acting & Musical Theatre for Adults

Thomas is a seasoned show-business professional who has worked in over 30 countries worldwide as an actor, concert artist, director, host and cabaret performer. Trained at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Musical Theatre), he has stage credits including Jersey Boys (Tommy DeVito), School of Rock (Dewey Finn), RENT (Roger Davis), The Phantom of the Opera (The Phantom/Raoul), The Secret Garden (Archibald Craven), American Idiot (St. Jimmy) and Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Melvin P. Thorpe). His directorial credits include Jesus Christ Superstar starring X-Factor winner Altiyan Childs, The Wizard of Oz, The Pirates of Penzance, Like A Metaphor and most recently Jersey Boys which received 5 star reviews and was described by critics as “a masterclass in direction”.
In recent years, Thomas has travelled the world working as a headline entertainer with major companies including Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises and Silversea Cruises (RCCL).

Bree Walker

Broadway Jazz Teacher

Bree was born & raised on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland where she began dancing at the age of 5. After graduating high school, she was accepted into prestigious full time college, ED5 International Performing Arts in Sydney. She successfully earned a scholarship and completed 2 years of full time, graduating with a Diploma of Performing Arts in 2013.

By the end of 2013, Bree landed her first professional dance contract with Princess Cruises where she has professionally & creatively been working with the company for 6 years now. Bree has travelled the world performing in shows by world renowned choreographers such as Liz Imperio, Danny Teeson & many more.

Bree has also featured and modelled in “Too Late” music video for pop artists in Italy & has respectively assisted choreographers on set for music videos in LA. In between contracts, Bree continues her dance training in Sydney or London to keep progressing and evolving within the industry. Bree has been teaching most styles of dance since age 14. She has taught & managed professionals onboard contracts and teaches back home on the Sunshine Coast as well as in Brisbane & Sydney. Bree aspires to be a creative director & choreographer and thrives off sharing her knowledge, experience and passion for dance to the young and up and coming talents of today.

Robbie McMillan

Broadway Jazz & Tap Teacher

Robbie studied at the Queensland Ballet before moving to Europ where he toured professionally for almost 10 years.

In 2008, Robbie competed in the Australian version of “So, you think you can dance”.

Robbie performed in the most prestigious shows such Cats, Flashdance, Chess and Guys ‘n Dolls to cite only a few.

He toured professionally in Paris, London, Los Angeles and in Florida before recently coming back to Queensland.