Stephanie Beza - Comedienne
Q: Why comedy?
A: The world is pretty bleak—why not try to make people laugh? Honestly, I stumbled into it. I never set out to do comedy. My mum pointed out the irony that in high school I was focused on musical theatre, drama, music, and even Japanese, and now my main areas are comedy, improv, and children’s theatre. My teenage self would never have believed it.
Q: What did you do in high school?
A: Musical theatre was my main thing. I studied drama and music performance, joined every ensemble, and did extra training outside school. I ended up completing a degree in musical theatre straight after high school.
Q: What really excites you?
A: Stories—absorbing them in books, film, or TV. I love learning about real people, like Julie d’Aubigny, an 18th-century bisexual opera-singing, sword-wielding woman who once burned down a nunnery to rescue her lover. Discovering stories like that is incredible.
Q: With your comedy, what’s your goal? Is it amusement, storytelling, or something deeper?
A: A mix of all three. We actually started in children’s theatre because morning timeslots were easier to book. But while writing a kids’ show, we kept coming up with adult jokes, so we created a separate comedy show. From there, we kind of fell into it. We’ve even been nominated for a Golden Gibbo at the Comedy Festival, which we never expected. Now we’re planning a European tour next year—Edinburgh Fringe, maybe Reykjavik and Prague too.
Q: Are you ambitious?
A: Yes and no. There’s so much I’d still love to do and learn, but I’m also happy with where I am right now. Being able to support myself with my performance skills feels like success already.
Q: How do you define success?
A: My definition has shifted. Right now, being able to pay rent through my art makes me feel successful. Working with the Starlight Children’s Foundation and as a simulated patient uses my performance skills in meaningful ways. Success is also when strangers approach me after a show to say how much they loved it, or when younger artists ask me for advice. It’s those little affirmations that matter most.
Q: Do you have regrets or things you’d do differently?
A: Not regrets, but there are things I wish had gone differently. I once had to turn down auditions for Six and Cinderellabecause of other contracts, which was heartbreaking. But those contracts got me JobKeeper during COVID, let me buy my first car, and saved for Edinburgh. Missing opportunities also led me to meet my partner and new collaborators, so it all connects.
Q: Would you take a lead role in a big musical if offered?
A: Probably—if it was a show I loved. I’d jump at Wicked or Urinetown. But I’m also deeply fulfilled making kids laugh during cancer treatment or doing school tours. That impact is just as meaningful to me as a big stage role.
Q: So for now, are you content with where you’re at?
A: Yes. I enjoy what I’m doing now and will consider opportunities as they come. I’m in a lucky position where I can say no to gigs that don’t respect my time or pay. That feels like success too.