Artist spotlight: Chloë Marshall
Music theatre performer Chloë Marshall talks about growing up in front of the camera and the importance of community.
Doron Chester
Published: 14 January 2026
Last updated: 17 February 2026
What is your artistic practice?
I’m predominantly a music theatre performer, but I also freelance gig a lot and like to write and perform my own music. I’ve always grown up in music theatre, but I love that other stuff too, especially RNB, Neo Soul and Pop music.
What are you working on right now?
I’m currently an off-stage swing in Annie the Musical, covering all of the ensemble tracks/roles in the show. An off-stage swing has to be ready to jump into a role with a moment’s notice if someone is sick, injured or just not performing that day. As an off-stage swing, you wake up not knowing if you are going on stage or which role you might be performing, which has its challenges, but is also incredibly fun and interesting. We save the day and it’s all while getting to do what I love most in the world - perform!
How long have you been working in this space?
I grew up with both my parents being performers, and they’re still performers. My Mum’s a music theatre performer, and my Dad is bass player, a keys player, a singer, multi-instrumentalist - amazing musician.
Mum put me in an agency when I was 18 months and I started doing commercials from a really young age and did a stint on Home and Away for a few years from the ages of five to seven. I’d also go on stage with my parents whenever they’d do gigs - mainly with Todd McKenney.
I trained at Brent Street doing the Diploma of Music Theatre in 2021, we danced a lot on Zoom which was great. In 2022, when I had just turned 19, I booked my first professional touring musical, Hairspray, and I’ve been very lucky to have continued touring with major musicals ever since, which has been crazy, but also amazing.
What drew you to working in this space? Did you always know you wanted to be a performer?
People often ask if I ever felt pushed into performing because of my parents - and the answer is no, not at all. I have, without a doubt alwayswanted to do this. It’s always been a passion, and I’ve forever loved all facets of performing; the singing, dancing and acting, and then as I’ve gotten older, writing, and accompanying myself on piano as well.
Specifically, as a Jewish artist, what has brought you joy in the past year?
After doing West Side Story last year, I realised how rare and special it was to have numerous Jewish actors in one company. There were four of us, Noah Missell, Jamie Reisin, Doron Chester and me. Throughout the season, as a group we could bring our Judaism to the company without feeling we were on our own. That doesn’t happen a lot. We brought in Challah, we sung songs and held space for each other. The joy came from knowing we had our own little community, it was really special and I think about it often.
What keeps you motivated as a Jewish artist?
My Dad always encouraged me to be engaged with the various traditions and culture of Judaism. My Dad is the bass player of the Klezmer group CHUTNEY. Our family bonds so much through music and seeing my Dad’s love for his religion and culture via his music is so special and makes me feel more connected to my own Judaism. I love seeing the success of that band, it’s so exciting to witness incredible musicians producing music and not shying away from their Judaism. I think it’s fantastic.
What piece of advice would you offer other Jewish artists navigating the creative industry right now?
Always look for community. Our industry can be incredibly isolating, but having a community of fellow Jewish artists can really help you get through specific tough moments. I’ve also noticed that a strong community can also help educate others too, it’s easier to educate in a group over individually.
See as much work as possible. There is a lot of Jewish work being put on and there is more space for that now. I love travelling to New York and overseas to see new work. Immersing yourself in a different performing culture is incredibly eye-opening for an artist.
Take us through a typical day for you
Wake up and go for a walk or go to the gym - my role in the show means that I’m not always on stage which means it’s incredibly important for me to maintain physical health.
Breakfast and coffee at my local and if I’m Sydney my parents will join me.
Depending on the day, whether it’s a double or single show day, I’ll spend some time at the piano learning new songs or challenging myself musically.
Head to the theatre for a show. If I’m performing it’s exciting and energising and if I’m off-stage that show, I’ll relax, watch a TV episode or play piano.
After the show I’ll come home, have some dinner, wind down with a TV show or some music, go to sleep and repeat!
What are three things you cannot live without?
Music is something that I could not live without, it’s in my soul. Whether it’s listening, playing, singing, I just need it in my life every single day.
My family are very small and we have always been incredibly supportive of each other. I don’t know what I’d do without them.
Coffee. I know it’s a bit cringe-worthy, but I really couldn’t live without it. I just love the experience of going out to a cafe every day and getting a coffee.
What is your favourite Jewish food?
I love charoset so much. I really love it. I could just eat bowls and bowls of it. It makes Pesach bearable. My auntie has this secret charoset recipe, of which I don’t specifically know all the ingredients, but she puts horseradish on the top, and it just brings out all the secret flavours.
Listening: Couch, Theo Katzman, Lawrence
Watching: New Girl or Sex and the City. I’m also really into anime at the moment.
Eating out: Benzies Café: a Jewish-owned cafe in Botany, Sydney
About the author
Doron Chester is a multidisciplinary performer, and strives to promote and elevate Jewish culture and the voices of Jewish artists.
