Racheal Leigh has known since the age of 5 that she has wanted to perform, after seeing her first Shirley Temple musical film. Unfortunately, she didn’t get to take her first step towards acting until many years later, and within weeks had gained an understudy role in the classic pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. Since then, Racheal spent the next few years working in various aspects of theatre, learning the ropes from being onstage, working as a stagehand, and Assistant Directing, as well as working her way to becoming President for her local theatre company.
After completing several short courses in acting, Racheal finally auditioned for The Actors Conservatory in early 2001 (Now known as The Performing Arts Conservatory). Two years later, she graduated with an Associate Diploma in Stage & Screen Acting.
During her studies, Racheal made the move from stage to screen, appearing in several short films, features & television productions. She has also spent time studying singing and dancing in various styles.
In 2009, Racheal also studied Event Management, and decided to start her own business: Star Rae Productions – an events and entertainment business which aimed at proving unique and themed events, whilst being able to create another outlet for Brisbane performers to gain experience and exposure.
Through her events and theatrical career, Racheal also discovered a great passion for Bollywood & Indian Dance and in late 2009 was provided the wonderful opportunity to teach others, and then she stepped into the role of Choreographer for another community theatre show in 2010. This passion also her to creating the Bollywood Performance Group (SARI Bollywood Dance); and she went on to teach through her own small school, Bollycise Bollywood Dance, for the next 10 years.
In 2016, Racheal decided to go back into film work, and also decided to develop her skills working as a crew member. This led her to utilising her Event Management skills by working as a Production Manager / Production Assistant on various local productions, and her strong office background also led her to offer script editing and proof-reading services.
2020 was a difficult year for the arts and entertainment industry, so Racheal spend her time focusing on further studies – upgrading to a Bachelor Degree for Acting, as well as studying a Certificate IV in Bookkeeping and Accounting with the view of eventually working in the Production Office. She also relocated to her new home in the peaceful Tamar Valley, Tasmania.
Since her relocation, Racheal has produced numerous theatre and film productions in Launceston, re-started Bollycise Bollywood Dance, and in 2025 launched the Tamar Valley Film Festival.
Racheal’s current qualifications include:
- Bachelor Degree in Stage & Screen Acting
- Diploma in Business & Event Management
- Diploma in Payroll
- Certificate IV in Dance Teaching & Management
- Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
- Certificate IV in Fitness (Group Fitness & Personal Training)
- Certificates in Office Admin & Payroll
- Levels 1 & 2 Wellness Coaching Certificates
- Advanced Boxing Instructor Training
- First Aid & CPR
- Working with Children Blue Card
“If you are handed lemons in life, get out the sugar and make yourself some lemonade! “