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Spotlight on Alumni: Steve Judkins – Class of 1989

From the school stage to the bright lights of Las Vegas, Steve Judkins has carved out a remarkable career in the performing arts industry that spans continents and decades! A proud member of the Class of 1989, Steve’s story is a testament to hard work, artistic passion, and th courage to chase what truly inspires you.

🌟 From Peninsula to the World Stage

After graduating, Steve spent a year studying Drama, Dance, and Media at Victoria College, Rusden. But the call of the stage was too strong to ignore. He left to perform in The Rocky Horror Show in Melbourne and Adelaide—his first professional role and the beginning of an extraordinary career.

Over the past 30 years, Steve has performed in Australia, London, Asia, New York City, and Las Vegas. His Australian credits include West Side Story, Billy Elliot, Shout, and Bad Boy Johnny and the Prophets of Doom. In London’s West End, he starred in Notre Dame De Paris, The Full Monty, and toured with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang across the UK and Singapore.

In the U.S., Steve was the lead vocalist in Spirit of Broadway, toured nationally, and co-starred in Broadway’s Christmas Spectacular alongside legends like Debbie Reynolds, Neil Sedaka, and Jimmy Osmond. He earned a Kevin Kline Theater Award nomination for Victor Victoria and was part of the original cast of Sleeping Beauty Wakes in NYC and San Diego.

Steve’s Las Vegas highlights include playing Bill Austin in Mamma Mia! at the Tropicana, starring in The Wonderful Wizard of Song at the Smith Center, and leading as Shrek at the Tuacahn Center for Performing Arts in Utah. He also appeared in Newsies and Mamma Mia! for the same company.

🎤 Mentor and Performer

Beyond the stage, Steve has spent the past decade as Vocal Coach at TAPS (Theatre Arts Preparatory School) in Las Vegas, helping shape the next generation of performers. Many of his students now grace stages across Las Vegas, NYC, and L.A.

From 2020 to 2022, Steve performed as “Dean” at The Mayfair Supper Club at The Bellagio, describing it as “an unforgettable dining and entertainment experience where audiences are taken back to a bygone era.”

Currently, Steve co-hosts BattleBots Destruct-A-Thon, a live spin-off of the Discovery Channel’s hit show, bringing his charisma and energy to a whole new audience.

🎓 Roots That Shaped the Journey

Steve Judkins’ passion for performance began during his school years at Peninsula, where his creativity was nurtured and his talents encouraged. His time at school blended academics with rich artistic experiences that laid the groundwork for his future on stage.

He credits his early drama and music teachers for sparking his love of theatre. When Steve was at school, there were many joint productions and shared lessons between Peninsula Grammar and Toorak College. Tina Sist led Tuesday morning drama classes at Toorak College, and her energy and belief in her students left a lasting impression. These sessions helped Steve develop confidence, discipline, and a deep appreciation for storytelling.

One of his first major roles was in Billy Liar, a joint Peninsula/Toorak musical production. These school musicals gave Steve a taste of the collaborative spirit and excitement of live performance. “To be honest,” Steve laughs, “they were also a great excuse to hang out with the girls!” But behind the fun was a serious commitment to learning the craft of acting and singing.

A standout moment came in 1985 when the Peninsula choir was invited to perform as backing singers for Kids In The Kitchen at Rockin’ With The Royals, held at the Victorian Arts Centre in front of Lady Diana and Prince Charles. Steve and his classmates also recorded backing vocals for two songs on the band’s album Current Stand. The event featured Australian music legends including INXS, Kate Ceberano, and The Models, and a backstage photo with Kids In The Kitchen front man Scott Carne remains a cherished memory.

A turning point came when John Kirkham, then Head of Music at Peninsula, recognised Steve’s vocal potential and encouraged his parents to arrange private singing lessons. Already active in choir, Steve began to take his voice training seriously—an important step that would support his future as a professional vocalist.

In his final year of school, Steve starred in Guys and Dolls, directed by the late Erik Rinkel, and received the Peninsula Light Opera Society (PLOS) Award for Best Male Singer and Best Male Actor. The award ceremony, held at the George Jenkins Theatre with schools from across the region in attendance, was a proud moment. “It felt like the universe was saying, ‘You’re on the right path,’” Steve reflects.

Another standout experience was his role as Alan Strang in Equus, a bold and emotionally intense play. Directed again by Erik Rinkel, the production challenged Steve to explore complex themes and deepen his acting skills. “Even after 35 professional plays and musicals,” Steve says, “Equus remains one of my most memorable roles.”

Steve also had a strong interest in sport, coming from a family with deep AFL roots. His grandfather, Stan Judkins, won the 1930 Brownlow Medal, and his father, Noel Judkins, is a well-known and respected AFL recruiting officer. At 16, Steve faced a pivotal decision: pursue football or follow his passion for performing. His father’s advice—“You need to make a choice so you can focus on being great”— led Steve to choose the stage, a decision that shaped the rest of his life.

These early experiences; supportive mentors, performance opportunities, and the encouragement to pursue excellence, formed the foundation of Steve’s career. They taught him the value of hard work, the importance of training, and the joy of creative expression. Today, as a performer, vocal coach, and mentor, Steve continues to draw on the lessons learned during his school years, inspiring others just as he was once inspired.

💡 Words of Wisdom

Steve’s advice to current students and recent graduates:

“In my industry, you can't fake it. Training is essential, especially in singing. Pursue entertainment because you LOVE it, not for fame or money. Be prepared to chase your dream, face the highs and lows, and stay focused. Not everyone has the skill set for a life in theatre, so train hard, study your craft, and be realistic. It’s not a popularity contest, it’s about being truly skilled.”

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