This month, we put a spin on our regular Employee of the Month feature as we present our very first Team of the Month!

Meet the Box Office Team from Theatre Royal Sydney: Matilda Dwyer, Aden Abeleda, Melody Duan, Kirstie Butler and Nicola Marshall!

Where do you work and what do you do?
Melody: We work at Theatre Royal Sydney in the Box Office (we like to call ourselves the Boxies). We help patrons with all their inquiries and manage the box office counter during all our shows.

What’s the best thing about living and working in Sydney?
Aden: My favourite part of living and working in Sydney is that there are so many different types of places you can visit and explore. In the city alone, I’m able to walk across the road to Pitt Street Mall, walk through Hyde Park or even head down to Circular Quay to see the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

What’s been the biggest challenge for the Team since the venue opened?
Kirstie: Learning the unique aspects of our heritage listed theatre and being able to pass the incredible history on to the new patrons of the theatre and reminisce with the patrons that came out to previous productions of Cats and Jersey Boys.

What makes your Team work so well?
Nicola: Our team works so well because each boxie brings something different to the table.

Favourite stage production and why?
Matilda: Love Never Dies (Australian Production) – so visually gorgeous and includes some true theatre magic!
Kirstie: Jagged Little Pill – Mon and Maggie delivered the most outstanding and memorable performance and really bring Alanis Morrisette’s music to life.
Melody: Hamilton (Broadway) – the show definitely lived up to the hype! It was such a tight production with excellent performances from all cast members and an exceptional tech team that helped pull everything together.
Aden: Fangirls – An electric Australian musical that passionately encapsulates the teenage fandom experience.
Nicola: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (Sydney Theatre Company) because it starred Tim Minchin.

Favourite album?
Matilda: It changes every day but a classic go to is Cold Chisel’s East.
Kirstie: Hilltop Hoods – The Great Expanse.
Melody: Six The Musical (I love girl bands and I love musicals so this is the perfect mix).
Aden: This consistently changes but I love Mariah Carey’s album Fantasy.
Nicola: Right now it is Absolutely by Dijon.

Best ever gig?
Matilda: Foo Fighters 2015 ANZ Stadium
Kirstie: Baker Boy at Splendour in the Grass
Melody: Evanescence or Dami Im
Aden: Bruno Mars
Nicola: BADBADNOTGOOD

Top 3 films of all time?
Matilda: Toy Story 2, Pride & Prejudice, The Sound of Music
Kirstie: Red, Split, Marvel’s Infinity War
Melody: Silver Linings Playbook, Ever After, Lilo And Stitch
Aden: The Outsiders, Silver Linings Playbook, Saving Mr. Banks
Nicola: Whiplash, Paddington 2, The Devil Wears Prada

Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met?
Matilda: Tim Minchin
Kirstie: Rachel Balkovec (First Female coach in the MiLB)
Melody: Jason Mraz
Aden: Glenn Close
Nicola: Josh Hutcherson

Favourite holiday destination and why?
Matilda: Scotland – such a beautiful part of the world with lots of interesting history.
Kirstie: Tahiti, because it is absolutely stunning and peaceful.
Melody: New York – I love the buzz of the city and the plethora of restaurants, shows and things to do.
Nicola: My grandmother’s house in La Serena, Chile.

Who is your hero and why?
Matilda: My Parents & Godparents – they are a shining example of true friendship and the importance of keeping great people by your side through the ups and downs of life as well as always having fun along the way.
Kirstie: My grandfather. From his experiences in the army and disadvantage he faced growing up, he was the most lively and happy person that taught me the value of hard work and always seeing the bright side to life.
Melody: My husband – I admire his work ethic, his creativity, his determination and of course, his ability to put up with my daily antics.
Aden: My Parents – They immigrated to Australia from the Philippines over thirty years ago and have given me the confidence to celebrate my cultural background as well as the passion to achieve my goals.
Nicola: My friend Nancy for all the hard work she has put in as a nurse over the last two years.