ACTOR
+61 (0)416 223 797
MELBOURNE, Australia
173 cm 5’8”
AGENT Howell Elite Actors
+61 (0) 404 834 434
Actor ● Choreographer ● Nou-Nou to 4 Grandkids ● Francophile
Best Actress Award at Cracked Actors’ Theatre (CAT) Summer Readings 2023
Finalist Best Supporting Actress 2022 & Best Actress 2021
One of the stand-outs was Janine McGrath's enchanting performance as Idylla in (Lourdes) Zamanillo's 'Memorials'… She inhabited this character entirely and imbued her with strength, empathy and multiple layers of integrity and character… outstanding contribution to Summer Reading 2021. Matthew Richard Walsh
Little Drummer Girl, aged 9.
Watch this space! Janine’s revived her acting exploits after three decades of running successful dance schools.
She first stepped onstage at the age of nine as The Little Drummer Girl (shown left) in her local dance school production of The Magic Toyshop.
“I’d always been driven towards performance. Before any formal training, I’d been creating plays and dances for my family & friends, with the Hill’s Hoist as rigging for the curtain. Thought I was Busby Berkeley.”
With over 30 years of experience in dance and stage production, Janine now brings her expertise and creativity to the world of acting.
She offers maturity, commitment, and empathy, sprinkled with a touch of levity.
Shots
Headshots 1 & 3 by Andrew Raszevski 2023
Janine was an absolute pleasure to work with. I was so thankful for her constant insight, encouragement and commitment. She brought so much to her character and was able to bring the story to life. Directing Janine was engaging and rewarding from rehearsals to shooting…
I would highly recommended Janine for any acting role. She blew me away! Can't wait to work with you again. Izrael Little, Director - Unmade.
Unmade 2021
Janine played a supporting role in my comedy short. She took direction very well and looked great on screen. Janine was also punctual, professional and a pleasure to have onset. I'd definitely recommend working with Janine. Gregory Kelly, Director - Hellbender.
Janine is amazing to work with and is very responsive. She is professional and patient. Recommend! Roxanne Moussallem, Director - The Detectives
I was able to work with Janine as an actor for a role in a web-series. She has a positive attitude backed up by a genuine disposition in her acting. She was a great addition to set and I really enjoyed working with her. Definitely recommend her. Casey Long, Director - What’s Left.
Janine was fantastic to work with. She went above and beyond what was expected and helped the crew out when we needed it. She made everyone feel welcome and her skills were incredible. Dia Taylor, Director - Music Video.
Reels
Main Acting Showreel
Waltz with Paul Daniel Fennell
Credits
Film, TV, Media, Theatre
2024
Pane di Casa - A Taste of Home The Butterfly Club
Written & Directed by Carlotta Migliolo-Jones
Support - Sharon
My Moonlit Alpha Prince Web Series
Written by Max Archer, Directed by Yurou (Selina) Zhang
Recurring Cathwulf - 8 Episodes @minishorts_werewolf
2023
Pane di Casa One Act Play
Written by Carlotta Migliolo, Directed by Carlotta Migliolo & Katerina Zafiris
Support - Sharon (@ Peridot Theatre)
Breaking Point Short Film
Written & Directed by Lochlan Graham
Support - Shirley McAllister
How To Ask Someone Out Short Film
Written & Directed by Sib Sibthorpe
Support - Delilah Fleur
Faati Ne? Feature Film
Directed by Faisal Hashmi
Support - Jennifer
CCTV Nasty Feature Film
Written & Directed by Sascha-René Karner
Support - Homeless Woman
Til You Make It Web Series
Directed by Scott Major
Art Lover
Portrait of a Rebel Heart by Gerard Lewis Fitzgerald
Cracked Actors Theatre Summer Readings
Lead - Nell (aka Natasha Pavlova), BEST ACTRESS AWARD
Suzuki Swift TVC
Finch, Directed by Jae Morrison
Featured - Carpark Gran
Grimm & Grimmer Short Film
Written & Directed by Libby Cowley
Support - Judge Cynthia
Baby Short Film
Written by Llewellyn Michael Bates & Directed by James di Martino
Support - Agnes
2022
Lifestyle Communities TVC
Airbag, Directed by Edward Housden
Lead - Maria
Queen Evil Feature Film
Written & Directed by Harry J. Wall
Support - Susan
Afterword Short Film
Support - Lynette Hargrave
Sex & Death Short Film
Directed by Amy Gibbs
Lead - Janice
Gemini Short Film
Written & Directed by Vallerie Rusli
Support Lead - Doctor
The Hook in the Ceiling Short Film
Written & Directed by Zafar Abbass
Lead - Lisa
Martha & Jerry Short Film
Directed by Pollyanna Carleth
Lead - Martha
Outpace Training Video
Directed by Siobhan Mulready
Lead - Aged Care resident, 2022, 2023
Quality Care In Hospitals for People With Cognitive Disability Training Film
Produced by Maitree House for La Trobe University
Support Lead - Lynne
Wicked Sister High Protein Snack TVC
Communicado, Directed by Colin Skyla
Featured
Mrs Bin by Hélène Dunlop
Cracked Actors Theatre Summer Readings
Support - Belinda Voulch, (Finalist “Best Supporting Actress”)
Crash Course Short Film
Written by Frank Hozi, Directed by John Kokkinias
Lead - Dr Minerva
2021
Hellbender Short Film, Flickerfest 2022 @hellbender.film
Written & Directed by Gregory Kelly - Creative Clones
Support - Panellist
Regional Family Violence Partnership Training Video
Directed by Dave Szostak
Support - Sandra Conway
Unmade Short Film VCA, MIFF 2022
Directed by Izrael Little
Support Lead - Alberta, 2021
Memorials by Lourdes Zamanillo
Cracked Actors Theatre Summer Readings
Lead - Idylla, 2021 (Finalist “Best Actress”)
Dance, Choreography & Teaching
Assistant Choreographer
Madiba The Musical National & NZ Tour, 2018 & 2019
Starring Tim ‘Timomatic’ Omaji, Blake Erikson, Perci Moeketsi, Ruva Ngwenya & Barry Conrad
The Prestige Presents
Local Choreographer
Fast Love - A Tribute to George Michael National & NZ Tour, 2018 & 2019
The Prestige Presents
Choreographer
Cavalcade - Reins of Fire Arena Spectacular National Tour, 2005
Definitive Events
Dance Consultant
Riverdance National & NZ Tour, 1998
Organised & consulted for the Australian Riverdance auditions
Van Egmond Group
Choreographer
Southern Federation of Dance, 1987 - 2010
Performances, Syllabus Design, Training Videos
Sessional Lecturer in Dance & Drama
Victoria University, 2001 & 2002
President & Dance Examiner
Southern Federation of Dance (President 6 years), 1987 - 2007
Principal
Dancentre Bayside, 1996 - 2012
Principal
PointCookDance, 2009 - 2016
Primary School Teacher
Art Room Teacher, Classroom Teacher & Relief Teacher, 1979 - 1990
Victorian Department of Education
Languages & Accents
English - Natural Australian Accent
English - General American Accent, Southern American Accent, Standard UK Accent, French Accent
French Language (Intermediate)
Madiba The Musical
Producer Neil Croker
Opening Night, Madiba The Musical at The Comedy Theatre, Melbourne. Photo: Serge Thomann 2018
2020
Melbourne University Training Video
Directed by Phil Shaw, Learning Environments
Support - Anne, Corporate Exec
Parrhersia: A Series of Conversations Web Series
Directed by Sean Hennessy
Support - Salena Lettera
Dance TV Awards Channel 31
Directed by Glenn Brittain
Panellist & Adjudicator
Hamlet Livestream Reading
Produced & Directed by Samuel Bailey, Sight & Sound Solutions
The Ghost & Player 1 (ensemble)
What’s Left Web Series
Directed by Casey Long
Co-star - Dr Newall, 2019
Actor Training
Scene Study & Audition Workshops with Jennifer Sarah Dean (Melbourne Shakespeare Company) 2024
Casting Workshops with Stevie Ray & Amy Mete 2023
Text to Screen Test with Scott Major & Steve Jaggi, February - March 2023
Creating Compelling Characters - The Audition Technique - Greg Apps, October - November 2022
Text to Screen-Test with Rosie Traynor & Nathan Lloyd, July - September 2022
ShowReel Intensive with Scott Major, Jordan Bond & Craig McMahon, May-June 2022
Impro Melbourne, Spontaneity, February-March 2022
Casting Workshops with Thea McLeod, Jo Briant, Maria Epthymiopoulos & Leigh Pickford 2022
StageMilk Acting Classes, July 2020 - ongoing
All American Accent Challenges with Katherine Beck (Ultimate Screen Actor) 2021
American Accent Masterclass, 6 weeks March-April 2021
Howard Fine Advanced Online Acting Course, November-December 2020
Playing the Bard; Shakespeare in Performance with Sally McLean, July-August 2020
Howard Fine 6 Week Essentials, June-July 2020
Howard Fine Audition Technique, May 2020
NIDA Screen Acting Essentials, 2020
Tertiary Education
Adv Dip Dance Teaching The Australian Ballet School, 1999
Grad Dip Ed Visual and Performing Arts, RMIT, 1992
Dip Ed (Primary), Major in English Lit., Coburg Teachers’ College, 1978
Additional
Classical Ballet, Jazz Dance, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballroom, Latin, Folkloric
Pilates, Gym, Zumba, Swimming
French Language, Alliance Française
Austswim Certificate
Xerobics Certificate
Working With Children Check
Modelling Course - Suzan Johnston
Drawing, Painting, Costume Design, Sewing, Cooking, Knitting
Loves - English & French Literature, Myths & Legends
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
CV
Yep, I’m a late bloomer. I came to acting after an extensive career in the dance world, wearing an assortment of theatrical hats. I spent most of the Covid lockdown pivoting careers - doing online acting classes, studying hard, and sharpening the finer points of acting.
Flashback to the 1980’s, my first job was as a Primary School Teacher, endeavouring to integrate visual & performing arts into all areas of the curriculum, all the time juggling dance and dance teaching commitments.
In 1987 I was approached to update the Jazz Dance levels for a well-known Australian dance society. Collaborating with a colleague, we created ten new levels of Jazz Ballet. The Victorian board was so impressed with the work that they founded a brand new dance association, and Southern Federation of Dance (SFD) was born and subsequently offered nationally. During my time with SFD, I was President (6 years), Choreographer, Dance Examiner, Adjudicator, MC, Teacher Trainer, and Mentor.
Having already been a guest teacher and choreographer for various dance schools around Victoria, I opened a dance school in Elwood, which over sixteen years scaled up to three schools located in Brighton, Point Cook, and Torquay. Meanwhile, I developed a unique Preschooler Dance program; integrating movement, music, language, maths, and social concepts.
In 2001 & 2002 I lectured in Dance & Drama at Victoria University in the School of Human Movement, Recreation & Performance.
A flair for choreography and dance production has allowed me to work in theatre and arena shows including Riverdance, Cavalcade – Reins of Fire, Madiba The Musical, and Fast Love – a Tribute to George Michael.
I’ve always thrived on the creative processes of brainstorming ideas, researching, planning, and collaborating. I’m ready, let’s go.
Contact
“The road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.”