PUBLISHED: 03 / July 2026
FROM HUNTER DRAMA STUDENT TO JULIET: Anaiya Mahony Returns to Inspire the Next Generation
Hunter Drama is delighted to welcome NIDA graduate and acclaimed performer Anaiya Mahony as the Musical Theatre Tutor for its Maitland primary and secondary classes for the remainder of the year.
Fresh from starring as Juliet in the Very Popular Theatre Company’s hit production of & Juliet, Anaiya returns to Hunter Drama where her own performing arts journey began more than a decade ago.
Anaiya first joined Hunter Drama in Year 7 after watching her older sister perform in Singin’ in the Rain. What followed was six years of training, countless performances and friendships that continue to this day.
“Honestly, the highlight of my experience was that it’s where I made some of my best friends,” Anaiya says. “Having the privilege to perform at the Civic Theatre with your best friends leads to memories you’ll never forget.”
During her time at Hunter Drama, Anaiya completed the Pre-Diploma of Musical Theatre, describing it as invaluable preparation for both the professional industry and her successful audition into NIDA.
“Hunter Drama gave me a sense of professionalism at a young age,” she says. “My teachers taught me to be kind, open and hard working. The training really helped prepare me for the fast-paced nature of full-time musical theatre study.”
Since graduating from NIDA, Anaiya has built an exciting career as both a performer and singer-songwriter, working across Sydney and Newcastle. Most recently, she captivated audiences in the leading role of Juliet, a performance that showcased her remarkable talent as both an actor and vocalist.
Now, she’s looking forward to sharing her experience with the next generation of young performers.
As someone who has experienced the Hunter Drama pathway firsthand, Anaiya understands the confidence, skills and friendships that can grow through quality performing arts training. Students in Maitland will have the unique opportunity to learn from a working professional who has recently stepped off the stage from one of the region’s biggest productions.
Whether students are taking their first steps into musical theatre or dreaming of a future career on stage, Anaiya’s passion for storytelling, creativity and nurturing young performers promises to make Terms 3 and 4 an exciting time for Hunter Drama’s Maitland classes.