With over 38 years in the performing arts industry, I’m proud to make my debut as producer, director, and co-writer of Home Alone: The Australian Musical — a bold and hilarious reimagining of a holiday classic, told with Aussie spirit and heart.

Throughout my career, I’ve evolved from student to internationally recognised performer to one of Australia’s most respected and qualified dance educators. Today, I have the honour of mentoring the next generation of artists — both in Australia and globally — shaping elite performers, award-winning choreographers, and confident, empowered creatives.

From winning Miss Dance of America to publishing work, lecturing, and leading elite training programs, my journey has been defined by a deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and meaningful impact. My choreography, rooted in precision and artistry, has received widespread recognition, and my approach continues to fuse technique with science-backed methods for long-term success.

This production is a reflection of everything I love: storytelling, education, community, and creating joyful, unforgettable moments on stage. I’m beyond excited to bring Home Alone: The Australian Musical to life with an extraordinary cast and crew.

Claira J (formerly Janine Atwill) is a powerhouse of Australian stage and screen, bringing over 20 years of experience as a performer, vocal coach, songwriter, and creative mentor. From her early recognition as Best Junior Female Performer by the Music Theatre Guild, to graduating from WAAPA’s elite Musical Theatre program, Claira has built a career defined by versatility, grit, and artistic passion.

Her television credits include standout appearances in Bogan Pride, Wentworth, Neighbours, and Netflix’s Superwog, alongside a growing list of indie and festival film roles including The Emu War (Monster Fest 2023 winner). On stage, she has embodied iconic roles from Charity in Sweet Charity to Chrissy Amphlett in I Can’t Believe It’s Not Countdown, with performances at Crown Casino, Chapel Off Chapel, and beyond.

A passionate musician, Claira’s voice has echoed through some of Australia’s biggest venues including Rod Laver Arena and Falls Festival. Her debut single Letting Go broke into the Australian Independent charts, and she continues to collaborate with a range of artists as a session vocalist and songwriter.

As founder of Claira J Coaching, she mentors the next generation of vocalists and performers, combining technical precision with deep industry insight. Her work is rooted in authenticity, creativity, and helping others shine on their own terms.

Jason Bovaird is a multi–award-winning lighting designer and production manager with over 30 years of experience across Australia and internationally. After graduating from the University of Melbourne and completing a masterclass at NYU, his career gained momentum with an internship under Broadway legend Ken Billington (Chicago, Waitress, New York, New York).

Jason’s design credits span major companies including Opera Australia, Melbourne Theatre Company, Adelaide and Brisbane Festivals, Sydney Theatre Company, and international tours with The Play That Goes Wrong, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Peppa Pig, and Busting Out. He’s lit acclaimed musicals such as Kinky Boots, Dreamgirls, The Color Purple, In the Heights, Mary Poppins, and Wicked, as well as world premieres and Green Room Award-winning productions.

With multiple Green Room, Music Theatre Guild, and Tasmanian Theatre Awards under his belt, Jason continues to shape Australia’s theatrical landscape through his company, Moving Light Productions.

Elanor Parsons is an Australian composer, songwriter, and chorusmaster whose career bridges opera, contemporary song, and musical theatre. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Music Performance (Honours), she made her mark with operas like The Women of Troy and Triptych, the latter premiering at the Melbourne Fringe Festival. As the chorusmaster of Melbourne Opera, she worked with some of Australia's finest young and established singers and renowned conductors and directors. Recently, Parsons has shifted focus to songwriting and is channelling her love of musical theatre into creating new songs for Home Alone: the Australian Musical.