Natalie Bourgeois Is A Rising Star in Musical Theatre

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

Natalie Bourgeois is a force to be reckoned with in the world of musical theatre. An NYC-based actor, singer, and dancer, Natalie has captivated audiences with her multifaceted talents. Originally from Northern California, she began her journey at a young age, diving into the worlds of singing, acting, and dancing. Now, she’s taking on New York City with the same energy and passion that has fueled her career since childhood.

Growing up in Sacramento, California, Natalie was a busy child, successfully balancing soccer, dance, and theatre—sometimes all in the same day. Weekends were spent performing in community theatre, where she landed her first role at just six years old, playing a wine bottle in Beauty and the Beast. As she reached middle school, injuries from dance and soccer forced her to choose one path. It was then that a pivotal moment occurred: Natalie attended a performance of Billy Elliot, where she saw kids her age dancing professionally. Inspired, she decided to pursue dance and theatre wholeheartedly, transitioning from a hobby to a serious pursuit.

When Natalie turned 16, she had her first taste of the professional world. As an intern in a production of Hairspray, she danced alongside Broadway legends, sparking her desire to make musical theatre her career. She eventually went on to study at the prestigious Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre. At the age of 19, Natalie joined the actors' union, a milestone that allowed her to participate in larger productions and work with other accomplished artists.

After graduating in 2021, Natalie faced the challenges of entering the entertainment industry during a global pandemic. Instead of an in-person senior showcase for agents, her class had to adapt to a virtual format. Despite these hurdles, Natalie signed with Hudson Artist Agency, kickstarting her professional journey.

In her budding career, Natalie has already accumulated an impressive list of credits. One of her favorite roles was in Dog Sees God, a play that imagines the "Peanuts" characters all grown up. Natalie played Van's Sister, a complex character who, unlike typical portrayals, was less sexualized and more psychotic. This unique experience highlighted Natalie’s range as an actor and allowed her to connect with audiences on a deeper, more artistic level. New York audiences can look forward to revisiting this production in the spring of 2025.

Her most recent and notable success has been touring the country with the 1st National Tour of Pretty Woman: The Musical, where she had the chance to cover the lead role of Vivian Ward. This opportunity not only showcased her acting and singing abilities but also cemented her place in the musical theatre world as a versatile and commanding performer.

Currently, Natalie is embracing a new challenge in That Parenting Musical, where she plays the "single friend." The show revolves around the comedic and relatable aspects of being a parent today. Her character, along with another character named Todd, represents the adults who don't have children, exploring their choices and the impact of parenting on friendships and relationships. Natalie’s storyline involves a transformation from not liking kids to eventually bonding with a child character, portrayed humorously by an adult actor. The show’s blend of comedy and relatable life situations resonates with a wide audience, from parents to those who are uncertain about ever having kids.

Natalie finds elements of her character aligning with her personal life. As a sister contemplating the potential changes that children could bring to her family dynamic and as a career-focused individual herself, she draws inspiration from her own experiences. Her portrayal brings a layer of authenticity to the show, making the character relatable to those who have similar thoughts about parenting or maintaining a child-free lifestyle.

For Natalie, the magic of theatre begins long before the curtain rises. She cherishes the ritual of preparing for a show—putting on makeup, slipping into character through costumes and wigs, and taking a moment to relax. Despite having performed on various stages, she admits that while nerves aren’t an issue, a mental "switch" happens once she’s fully transformed into her role. With That Parenting Musical, which involves direct audience interaction, she is learning to invite the audience into the experience, adding a new dimension to her performances.

Theatergoers can look forward to seeing Natalie’s dynamic performances in future productions. With a blend of professional training, diverse experiences, and a passion that radiates through her work, Natalie Bourgeois is poised to make a lasting impact on both stage and screen.

For more about Natalie Bourgeois and her upcoming projects, visit nataliebourgeois.com.