Tahlia Biggs is a proud Barkindji Nhuungku and Ngyiampaa Wangaaypuwan, born and raised on Wiradjuri and Duduroa Country. She is a storyteller, producer and facilitator committed to amplifying First Nations voices.

And when TINA – A Tropical Love Story hit the road earlier this year, she was right at the centre of it, keeping the show moving, the team supported, and the energy high across three tour locations.

“It was so much fun holding space for the performers on the tour. Everyone was a joy to work with. There was no drama, everyone was just really grateful to be part of the show.”

For Tahlia, stage management is about more than schedules and cues. Her role was equal parts logistics, care, and creative coordination, translating between artists and those working at the venues.

“You look out for the artists and help them get their head in the game. As a performer myself, I understand that well.”

Tahlia also brought her signature energy to the tour, capturing social media content and building connections across the various teams. She even had some venue staff join show star Miss Ellaneous for a nutbush outside the theatre.

Returning to the ‘why’

And this approach hasn’t come out of nowhere.

Tahlia was part of Artback NT’s Emerging Producers Program last year, working alongside a small group of creatives under the guidance of Creative Producer Lia Pa’apa’a. The program created space to think more deeply about not just how to produce work, but why.

“It was nice to have a collective of people and share support and ideas. Lia encouraged us to focus on the ‘why’ and the values behind the projects.”

Alongside technical skills, there was a strong emphasis on self-care: how to prevent burnout, take care of yourself and the people you’re working with.

That focus stood out even more when the group attended APAX and connected with other emerging producers. Their curriculum didn’t have some of these aspects on the list, and Tahlia felt lucky to have Lia’s guidance.

“She played a bit of an auntie role. She really knows her ‘why’—and is happy to share her past mistakes. We felt really held, protected, and supported.”

Creating the spaces she wants to see

Tahlia also reflected on the sense of belonging within the Emerging Producers cohort.

“The arts can feel very white, so being part of a group where everyone was a person of colour, that was a very welcoming environment. It feels really nice to be in the majority in the room, even though it was a small room.”

This experience carried through into her Emerging Producers Program project, Purlu-Thapa: Heart Open – Vol. 1. Held at Brown’s Mart Theatre, the event created a space for Blak, Brown, Indigenous women and women of colour to come together, centring connection, celebration, and joy. Look out for Volume 2, hopefully coming to Garramilla / Darwin very soon.

More than one role

Since completing the program, Tahlia has been intentionally stepping into new roles and testing new ideas.

As well as the TINA tour, she’s hosted a podcast this year, is preparing to perform in a show at Brown’s Mart in October, and has already snapped up another producing gig for Roadshow NT, coming to Nhulunbuy in May.

Her creative practice has never sat in just one lane.

She first got into acting at school, years later returning to performance for the 50th anniversary of the 1970s relocations to NSW, an experience that has deeply affected her family.

She first got into acting at school, years later returning to the stage for Bungambrawatha at HotHouse Theatre, telling the stories marking the 50th anniversary of the 1970s NSW Aboriginal Relocation Scheme, an experience that has deeply affected her family and shaped her community.

“It reminded me why the arts are so important. They make people feel seen.”

And over time, she’s found herself drawn to shaping work more broadly. Always an ideas person, she sometimes struggles to stay in her lane and sit back and just learn her lines.

“I’ve been told I have director energy. So, learning new skills, diversifying and taking on different roles really suits me.”

Acting, producing, stage management, dance, events: each role feeds into the other.

Looking ahead

And this momentum is continuing, with Tahlia now stepping into a new chapter as Artback NT’s new Tour Producer for Performing Arts!

Building on her experience across performance, stage management and producing, the role feels like a natural progression.

She starts the role in mid-April, and we can’t wait to welcome her to the team.