INDUSTRY BIO
Kai Mann-Robertson is a multi-talented artist who grew up with a passion for storytelling. He channels this passion into every medium he works in, whether it be creating dance moves, shooting films, designing graphics, or jotting down notes on a napkin while pretending to listen.
Building on his training at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance and mentorship under Robert Sturrock, Kai relocated to New York City in 2020, immersing himself in programs at Broadway Dance Centre, the Steps on Broadway’s Independent Artist Programs for International performers, and Magnet Theater’s improv scene. His advice to fellow artists in Dance Informa magazine encapsulates his ethos:
As a director, Kai helmed Swiss playwright Stefan Diethelm’s debut Neutrality: A Rebuttal for the New York Theater Festival (2022), and combined his talents as a choreographer/director both nationally in Australia and internationally with productions including Seussical The Musical, Rock of Ages, and Song Contest - The Almost Eurovision Experience*.
*Winner of the Best Concert/Revue from Musical Theatre Guild Awards of Victoria 2018.
As a performer, Kai has taken the stage for a variety of productions, including:
The Rob Guest Endowment's concert production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast alongside Australian musical theatre royalty,
The Australia/New Zealand international tour of the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular (BBC Worldwide),
Melbourne’s premiere of Lin Manuel Miranda's 21 Chump Street, (Pursued By Bear)
He has played Tony Giordano in The Full Monty, (StageArt)
the dual roles of Al Saxon/Jerry Wexler in Dusty, (Babirra Theatre Company)
Matthew in the Geelong season of Altar Boyz,
Dance Captain for StageArt's Saturday Night Fever, and
Featured performer in Tony Ayer’s feature film Cut Snake (2014).
As a choreographer, Kai has combined his moves with comedic narratives and innovative special effects for music videos by JUMP Media in Throttle's smash hits Money Maker and Hit The Road Jack, as well as Brooklyns Finest's Disco Heartbreak.
In addition to his work on screen, Kai also brought his choreographic stylings to stage productions including the Melbourne premiere of Gilligan’s Island: the Musical, Heathers the Musical, Legally Blonde, Annie, Into the Woods, and the Wizard of Oz. He has also lent his narrative-based choreographic stylings to contemporary dance installations, such as Voice Box: Lost & Found and Dear Diary, and dance industry showcases like two seasons of UNDERGROUND (Melbourne’s Hottest Night of Dance), and Masters of Choreography’s Nightmare on Dance Street II and III.
Kai also has a deep love of drawing and graphic design, which he incorporates into his creative endeavors. Overall, Kai's diverse talents and dedication to storytelling make him a versatile and accomplished artist in the worlds of theatre, dance, film, and design.
Teaching Artist Bio
Kai Mann-Robertson is a multi-talented Australian artist who's spent his career turning creative sparks into fully-realized performances. With training ranging from Melbourne's Ministry of Dance and under Robert Sturrock’s mentorship to New York's Broadway Dance Centre and Steps on Broadway’s Independent Artist Program, he's built a reputation as both a dynamic performer and an engaging educator who makes the arts accessible to everyone.
As a teacher, Kai brings the same energy he's poured into professional productions like Disney's Beauty and the Beast (Rob Guest Endowment) and Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular (BBC Worldwide) to classrooms and studios. His approach blends rigorous technique with playful creativity - whether he's choreographing elaborate school musicals for hundreds of students or introducing toddlers to their first rhythms.
Over 15+ years of teaching, seven years with Canberra's Young Music Society as their primary dance and drama teacher, as well as through national workshops, Kai has developed a talent for meeting students where they are. His breakdance classes get reluctant movers excited about dance, while his theatre workshops help young performers find their confidence. He's particularly proud of creating inclusive performances where every student gets their moment in the arena spotlight, having staged productions with upwards of 800 participants.
Kai's teaching extends beyond traditional dance and drama. His popular short film courses show students how to create compelling stories with just a smartphone, while his music editing, showcase program design and rear projection animation services help schools elevate their productions on and off stage. Having worked with everyone from preschoolers to professionals, he adapts his wealth of experience - from choreographing music videos to directing off-Broadway - to each new group of students.
When not teaching, Kai continues to perform and create, most recently directing works for the New York Theater Festival. But some of his most rewarding moments still come in the classroom, watching students discover they have something worth expressing. As he told Dance Informa magazine:
"Invest in yourself as an artist, like you would in a new car or a business, and you'll go further than you ever thought you could."
Credits include:
· Directing and Choreographing the MTG Award-winning "Song Contest"
· Performing in StageArt's The Full Monty and Saturday Night Fever
· Choreographing viral-hit music videos for artists like Throttle with a combine 40Million+ views on YouTube alone
· Developing early childhood programs that showcase music, imagination and empathy
· Teaching residencies across Australian schools and youth organizations
Kai currently offers:
· Regular teaching hours for dance and drama classes
· Guest choreography for workshops, masterclasses and musical productions
· Workshop series in filmmaking, theatre skills, screen acting and improv competitions
· Specialized programs like flashmob coordination and school spectaculars
· Curriculum-aligned school incursions
CLASSES, PROGRAMS, WORKSHOPS + MASTERCLASSES
Booking Enquiries
Complete the form below for quickest response time, or email me direct at kai@kmr-creative.com