About Us

artistic directors | choreographers | performers | Producers

Luck & Schooney, a dynamic artistic duo comprising James Luck and Rebekkah Schoonbeek, have contributed to the vibrant and diverse landscape of New Zealand's Performance Industry for over seven years.  Against the backdrop of Michael Hurst’s reimagining of Chicago the musical, a partnership evolved into a staple of the nation's artistic scene.  Fresh from performances in London and training in New York, Luck & Schooney bring a wealth of international experience to their collaboration.  Specialising in Dance Theatre and Cabaret, the duo crafts shows infused with passion, humour, and emotion.  Through their expertise in Dance, Circus, Burlesque, Drag, and Music, they create captivating performances that highlight the talents of queer multi-disciplinary artists and the LGBTQI+ community.

Why We Do What We Do:
At Luck & Schooney, we celebrate exceptional talent and foster positivity within and beyond our vibrant community.  We take pride in our ability to create safe spaces which fuel artists' creativity, allowing them to explore the boundaries of their practice.  

Our big-picture goal?  Cultivating a supportive performance environment that champions success in the arts and helps artists discover their creative niche.  We're here for the thrill of entertaining, crafting performances for audiences from all walks of life to enjoy while strongly emphasising performer safety and well-being. 

Our Aims:
Queer Excellence: Our platform aims to celebrate and elevate LGBTQIA+ talent by providing a clear and positive example of excellence within the community.
Safe Spaces: Luck & Schooney are dedicated to establishing safe spaces where artists, particularly LGBTQIA+ youth, can build confidence, receive positive feedback, and thrive creatively.
Financial stability for artists: To effect positive and lasting change for artists, we must look beyond Pride month.  We aim to create year-round work opportunities, foster financial independence, and empower artists through workshops and mentorship for successful and sustainable careers.

Rebekkah Schoonbeek

An in-demand professional Dancer, Choreographer, Singer and Actress, Rebekkah has trained in Auckland and later in New York at "Broadway Dance Centre” and in 2021 completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Dance Studies with Auckland University.

Her choreographic work has been seen in many theatre productions (Basement X-Mas, Rock Follies Forever), musicals (We Will Rock You, West Side Story, Be More Chill), music videos (“Running Wild” - INDIGO, “Currents of Black Blood” - Yan Yates) corporate events (Skycity, Diamond Entertainment), TV (Media Works, DWTS)  and competition solo/group performances. 

In 2015 she was awarded “Stand Out Female Performer” for her contemporary choreography “The Crickets Have Arthritis” (Short + Sweet Dance Festival), and in 2016 completed a one-month Contemporary Indigenous Dance Residency at Banff Arts Centre in Canada.  In 2019, Rebekkah performed at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Two Hearts: The Comeback Tour with Laura Daniel and Joseph Moore and is a regular burlesque performer in the Auckland region with appearances in SNUFF Cabaret and Night of the Queer.

Her theatre credits include Shortland Street The Musical (ATC) featuring on the original cast recording album, Pleasuredome the Musical, Chicago (ATC), Persuasion, Artemis, Anything Goes and 42nd Street. She has appeared on television (X-Factor, Jono and Ben), in multiple music videos (Marlon Williams, Stan Walker, The Eversons), and modelled for Les Mills Gym.

She has been heavily involved in New Zealand dance education, teaching for the past ten years. She has developed curriculums for multiple institutions, including NZQA Level 4 & 5 dance curriculum for Excel Performing Arts, with her position as Head of Department for two years.

For more information, see rebekkahschoonbeek.com

James Luck

James graduated from full-time dance training in Sydney, Australia, in 2010. Since then, he has been working consistently in the industry overseas and in New Zealand as a performer, choreographer and director for stage and screen.

Spending a portion of his career in the United Kingdom, James has performed alongside big names such as Jessie J, Sia, Tom Jones, Little Mix and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and was a featured dancer in the 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony for Annie Lennox. James worked as a freelance choreographer for resorts and cruise ships throughout Europe following his time in the UK.

Since relocating to Auckland, he has become a highly sought after performer and choreographer for high profile events and shows, including Chicago (ATC), Billy Elliot (ATC), Dancing With The Stars and Pleasuredome the Musical.

James’s passion for educating and international experience has seen him held in high regard by many global studios and dance companies. He is proud to pass on knowledge and skills to the next generation through teaching as well as producing works.