artistic directors | choreographers | performers | Producers

LUCK & SCHOONEY are a dynamic creative duo made up of James Luck and Rebekkah Schoonbeek-Berridge, working at the forefront of Aotearoa’s performance industry. Their collaboration began during Chicago the Musical under the direction of Michael Hurst, and has since grown into a bold and distinctive creative partnership spanning theatre, dance, cabaret, and live events.

With ten years of collaboration and international experience, including performance and training across London, Scotland, New York, and Australia, LUCK & SCHOONEY bring a globally informed perspective to their work, grounded in the unique voice of Aotearoa.

Their practice spans the creation and delivery of full-scale theatrical productions, commercial and corporate events, immersive experiences, and intimate cabarets. Their work blends disciplines including dance, circus, burlesque, drag, and music, resulting in high-impact, genre-defying performances that are both technically precise and emotionally driven.

As champions of queer and multidisciplinary artists, LUCK & SCHOONEY are committed to creating platforms that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and amplify diverse voices. Their work often centres on collaboration, community, and storytelling, creating spaces where artists can take risks, be seen, and connect with audiences in meaningful ways.

Their creative portfolio includes the ongoing development and direction of Night of the Queer, a celebrated cabaret platform that has become a staple of the Auckland Pride Festival, as well as choreography and creative contributions across major musical theatre productions, live events, and screen work.

Most recently, LUCK & SCHOONEY served as Director and Choreographer for Priscilla, Queen of the Desert with North Shore Music Theatre, presented at The Civic in September 2025. Their work also extends into large-scale events, including the OFC Opening Ceremony at Eden Park in February 2026, alongside a range of corporate productions for clients such as Mitre 10.

Alongside these major projects, they have created and performed in a number of intimate and cult cabaret works, including XXX The Feast and the underground favourite Snuff Cabaret (2016–2017), continuing to develop bold, boundary-pushing performance spaces.

Known for their attention to detail, bold visual language, and ability to craft compelling performance worlds, LUCK & SCHOONEY continue to shape innovative, inclusive, and unforgettable experiences for audiences across Aotearoa.

Rebekkah Schoonbeek

Rebekkah Schoonbeek-Berridge (Ngāti Maru) is a highly regarded performer, choreographer and dance educator/adjudicator based in Tāmaki Makaurau. She holds a post-graduate diploma in Dance Studies from the University of Auckland and received training at New York's Broadway Dance Centre.

Her theatrical performance credits span various productions, including Auckland Theatre Company's 'Shortland Street The Musical' and 'Chicago,' 'Pleasuredome the Musical,' and ‘42nd Street.’ Some notable roles include Anne Elliot- in "Persuasion," Annie Wilkes in "Misery," Eliza in "Picket Fence People," and Vanessa in "In The Heights." 

Her choreographic work has been seen in a wide range of settings, including theatre productions (Basement X-Mas, Rock Follies Forever, Night of the Queer), musicals (We Will Rock You, West Side Story, Be More Chill), music videos (“Running Wild” - INDIGO, “Currents of Black Blood” - Yan Yates), TV (My Life is Murder, Media Works, DWTS). She is a regular choreographer with Diamond Entertainment and other companies for corporate events, and her works have been featured in festivals like Tempo, Auckland Fringe, and Short + Sweet, where her contemporary piece 'The Crickets Have Arthritis' earned her the 'Stand out Female Performer Award.'

Some dance credits include appearances alongside Marlon Williams, Stan Walker, and William Waiirua, as well as on TV shows like 'X-Factor,' 'Dancing with the Stars,' and 'Jono & Ben.' Internationally, she participated in the Contemporary Indigenous Dance Residency at the Banff Arts Centre in Canada and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2022 & 2019) with 'Two Hearts Comedy Duo.’ 

With more than 12 years of commitment to dance education, she has developed curricula and taught at various institutions around Aotearoa.

For more information, see rebekkahschoonbeek.com

James Luck

James graduated from full-time dance training in Sydney, Australia, in 2010. Since then, he has consistently worked 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. Following his time in the UK, James worked as a freelance choreographer for resorts and cruise ships throughout Europe.

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 education and international experience have earned him high regard from many global studios and dance companies. He is proud to pass on knowledge and skills to the next generation through teaching and producing works.

For more information, see elektrajames.com