Celia Macdonald is a professional working actress based in Wellington, specially trained in Stage, Screen, & Musical Theatre.
Celia graduated with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Music Theatre from the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) in 2020. As a Rātā Graduate herself, Celia has returned in full circle as a Drama Teacher. Celia joined Rātā as a student in Miranda Harcourt’s Stage and Screen Teen course at the age of 14, and whilst at Rātā, found herself successful in Film and Theatre. At age 15, she was cast in short film Goodness Grows Here (Natalie Medlock) with an esteemed NZ cast including Robyn Malcolm. Then appeared alongside multiple Rātā Studios alumni such as Erana James, Thomasin McKenzie, and Miranda Harcourt, in 2 seasons of TV3’s Web Series Lucy Lewis Can’t Lose (Paul Yates) as the character of ‘Ruby’.
Since her Rātā Student days, Celia has gone on to write her own original cabaret style, one-woman show titled A Fat Girl’s Cry. A performance about the importance of positive body representation & inclusivity within the Industry, especially for those who are considered Plus Size. With raving reviews, she has taken her show to Wellington, Auckland, & in July 2025, Christchurch.
A recent highlight of Celia’s Career was making her Shortland Street debut as guest character ‘Jocelyn Kellerman’ in 2024.
Celia is not just passionate about teaching kids drama but singing too. She is also a Singing Teacher with her own company Celia’s Singing Studio, & with Spotlight Performing Arts.