Amber’s Story

Amber Scates, a multifaceted artist, songwriter, performer, creative coach, and content creator, is the true embodiment of artistic passion and transformative power. Her journey encompasses a rich tapestry of experiences and accomplishments, weaving together her musical prowess, performing artistry, and empowering work as a coach.

During her early years, Amber was the lead singer of the Perth based indie-rock band RAKSHA, releasing multiple singles and EPs, gracing stages at bars and festivals, and earning recognition through various competitions. These formative years provided the foundation for her artistic growth and the beginning of her captivating journey.

Eager to further expand her artistic horizons, Amber was accepted into The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Pursuing her passion for the performing arts, she studied a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre (2021) and Diploma in Music Theatre (2018). Upon graduation she was awarded the prestigious Lesley Anderson Award for her showcase in Musical Theatre (2021).

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Following her graduation Amber was awarded the Outstanding Newcomer Award by Performing Arts WA. She then ventured to Melbourne to pursue her artistic passions where she found herself immersed in a whirlwind of captivating projects and collaborations. She became a part of renowned acts such as Impromptunes: the completely improvised musical, and Stand and Deliver, the 80’s tribute band, with each experience adding depth and richness to her artistic repertoire.

Amber has made notable artistic contributions within the cabaret world. Touring with the award winning cabaret group Tone & Cheek, starring in their electrifying shows, Club D'amore, Tuck Shop and Happy Endings. These shows have toured around Australia receiving awards from The Perth and Adelaide Fringe Festivals. In addition to her involvement in established acts. Amber debuted her self produced cabaret show “Realtime Revelations” at Perth Fringe Festival in 2025, with an australian tour set to commence in 2026.

Amber's rise to prominence has been supported by a growing social media following, which has reached an impressive count of over 67k followers on her Instagram @amber.scates. Amber releases inspirational videos encouraging her audience to aim big and live shamelessly, embracing the absurdity of life, and the power of the mind! She isn’t afraid to show the world who she is, shouting from the rooftops “We’re on a rock in space flying through the universe, your life is what you make it!”.

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Amber has since embarked on her solo music career, making a captivating entrance with her electrifying debut song, Kickin' In, followed by her second single “Hold On You”, and most recently “Out of Touch”. This marks a significant milestone in her artistic journey as she steps into the spotlight as a solo artist, showcasing her unique musicality and distinctive style. 

In parallel, Amber is the creator and host of The Realtime Diaries, a podcast-meets-performance project that captures the mess and magic of life in real-time. She also coaches artists and creatives across Australia through bespoke workshops and 1:1 sessions focused on radical clarity, voice, and liberated self-expression.

Amber Scates is a shining example of an artist who merges her creative talents with her innate ability to inspire and transform. With her music, performances, and coaching, she continues to make a lasting impact on the Australian arts community and beyond. Whether she's onstage, in the studio, or coaching fellow artists, Amber's unwavering dedication and passion shine through, illuminating a path of artistic authenticity and personal growth for all who encounter her remarkable work.

AMBER SCATES CV

TRAINING

Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
Bachelor of Arts (Musical Theatre) – 2019–2021
Diploma of Music Theatre – 2018

Vocal Training
Elisa Wilson, Lesley Perrin, Laura Bernay, Liz Pascoe, Phoebe Jackson – 2011–2021

Screen Acting
Filmbites Film School – 2009–2014
Andrew Lewis, WAAPA – 2021

Dance – Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and Circus
WAAPA, Denice’s Dancing School, John Curtin College of the Arts – 2012–2021
Joondalup Circus Troop – 2012–2014

LIVE PERFORMANCE / THEATRE

Realtime Revelations
Amber - FRINGE, Self Produced, 2025

Tuck Shop
Amber – Tone & Cheek, 2024

CLUB D’AMORE
Voix – FRINGE, Tone & Cheek – 2022–2024

Impromptunes
Actor – Melbourne Comedy Festival / FRINGE – 2022–2024

Happy Endings
Little Red – FRINGE, Tone & Cheek – 2023–2024

Cinderella (A Pantomime)
Cinderella – Zealous Productions – 2021

Cabaret
Kit Kat Dancer – WAAPA, Dir. Tamara Cook – 2021

Crazy for You
Irene Roth – WAAPA, Dir. Crispin Taylor – 2021

Into the Woods
Milky White – WAAPA, Dir. Nicole Stinton – 2021

Spring Awakening
Martha – WAAPA, Dir. Crispin Taylor – 2020

A Chorus Line
Val (u/s) – WAAPA, Dir. Crispin Taylor – 2020

The (Untitled) Show!
Amber – Original Cabaret – 2020

AWARDS

Performing Arts WA Award – Outstanding Newcomer – 2022
Lesley Anderson Award – WAAPA – 2021
Julie Michael Award – Runner-Up Cabaret: "The ... Show” – 2020
The Bill Izett Award – Outstanding Achievement in the Arts – 2017

FILM & TV

Fuck That Noise – Short Film – 2024
SEEK – TVC + Online – 2023
Short Film “Y” – Written & Directed by Tamara Cook – 2023
The Great Mint Swindle – Channel 7 – 2012
Mental Health Campaign – South Australia – 2011

LIVE PERFORMANCE / OTHER

Amber Scates – Lead Singer/Songwriter – 2023–Present
RAKSHA (Original Band)State of Mind EP, Emerald EP – 2014–2019
Burlesque – Burlesque Artist – 2022–2023
Stand and Deliver (80s Cover Band) – Lead Singer – 2019–2022
Miss Friby and The Femmes – Backup Singer – 2022

Social Media
@amber.scates – 58K