I snuck backstage at CGEN, here’s what I saw

I went backstage for an exclusive sneak peak of Creative Generation’s final rehearsal, and from bright lights to frantic changes, I’d say it was intense, writes education reporter Rose Innes.

Courier-Mail education reporter Rose Innes behind the scenes at the final Creative Generation rehearsal

I went backstage for an exclusive sneak peek of Creative Generation’s final rehearsal, and from bright lights to frantic changes, I’d say it was intense.

It’s obviously all hands on deck for CGEN 2025 and the final rehearsal I got to see was no exception.

Bright pink glittery band costumes, bright flashing lights and eerie but impressive dances to “Little Red Riding Hood” are what audiences can expect for the show when curtains raise for the first of four performances on Friday.

But aside from normal corrections to timing on stage and slight microphone sound checks, everything seemed to go as planned.

I even had my five minutes of fame when some of the young cast asked me to sign their programs and then proceeded to ask where one of the featured singers was.

From little red riding hood, to Pinocchio to the wizard of Oz, magic was certainly there at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre today where the performances will take place.

I also was a witness to the frantic backstage scrambles with over 2500 cast and crew.

But here’s the kicker.

They all only met for the first time during show week.

It took a whopping three days to fully load the show into the BCEC Great Hall and judging by the set up backstage, I don’t doubt it.

Director Liz Williamson said the theme “The Next Chapter” was about celebrating what comes next after the 21st year of CGEN performances.

“Teachers and artists work side by side over long weekends, rehearsals and countless student breakthroughs but the final moment when it all comes together really gives you goose bumps,” Ms Williamson said.

“This year’s show is a twist on fairytales, hence ‘the next chapter’… it’s a magical journey through the fairy tales we know and love and we step into pages of classic stories, with new twists and turns as our characters chase their happily ever after.”

Kedron State High School student Mikayla Ingledew, 17, said she had loved the CGEN experience.

“The best part is probably all the people that I get to meet and the atmosphere of being in the Great Hall and getting to see everyone that’s come to watch and just really enjoying the moment.”

“On Friday’s show, I’m most looking forward to the start where I get to do the whole once upon a time spiel and get to start the whole show,” she said.