Big break: Grease is the word for young Toowoomba stars

“Words can’t describe how lucky we are … it’s one of the greatest milestones in my career so far and I’ve never performed on a stage this big.”

Two Toowoomba performers are set to take to the Lyric Theatre stage in what they have described as breakout roles.

With the encouragement of their mentors, Sean Johnston, 20, and Daniel Erbacher, 21, fell in love with the performing arts as young teens.

And now just months out from completing their musical theatre degrees, the pair will perform in the Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium production of Grease.

“Words can’t describe how lucky we are as students of the conservatorium to be given such an amazing opportunity by the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC),” Mr Erbacher said.

“It’s one of the greatest milestones in my career so far and I’ve never performed on a stage this big.”

But their continued success hasn’t come without its challenges, after Covid-19 lockdowns hit entertainers and creatives particularly hard.

“It’s been quite the rollercoaster and trying to do acting classes over Zoom was interesting,” Mr Johnston said.

“But during lockdown everyone spent their time watching people perform on platforms like Netflix and Stan, so I hope this opportunity has shown society the importance of supporting local theatre, performers and the arts.”

The pair said they were grateful for the opportunities they had received in Toowoomba and encouraged younger people keen to pursue a career in the arts to seize every opportunity.

Mr Erbacher will be stepping into the role of Kenickie, while Mr Johnston is playing lead character Danny.

Grease will be held at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre from 10 -13 November.

Tickets are $69 and can be purchased online at qpac.com.au.

Originally published as Big break: Grease is the word for young Toowoomba stars