Contest no drama for stars

BUNDABERG dancers, actors and singers have made an impression at the Queensland Performing Arts Eisteddfod, winning almost every section of the competition.

BUNDABERG dancers, actors, singers and speakers have made a dramatic impression on the judges at the Queensland Performing Arts Eisteddfod, winning almost every section of the competition which finished yesterday.

Drama Queens studio owner Bec Hutchins sent 17 students to the competition in Gympie and not one came back empty-handed.

Some, like her daughter Stella, blew the judges away, winning seven first place awards, six seconds, one third and a highly commended for her various talents.

“She did extremely well,” Ms Hutchins said.

“It’s not just because she’s my daughter either. She has worked really hard for this.”

Rising star Jack McGovern was also a favourite with the judges, taking many prizes for his speaking and acting abilities.

“The judges seem to really love the Bundy kids,” Ms Hutchins said.

“We have had a lot of comments from people from other studios saying how well-mannered and supportive the Bundaberg kids are with each other and their competitors.

“To get that feedback saying what great kids we have is probably more important than how they perform on stage.”

With performers aged from five to 17-years-old, Ms Hutchins said she was overwhelmed with their achievements.

“We have gotten such high marks and they have all done so well,” she said.

“They are all such keen, hard-working students.”

Ms Hutchins said the success of the group came down to many factors.

“Bundy kids are all-rounders and they have flair and their own individual style, which makes them so special,” she said.

The teacher said her proudest moment at the eisteddfod was seeing the support her students gave one another.

“There was a moment when a younger student, Dom Nastasi, won an item and Jack McGovern got third,” she said.

“Jack walked right over and shook his hand and said congratulations.

“As a teacher, seeing the support my kids have for competitors is phenomenal.”

Originally published as Contest no drama for stars