Stars of the stage: your guide to southside school musicals
Get out your diary, there is a stage show every month until September catering for all tastes. Here is a guide to behind-the-scene secrets of our young school stars.
Logan
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Looking for an entertaining family night out? Southside schools are ramping up their stage productions with all the glitz and glamour of Broadway.
Every month until September, there are musicals, band performances and stage shows catering to every taste.
Here we let you in on some of the behind-the-scene stage secrets of some of the stars of upcoming musicals and give some history of those who have already had their names go up in lights.
MORETON BAY COLLEGE
Moreton Bay College Music Centre
June 3- 5
The Wiz
This colourful and lively musical runs from Thursday, June 3 through to Saturday, June 5 at the Moreton Bay College Music Centre. Friday night’s performance is an opportunity for our patrons to join in on the fun and come dressed as their favourite character from The Wizard of Oz or The Wiz.
Alexa Curtis (Dorothy)
Year 12
Alexa is a senior student and admires her character of Dorothy because of her resilience through the challenges she faces, and how she negotiates her confused feelings as she tries to comprehend the magical and mystical land she has arrived in.
“Ultimately, acting as a metaphor for the strength Dorothy has to find within herself to be confident and comfortable in her own skin. Moreton Bay College has been able to provide me with incredible opportunities, both academically and creatively, despite the challenges from the pandemic last year.”
Charli Mostert (The Wiz)
Year 12
“I am lucky enough to play the role of The Wiz and I get to explore and enrich my creativity and versatility as a performer.
I have had the incredible opportunity to work collaboratively with talented staff and students to fine tune my role and expressing my character in all its glory. I will be forever grateful that The Wiz is my last high school production and I cannot wait to perform with the outstanding cast, crew and orchestra in the coming weeks.
Harrison Blackmore (Tinman)
Year 12
“I enjoy participating in musicals as it provides a platform for me to express myself creatively, as well as make new friends across the two colleges.
The colleges provide many opportunities for cultural endeavours, and I am enjoying supporting my fellow cast members as Cultural Captain for 2021.”
Shannon Dean (Lion)
Year 11
“I play the fun character of the Lion. Music has always been a very important part of my life, so when this upbeat, sweet, and inspiring musical was offered at the colleges, I couldn’t pass it up.
It has been amazing to develop such an emotionally complex and spunky character on stage, as it has gotten me out of my comfort zone. With each step the Lion takes towards gaining courage throughout the story, I found myself gaining a little too.”
Sophia McBrien (Scarecrow)
Year 10
“I am very excited and honoured to be playing the Scarecrow. Just like the original Wizard of Oz, The Wiz explores the journey of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion and their quest for a way home, brains, a heart, and courage.
The musical is filled with energetic dance numbers and catchy songs that have been brilliantly choreographed. The Scarecrow is a very physical role and I love being able to use my dance background to fully immerse in my character and make audiences laugh. I have been involved in every college production since the beginning of my high school journey and every year the positive environment is infectious and filled with fun. Our Performing Arts staff work tirelessly to create detailed costumes, teach large ensemble music pieces, and choreograph dance numbers.
Abby Gauld (The Gatekeeper)
Year 12
“I play the sassy, officious, yet easily fooled and greedy Royal Gatekeeper who is tasked with ‘guarding’ the extravagant and wonderful Emerald City.
I thoroughly enjoy playing this role as it affords me the ability to experiment with exaggerated characterisation and accent, something that I have always been fond of as a performer. I am immensely looking forward to taking to the stage for my final time as a senior.”
Kayli Bell (Dancer)
Year 12
“I am a dancer in the chorus and play multiple roles including my favourite, the Yellow Brick Road.
Playing this part allows me to show my fun and bright personality, leading the main characters on their way to see The Wiz. I have been performing since a very young age, and thoroughly enjoy the creative outlet it provides. I valued being a part of such an amazing and talented team and cannot wait for the highly anticipated Opening Night.”
Madeleine Watson (Chorus)
Year 8
“My role is in the Chorus, which ranges from being a part of multiple scenes and dances. The Chorus is an amazing role to play when first getting into acting, dancing and singing as it allows you to bond with other students without the stress of memorising complex choreography and lines.
This role allows me to play multiple characters in different scenes, making the experience even more enjoyable. The teachers are so supportive and always looking to help. If there is a group dance struggling, they will give up their lunchtimes to help. The teachers put in so much work and effort to allow the shows to run smoothly which enables the cast and orchestra to be ready for Opening Night. From costume designs to the set, it is an amazing amount of effort.”
Hugh Bettinson (1st Violin)
Year 12
“Being part of the orchestra has been an enjoyable, and certainly memorable experience. We are responsible for all the music, sound effects and main themes that define the musical, develop characters, and shape scenes.
It’s not your typical pit orchestra though – comprising a variety of acoustic and amplified instruments, we perform a highly contemporary repertoire, ranging from disco-funk to power ballads. I’ve really enjoyed learning such a wide range of pieces and performing in an environment that’s theatrical and full of energy.”
Yena Lee-Kang (Alto Saxophone & Clarinet)
Year 12
The pit orchestra accompanies the wonderful singers, actors, and dancers on stage. Being part of the orchestra has been a one-of-a-kind experience.
Learning 30-odd pieces for the musical has been a great challenge, considering we learn and master six to eight pieces in a year. However, there is nothing I love more than grooving along with the funky, soulful music from The Wiz.”
Julz Condron (Crew)
Year 12
My job consists of running props on and off stage, helping with some of the sound and controlling a spotlight during the performance.
I joined the Crew because I love being part of the colleges’ musical family, even though I can’t sing in key. Being a part of the musical is an incredible way for students of all year levels to make connections and bond over a common love of performance. Whether that be dancing, singing, playing an instrument, or helping the theatrics come together it is an incredible atmosphere to be a part of. I love that no matter what role you have in the production everyone is important and we definitely wouldn’t be able to create such an incredible performance if we didn’t all work together.”
Ben Langford (Music Director)
“I rehearse the student Pit Orchestra and Chorus, then conduct the show itself from the pit, as we accompany songs, underscore dialogue, cover scene changes and add sound effects to the musical. We have a really exciting opportunity at The Moreton Bay Colleges to run programs that simultaneously allow us to differentiate our school environments to suit the specific needs of boys and girls, while still being able to combine our communities wherever this benefits learning. Students in music really experience the benefit of this unique approach with separated primary academic-time Instrumental Immersion classes.
Emma Pattemore (Director)
“My role is to create a vision for the production and work collaboratively across the Art forms to develop a cohesive and entertaining performance. So, why The Wiz? This question has been posed many times to our creative team. What can we learn today from this 1970s stage and screen teenage heroine? In 2021, the answer is – so much. As a community, we continue to grow, to learn from the stories of our past and those stories still being told. We hope that Dorothy’s journey inspires our audience all to show courage, question their world and love with all their heart. The Moreton Bay Colleges’ celebrate and promote a holistic education that ensures all students can find their voice and follow their passion.
Kate Fitzgerald (Producer and choreographer)
“I organise all the behind-the-scenes administration such as rehearsal schedules, cast, orchestra, crew and parent communication, contractors, volunteers, programming, marketing and many more aspects of getting the show to its feet for Opening Night. I am also one of the choreographers and I work alongside my talented colleague Hannah to ensure we have entertaining dance numbers that bring the best out in our performers.”
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CANTERBURY COLLEGE
JUNE 4, 9, 11 and 15
WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL
The college’s annual five-concert series features talented students, in music ensembles across the Junior and Secondary Schools at a range of auditoriums and venues on campus.
VOICES FROM HEAVEN
Choirs and piano trios
June 4: 182 Old Logan Village Rd, Waterford, Arts Centre Auditorium, 6pm to 7.30pm
Trio Bellissimo; ARTISTrio; Boys Vocal Group; Bella Voce and Cantabile
Wednesday
POCO KALEIDOSCOPE
Strings & Singers
June 9: Canterbury Events Centre: 6pm-7.30pm
Year 3 Strings; All Star Strings; Allegro Strings; Junior Singers; Junior Choir and String Quartet.
FRIDAY NIGHT ROCKS
Rock School
June 11: Canterbury Arts Centre Amphitheatre: 6pm-7.30pm
Rock School, Junior Guitar Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, Rock Bands, AGB
MEZZO KALEIDOSCOPE
Bands & Strings
June 15: Canterbury Events Centre, 6pm-7:30pm
Bands & Strings, Year 6 Strings, Year 6 Band, Beginner Band, Bravura Strings
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JOHN PAUL COLLEGE
JULY
CHICAGO
July 15, 16, 17: Redlands Performing Arts Centre, 2/16 Middle St, Cleveland.
From its stunning Fosse-style choreography to its central concept of the “celebrity criminal” and its themes of corruption and justice, the audience will be thrilled by the story of vaudeville star Velma Kelly, chorus girl Roxie Hart and top Chicago lawyer Billy Flynn.
Chicago is set mainly in jail and the set was designed around cell bars which move around the stage.
Amanda Waddell: (Artistic director) Mrs Waddell has been teaching at JPC since 2014 as the Head of Faculty of the Arts and was also a former student. She was the artistic director for The Wiz in 2016, We Will Rock You in 2018, Wicked in 2020, which was cancelled due to COVID-19 and now the 2021 production of Chicago. “Cell Block Tango is one of the best moments in the show combining our amazing dance chorus, musicians, actors and singers. There are plenty of sequins and jazz hands, which I think the famous Bob Fosse would be proud of.”
CAST
Bethanie Walsh (Roxie Hart): No stranger to the stage, Bethanie Walsh seems like she was born for the role of Roxie Hart.
Not just a pretty face, Bethanie embodies the sass, charisma and charm required to win audiences over — and ultimately her cellmates and the jury. Heavily embedded in the performing arts program, Bethanie has been involved in many past college musicals. “I love the sass and character of Roxie, as well as our similarities in appearance and interests.”
Paxton Smith (Velma Kelly): She packs a punch on stage and has the attitude to match. Paxton Smith joined JPC in Year 10 as a young performer.
Her involvement in the performing arts program extends from the school rock band Exit 24, to the Chamber Choir. Her passion for music, particularly singing, started at the age of five and she has performed with Queensland Opera as part of Project Puccini. Drawing on the inspiration from music icons Tina Turner and Freddie Mercury, Paxton is looking forward to hitting the stage in July.
“I have always been a fan of Chicago and always wanted to star in the show since I first saw the movie. I knew from the beginning I wanted the role of Velma Kelly or Matron Mama Morton and I am very lucky to have been given the lead role of Velma Kelly.”
Ziyaad Pandie (Billy Flynn)
The talented actor started at JPC in Year 2 after his first experience in a premier ensemble was with the Concert Choir in Year 7.
“It never occurred to me how much I could grow and improve until I joined this choir.” Chicago is his first JPC musical and he is looking forward to performing in the four-show spectacular. “My favourite part is the courtroom scene with all of the main characters and ensemble together.” To prepare for the role, he watched a variety of versions of the musical and film, to see how other actors played Billy. Ziyaad enjoyed the challenge of embodying a character so opposite to himself on stage.
Ayesha Jalal (Matron Mama Morton)
Making her JPC musical stage debut, Ayesha Jalal will play the bold and strong character Matron Mama Morton.
To prepare for the role, Ayesha has done plenty of research into her character to ensure she gets the balance of power and nurturing just right. She has been at JPC since Year 5 and prominently worked behind the scenes at musicals as part of the crew. She is excited to finally take to the stage in her debut role after hours of rehearsals and vocal lessons. “I think the audience will love the whole show. This production has been such fun, and we hope the audience loves it as much as we do and it gets them dancing in their seats.”
Henry Mao (Amos Hart)
International student Henry Mao is JPC’s newest performing arts sensation, only joining the college in Term 2 in 2020. Throwing himself into the spotlight, Henry embraced all of the performing arts co-curricular activities including the Chamber Choir and Concert Choir.
A natural talent, Henry has never had any formal vocal training but amazed audiences in his role as Javert in Les Miserables while in Hong Kong. “We Both Reached for the Gun is a memorable part of the musical which you cannot help but get into.”
Ariel Franzmann (Mary Sunshine) From her humble beginnings as a young JPC kindy student, Ariel Franzmann has always dreamt of seeing her name in lights on the big stage.
Her experience in JPC musicals, as well as external productions, holds her in good stead for her role as Mary Sunshine. Ariel’s rigorous research into character building and development has been a crucial part of her preparation to ensure she nails the “posh-like” accent and operetta-style singing. This process has given her time to experiment with the character. “I think the audience will enjoy the show atmosphere and performances.”
THE BAND
EXIT 24
John Paul College’s Secondary School Premier Rock Band Exit 24 will provide the music for Chicago. The band has performed at competitions across Brisbane, including the annual Battle of the Bands, JPC Mayfair, JPC Cabaret at Sirromet events, Year 12 formals, along with frequent performances at school assemblies. The opportunity to perform in front of large crowds at these gigs has presented the band other opportunities to play in large venues such as the Queen Street Mall, Sirromet Winery and Brisbane City Hall.
Members
Riley McTaggart – Guitarist
“I have always enjoyed playing the guitar, and love listening to music where guitar solos are heroes.
My favourite pieces are Easy Lover by Phil Collins, Just Like Paradise by David Lee Roth and Love Rears Its Ugly Head by Living Colour.
Jamie Hou – Drummer
Jamie is a Year 12 student. “Playing the drums has helped me become more disciplined while also developing my creativity in music.
In 2020, I really enjoyed playing Sweet Child o’ Mine with Exit 24. It is such an iconic rock song, and we continue to practise hard on it. In 2021, we have played Harder to Breathe by Maroon 5. It is a piece that requires the whole band.”
Oscar Tranter – Drummer
Oscar is a Year 9 student. “I enjoy drumming because there are so many possible ways to play them and create a bunch of different sounds.
It’s amazing how unique the drum kit is compared to other instruments. My favourite piece is Are You Gonna Be My Girl because it’s a song where we can just rock out and really have some fun.”
Charlee White – Bass Player
Charlee is a Year 9. “I love being the bass player in the band because I get to work with a group of really good instrumentalists and collaborate to make some cool sounds.
My favourite piece would probably be Easy Lover by Phil Collins.”
Jonas Hempenstall – Lead Guitarist
Jonas is a Year 11 student. “Playing the guitar allows me to express myself. The opportunity to play lead guitar at John Paul College’s top rock band Exit 24 takes me one step closer to achieving my dream of playing the guitar all over the world.
One of my guitar idols, Steve Vai plays lead guitar in that song. The song allows me to take the spotlight on the guitar and showcase the face-melting techniques and hard work I’ve put into my musicianship.”
Lucinda Turunen – Vocalist
Lucinda is a Year 9 student. “I love being a vocalist because it allows me to express myself through music, and to meet talented and committed musicians.
I have also formed strong friendships with students from other grades.”
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CHISHOLM CATHOLIC COLLEGE
JULY 23, 24
FOOTLOOSE
July 23, 24: SunPAC, Sunnybank Performing Arts Centre, 470 McCullough St, Sunnybank. Chisholm Catholic College presents the classic 1980s musical Footloose.
Students from years 7-11, ex-students and staff are involved as actors, dancers, band members, technical crew or the promotional team. Prior to rehearsals starting in March, students had intensive workshops led by Broadway NYC international performer Sean MacLaughlin and experienced stage manager Brittany Coombs. Students found the training valuable as they moved into rehearsals.
CAST
Dean Sherry: (Tech Crew) “I love being in the musical because I like tech and I love representing the school in all I can.”
Laina Eady: (Lead character Urleen) “My favourite scene in the musical is the burger blast because it leads into my favourite song of the musical Holding out for a hero. I get to perform with the girls and its always such a fun song to perform.”
Callum Coombs: (Lead character Wes/Travis) “Each song is a chance to have fun, and develop my skills. In the entire musical, my favourite song isn’t even one I’m in. I am enjoying Holding out for a Hero. Everyone who enjoys a good laugh, an intriguing story, and students having fun acting should come along.
Teagan Griffey (Producer/Creative director) “We have an incredible team of teachers who come together year after year and give it their all. Their passion, enthusiasm, sense of team work and faith they bring is inspiring.”
Emma Watt: (Chorus member) “This is the first musical production I have been in and I’m so glad I decided to do it. My favourite scene is the burger blast as it’s a good laugh and the actors fulfil their roles. It also leads into my favourite song Hold out for a hero.”
Olivia Humphries: (Chorus member) “I love being in the musical because the creative arts community is full of wonderful people. I love going to rehearsal as I get to see everyone.”
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PARKLANDS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
Where: Logan West Community Centre, 2 Wineglass Drive, Hillcrest
When: July 23 at 7pm; July 24 at 1pm and 7pm
Bring the whole family to see Parklands What’s Inside? this July. This year, as a combined celebration of 20 years of service to the Logan community and 10 years of secondary performing arts productions, Parklands Christian College will present an original performance that reflects on musicals and plays from the past decade. Thanks to the creative writing talents of drama teachers, Julia Matthews and Cleo Smith, and under the direction of Jaclyn Kelly, Parklands created its own musical, What’s Inside?.
The performing arts students were assigned the duty of moving boxes of props and costumes into their new performance space. However, their packing efforts were thwarted by the interventions of an unwilling Fairy Godmother and her determined magical wand who inadvertently creates a comedy of errors in the lives of four of the senior students: Gwen, Gilbert, Hope and Hunter.
Featuring favourite songs from Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Pirates of Penzance, The King and I, and The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood, the characters travel in and out of stories, discovering themselves, new relationships, and the ability to say goodbye to the past and step forward with confidence into the future.
As always, performances like this require great commitment from staff and students across the whole secondary college. Drama, music, visual art, hospitality and construction students, staff and parents have been working hard all year to bring this wonderful show to the stage in July.
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BEENLEIGH STATE HIGH SCHOOL
Presents: High School Spoofi-cal
July 28: 6.30pm
July 29: 7pm
July 30: 7pm
WHERE: Beenleigh State High School, 40 Alamein St, Beenleigh. The school canteen will sell a range of freshly cooked snacks, available pre-show and during intermission.
Beenleigh State High School is performing the production of High School Spoofi-cal, which is an entertaining and lively performance that the whole family can enjoy.
Teachers, students and local community members have come together to collaborate and make this a come back musical for our school.
Everybody across the different faculties worked tirelessly to support the show with visual art providing quality set design and execution, enabling students to gain real life experience.
Live musical performance from the school band includes recent and ex-students, enabling mentorship to occur and adds extra atmospheric flare.
The Performance Arts at Beenleigh State High School are excited to be able to dazzle audiences by showcasing our varying talents across music, dance and drama.
Lead performers are Drayton Clifford playing Rufus, Matthew Barnes playing Zac, Louanna Lancaster playing Vanessa and Phoenix Tulimaiau playing Scarlett.
CAST
Phoenix Tulimaiau: is a Year 12 ATAR student, school captain and cultural leader. She is an advocate of the performing arts, and has been involved in eisteddfods and performances across various school and community events.
Despite being involved in multiple extra-curricular activities, she is driven by her passion for the Arts to perform in the musical in her final year of schooling.
Louanna Lancaster: is a Year 12 student who has been heavily and passionately involved with music and drama for the past 10 years.
She is doing the musical this year to not only exit school “with a bang” but because she loves the arts. Louanna hopes to return next year to assist in future school performances.
Matthew Barnes: is a Year 12 ATAR student, member of the leadership team and long-time music and drama enthusiast.
He joined the musical for the whole purpose of having fun in his final year of schooling. Matthew believes the Arts is fundamental to both personal and professional development, as he believes it is the purest form of expression.
Drayton Clifford: is a Year 12 ATAR student and a member of the leadership team. He is partaking in the musical as a way to leave a lasting legacy on the school in his final year, in the hopes of encouraging younger generations to become involved with the Arts.
Drayton found his passion for drama in Year 7, but has wanted to do acting his whole life.
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LORDS Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School
July 28,29
Otto’s Pizza Shop
WHERE: The Highway Church, 351 Creek St, Ormeau at 6pm.
Students of Year 6 helped write the story for Otto’s Pizza Shop, which is based around two friends, a pizza shop, and the strife when a rival pizza shop springs to life. Through friendship and creativity and courage they find their way to a peaceful and happy ending.
Otto’s Pizza Shop is a juke box-style musical, where the actors choose well-known songs to compliment the storyline. Every child in the junior school is involved with each class performing their part of the story. The core cast of 35 students act and sing and an ensemble of 35 also performs. With 60 pages of lines to learn, and 18 songs, students worked hard.
BADDIES:
Isabella Benedet, Noah Jackson , Lindsee Cochrane , Lucy Van Engelen, Eva Watt, Harry
Johnston. Students show off their talents performing with friends in the musical they wrote.
GIRLS: Isabella Maessen, Savannah Diaz, Lily Moran
Junior School Captain Lily Moran: (lead) “One of the best things about a musical is making the audience feel happy. There is always a moment when you’re on stage, and you say something funny, and then you hear laughter coming from the audience – it really is just a magical moment. Another favourite part is the music. It really makes the actors and the audience feel alive, bringing magic to people’s lives. A musical is not a play with songs, it is built around the music, designed to bring magic, laughter, joy and happiness. When I am having a bad day, and I hear music, I can’t help but smile.:
GOODIES: Joshua Angulo , Mackenzie Rolley , Alexis Wortley , Millie Cosgrove, Hunter Gray.
Mackenzie Rolley: “Being in a musical is really good for developing our acting and singing skills, and it builds my confidence as a performer.”
GUARDS: Tannim Keith , Cohen Fry, Reed Brimelow, Levi Wood
“We love being in the musical as we got to write our own part of the story – we made up our characters, and how they fit in the story, and chose what the outcome of our scene was.”
LEAD ROLES: Peter Vezos plays Ot and Hunter Fry plays To
Peter: “I love being on stage because it gives me a chance to show people what I’m capable of, and I like entertaining people.”
Hunter: “The best thing about being in a musical is that you get to show your passion for acting and entertaining people.”
ROBOTS: Marley, Yenah, Hayley, Mia, Hannah, Kiahlani, Olivia, Sienna, Ruby, Abby, Amy
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CLEVELAND DISTRICT STATE HIGH
Creative Arts Showcase
Paul Bancroft Centre, Cleveland
AUGUST
Matinee and evening performances: August 27
Cleveland District State High School’s Creative Arts Department has been developing, preparing and rehearsing for the 2021 Creative Arts Showcase. Students and staff from across all areas have combined in a one-of-a kind performance which highlights the incredible range of talent the school has to offer. This year’s theme explores Peter Pan, but with a unique perspective — that of love, loss and healing. Ensembles have worked tirelessly preparing scenes, song and dance works to successfully communicate themes of family bonds through times of grief. With set design, multimedia components, and art works created by our incredibly talented Art and Media teachers and students, and support from our spectacular parent network, our Showcase emphasises that Cleveland High has outstanding talent and commitment. The school will not host a traditional musical this year but there is an array of featured artists within each arts area.
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CALVARY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
SEPTEMBER 9-17
LION KING KIDS
September: 9, 10: 161 Dennis Rd, Springwood
September 16, 17: 559 Beenleigh Redland Bay Rd, Carbrook
Junior Schools at Calvary Christian College are producing their own version of the Lion King Kids, an exceptional experience of song, dance and drama. Students collaborated to build stage sets, create props, design costumes and experiment with stage make-up.
CAST
Eli Colefax: Hyena Shenzi. “The musical experience is the highlight of my week.”
Tegan DeVries: Young Simba. “When I put on the costume, it takes me to a whole new world.”
Olivia Tillman: Zazu. “The thing I have enjoyed most so far is when I get to laugh. I love it when I get to say something funny such as ‘He would make a very handsome throw rug’.”
Judah Walters: Scar. “I’m looking forward to performing the musical and having all my friends and family watch me. I’m not nervous because God gives me courage.”
CLUE
Successfully held in APRIL:
The Middle and Senior School students held their production, Clue in April. The production was an hilarious fast-paced murder mystery involving a group of self-absorbed and self-serving people who have been lured to an old mansion and blackmailed with the threat of having their sordid pasts exposed. The cast started rehearsals for Clue in September 2019 with roles allocated in 2020 with the aim of performing in September 2020 but COVID stopped that. The laughter from the audience across the staged nights made it clear that students’ comedic timing and characterisation were impressive.
CAST
Lafras Moolman: “As the lead, I greatly enjoyed my time with the cast and the new experiences and opportunities that production brought.”.
Jenna Brits: “The friends I made during Clue will stay with me forever.”
Dante Parker: “I played Mr Green and loved being given the opportunity to take a lead role.”
Bridie Clarke: “I found Clue funny to watch and had lots of laughs being part of the cast”.
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KINGS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
REEDY CREEK CAMPUS
Successfully held its musical The Jungle Book in APRIL
After a six-month rehearsal period, interrupted with lockdowns, school camps, sports carnivals and floods, the cast, crew and musicians of King’s Christian College (Reedy Creek campus) staged their rendition of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, which was adapted for stage by Vera Morris.
Featuring students from Years 7-12, there were many standout performers. Emma Stratton, Nathanael Hammond and Toby Marais, who played Shere Khan, King Monkey and Mowgli, respectively, all held their own as some of the most significant leads in the production, despite none having been cast in leads prior to this show. All are chasing their dreams of continuing in performance arts through extra curricular activities. King’s percussion ensemble leader Lachlan O’Keefe composed the original percussion music.
Toby Marais Year 10: Mowgli
“This was my first performance in my life, but definitely not my last. Performing for the first time and seeing everyone enjoy the show so much and meeting so many amazing people was inspiring. I loved meeting the audience after the show. I really enjoyed the rehearsal period, as I never thought I would meet so many genuine people. It has helped so much with meeting people and how people perceive me as a person. It has also helped me in school with speaking in front of the class. I would love to be a professional film actor. I look up to actors like Tom Holland, Kevin Hart and Adam Sandler. I want to continue working on my acting experience and when I graduate do a Bachelor of Acting degree or Acting for Film degree. I recently joined: Technicolour Youth Ensemble. They have helped me grow as a performer.
Nathanael Hammond Year 11: King Monkey
When I was in Year 9 in 2019, I played the lead of Bob in a play called Ten ways to survive the End of the World. It was performed for the Gold Coast Drama Festival.
I was also going to be in Peter Pan playing the titular character in Year 10 in 2020, but due to COVID it was cancelled. My most enjoyable part of being a part of the school production was the rehearsal processes, getting to know everyone on cast was very fun and the chemistry worked well. How I performed King Monkey changed very late in the process. I had a strange American accent to him and played him a little too seriously. However, after some direction, the character became more fun to watch and to play. Continuing in performing arts after school is what I aspire to do.
Emma Stratton Year 12: Shere Khan (the tiger)
“I was in the school’s 2019 production Battle of the Bands as a small cameo and then a pirate in Peter Pan, even though we never got to perform it due to COVID. This is my final school production, a true highlight has been watching younger students flourish in the performing arts and getting to know them. It’s been so rewarding and feels like we’ve built a little community.
Something I really enjoyed that I hadn’t predicted was the costumes.
They were so fun and brought all the characters to life. One thing I learnt was the importance of truly making the most of every moment, because the next second you blink and it’s over. I’m currently looking at lots of universities and options to continue my studies in the performing arts. I attend Spotlight Theatre for classes and I also take guitar lessons. I have been acting and taking lessons since 7 and have performed at QPAC, eisteddfods and festivals.
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