To download a pdf of the term three newsletter click here.
To view photos from the June performance season of 'Telling Tales', click here.
Welcome to Semester Two and the start of a busy new term and a big welcome to all our new students!
I’d like to start by saying how proud I was of all our young performers in ‘Telling Tales’. We had so much positive feedback from staff and parents and of course, the clear enjoyment visible in our student’s faces was the best reward of all. I’d like to pass on my thanks to our work experience students who assisted with front of house and backstage duties. It’s such a worthwhile experience and I’d encourge other students to think about getting involved for our Semester Two Performance Season. Performing onstage is not only valuable for students' confidence and enjoyment, it is a great first-hand experience to see the work that goes into putting on a show. In this term’s newsletter, we take a look at the work involved with the very first step of producing a show; the writing process! Writing is another creative avenue that I'm sure many of our students already participate or are interested in. Youth Theatre’s Sally Faraday, who wrote the script for ‘The Jungle Book’ and ‘Audition- The Musical’ in ‘Telling Tales’ has taken some time to share her knowledge with VYT students. Who knows, maybe we have a future Hannie Rayson or Sam Shepherd on our hands?!
CPCA drama teacher and writer Sally Faraday has been a drama director with the CPCA since 1999. She has a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Hons) and a Master of Arts in Drama and Theatre Studies from Monash University.
Here she tells us about the writing process and where she gets her ideas from...
“As a playwright and screenwriter I particularly love revisiting history and giving it a ‘twist’. Ideas might come from a newspaper article, or observing a real person and imagining their lives. I usually keep a ‘one-sentence’ record of any ideas I have. If I’m still interested in that sentence in three months I’ll write a few more. If I really like it, I might ‘pitch’ it to a writing partner and see what they think. Verbalising an idea helps you to understand it and what medium it might be good for. Like most creative work, a strong structure can make the ideas flow more easily. Even more useful than the basic dramatic idea of the ‘beginning, middle and end’ is the notion that a good story has plenty of conflict or danger. Creating a story in which a character is up against it will help the audience to care about that character. Taking time out is a great solution when you’re stuck. I think most writers are attached to their ideas, so a break helps you to see ideas as someone who hasn't sweated over them would. I'd suggest sharing your work with friends so you begin to feel confident putting your work in front of an audience. Once you’ve done that, you’ll start to know what works - and you’ll go from strength to strength!”
Australia’s Got Talent
CPCA wishes to congratulate Brianna Altman-Bishop who has starred in ‘Australia’s Got Talent’. Brianna began performing with the CPCA when she was seven and has since gone on to have soloist roles with the Young Australian Broadway Chorus. Brianna’s performance of ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’ received high praise from all three of the show’s judges and
earned her a place in the grand final. Watch her performances on YouTube.com: “Brianna Bishop Australia’s Got Talent.”
The King & I
CPCA is proud to have six of our students making their professional acting debuts in the Production Company’s ‘The King & I’. The production will star Lucas Tang and Maverick Newman as the two junior leads, Prince Chulalongkorn and Louis. Appearing in the ensemble are Holly Vuong, Zane Teh, Michelle Gerster and Philip Chen. ‘The Tony Award winning musical tells the story of an English governess who arrives in Siam (modern Thailand) to tutor the king’s many children. ‘The King & I’ is playing at the State Theatre from July 14-18.
Animal Kingdom
For those who haven’t already seen it, ‘Animal Kingdom’ is a fantastic Australian crime drama starring former CPCA student James Frecheville. ‘Animal Kingdom’ (rated MA15+) is currently screening in cinemas.
Alex is a teacher for Victorian Youth Theatre at Bentleigh, Berwick, Croydon, Hawthorn and Mount Waverely venues.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I attended the Victorian Youth Theatre through my teens where I would quench my passion for performance along with
other like-minded kids. I started getting acting work in TV and theatre as a teen and young adult and also started
teaching at the CPCA.
What are you working on at the moment?
I'm filming some comedy sketches with some friends. It’s been a pet project we’ve had in the works for a while and we’re now finally shooting it.
(Fill in the blanks): I believe a good performer “speaks”, but a great performer “listens”
Do you prefer acting on stage or screen?
I love both mediums. Both are completely different though. I can’t say I prefer one to the other however theatre can feel more alive due to the immediate nature of it.
What’s the most impressive thing that you saw in the rehearsals for ‘Telling Tales’?
I loved seeing students come up with their own original characters and working their ideas out into fruition through the rehearsal period. It’s always such an inspiring thing to see students come so far from the first read to the finished piece that you see on stage.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I think keeping that heightened level of focus as a group is important. In order to do that we will usually do some line-runs and group vocal/physical warm-ups.
Whose work do you most admire?
I admire any performer who is 100% committed to what they are doing. Being a great performer requires a strong will, focus and an ability to trust themselves and what the moment requires of them. When I see students doing this or attempting to, it is always something to admire.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve been given other than to always listen to yourself is; if you have a passion don't just follow it, grab it firmly withboth hands and run with it!
Skittles’ (Working Title) will be coming out next month. Check out funnyordie.com and YouTube.com for a sneak preview!
Actor’s Studio is the highest level of Youth Theatre Performing Groups.
Aidan Burrage, VYT performer since 2005
What are the biggest changes you’ve noticed since you first began?
CPCA has helped my confidence and has also given me a greater understanding of theatre. You learn to develop useful skills and the teachers give everyone a good idea of what working professionally would be like.
What does performing with Senior Actors Studio mean to you?
Performing with Studio means a lot, I've learnt specific skills such as clowning, accents and writing comedic skits. The group is small as well, so the teaching is more focused on the individuals and you really feel like you’re learning a lot.
Which performers do you most admire?
I really enjoy watching comedians perform, whether it be stand up or skits. I think Ross Noble is really good, he just makes up things on the spot and they are always funny.
What’s your favourite genre of theatre?
When I was young I remember seeing pantomime shows with my family and I would always enjoy them. Nowadays I like comedic theatre or anything that is funny, I also enjoy musicals.
What’s your dream role?
I don’t have a dream role as such, but one day I would really like to go on a show like ‘Thank God You’re Here’. I believe hosting a show would also be really fun, even if it was just a radio show.
Annie Louey, VYT performer since 2009
How did you first get involved with the CPCA?
I started at the beginning of last year when I was fifteen. Drama was always something I had a passion for since I was a child – I would write my own scripts and remake fairytales into comedies, and then perform them with my friends. I knew my parents would say “no” to me joining an outside company but I went ahead and booked a tryout on my own. A year
on and I think I’ve managed to prove to them it was worth it.
Do you have any tips for beginners or other students who are keen to be promoted?
1. Always throw everything you have into your acting. When you’re on stage, forget everything you know about yourself and really become your character.
2. Don’t be afraid to audition for challenging parts. On the other hand, if you don’t get the role you want, don’t dismiss yourself. A great performance will still increase your chances of being promoted.
3. Enjoy every moment
Which performers do you most admire?
Like many, I’ve been watching the television series ‘Glee’. I am continually amazed by Lea Michele’s musical talent (from her origins in Broadway), and her versatile acting style in playing Rachael Berry.
We Love Feedback!
Got a funny story from rehearsals? Heard a good theatre joke? Has your child had an
achievement we should know about? Want to thank a staff member or comment on a
performance? Email us your thoughts at emily.frawley@cpca.com.au
Programme Donations
Every semester the Children’s Performing Company donates a portion of programme sales to charity. $2 from every programme sold will go towards supporting the Starlight Children’s Foundation and The Lilly Robyn Foundation. The final figures will be announced in the Term 4 newsletter.
Information Updates
The start of a new term can often bring changes in contact details and student requirements. Please be sure to contact our office if you have changed any of your details or if you have not been receiving our emails and we will update our records accordingly.
Uniform
Please make sure you are wearing your uniform to class each week. If you do not yet have a uniform, please see your venue manager.
Snacks & CPCA Nut-free policy
A reminder that the CPCA has a strict nut-free policy.
Attendence
Please remember that classes commence promptly so allow a few minutes to get to class so you don’t miss out on anything. This is a good habit to get into for future dealings in the industry! Apologies for absence or lateness should
be sent to your Venue Manager, not phoned through to the office. Please check the contact details on the front of this newsletter.
