To download a pdf of the term three newsletter click here.
To view photos from the June performance season of 'Pure Imagination', click here.
Welcome to Term Three with the Young Australian Broadway Chorus.
We were delighted with the success of our June season ‘Pure Imagination’, and congratulate everybody for their performances. Special thanks to the Triple Threats and their families for their commitment over the entire season, during a very busy time in the school year. This Semester our repertoire is focused on the great dance musicals, from A Chorus Line’ to ‘Cats’, from ‘42nd Street’ to ‘Fame’. This will increase the emphasis on dance technique in weekly rehearsals, and help boost students’ skills and confidence performing routines. Also this semester, our Chorus and Troupe classes will commence work on a short play in their weekly drama rehearsals. Parents and families will be invited along to a demonstration rehearsal early in Term Four to see the results.
We hope you all enjoy the challenge!
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’ is currently screening in cinemas (rated MA15+).
Ally teaches both Broadway Chorus annd Beginners. She is also the Associate Talent Agent for the Talent Company of Australia.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I started as a student with the company way back in 1998 in the Victorian Youth Theatre then I moved over to the YABC in 1999. In 2000, I joined the newly created “Triple Threats”. I trained at the Dance Factory for two years and then started teaching and working as a talent agent.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Have something healthy to eat, always warm up, and pull some funny faces in the mirror to get your characters going.
What is your favorite ever musical?
My classic musical that I will always love would have to be Les Miserable- It’s one that will always make me cry. I recently
took a trip over to New York and saw heaps of Broadway shows and loved ‘Next To Normal’ and ‘Hair’.
Do you have any tips for students who get nervous?
I would say, just remember what we have been doing in rehearsals and listen to your teachers. If you go out there and just
have fun, it wont matter if you mess up your steps or sing the wrong words, just go out and enjoy every second!
What else are you working on at the moment?
I write a blog called meanwhileinmelbourne.wordpress.com. It is a look at what is on in and around Melbourne, what’s hot, what’s not, ideas and info. I also am writing some stuff for a cabaret style show.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Really know your character inside and out. Practice, practice, practice and most importantly - have fun!
Brianna Altmann-Bishop from Broadway Chorus’ advanced performing level group, The Show Chorus at Hawthorn has been a busy girl performing a solo role in ‘Pure Imagination’ as well as appearing on ‘Australia’s Got Talent’. We took a moment from her crowded schedule to have a chat with her about her recent experiences...
How long have you been with the company and how old were you when you began?
I started when I was 7 at Wantirna but moved to the Gold Coast for two years. I rejoined as soon as I came back to
Melbourne when I was 11.
Who is your favourite singer/ what genre of music do you like best?
Lea Michele from Glee, Miley Cyrus and Christina Aguilera. I enjoy musical theatre and pop.
What is the best thing about performing?
Just performing on stage in front of an audience. I love it!
What is your dream role?
To be Annie, or Glinda from ‘Wicked’ in a professional production.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
To always believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams.
What do you like most about performing with CPCA?
When I was living in Queensland there was nowhere to do musical theatre tuition for children so I was doing acting classes, dance classes and singing lessons and even though I was sad to leave the Gold Coast I was so excited to be back with YABC as it was a place I really enjoy beinga part of.
I worked hard to be accepted into The Show Chorus and once I was promoted it felt such a great achievement. I love the rehearsals and I love doing the shows and especially doing solos. The teachers are fantastic and I have made some good friends.
What made you decide to audition for Australia’s Got Talent?
Ever since I started watching AGT I have always wanted to be on the show.
Can you tell us a bit about the experience? What was the best part?
It has been a great experience even though I was sick on the first audition and had tonsilitis when I sang “Don’t Rain on My
Parade”. I was a bit worried to start with as you do not know what to expect from the judges and and the public but it got
easier each time I had to perform and I felt completely relaxed for the Grand Final. The best part is performing on stage and also meeting the other contestants.
What do you hope to do in the future?
I would love to be a famous musical moviestar, singer or perform in professional musical productions.
Do you have any tips for performing on television?
Work with the camera and keep calm because TV picks up every bit of your nerves. Also, be very patient. You may only
perform for a few minutes but you have be waiting around all day.
“To all at the CPCA team, especially Emma, Matt and Dean, a big note of thanks for what was an excellent night of entertainment...As a parent, it was great to see!”
Trish
“Last night I attended a concert ...and I was absolutely amazed. The entire concert was so professionally produced and run and was a joy to watch. ”
Maria
“I just felt that I had to write and CONGRATULATE the production team and all the cast members on the fantastic
performance. Well done to all involved. You leave the audience feeling uplifted and humming the songs as they leave. Well I certainly did!"
Janet
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
Uniform
Please make sure you are wearing your uniform to class each week. If you do not yet have uniform, please see your venue manager.
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.
Snacks & CPCA Nut-free policy
A reminder that the CPCA has a strict nut-free policy.
Information Updates
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.
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.
