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Title:  Footloose Presented By:  National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) Genre:  Musical Synopsis: Footloose  follows the story of Ren McCormack, a city teen who moves to a small town where dancing and rock music are banned. As he challenges the oppressive rules, he inspires the town to embrace freedom and find joy in music and dance. This high-energy musical is full of unforgettable songs and dynamic dance numbers. Audition Dates: Thursday, 6th March – Dance Call/Video Auditions Due Sunday, 9th March – Callbacks Audition Location and Address: NAPA Studios, 3 Stevenson Court, Burleigh Heads, Queensland Audition Requirements: Complete the audition form online at NAPA Footloose Audition Registration . The full rehearsal schedule is available for download: Footloose Rehearsal Schedule . Available Roles: Ren McCormack (Lead): Masc, 18-25, Tenor, strong dancer, rebellious, emotional. Ariel Moore (Lead): Fem, 18-25, Mezzo-Pop, rebellious minister’s daughter, strong belt, strong dancer. Rusty (Supporting): Fem, 18-25, Soprano/Pop, comedic, strong belt, strong dancer. Willard Hewitt (Supporting): Masc, 18-25, Tenor, country bumpkin, comedic timing required. Ethel McCormack (Supporting): Fem, 35-45, Soprano, Ren’s caring mother. Chuck Cranston (Supporting): Masc, 18-25, Tenor, bad boy, Ariel’s boyfriend. Urleen (Supporting): Fem, 18+, Mezzo/Alto, Ariel’s smart friend, comedic, strong dancer. Wendy Jo (Supporting): Fem, 18-25, Mezzo, Ariel’s friend, comedic, strong dancer. Ensemble: All genders, 18+, townspeople, students; strong singers, dancers, and character performers. Performance Dates: 30th, 31st May; 1st, 6th-8th June 2025 Performance Location: NAPA Studios, 3 Stevenson Court, Burleigh Heads, Queensland Rehearsal Dates: 13th March - 28th May 2025 Rehearsal Times: TBC Saturdays 2.00-5.00PM Thursdays 6:00-9:30PM Mondays 6.00-9.30PM (After Easter break) Wednesdays 6.00-9.30PM  (After Easter break) Warnings: Some roles feature mature themes and require emotional depth. Required Age: 18+ Crew: Director: Kim Reynolds Vocal Directors: Steffanie Gowland, David Valks, Leila Chequer de Souza Associate Choreographers: Mandy Morrison, Suzanne Lewis Production Website: NAPA Other Information: This is an unpaid production. All performers must be available for the listed rehearsal and performance dates.

Title:  RENT Presented By:  Studio Empire Performing Arts Centre - SEPAC (Adults Pre-Professional Program) Genre:  Musical Theatre Synopsis: SEPAC is thrilled to present Rent , a landmark musical about love, loss, and the resilience of community. Set in the gritty East Village of New York City during the AIDS crisis, this rock opera follows a group of young artists navigating life, love, and friendship. Audition Date: T hursday, 6th February 2025 Audition Location and Address: SEPAC, Gold Coast (exact location provided in the audition pack) Audition Requirements: Seeking male-identifying performers, ages 18-35. Audition Registration: Send an email to Admin@sepac.com.au  to request an audition pack. Rehearsal Dates: Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, weekly Performance Dates: 2nd - 5th July 2025 Performance Location: SEPAC, Gold Coast Warnings: This production contains mature content , including coarse language, depiction of death and references to drug addiction, AIDS, and self-harm. Required Age: 18+ Production Website: SEPAC

Title:  ABHOR Presented By:  Introspect Theatre Company Genre:  One-Act Play Synopsis: Introspect Theatre Company is returning to the Southeast Queensland Festival Circuit with the one-act play Abhor , an original script by Aaron Evans. Set in ancient times, the play follows a mixed-creature clan called the Ironsins who banish humans from their lands. However, one of their own befriends a human, and in a fit of fury, the Ironsins' second in command attempts to cast a spell to remove humans from time. The spell goes awry, and the clan is transported to Sydney in 1999, where they discover that humans have taken over and their kind is nowhere to be found. Abhor  explores themes of racism in both medieval and modern-day settings. Audition Date: Sunday, 23rd of February, 2025 Audition Time: 10:00 AM Audition Location and Address: Drama Room – Northpine Christian College Audition Self-Tape Due (if applicable): Video auditions are welcomed. Audition Requirements: A 2-3 minute drama monologue Audition Registration: Click here to register Audition Pack: Download Information Pack Rehearsal Dates: Tuesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, starting 4th March 2025 Media Day: Tuesday, 3rd June 2025 Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, 29th June 2025 Performance Dates: Home Performance: Sunday, 6th July 2025 Festival Dates: Beenleigh Theatre Group: 1st, 2nd, 3rd August 2025 Ipswich Little Theatre: 8th, 9th, 10th August 2025 KSP Theatre: TBC Crew: Director: Tiarne (Director of Kaleidoscope , 2024 Southeast Queensland Drama Festival) Production Website: ABHOR Auditions Page

Title:  Maria the Musical - Fundraiser Performance Presented By:  Introspect Theatre Company Genre:  Musical Theatre Synopsis: Join us for an exclusive evening of music, storytelling, and inspiration at Maria the Musical  Sneak Peek Concert Fundraiser. This captivating event offers a first look at the heart and soul of an extraordinary new musical, based on the true story of Maria, a courageous immigrant from Chile to Australia. Through poignant songs and powerful narratives, the musical honours Maria's journey of resilience, overcoming domestic violence, navigating the challenges of immigration, and raising her family against all odds. The evening features live performances of selected songs from the musical and provides insight into the creative process behind the production. Audition Date: Sunday, 9th of February, 2025 Audition Time: Selected time slots throughout the day Audition Location and Address: Drama Room - Northpine Christia n College, 29 Hughes Rd E, Dakabin QLD Audition Self-Tape (if applicable): Video auditions are welcomed. Callbacks: Sunday, 16th of February, 2025 Audition Requirements: A song that showcases your vocal ability (preferably in a musical theatre style). A short monologue or a brief personal story demonstrating your connection to the themes of the musical (optional but encouraged). Audition Registration: Click here to register Audition Pack: Download Information Pack Performance Date: Saturday, 3rd of May, 2025 (Sound Check and Performance) Rehearsal Dates: From 2nd of March to 27th of April 2025 Sundays: 9:00 AM Wednesdays: 6:00 PM Crew: Event Coordinator and Librettist: Cindy Sykes Composer and Lyricist: Matthew Rabbas Orchestrator and Musical Arranger: Dr. Daniel Rojas Production Website: Official Website

Title:   Cinderella Presented By:  Ballet Theatre Queensland Genre:  Ballet AUDITION DETAILS: Audition Date: Juniors (Ages 8–12):  Saturday, 8 February 2025 Intermediates and Seniors:  Sunday, 9 February 2025 Audition Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (exact times emailed 1 week prior) Audition Location and Address: BTQ Studios, 57 Hayward Street, Stafford QLD 4053 Audition Self-Tape Due (if applicable): 5:00 pm, Friday, 7 February 2025 Audition Requirements: Minimum age: 8 years by 23 February 2025 Studying at least Grade 2 RAD (or equivalent) Pointe shoe training: 1 year minimum for Intermediates 2 years minimum for Seniors Auditions include a masterclass, repertoire, choreography, and acting exercises Audition Registration: Click Here to Register Audition Pack: Details available on the BTQ website Performance Dates: Season:  9–13 July 2025 Venue:  The Star Theatre, Gold Coast Rehearsal Dates: Orientation Day: 23 February 2025 Weekly: Saturdays (9:00 am–5:00 pm) Intensives: April 5–11, 2025 (April school holidays) Warnings: All rehearsals are compulsory Dancers must commit to performance and rehearsal schedules Required Age:  8–22 years (Junior, Intermediate, and Senior levels) Other Information: Fee: $2,100 (includes rehearsals and performances) Audition Application Fee: $50 Scholarships available

Title:  Black Comedy & Lockdown in Little Grimley (Double Feature) Presented By:  Sunnybank Theatre Group Genre:  Comedy Synopsis: Black Comedy  (by Peter Shaffer) – A power failure in a London flat causes mayhem, mistaken identity, and chaos. Set some decades ago before mobile phones, the play is almost entirely acted ‘in the dark.’ Lockdown in Little Grimley  (by David Tristram) – During a lockdown, the chairman of a struggling theatre group calls an emergency meeting to discuss a love story production destined to benefit the NHS. Based on their past efforts, will their well-meaning plan backfire? AUDITION DETAILS: Black Comedy: Audition Date:  Saturday, 8 February Audition Time:  10:00 AM Lockdown in Little Grimley: Audition Date:  Saturday, 8 February Audition Time:  12:00 PM Audition Location:  Sunnybank Theatre Group, 14 Mains Rd, Sunnybank QLD 4109 Audition Requirements:  Cold read from provided script pages. Audition Registration:   Register Here Audition Packs: Black Comedy PDF Lockdown in Little Grimley PDF Production Website:   Sunnybank Theatre Group Auditions Available Roles: Black Comedy: Brindsley Miller  – Young sculptor, 20s. Carol Melkett  – Brindsley’s fiancé, spoiled and vacuous. Miss Furnival  – Middle-aged, refined, repressed. Colonel Melkett  – Carol’s father, brisk and bossy. Harold Gorringe  – Neighbouring antique dealer, 40s. Schuppanzigh  – German refugee, happy and cultivated. Clea  – Brindsley’s mischievous ex-mistress. Bamberger  – German millionaire art collector (small role). Lockdown in Little Grimley: Gordon  – Theatre chairman, persistent optimist. Margaret  – Bossy diva actress. Joyce  – Secretary, struggles with lines. Bernard  – Backstage member, minor actor. Performance Dates:  2 May – 17 May 2025 Performance Location:  Sunnybank Theatre Group, 14 Mains Rd, Sunnybank QLD 4109 Crew: Black Comedy Director:  Dierdre Robinson Lockdown in Little Grimley Director:  Cristina Hope

Title:   Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. Presented By:  ROCKIT Productions Genre:  Musical Theatre About the Program (RUGRATS & JUNIORS) Rugrats Program: For students in Prep to Grade 2 , the Rugrats Program introduces young performers to musical theatre through creative play. Students explore singing, acting, and dance in a safe and supportive environment. Juniors Program: For students in Grades 3 to 6 , the Juniors Program focuses on developing technical skills, including vocal blend, part singing, dance, characterisation, and stagecraft. Students rehearse and perform alongside Rugrats for a collaborative production experience. Synopsis: Dive “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. , adapted from Disney’s Broadway production and motion picture. Based on Hans Christian Andersen's beloved story, this enchanting tale highlights love, sacrifice, and acceptance. Audition Details Rugrats:  No auditions required. Juniors:  Optional auditions will be held on Saturday, 8th February 2025 , between 10:30 AM – 4:15 PM. Students will be scheduled into 105-minute blocks Auditions are workshop-style to ensure a fun and relaxed experience. All enrolled students are included in the production regardless of audition participation. Location: ROCKIT Launchpad Studios, 36 Old Cleveland Rd, Capalaba, QLD 4157 To Enrol:   Enrol Here Rehearsal Dates: Weekly Classes: Rugrats (Prep): Saturdays: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Rugrats (Grades 1–2): Saturdays: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Juniors 1 (Grades 3–4): Tuesdays: 4:00 PM - 5:45 PM Juniors 2 (Grades 5–6): Tuesdays: 4:15 PM - 6:00 PM Full Day Rehearsals (Rugrats & Juniors): Saturday, 15th March 2025 Saturday, 3rd May 2025 Extended Juniors Rehearsals: Tuesdays: 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th May 2025 Time: 3:45 PM – 6:30 PM Performance Schedule Tech Rehearsal:  Saturday, 24th May 2025 Show Dates: Sunday, 25th May 2025 (2 Shows) Saturday, 31st May 2025 (2–3 Shows) Sunday, 1st June 2025 (2–3 Shows) Venue: ROCKIT Launchpad Theatre, 36 Old Cleveland Road, Capalaba, QLD 4157 Required Age: Open to students in Prep - Grade 6. Production Website: ROCKIT Productions 2025 Program Other Information: Costume hire fee: $40 (additional to term fees). Discount packages and payment plans available.

Title:  Villains Presented By:  ROCKIT Productions Genre:  Musical Theatre About the Program (ELEMENTARY & INTERMEDIATE) This production is part of our ELEMENTARY (Grade 7 & 8) and INTERMEDIATE (Grade 9) performance programs. This is a bridging course to our Senior grades, combining aspiring young professionals and students who just love the arts! Synopsis: Step into the Dark Woods, a land of magic and mystery where villains take centre stage. Discover their untold stories and see a new perspective on classic fairy tales as they race to rewrite history and create their own Happily Ever After. Audition Details: Audition Date:  Saturday, 1st February 2025 (10:00 am – 2:30 pm) Audition Time: Auditionees will be scheduled for 75-minute sessions Callbacks:  Saturday, 1st February 2025 (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm) Audition Location and Address: ROCKIT Launchpad Studios, 36 Old Cleveland Rd, Capalaba, QLD 4157 Audition Requirements: Auditions are workshop-style to ensure a fun and relaxed experience. Performance Dates: Tech Rehearsals: Saturday, 7th June 2025 Sunday, 8th June 2025 Shows: Friday, 13th June 2025 (Evening) Saturday, 14th June 2025 (Two shows) Sunday, 15th June 2025 (Two shows) Performance Location: The Launchpad Theatre, 36 Old Cleveland Rd, Capalaba, QLD 4157 Rehearsal Dates: Weekly classes: Fridays, 4:00 – 6:00 pm, starting 31st January 2025 Full-day rehearsals: 8th March, 29th March, 10th May Extended rehearsals: 23rd May, 30th May, 6th June, 13th June (4:00 – 7:30 pm) Required Age: Open to students in Grades 7–9. Production Website: ROCKIT Productions 2025 Program Other Information: Costume hire fee: $40 (additional to term fees). Discount packages and payment plans available. Technical dance class required for Intermediate students.

Title:  Curtains Presented By:  ROCKIT Productions Genre:  Musical Theatre About the Program (SENIORS) This production is part of our Elite SENIOR Program for students in Grades 10 to 12. Many of our SENIOR students are wishing to pursue a career in the arts while others are here for the love of musical theatre. If you love to sing, act and dance, this course could be right for you. Synopsis: Set against the dazzling backdrop of 1950s Broadway, Curtains  is a darkly comedic murder mystery filled with toe-tapping numbers and unexpected twists. When the leading lady of a troubled musical dies on opening night, the cast and crew become suspects. Enter Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, a detective and theatre enthusiast, who must solve the crime while ensuring the show goes on. With music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb ( Chicago , Cabaret ), this musical captures the heart of Broadway with a contemporary flair. Audition Details: Auditions:  Saturday, 25th January 2025 (10:00 am – 3:30 pm) Callbacks:  Saturday, 25th January 2025 (4:00 pm – 7:30 pm) Audition Time: Auditionees will be scheduled for 90-minute sessions Audition Location and Address: ROCKIT Launchpad Studios, 36 Old Cleveland Rd, Capalaba, QLD 4157 Audition Requirements: Auditions will be workshop-style to ensure a relaxed and fun experience, focusing on finding the best roles for each performer. Performance Dates: Tech Rehearsals: Saturday, 21st June 2025 Sunday, 22nd June 2025 Shows: Thursday, 26th June 2025 (Evening) Friday, 27th June 2025 (Evening) Saturday, 28th June 2025 (Two shows) Sunday, 29th June 2025 (Two shows) Performance Location: The Launchpad Theatre, 36 Old Cleveland Rd, Capalaba, QLD 4157 Rehearsal Dates: Weekly Classes:  Wednesdays, 5:00 – 7:30 pm, starting 29th January 2025 Full-Day Rehearsals: 15th February, 22nd March, 26th April, 17th May Extended Rehearsals: 4th June, 11th June, 18th June, 25th June (4:00 pm – 8:30 pm) Required Age: Open to students in Grades 10–12. Production Website: ROCKIT Seniors Program Other Information: Costume hire fee: $70 (additional to term fees). Technical dance class required as a prerequisite. Discount packages and payment plans available.

Title: Thursday’s Child Presented By:  Javeenbah Theatre Company Genre:  Surreal Drama Synopsis: Tin Flute was born on a Thursday and has always felt at home in the subterranean tunnels he digs under his family’s farm. As his family struggles to survive during the Great Depression, Tin delves further into his underground world, filled with darkness and secrets. Based on Sonya Hartnett’s award-winning novel, this stage adaptation by Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge, and Tim McGarry is a surreal and moving exploration of memory, fate, and resilience against misfortune. AUDITION DETAILS: Audition Date:  Saturday, February 8th, 2025 Movement Call:  10:00 am – 11:00 am Individual Auditions From:  11:30 am onwards Location: Javeenbah Theatre Company,Cnr Stevens & Ferry Streets, Nerang Audition Requirements: All applicants must attend the movement call wearing comfortable clothing and bring water. Prepare a 1-2 minute monologue in the style of the play (Australian accents preferred). Be prepared for a possible cold-read from the script. Applicants must be aged 18 or over. Audition Registration: Audition Form Audition Pack: Download the Audition Pack Available Roles: Harper Flute  (Female Presenting, Playing Age 7-12 & 23): Spirited and brave storyteller. ‘Da’ Court Flute  (Male Presenting, Playing Age 30-40): A poor, defeated farmer. ‘Mam’ Thora Flute  (Female Presenting, Playing Age 30-40): Strong and stoic mother. Audrey Flute  (Female Presenting, Playing Age 14-19): A romantic and wilful teen. Devon Flute  (Male Presenting, Playing Age 12-17): A hopeful dreamer. Tin Flute  (Male Presenting, Playing Age 4-9): A mute boy who communicates through actions and physicality. Caffy Flute  (Puppet, Playing Age 0-4): The youngest sibling, requiring 3-4 puppeteers. Mr Vandery Cable  (Male Presenting, Playing Age 30-50): Powerful and opinionated pig farmer. Mrs Rose Murphy/Traveller  (Female Presenting, Playing Age 30-40): Forthright, kind-hearted busybody. Mr Jock Murphy/Traveller  (Male Presenting, Playing Age 30-40): Nervous yet kind-hearted farmer. Rehearsal Details: Start Date:  February 13th, 2025 Schedule: Tuesdays: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Thursdays: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Sundays: Varying times Performance Dates: May 10th – 24th, 2025 Evening Shows: 7:30 pm Matinee Shows: 2:00 pm Warnings: This production contains sensitive themes, including death, alcohol abuse, firearms, physical abuse, sexual assault, and child loss. Recommended Age:  18+ Production Website: Visit Javeenbah Theatre Other Information: All successful auditionees must become financial members of Javeenbah Theatre for $10 For questions, contact thursdayschildjbah@gmail.com  or artisticdirector@javeenbah.org.au

Title:  Jane Austen's Lady Susan Presented By:  Lockyer Regional Performing Arts (LRPA) Genre:  Dramatic Comedy, Literary Adaptation Synopsis: Jane Austen's comic novella comes to life in Rob Urbinati's witty stage adaptation. Lady Susan, a young widow, arrives unannounced at her brother-in-law’s country home, bringing her clever yet guileless daughter. Her plans to find suitors for both herself and her daughter lead to a whirlwind of schemes, unexpected rivals, and hilarity. Audition Details: Audition Dates: Saturday 22 February 2025 and Sunday 23 February 2025 Audition Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Audition Location and Address: My Care Physio & Therapy, 16 William St, Gatton, QLD Audition Requirements: Perform a cold read from provided script sides. Auditions will last approximately 15 minutes, with opportunities to ask questions about the production. Registration is required. Email grace.crichton91@gmail.com  with your name, contact details, role(s), and preferred audition slot. Audition Pack: Download Audition Pack Available Roles: Lady Susan:  30s, manipulative, attractive widow. Frederica:  Teens, clever and guileless daughter of Lady Susan. Charles Vernon:  30s, patient and obliging brother-in-law of Lady Susan. Catherine Vernon:  20s, Charles’ suspicious wife. Reginald De Courcy:  20s, Catherine’s dashing younger brother. Alicia Johnson:  Older, Lady Susan's confidante. Sir James Martin:  30s, wealthy but dimwitted bachelor. Performance Details: Performance Dates: Thursday 3 July 2025, 7:00 PM Friday 4 July 2025, 7:00 PM Saturday 5 July 2025, 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM Performance Location: Gatton Shire Hall, 52 North St, Gatton QLD Rehearsal Details: Rehearsal Dates: Saturdays from 1 March – 28 June 2025 Rehearsal Location: Anglican Church Hall, cnr Railway & Spencer St, Gatton Tech week from 29 June – 1 July 2025 Warnings: This is an unpaid community theatre production. Required Age: 16+ Crew: Non-performing roles are available, including stage crew, lighting, sound, and stage management. No prior experience is necessary. Production Website: LRPA Official Website

School of Rock  Hits All the Right Notes It was one of those classic Brisbane days where the weather couldn't make up its mind—rain, sun, maybe a bit of both, who knows? But inside the Talbot Theatre at the Thomas Dixon Centre, there was no such confusion— School of Rock by Communication in Action was a rocking hit! From Screen to Stage in Record Time This turbo-charged junior show was the culmination of months worth of preparation and a six-day holiday workshop for the majority of the cast. It brought together students from Year 2 to Year 12, all united by their shared love for music, theatre, and rocking out. Inspired by the beloved 2003 film and featuring new tunes by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, the story follows Dewey Finn, a rock guitarist whose career hit the skids, only to stumble into a gig as a substitute teacher at a stuffy private school. Instead of sticking to the curriculum, Dewey uncovers the students' musical talents and whips them into a band to compete in the epic Battle of the Bands. It's a tale of rebellion, self-discovery, and transformative power of rock music.   The Adults: Bringing the Magic Together Leading the charge as Dewey Finn, Tim Carroll delivered a powerhouse performance, easily channeling Jack Black’s chaotic energy while making the role entirely his own. With electrifying energy fuelled by the young cast and killer vocals that could shatter glass (in a good way), he had the audience laughing, cheering, and (if you’re me) frantically Googling, “how high is the belt in the School of Rock opening number?” Belting an A4 over and over again is no small feat! In his performances of 'When I Climb to the Top of Mount Rock' and ' You’re in the Band ', Carroll balanced the raw rock grit with the polish of musical theatre and the unbelievable stamina of a true professional, channeling the essence of the original Dewey, Alex Brightman.   Opposite him, Jordan Twigg exuded elegance and authority as Rosalie Mullins, the school’s principal. Her role demanded soaring high notes for ' Horace Green ', while her heartfelt solo, 'Where Did the Rock Go?'  stood out as an emotional highlight with remarkable belting. During the 20 glorious seconds of the bridge, her performance left me completely breathless (you had to be there). It was a beautifully tender moment amidst the chaos, and as a fellow music teacher, it deeply resonated with me. The Cast: Kids with Killer Talent Saana Chang as Tomika had everyone falling head over heels as her timid wallflower character morphed into a rock star with enough swagger to rival Mick Jagger. Her a cappella rendition of 'Amazing Grace' for the band singer audition was so mesmerising that you could hear a pin drop in the theatre, leaving the audience completely spellbound. She followed it up with a heartfelt reprise of 'If Only You Would Listen' and a passionate solo feature in 'Teacher's Pet'. Mahin Singh (Zach) rocked out as the band's lead guitarist, while Henry Woodward (Freddy) kept the beats tight on drums. Xavier Loxton (Lawrence) killed it on the keys and Ariella Meehan (Katie) was effortlessly cool as the bassist. Darci Allen (Shonelle) and Emily Carrick (Marcy) rounded out the band with their beautiful backup vocals. Together, they brought the band's dynamic to life, each playing their part to perfection. The song 'If Only You Would Listen' offered a window into the personal lives of their characters. Their performance poignantly explored their struggle to satisfy their parents while feeling perpetually overworked and overlooked. The song's depth underscored the intellectual and emotional intelligence of their young characters, offering a glimpse into the pressures they faced each day. Holly Kenyon as Summer, the overachieving student turned band manager, was a whirlwind of energy. Leading the number 'Time to Play,'  she brought a level of intensity and stamina that perfectly matched her character’s bulldozer-like determination. Kenyon’s performance infused Summer with a driven, no-nonsense attitude that made her impossible to ignore. A big shoutout to Ted Hagley as Billy, the band stylist, who stole every scene he popped into! With his dramatic flair and adorably confident stage presence, he had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. The short cameos featuring Tomika’s dads, Hamish Treweeke and Noah Byrne, were hysterical and kept the audience captivated by their antics.   Special mentions also go to Harry Morgan as Ned and Lucie La Saveant as Patty. Morgan brought a down-to-earth charm to Ned, skillfully balancing his passivity with intense bursts of rage when the moment called for it. Meanwhile, La Saveant dazzled in her solo, 'Give Up Your Dreams,' belting out notes with the power and stamina of a professional. Among a highly talented cast, certain performers undeniably stood out, giving 110% in every scene. Their unwavering commitment to their roles shone through, with expressive faces and energy that reached the very back row. While I could name names, I’ll leave it to the audience to decide their favourites—after all, this cast was brimming with talent!   'Teacher’s Pet,' was everything you’d want from a finale: loud, high-energy, lengthy, and pure fun. By the time the encore rolled around—AC/DC’s 'It’s a Long Way to the Top' —the entire theatre felt like it had transformed into a rock concert. It was the perfect send-off to a high-octane show. It is worth noting that the "band" was elevated but positioned far-upstage. While practical, it did create a large distance between them and the action/audience, though their impact on the final performance was still undeniable!   Design and Space The creative team truly outdid themselves. Directed by the legendary Tim Hill, with music direction by Stephanie Taylor and choreography by Natalia Hines, this production of School of Rock proved to be far more than just a fun summer project—it was a polished showcase of young talent, high energy, and a lot of heart. Hill’s direction ensured a fast-paced show while keeping the massive ensemble fully engaged and involved. The older teens donned their best "adulting" personas as the parents and teachers, while the younger cast played the Horace Green students. Even the smaller moments—like the Guitar Hero session or the Stevie Nicks jukebox scene—had the ensemble cast somehow involved in the action. This attention to detail brought the world of School of Rock alive and gave every performer multiple chances to appear. The themes of the show—self-expression, breaking free from societal expectations, and finding your voice—resonated beautifully, thanks to Hill’s ability to balance heartfelt moments with humour.   Stephanie Taylor's music direction kept the energy high, guiding the cast through challenging and dynamic numbers with finesse. Taylor’s work brought out the best in the cast, from the belted anthems of 'You’re in the Band' to the soulful harmonies of 'If Only You Would Listen ' to the lung-busting 'Stick It to the Man' . The music playback flowed smoothly and the tight scene transitions underscored the polished nature of the production, ensuring that every song landed with impact. Natalia Hines’s choreography was a perfect blend of youthful energy and rock-and-roll spirit, making good use of the expansive stage typically reserved for grand ballet performances. 'Stick It to the Man' stood out as a showstopper, featuring impressive acro by Saana Chang and Holly Kenyon. The playful use of hair-ography (those flying pigtails and plaits!) added extra flair to the routines. Hines crafted choreography that was both edgy and suited for the large cast, aiming to make every moment visually engaging, particularly when they were positioned downstage. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the technical side of this production. The costumes—plaid uniforms for a small army of kids—were not just impressive in quantity but in their detail. The projections were like high-tech, immersive portals, zipping the audience from one setting to another. The polished sound design guaranteed that every lyric and joke landed, with the cast delivering (unsurprisingly) excellent enunciation. The lighting maintained the large space's visual dynamism, ensuring the show's energy was felt from every corner of the venue. Having never set foot in the Talbot Theatre before, I was blown away by its stage—by its spacious stage and incredible acoustics—perfect for a production of this scale. This junior version of School of Rock crammed as much heart and talent into 90 minutes as the full-length show. The audience cheered with admiration, laughed hard (I’m sure my cackling from the third row echoed like a hyena), and left with full hearts and sore hands from clapping. As a music teacher, I was profoundly touched by the central theme of School of Rock : guiding students to discover their voice and gain the confidence to express it. Observing these young performers experience that journey on stage felt like a beautiful extension of my own work, and it was a privilege to witness their transformation into rock stars.   To the 80+ children involved, you were all absolutely fantastic! From the big soloists to the tiniest ensemble member, each and every one of you contributed to making this production of joyful triumph. Bravo to Communication in Action for giving these kids such a fantastic opportunity to shine. If you’re ever considering a holiday workshop, don’t walk— rock  your way over to Communication in Action!