February 2020
Welcome!
Welcome to the first blog/newsletter of the New Year, a time when rehearsals for our first show of the year start, when the cast gets together for the first time and starts to bond and learn together. It's an exciting time! Rehearsals are under way and you can see the cast above being led in a physical warm up by choreographer, Jade Naidu. Auditions were fun and exciting (I never thought I'd ever say that!), and you can read more and see the final cast list below.
One question the company gets asked a lot is "Do you offer opportunities for young people". We aren't always able to offer roles for children in our productions, but if you look at the cast list you'll see a dozen tweens in the ensemble for Into the Woods. It can be very difficult to offer opportunities for very young children, or the tweens, so we're really pleased to be able to offer this opportunity for them to work with the older cast and learn from the likes of director Josh Vucicevic and choreographer Jade Naidu.
Some of the older members of our Junior Wing are now old enough to move on to adult roles or move away, so there are opportunities for more young people aged 8 - 18 to get involved with CHMCC Junior and plan more activities for the younger ones. We'd like to recognise the work that Ellie Waters, Amy Hancock and Rachael McConnell have put into CHMCC Junior, and wish them well in the future. The Junior AGM will be held on Sunday March 8th, at 10am in the O Block Theatre, CHEC Campus, so we encourage you to get along and vote for the new committee.
If you're looking for regular classes and workshops, you could do no better than to enquire at Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio, who offer dance and musical theatre training for all ages, from a Musical Theatre class for adults to the amazing 'Musical in a Week' workshop for youngsters in October. See below for details.
Most of you will have received an email recently about the Council's consultation process on performing arts spaces in Coffs Harbour. We encourage you to support the arts and take part in the consultation process, so please check your email or scroll down to see how to participate.
Tickets for Into the Woods are on sale now at jettytheatre.com! Don't forget that the role of the Narrator is double-cast (see photos below), with two separate ensemble casts. Ensemble A and B will play alternate performances, and you can check the cast performance schedule here before you book if you want to see a specific performer. Or better still, book twice and see both! And while you're booking, don't forget to book for CHATS' Romeo and Juliet in April. (Tickets are also on sale for our November production, Mamma Mia!
See you at the theatre...
Di O'Ferrall
Newsletter Editor
One question the company gets asked a lot is "Do you offer opportunities for young people". We aren't always able to offer roles for children in our productions, but if you look at the cast list you'll see a dozen tweens in the ensemble for Into the Woods. It can be very difficult to offer opportunities for very young children, or the tweens, so we're really pleased to be able to offer this opportunity for them to work with the older cast and learn from the likes of director Josh Vucicevic and choreographer Jade Naidu.
Some of the older members of our Junior Wing are now old enough to move on to adult roles or move away, so there are opportunities for more young people aged 8 - 18 to get involved with CHMCC Junior and plan more activities for the younger ones. We'd like to recognise the work that Ellie Waters, Amy Hancock and Rachael McConnell have put into CHMCC Junior, and wish them well in the future. The Junior AGM will be held on Sunday March 8th, at 10am in the O Block Theatre, CHEC Campus, so we encourage you to get along and vote for the new committee.
If you're looking for regular classes and workshops, you could do no better than to enquire at Woolgoolga Performing Arts Studio, who offer dance and musical theatre training for all ages, from a Musical Theatre class for adults to the amazing 'Musical in a Week' workshop for youngsters in October. See below for details.
Most of you will have received an email recently about the Council's consultation process on performing arts spaces in Coffs Harbour. We encourage you to support the arts and take part in the consultation process, so please check your email or scroll down to see how to participate.
Tickets for Into the Woods are on sale now at jettytheatre.com! Don't forget that the role of the Narrator is double-cast (see photos below), with two separate ensemble casts. Ensemble A and B will play alternate performances, and you can check the cast performance schedule here before you book if you want to see a specific performer. Or better still, book twice and see both! And while you're booking, don't forget to book for CHATS' Romeo and Juliet in April. (Tickets are also on sale for our November production, Mamma Mia!
See you at the theatre...
Di O'Ferrall
Newsletter Editor
From the President
As we move into a new year in theatre it's time to start rehearsals for our next exciting production, Into the Woods and I can't wait to see it on stage. It is great to see so many opportunities for people to get involved in theatre, especially our younger members and the diversity of productions and courses available speaks of a very healthy arts community.
Due to education commitments we have a couple of vacancies on our Junior Committee, and for any interested Juniors this is a great opportunity to be involved and gain valuable experience. The Junior AGM will take place on Sunday March 8th, 10am at the O Block Theatre, CHEC Campus, so why not come along?
I cannot stress enough what fabulous work the Juniors do and the incredible development I have witnessed since the group's inception.
So onwards and upwards.
Hoping you all have a wonderful year free from fires and floods.
CHMCC President, Judi Williams
Due to education commitments we have a couple of vacancies on our Junior Committee, and for any interested Juniors this is a great opportunity to be involved and gain valuable experience. The Junior AGM will take place on Sunday March 8th, 10am at the O Block Theatre, CHEC Campus, so why not come along?
I cannot stress enough what fabulous work the Juniors do and the incredible development I have witnessed since the group's inception.
So onwards and upwards.
Hoping you all have a wonderful year free from fires and floods.
CHMCC President, Judi Williams
From the Director
What a privilege it has been so far to be on this journey 'Into the Woods'. If only the auditions were 'open', you would've been lucky enough to see the exceptional calibre of artists we had come through those doors, and yet, had the auditions been 'open' we, the audition panel, might not have seen what we saw. The process for auditions was different this time round and albeit a few initial nerves, apprehension, and scepticism leading up to the walk through the door, I can say without hesitation that every auditionee walking out the door left with a buzz!
Callbacks came round shortly after auditions and blew the panel and myself away. Jade Naidu and Teo Ross put everyone through their paces with some exciting and visionary choreography (another reminder of the privilege I have to be working with such an amazing production team, but more on that later...) followed by a very immersive ensemble based process of script work. The generosity and openness of every artist in the room was truly intoxicating - what an exciting time to be involved in theatre making in Coffs Harbour!
The hardest part of auditions, I find, is the casting process. When presented with so many auditionees and having limited places to offer, the task of notifying those who were on that particular occasion 'unsuccessful' in their audition is hard. I need to remind myself that whilst I am leaving some upset and disappointed, I am also delivering very exciting news to others. Whilst I have the opportunity, I'd like to give clarification to the above use of the word 'unsuccessful'. In gaining a place within the production, yes, unsuccessful. however successful in more ways than credit is often given. The ability to actually walk through that audition door is HUGE! how brave you are - success. To prepare and perform for a panel - success. To walk out the door with a buzz and feeling of "I had fun" - success. For anyone auditioning, set YOUR goals, and measure your success not in gaining a place - there are far too many factors out of your control for that. Rather, measure your success in your preparation, performance in the room, and the feeling you walk out with.
Going into our second week of rehearsals the cast - and myself, are learning very quickly just how intricate and detailed the text, themes, and concepts in this show are. I am leaving rehearsals charged, full, and excited. I cannot wait for audiences to hear the beautiful sound our company is making as an ensemble.
Lastly, but in no way least, I would like to acknowledge the work of our incredible production team. It is wonderful to feel so supported and inspired by the passion, talent, and work of these people - One lucky Director, and a very lucky cast! The vision and simplicity of Greg Wilson's set design is genius - did I mention he is also a wizard with sound! Jade Naidu, assisted by Teo Ross are a powerhouse duo who are already creating some wonderful images, adding mood, environment, and emotion through movement to enhance the storytelling of our actors - Exciting stuff! Our Musical Director Brandon Swain is a godsend in the rehearsal room, tackling Sondheim's delightful (and difficult) score, cannot wait to hear what he creates with an orchestra. Sherydan Simson our Stage Manager was born for this role. Di O'Ferrall, our production manager has an ability to find more hours in the day and is always on top of EVERYTHING. John Greene as an Assistant Director offers a wealth of experience and support. Bec Pakes will literally light up the stage with her incredible vision, knowledge, and experience. Community Theatre at it's best - bringing a community of people together each with their own offerings of time, talent, and love of the art form to create something truly magical.
Director Into the Woods, Josh Vucicevic
Callbacks came round shortly after auditions and blew the panel and myself away. Jade Naidu and Teo Ross put everyone through their paces with some exciting and visionary choreography (another reminder of the privilege I have to be working with such an amazing production team, but more on that later...) followed by a very immersive ensemble based process of script work. The generosity and openness of every artist in the room was truly intoxicating - what an exciting time to be involved in theatre making in Coffs Harbour!
The hardest part of auditions, I find, is the casting process. When presented with so many auditionees and having limited places to offer, the task of notifying those who were on that particular occasion 'unsuccessful' in their audition is hard. I need to remind myself that whilst I am leaving some upset and disappointed, I am also delivering very exciting news to others. Whilst I have the opportunity, I'd like to give clarification to the above use of the word 'unsuccessful'. In gaining a place within the production, yes, unsuccessful. however successful in more ways than credit is often given. The ability to actually walk through that audition door is HUGE! how brave you are - success. To prepare and perform for a panel - success. To walk out the door with a buzz and feeling of "I had fun" - success. For anyone auditioning, set YOUR goals, and measure your success not in gaining a place - there are far too many factors out of your control for that. Rather, measure your success in your preparation, performance in the room, and the feeling you walk out with.
Going into our second week of rehearsals the cast - and myself, are learning very quickly just how intricate and detailed the text, themes, and concepts in this show are. I am leaving rehearsals charged, full, and excited. I cannot wait for audiences to hear the beautiful sound our company is making as an ensemble.
Lastly, but in no way least, I would like to acknowledge the work of our incredible production team. It is wonderful to feel so supported and inspired by the passion, talent, and work of these people - One lucky Director, and a very lucky cast! The vision and simplicity of Greg Wilson's set design is genius - did I mention he is also a wizard with sound! Jade Naidu, assisted by Teo Ross are a powerhouse duo who are already creating some wonderful images, adding mood, environment, and emotion through movement to enhance the storytelling of our actors - Exciting stuff! Our Musical Director Brandon Swain is a godsend in the rehearsal room, tackling Sondheim's delightful (and difficult) score, cannot wait to hear what he creates with an orchestra. Sherydan Simson our Stage Manager was born for this role. Di O'Ferrall, our production manager has an ability to find more hours in the day and is always on top of EVERYTHING. John Greene as an Assistant Director offers a wealth of experience and support. Bec Pakes will literally light up the stage with her incredible vision, knowledge, and experience. Community Theatre at it's best - bringing a community of people together each with their own offerings of time, talent, and love of the art form to create something truly magical.
Director Into the Woods, Josh Vucicevic
Above:
MD Brandon Swain, with Jacinta Bentley (the Witch) Right: Sam Melinz & Flynn Metcalf (The Narrator) |
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James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's fantastic musical weaves together fairy-tale figures such as Cinderella, Jack (of the beanstalk), Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf, Rapunzel and the witch, and more than one handsome prince, but not as you’ve seen them before. An ambivalent Cinderella who’s not sure she wants to marry a prince? A blood-thirsty Little Red Riding Hood? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? A Witch ... who raps?
When a Baker and his Wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, the hair as yellow as corn, a slipper as pure as gold required to break the spell, swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack.
By the end of Act I, everyone’s wishes have come true: Cinderella gets her prince, Jack and his Mother become rich, the baker and his wife get a child, and so on. However, the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, with disastrous results.
In Act II, it all falls to pieces. A Giant descends from the land of the Giants at the top of the beanstalk and starts killing beloved characters. The princes cheat. The couple resorts to blaming and bickering. It takes quite a few deaths before the survivors realize that they have to act altogether in order to succeed. They are forced to question their original wishes and what they stole and whom they sold out to fulfill them. Nobody quite lives happily ever after.
Thus, what begins a lively irreverent fantasy becomes a cautionary tale about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children. Be careful what you wish for…
When a Baker and his Wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, the hair as yellow as corn, a slipper as pure as gold required to break the spell, swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack.
By the end of Act I, everyone’s wishes have come true: Cinderella gets her prince, Jack and his Mother become rich, the baker and his wife get a child, and so on. However, the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, with disastrous results.
In Act II, it all falls to pieces. A Giant descends from the land of the Giants at the top of the beanstalk and starts killing beloved characters. The princes cheat. The couple resorts to blaming and bickering. It takes quite a few deaths before the survivors realize that they have to act altogether in order to succeed. They are forced to question their original wishes and what they stole and whom they sold out to fulfill them. Nobody quite lives happily ever after.
Thus, what begins a lively irreverent fantasy becomes a cautionary tale about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children. Be careful what you wish for…
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What else is on?
