This post has been sponsored by Nuffnang.
Last week we were guests of the Children’s Performing Company of Australia at the premiere of ‘Through the Looking Glass’ performed by the Young Australian Broadway Chorus. This opportunity wasn’t something I’d ordinarily do for a number of reasons:
1) It was a school night
2) It meant fighting traffic in order to drive into St Kilda
3) I had two very tired children on my hands
I chose to do so because I was curious to learn more about what was available in our area if the kids were ever interested in extracurricular dramatic arts. Moreover, I wanted to watch their reactions to the show and see if that might be something they’d pursue. At the same time, I admit, I wanted to see what kinds of families were involved. Perhaps I’ve been tainted by worst-case, ‘toddlers and tiaras’ scenarios with stage-parents pushing reluctant children into the spotlight. This fear was allayed by the luck we had in being seated next to one of the stars of the show (who begins seated in the audience before walking up on stage) and a family of one of the performers who sat next to us and praised the Company to the skies.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. First we had a backstage tour. As I wasn’t allowed a flash, these were the best shots I could get:
It was quite thrilling to see the pushed-in, tense, last-second rehearsals; practising synchronicity of dance steps and stage cues.
Then the show began and we were amazed at the talent and versatility of the performers. Some of the main performers were on at every show and this was one of the strengths of the Company, it was explained to me: you can keep it as relaxed and fun as you want or if you have the drive and talent there are opportunities to work hard and rise through the ranks to professionalism. This includes developing the stamina to perform a 14 show run.
It was a solid two-plus hours, with rarely a dull moment or fluffed note. I liked the mix of old show tunes and newer ones from movies such as Tangled and The Princess and the Frog. Any technical issues with the sound could be notched up to opening kinks and I daresay were ironed out by the following night.
What the kids took away with them was how others their age – and younger, in some numbers – were up there on stage, giving it a go, safe as part of an ensemble but also expressing themselves and gaining confidence.
Established now for almost 30 years, the CPCA run out of 18 venue locations around Melbourne and has three main streams of training available, depending on age (beginning at age 5 and running all the way up to 18) and capability.
Joining up is by a free audition – the next lot of these are being run February 2012 at all locations. To register your interest you can click here.
