This production represents a significant moment for us, not only in the year but in the history of the organisation. I have always been passionate about providing creative and cultural opportunities for young people in my community and throughout the last 5 years we have seen the phenomenal impact our work has had on those who have chosen to access it.
At the end of last year I felt something was missing from the Artz offer and as I watched some of our most decorated students come to the end of their time as a senior, I realised that it shouldn’t be the end of their love affair with performing. I was also intrigued as to what I may find if I where to scratch the surface of adult talent in our community and I have been delighted and encouraged by what I found.
An eclectic group of individuals, some with an abundance of stage experience and some with absolutely none. Some who are more at home on stage than they are at home and some who find the thought of being on stage completely terrifying. What I also found was a group of people who shared my vision for creating something high quality and a group of people that have completely epitomised the Artz values.
Working with adults has been a different experience for me, but the challenges they face along the way are really no different to that of a child. Apprehension, anxiety, nerves exist in all our lives but overcoming them as an adult is much more difficult and for that reason I would consider this as one of the Artz Centre’s greatest achievements to date.
For me though it needed to be more than convincing people to do it. I wanted the cast to learn and develop a very difficult craft. I challenged them with some of the most difficult songs in musical theatre and I mixed up the genres to drag each and everyone of them out of their comfort zones. I wanted them ultimately not to be seen as “parents having a go” but as a slick and polished group of performers.
I am extremely proud of how far they have come as individuals and thank them all for the RESPECT they have shown me during the process.
Here is what just some of our adults had to say about the process:
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“Best part of the process for me has been realising I can do it….with the right support network of everyone at group giving each other the support and positive atmosphere week on week. I feel like I can be ME and not just… Mum”
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“The whole Miss Saigon section has been a challenge for me. I find it difficult being “sexy” given that I’m about as sexy as a baked potato but I have loved sharing the stage with these nutters and getting to sing duets with some amazing singers”
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“The biggest challenge for me is being confident! Something I never have in me and proving to myself, I CAN DO THIS! And not running away from things like I have done most of my life!”
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“Working with this group of mums, dads and young adults, some of whom are theatre novices and most have incredible busy lives yet still manage to bring this production to stage is both humbling and inspiring”
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“The best part I have had over the last few months is getting to act on stage with a completely different cast, it’s been amazing to see everyone grow and get more and more confident”
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“Best part is definitely performing with these amazing people who don’t realise how much talent they have. We have became such a family and have helped each other along the way to get where we are today ”