ASPIRE

Joining Aspire has been incredible. It has given Ziva and I so many opportunities to learn how to become better performers. It is such a privilege to be able to be included in a program like this and to learn from the amazing ensemble directors. 

At the beginning of the year, all ensembles practiced in their own spaces, then closer to the show, everyone came together to rehearse. Holiday rehearsals are more chaotic than the usual Tuesday afternoon, as they become strict and harder to keep up with.  As a result of these sessions there is less time for other activities as they run from 9:30 in the morning to 4:00pm (and there are too many notes). 

Ziva 

In the drama department, the first few weeks mainly focus on learning lines and how to say them as well as workshopping to learn what the director’s expectations are when they give instructions. After that, we all get introduced to the plot of the musical and go from there. Once we’ve been there for the first month, we focus more on the musical and stop workshopping. We then work on positioning and projection while adding in props, mics and costumes. I have two costumes with a 15 second quick change. When I think about all of Tilly’s costume changes this doesn’t  bother me so much. 

Tilly 

2024 is my second year in ASPIRE and its great coming to this year’s production knowing what happens throughout the process of production.  In the first week we just do some corner work and getting to know everyone. The week after we move straight to choreography. Our rehearsals go for about 3hrs on Tuesdays and during that time we’ll warm up and then before we start a new dance we get told the concept and its timing in the show. This year I’m in 15 dances with 9 costumes and 3 quick changes with 30 seconds to 1 minute to do them. Getting to be in ASPIRE is so amazing, I have such great friends. Overall, it has changed the way I see myself as a dancer. 

SHOWTIME!!! 

Tech Run is a long and boring day for most of us, it’s the day where lighting cues are sorted and mic changes are practiced. The tech run includes; continuous stopping and starting, positioning lights correctly and slowly going through scenes. 

Dress Rehearsal at the Civic is different from dress at St Pius X, quick changes happen side stage and the prop table is backstage, This rehearsal is the one before show day and most crucial to the cast. In a Dress rehearsal costumes and props are definitely required, in our sessions leading up to this usually props are mimed and it becomes a bad habit to break. 

Matinee Shows are at 11am on 31st July- 2nd August.  Call times are 8:00am – so that’s an early start! Wednesday will be the very first show for Ziva and she is very excited.  On Thursday, we have our second show and the Friday is the third, leading into Friday night. 

Opening Night is really fun, it feels like you are apart of a real Broadway Production. Closing Night is pretty much the same as Opening Night except you are more energised because there is no show beforehand. Saturday night is the final show of the year and then we start the audition process for 2025. 

Tickets are still available, see the  link below to buy tickets for tomorrow and Saturday night!!! 

https://tickets.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/WEBPAGES/EntaWebShow/ShowPerformance.aspx 

Ziva & Matilda Yr. 6