A Monster Calls
The first youth theatre production for GPAA will be the stunning story of love, loss and courage, A Monster Calls. Having toured through the UK and USA this play features a cast of 15 – 20 actors all working as an ensemble to create the imaginary world of 13-year-old Connor. Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill. But tonight is different. Tonight, when he wakes, there’s a monster at his window. It’s elemental, a force of nature, and it wants something from Conor. It wants the truth.
We are looking for cast members aged 12 to 17 who are willing to work together on this challenging and moving play.
The production and rehearsal process will develop skills in:
- Movement
- Vocal landscape
- Working in an ensemble
- Physical theatre
- Acting and Stagecraft
- Performance Skills
- Visual theatre
Auditions are on February 10 from 4.00 – 6.00pm. Please contact us at info@perseverancestreet.com.au for an audition information pack.
Directed by
SARAH HARVEY
Sarah Harvey has worked as a professional actor, singer, voice teacher, choir leader and musical director for over 30 years. Trained as an actor and singer in Melbourne, she has worked nationally and internationally in street theatre, theatre, cabaret, operetta, classical music and jazz settings. She spent 16 years in New Caledonia working as the jazz and modern styles vocal teacher at the Noumea Conservatoire of Music and Dance, singing in jazz ensembles, creating and directing several choirs and acapella groups as well as working as musical director on several music theatre projects. Sarah has a Bachelor of Theatre from the University of NSW.
DR SHARON HOGAN
Sharon is a Gympie based performance maker, arts educator, and researcher who has specialized in producing contemporary arts experiences for young people, families and communities. Sharon studied acting at USQ before completing a Bachelor of Education majoring in drama at QUT, a Masters of Arts Research and a PHD in Drama pedagogy. Sharon has taught directing and acting extensively throughout Australia teaching into the QUT Theatre Open Program, at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Griffith University and in secondary schools. Her recent directing credits include GRIT and Lizard for Perseverance Street.
Cost: | $350 for two terms – all rehearsals This includes costume costs |
Tickets: | $25 for adults $15 for children aged ten and upwards Tickets will go on sale four weeks before the production opens. |
Feel welcome to come into our office during working hours to buy a spot in person or email us at info@perseverancestreet.com.au.
FAQs About Our ProductionHOUSE
1. How will my child benefit form engaging in ProductionHOUSE at GPAA?
The emotional, mental and social benefits of performing arts experience are countless and well documented: from increased understanding of each other, stronger critical thinking skills, mental wellbeing and decreased stress levels; to significant public benefits such as social connection, expression of self and community healthy childhood development and healthy ageing. Being in a production is a challenging and deeply rewarding experience. New friendships begin and young people find new confidence through the thrill of performance. The ProductionHOUSE will give young actors an insight into what is expected from professional, industry level artists, along with being involved in building a production from the rehearsal room to opening night!
2. How are the fees structured?
We are not-for-profit organisation. Fees seek to cover costs such as insurance, rent, production expenses, equipment, class resources and teacher fees. It’s important to note that our fees are all\ rehearsal and production costs inclusive. There are no hidden stage levies here! When you sign up to ProductionHOUSE you will sign up for a semester as it is important to show a commitment to the group and the process. Once roles and casting has been assigned you need to see the process through to the end in order not to disrupt the creative process. Tickets to view the production are not included in fees. Public productions are ticketed to help cover production costs usually from $15 to $25 per ticket.
3. Has the program had the input of industry professionals?
Our ProductionHOUSE projects are not only designed by drama teachers with a combined experience of over 40 years, but also by current ‘practising’ industry professionals. Participants will be able to say that their teachers are in current shows or working as part of a creative team. Our team are touring artists and perform at international festivals and are called on to train other industry professionals.
4. Do you have professional qualification?
All of our instructors have a drama, music or education degree. All our staff have Blue Cards of course AND we have a registered Child Protection Policy in place. Our GPAA program director, Dr Sharon Hogan is a leading arts educator and professional theatre director. Sharon oversees all of our curriculum and the training of our teaching teams. Sarah Harvey is the leader of our vocal program.
5. How long have you been doing what you are doing?
The GPAA is new however the people running it have been doing this for a long time. We’ve been doing it for over 10 years and we’ve been teaching children and young people for well over 40 years. Good news is, we don’t see the finish line either – we plan to be here for a long time doing what we love!
6. How is ProductionHOUSE structured?
Our ProductionHOUSE program is broken up into two semester long projects which total 6 months each. They will focus in on a specific genre of theatre and prepare a production for public performance. Our weekly rehearsal run for 2 hours and towards the end of the rehearsal process there are always a couple of full day rehearsals in order to be performance ready.
7. Are times important?
Time is our most precious resource. It is sign of respect to be on time….plus the industry requires that artists are reliable and on time. Please remember to be punctual so that sessions can start and finish according to the timetable. However, if something unexpected happens occasionally, don’t panic, we would rather see you at class than not attend if you are running a little late.
8. Are there expectations around behaviour?
Trust, empathy, respect, and connection are our core values at GPAA. We require all participants and facilitators to adhere to these values. Please see our terms and conditions for more information.
9. What do participants wear?
Due to the often-physical nature of our workshops, it is important to dress accordingly. You will need to wear stretchy durable clothes, plain black. Uniform is to be modest with no slogans or logos. Avoid anything too short or low cut. This requirement serves a purpose – much like a blank canvas for an artist to paint – participants can better create and showcase character development and personality. The imagination therefore can take centre stage. Please wear closed in soft soled shoes and socks, preferably all black (sneakers are fine). Shoes may be removed for some exercises however participants must wear shoes to and from the studio.
10. Does my child take away any kind of certification from the production?
On completion of the production, your child will have access to the film production, photographic footage as well as a completion certificate showing their involvement.