Inside WAAPA

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS, EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY (ISSUE 40) JUNE 2015

UNCONDITIONAL KUČKA Page 6

Jazz artists ring Bells Page 2

WAAPA graduate wins Heath Ledger Scholarship Page 3 Plus World-renowned choreographer inspires dance students Page 5

Inside WAAPA Issue 40 Page 1 WAAPA JAZZ ARTISTS SCOOP THREE ‘BELLS’ Drummer/percussionist/ WAAPA is delighted that Susnjar now brings his composer/educator Daniel expertise back to WAAPA as a sessional tutor. Susnjar has recently Singer/pianist/composer Sarah McKenzie, completed five years of described by Australian jazz legend James performance and study in the USA, where Morrison as “a musical marvel”, has been he earned both his Doctoral and Masters notching up awards since her WAAPA days. In degrees from the University of Miami Frost her final year at WAAPA, McKenzie won the 2008 School of Music. Hawaiian Award for Most Outstanding Jazz While in America, Susnjar performed and Graduate and the Jack Bendat Scholarship. The recorded with many of the world’s finest jazz following year, she was named the 2009 winner and rock artists, including Chick Corea, Bobby of the Generations in Jazz Vocal Scholarship. McFerrin, Terence Blanchard, Dave Grusin, Greg Since then, McKenzie’s superb jazz vocals Osby, Steve Miller and Phil Ramone. He has and brilliant piano playing have seen her played at high-profile venues in New York City perform as a featured artist at events like the and Miami, and has toured throughout the USA, Stonnington, Wangaratta and Melbourne jazz Daniel Susnjar with his Bell Award and (inset photo) Sarah McKenzie Main photo: Andrew Kneebone / inset photo: Yamaha Music Australia the Caribbean Islands, Peru and Australia. In festivals in Australia and jazz festivals in Europe 2013, as a Henry Mancini Institute fellow, Susnjar and the USA including the prestigious Umbria n May 1, the cream of Australia’s jazz was invited to perform at the New Orleans Jazz Jazz and Monterey Jazz festivals. community gathered in Melbourne and Heritage Festival. at the Plaza Ballroom to recognise Last year she graduated from Boston’s Susnjar’s original compositions are outstanding achievements by prestigious Berklee College of Music on a full- influenced by ethnic music from around the OAustralian jazz musicians at the annual tuition scholarship, and was nominated as a world, in particular Hungary, Spain, Egypt and Australian Jazz Bell Awards. finalist in the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Mali. In April 2014 he released his debut album Vocal Competition. The Jazz Bell Awards, which were established Su Su Nje to critical acclaim, with John McBeath She has recorded three albums for ABC Jazz, in 2003 and named in honour of the late great in The Australian describing it as “a brilliant picking up a 2012 ARIA Award for Best Jazz Album jazz pioneer Graeme Bell AO MBE, recognise breakout percussion display from Susnjar”. for Close Your Eyes. The Bell Award-winning We and encourage excellence in the performance, Showcasing top-shelf musicians from Peru, Could be Lovers, released in October last year, recording and presentation of jazz in Australia. New York City and Miami, the album features was recorded in New York with Grammy Award- WAAPA graduate Daniel Susnjar took out two original compositions inspired by Afro-Peruvian winning producer Brian Bacchus, trumpeter Bell Awards: Best Australian Modern Jazz Album rhythms and fresh arrangements of classic Ingrid Jensen, vibraphonist Warren Wolf and for Su Su Nje and Best Australian Jazz Song of Peruvian songs. percussionist Marco Valeri. It features a number the Year for Forte Pulse Torte. Susnjar’s remarkable musical talent was of McKenzie’s own compositions along with Jazz singer/pianist Sarah McKenzie won the recognised early: he was awarded exceptional new arrangements of classics by Cole Porter, Bell Award for Best Australian Jazz Vocal Album entry into WAAPA while still in high school and at Gershwin and Henry Mancini, among others. for We Could Be Lovers. 17, won Best Soloist at the 1998 Drum Mania IV. BEHIND THE CAMERA WAAPA’S ACTING STUDENTS WORK WITH A LEGENDARY AUSTRALIAN CINEMATOGRAPHER World-renowned cinematographer Don McAlpine, who has worked McAlpine shared some of the valuable lessons with Hollywood stars Arnold learned from his 45-year career with WAAPA’s Schwarzenegger and Harrison Ford 3rd Year Acting students during a visit to Edith as well as WAAPA graduate Hugh Cowan University in April. Jackman, said being able to work Photo by Mahmudul Raz Mahmudul by Photo McAlpine has a long, illustrious list of films well with people is another vital skill Don McAlpine (centre) with WA Screen Academy students necessary to filmmaking. to his credit, including the Australian classics As McAlpine worked alongside the student The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, My Brilliant “Getting along with the people you’re working directors and cinematographers, the Acting Career and Breaker Morant. In America he has with and understanding what they’re trying to students experienced the collaborative nature been cinematographer on films such asPatriot achieve is the key,” he said. of filmmaking and the importance of the Games, Mrs Doubtfire, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin WAAPA’s Associate Professor Andrew Lewis cinematographer/director of photography. Rouge, X-Men Origins: Wolverine and most said McAlpine’s visit was an extraordinary During McAlpine’s visit, the screening of a recently Ender’s Game, to name just a few. opportunity for the students. documentary directed by the Director of the While in Perth, McAlpine ran a series of “It’s a great privilege for our students to WA Screen Academy, Dr Cathy Henkel about the masterclasses with students from WAAPA’s have someone of Don’s calibre speak with them great cinematographer’s career, Show Me the Acting course and the WA Screen Academy. and share his incredibly rich and extensive Magic, was followed by a talk from McAlpine His number one tip was “to practice, practice, experience,” Assoc. Prof. Lewis said. about his life’s work. practice”. Page 2 Inside WAAPA Issue 40 MATT LEVETT WINS HEATH LEDGER SCHOLARSHIP WAAPA class of 2009 Acting graduate Matt of ScreenInkMedia, a collective of Levett has been awarded the 2015 Heath Ledger young filmmakers who have just Scholarship. completed their latest short Kid, The scholarship, established in 2008 in which Levett wrote and directed. memory of the late Australian actor Heath 2013 WAAPA graduate Emilie Ledger, gives talented young Australian actors Cocquerel was named runner- the opportunity to establish themselves in the up with Lily Sullivan. They will United States. each receive a round-trip ticket The announcement was made on June 1 to Los Angeles and a scholarship at a star-studded gala dinner in Los Angeles to attend Masterclasses at attended by judges including actors Vince Screenwise Film & TV School for Vaughn and Ben Mendelsohn, and Australian actors in Sydney. cinema glitterati including Jacki Weaver, director Cocquerel made her screen Phillip Noyce and writer Stuart Beattie. debut in the ABC telemovie An Levett won out of a pool of 20 finalists from Accidental Soldier. She has a key 300 entrants to take the top prize of $US10,000, role in Joe Cinque’s Consolation, plus a two-year scholarship to the prestigious the feature debut of short film Stella Adler Academy of Acting and Theatre in Los director Sotiris Dounoukos, and Angeles, flights from Virgin Australia, $US5000 appears in Garth Davis’ Lion with in visa assistance and mentorship from industry Nicole Kidman, David Wenham, professionals. Dev Patel and Rooney Mara. “It will give me the ability to stay longer and The judges also included actor give me a foot in the door,” says Levett, who first Rose Byrne, Gone Girl and House went to the US last September/October, when he of Cards casting director Laray Mayfield, executive producer Adam Matt Levett accepting the 2015 Heath Ledger Scholarship signed with the Gersh Agency. Photo: Corbis/Australians in Film Schroeder, directors Kieran Darcy-Smith and The 31-year-old actor made his feature debut Gregor Jordan, and Australian-based casting Shareena Clanton (2010), Travis Jeffery (2012), in director Dean Francis’ confronting drama director Ann Fay. The scholarship is run by non- TJ Power (2008) and Harry Richardson (2014). Drown, adapted from a Stephen Davis play. His profit body Australians in Film, which supports other screen credits include Devil’s Playground, Of the seven recipients of the Heath Ledger Australian filmmakers and performers in the US. A Place to Call Home, Home & Away, Two Twisted scholarship to date, Levett is the second WAAPA and All Saints. Levett directed the Tropfest Film In addition to Levett and Cocquerel, four other graduate to take out the top prize, following Festival short Unwanted Friend and is a member WAAPA graduates were among the finalists: James Mackay in 2013. PUPPETRY COMES TO WAAPA WAAPA JOINS FORCES WITH SPARE PARTS PUPPET THEATRE TO TRAIN STUDENTS appeal and created an explosion of artistic interesting ways in contemporary theatre and activity. performance. We are so lucky to have a company In this dynamic atmosphere, Australia’s like Spare Parts here on our door-step, and I look oldest puppetry company Spare Parts Puppet forward to building on this exciting partnership Theatre has joined forces with WAAPA to create in the future.” a new puppetry unit as part of the Academy’s In addition, Spare Parts is continuing its Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) degree. own in-house training program, FirstHand, the Dr Frances Barbe, BPA Course Coordinator, only dedicated puppetry training program in said that she was very excited to be incorporating Australia. puppetry into the training of the performance- FirstHand was established in 2010 in making students. partnership with Edith Cowan University’s Centre “Puppetry is a great training tool to for Research in Entertainment, Arts, Technology, sensitise performers to the full potential Education and Communications, (CREATEC). of objects in performance and to develop Now in its fourth year, FirstHand aims to

Photo by Daniel Comben Daniel by Photo the visual intelligence of our performance- support emergent artists to develop their skills Performing Arts student Nicole Harvey with one of the Spare Parts puppets makers,” she said. within the art form of puppetry. It immerses the ajor arts events like the Giants at “Through their work with Spare Parts, our participants in all aspects of the creation and the 2015 Perth International Arts students will become more visual storytellers performance of puppetry including a two-week Festival, War Horse and King Kong who understand the power of the image and intensive skills training period, support through The Musical have propelled the art metaphor in performance as well as the power a creative development process, business skills formM of puppetry into the forefront of popular of the word. Puppetry is evolving in all kinds of and training, and presentation opportunities. InsideInside WAAPA WAAPA IssueIssue 40 40 Page Page 3 3 A FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM IN BERLIN SPARKS A DANCER’S CREATIVE PROCESS Joseph Simons, winner The work was developed during Simons’ of humour with storytelling, physical of the 2013 Tanja Liedtke 2013 residence in Berlin as part of the Tanja theatre and dance ... In dance sequences Fellowship, toured his new Liedtke Fellowship. The fellowship program, ranging from the elegantly abstract to fast work, First Things First created in memory of the late Australian and funny jazz, his deft acrobatic moves, to venues in New South dancer/choreographer Tanja Liedtke, takes pirouettes and spring-loaded leaps attest Wales, Victoria, place in Berlin and Frankfurt annually that this is a fine dancer, as well as a and provides opportunities for talented personality big enough to pull off a sassy Australian artists. Salt-n-Pepa routine.” “I had never been to Berlin before In addition to his Tanja Liedtke so I thought I’d make a work about Fellowship win, Simons was voted Dance discovering a city for the first time,” Australia Magazine’s 2007 Dancer to Watch explains the 2008 WAAPA graduate. and won the 2009 West Australian Dance “That gradually changed to first Award for Outstanding Emerging Artist. experiences in general.” Simons has toured Australia, UK, Asia The world premiere of First Things and USA as a dancer with Chunky Move First took place in New York in 2014, and Lucy Guerin Inc., as well as the Force when the Margot Fonteyn Academy Majeure ‘Culminate’ series. Simons was a of Ballet invited Simons to spend guest artist with West Australian Ballet, FIRST a week with the students and performing the title role in Ivan Cavallari’s perform his show in their Robert 2012 production of Pinocchio. Helpmann Theatre. As a choreographer, he has created THINGS This year back in Australia on tour, works for West Australian Ballet, The Flying Queensland and South Australia the show garnered rave reviews. Chloe Fruit Fly Circus and several independent FIRSTfrom March through May this year. Smethurst in The Sydney Morning Herald projects, including the official music video described Simons as a “charismatic young for Elisha Bones’ single Guts. First Things First is Simons’ one-man artist”. show that combines dance and comedic Simons now has plans for another, bigger physical theatre. As the name suggests, the “In his entertaining one-man show, First national tour of First Things First in 2016. work takes its inspiration from ‘first times’ Things First, Simons is developing a style and new experiences. of performance that combines lashings Photo by Brian Jamie Brian by Photo

he Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in LINK DANCE COMPANY DANCERS TAKE Western Australia held its annual Festival LINK is WAAPA’s graduate dance company – Tof Dance from May 28 to June 1 at the the only one of its kind in Australia – and its TOP AWARDS John Curtin College of the Arts in Fremantle. The alumni go on to enjoy successful careers in festival showcased over 550 solo and ensemble the dance world. In May, four of its graduates performances, competing in four prestigious returned to WAAPA as emerging dance scholarship and award categories. creators to choreograph new works on the The festival culminated in a gala performance, current student dancers for the LINK season, directed by Diana de Vos and performed by RAD Tipping Point. students and guest artists, to celebrate this year Dancer/choreographer Emma Fishwick, being the 80th anniversary of RAD in Australia. who graduated from LINK in 2010, describes Queensland Ballet Artistic Associate Rachael what it was like to be back at WAAPA: Walsh was guest adjudicator, with Sarah Hepburn “It’s been really amazing and humbling to and Brooke Widdison-Jacobs from West Australian be invited to work with the company which I Ballet and Robert Mills, formerly with West was a part of only five years ago. They are a Australian Ballet. hard working group and I had the pleasure WAAPA 2nd Year student Saskia Harman was of choreographing on them when they were awarded both the Linley Wilson Scholarship and in their first year of WAAPA. So it’s a very the prize for the Best Senior Female Dancer. 2nd cyclic experience. The LINK experience, as a Year Advanced Diploma student Ellen Williams was young artist, is such a unique and beneficial the recipient of the Pre-Professional Award, which opportunity that taught me so much and I includes a cash prize as well as a secondment anticipate it will do the same for this batch of to an Australian ballet or dance company of her company dancers. choice, and 1st year student Georgia Smith won As an emerging artist in Perth, being invited the Linley Wilson Artistic Prize. back to LINK as a choreographer gives me a This is the second year that WAAPA students platform of time, space and resources that I Photo courtesy of DANCEvision TV DANCEvision of courtesy Photo have taken out all the senior prizes in this state- wouldn’t otherwise have unless I generated WAAPA 2nd Year Dance student Saskia Harman wide competition. the funding. So needless to say this has been a welcomed and appreciated experience.” Page 4 Inside WAAPA Issue 40 IN SYNC WITH NILS CHRISTE Photo by Rebecca Mercia Photography Mercia Rebecca by Photo

A WORLD-RENOWNED CHOREOGRAPHER INSPIRES WAAPA’S DANCE STUDENTS Photos by Jon Green Jon by Photos

WAAPA was honoured to welcome While Christe and Sneep internationally-acclaimed Dutch choreographer demanded that SYNC be Nils Christe and his assistant Annegien Sneep performed at a ‘company’ as visiting guest artists to mount Christe’s level, they were also incredibly work SYNC with the 3rd Year Dance students for supportive of the students’ WAAPA’s May dance season. efforts. The visit was supported by the Jackman They worked intensively Furness Foundation for the Performing Arts and with the WAAPA dancers for 3rd Year Dance students with Nils Christe (centre back), Annegien Sneep (to left) and Classical Minderoo Foundation. five to six weeks prior to Dance Lecturer Andries Weidemann (centre front) Over his illustrious career, Nils Christe has the season, and supervised all production SYNC set for the WAAPA season had to be a free- created 80 ballets and worked with 69 different elements of SYNC, including the set, costumes standing design so it could be wheeled on and companies in 26 countries throughout the and lighting. off the stage quickly in between the different world. Born in 1949, Christe began his career Prior to the performance season a short pieces for each performance. Christe and Sneep as lead dancer with Nederlands Dans Theater. studio showing of SYNC was held, after which were highly impressed that the students built During his 15 years with the company, he Christe and Sneep answered questions about a design version that was stronger than many choreographed 12 works including Quartet 1, their long careers to the invited audience. that had been constructed in other company situations. which won first prize at the Choreographic WAAPA’s Head of Dance, Nanette Hassall, Competition in Cologne in 1979. believes that working with Christe and Sneep “Having Nils and Annegien here was As Artistic Director of Scapino Ballet was an invaluable experience for the students. one of the most memorable and rewarding Rotterdam from 1986 to 1993, Christe created “To produce a ballet from the international experiences I have had in my entire life,” said seven new works, including his successful canon gave our graduating students the 3rd Year dancer Sydney Gallagher. “They were story ballet, Pulcinello. In 2005, Christe opportunity to benchmark their technical and so knowledgeable and generous. I learnt received the Dutch Dansersfonds Merit Award. performance skills,” she said. “The students something new every day. It was a privilege to have such respected people in the industry Christe’s wife, Annegien Sneep has been his rehearsed and performed it with such passion, intensity and clarity. They worked meticulously come to WAAPA to teach and choreograph a assistant and rehearsal director since 1981 work of theirs.” and supervises the re-stagings of Christe’s on each of the elements in the work for many works around the world. For Christe’s later hours, refining its delivery.” Fellow dancer Tia Hockey was equally ballets, she also designed the costumes. The visit also provided WAAPA Production enthusiastic. “Working with Nils and Annegien was the most rewarding and beneficial Christe describes SYNC as “a fast paced, and Design students with an opportunity to tackle the complicated set design required for experience I have had as a dance student,” said high voltage piece that combines both classical Hockey. “The professionalism they displayed in and modern dance techniques, for a cast of SYNC. They built a custom-made suspended truss structure, integral to the choreography, the process opened my eyes to what ‘company nine women on point and three men.” Originally life’ may potentially be like. The opportunity to created for the Washington Ballet in 1996, this which had to support the weight of the dancers as they moved and jumped. Being part of a perform such challenging repertoire under their is the first time that Christe has permittedSYNC guidance has helped us all improve and grow.” to be performed by students. program that contained three other works, the

Inside WAAPA Issue 40 Page 5 UNCONDITIONAL KUČKA KUČKA TAKES OUT GRAND PRIZE AT WAM AWARDS

At the 2104 Western Australian Music WAM Awards, where she scooped up of Divinity, including over 200,000 plays (WAM) Song of the Year Awards held in three prizes. of Mazde’s remix in a month. She has also Fremantle in March, the avant-electronic As the 2014 Grand Prize winner, KUČKA collaborated with Paces (aka Mikey Perry) music sensation KUČKA was awarded the walks away with $3,000 cash, recording on the Shazam-charting Nothing’s Forever. Grand Prize for her song Unconditional. time at the hit-making Albert Studios in KUČKA performs with two other WAAPA Earlier in the evening, Unconditional was Sydney, the opportunity for a publishing graduates, Catlips (aka Katie Campbell) on also voted Electronic Song of the Year. deal with Perfect Pitch Publishing, two live electronic beats and Tobacco Rat (aka KUČKA (pronounced ‘Kooch-ka’) is the days recording at Sonic Lolly, mastering Jake Steele) on analog synths. performance name of producer/vocalist provided by William Bowden of King Willy KUČKA has been main support for the and WAAPA graduate Laura Jane Lowther. Sound (Grammy award recipient for diverse likes of George Maple, Clark, Factory Her music – a combination of Lowther’s mastering Goyte’s Somebody That I Used Floor, Mariko Mori, SAFIA and more, plus a striking vocals, ambient sounds and to Know), a Berklee Online music course, highlight at festivals including St. Jerome’s industrial glitches set against heavy bass 500 CDs pressed by DiskBank and a RØDE Laneway, CoLab and ARIA Week’s Sunday and erratic beats – has been described as Microphones package. City Limits. “lush electronic pop excellence” and “one Earlier this year she released a video At the end of May, KUČKA toured to of the country’s most exciting and most for her track Divinity, which was heralded venues in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney bizarre avant-pop acts.” on the music discovery website, Pigeons & and Melbourne and has a new EP due KUČKA’s recent WAM wins follow on Planes and premiered on The Fader. Since in the next few months on the new label from the singer’s success at last year’s then, there have been numerous remixes Midnight Feature. CASTING CALLS HOW AN ARTS MANAGEMENT GRADUATE GOT HER DREAM JOB IN CASTING To that end, in her final year at WAAPA, Johns in my position, and have given me an extra edge secured a workplace secondment with one and a deeper knowledge of the industry and the of Australia’s top casting agencies, Mullinars way it works.” Casting Consultants in Sydney. The practical experience Johns gained at It was an “amazing” experience for the WAAPA, working in a number of different arts young WAAPA student, as she found herself organisations and getting to know the people assisting on casting a major TV commercial and behind them, also played an important role a feature film. in preparing her for the industry. “I still hear When her secondment finished, Johns their words of wisdom and advice in my head was offered a job as a voice-over agent with from time to time when I come across a new or ack in 2008, Alexis Johns was looking Australia’s top voice agency, RMK Management. difficult scenario.” for a new career path. She had a degree Around five months later a position became Johns is happy that many of her fellow Bin Contemporary Arts (Theatre) from the available back at Mullinars and the company graduates have also gone on to positions in top University of Tasmania and had worked overseas approached Johns for the role. arts organisations in Sydney. “It’s our own little as an English teacher in South Korea and in Now a Casting Associate at Mullinars, Johns arts management community. We see each Human Resources in England. has worked on film and television projects other often and it’s nice to be able to get together The idea of working in the arts industry including Underbelly, Love Child, Howzat! Kerry and talk shop over a few drinks.” both creatively as well as on the business end Packer’s War, A Place to Call Home, Puberty The budding casting director thinks one of the appealed to her. “Having a creative background, Blues, Paper Giants, Fat Tony, Serangoon Road, most important skills actors need is to know the I’ve always enjoyed working with actors and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and House of industry “inside out.” Johns believes it serves other creatives,” says Johns. “However I also Hancock, which recently aired on Channel Nine. actors well to be aware of what is happening on realised I had a real interest and flair for the Johns believes the Arts Management course Australian screens, the people who produce the business side of the industry.” set her up for her future career. “I apply the skills work and their competition in the market. So in 2009 she enrolled in WAAPA’s Arts and knowledge I gained to my work every single “It’s also important to embrace and maintain Management course, with the specific aim of day,” she explains. “Whether it be negotiating your individuality. Casting directors and becoming a casting agent. with agents, working with actors in a creative producers are always looking for someone “I always had a very clear goal so I worked sense or dealing with producers and networks, unique who can bring something different to a hard to steer my studies and related-work subjects I studied at WAAPA such as Arts Law, role they may not have envisaged before.” experience in that direction and apply my Management and Finance prepared me for many “And don’t take yourself too seriously...!” learning to the screen industry,” says Johns. of the specialised areas I am now responsible for Page 6 Inside WAAPA Issue 40 FROM PERFORMING TO PUBLICITY A ‘REFORMED HOOFER’ NOW PUBLICISES THE INDUSTRY HE LOVES

When the Royal Shakespeare Company’s publicist for the Australian production of multi-award-winning Matilda The Musical Billy Elliot the Musical. So Bolton came back opens at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre in July, the to Australia and started his own publicity names of two WAAPA graduates will be on the company. marquee: Tim Minchin, who wrote the music “From starting in PR to having my own and lyrics, and James Millar who will perform business was a fairly steep and quick the role of Miss Trunchbull. trajectory,” says Bolton. “I attribute a lot of it However behind the scenes another to luck to be honest. Others might say there’s WAAPA graduate has been working hard on a splash of ability and a dash of panache in the show for the 18 months leading up to there as well but I feel I was incredibly lucky opening night. Publicist JP Bolton’s career that Louise took a gamble on me on a project in the arts industry is a tale of making the with very high stakes.” most of opportunities and appreciating If it’s luck, then Bolton’s is holding firm. hidden talents. In the nine years since Billy Elliot, Bolton John-Paul, better known as JP, graduated has been the publicist for many other big from WAAPA’s Music Theatre course in 1993. national touring stage shows including Miss After three years of training, his greatest Saigon, Mamma Mia!, Annie, Hairspray, fear was that he’d never score a job. Yet Monty Python’s Spamalot, A Murder is at the start of 1994, just one week after Announced, The Mousetrap, Richard III relocating from Perth to Sydney, he landed starring Kevin Spacey, plus dance shows, a part in a show. opera and cabaret. He’s just finished work For the next seven years, Bolton rolled on a new Australian musical in Bendigo from one gig to the next with only one short JP Bolton at a press call for ‘Billy Elliot’. Photo by James Morgan called Ned and is currently working on both three-month hiatus of being out of work in all Matilda and a production of Blood Brothers that time. He worked mostly in musical theatre This was a whole different world for me, my life which will open in Melbourne in July. but also got gigs in plays and guest roles in had been within the walls of the theatre and “I didn’t go to WAAPA wanting to be a publicist CASTING CALLS television series. suddenly I was in a production office away yet here I am, 21 years later, and I’ve worked In 1998, Bolton was cast in Chicago and from the theatre.” Bolton threw himself into longer as a publicist than as a performer.” toured with the show. By the time Chicago learning everything he could about the media “At WAAPA, part of the course was learning wound up in Hong Kong two years later, Bolton industry and the editorial process, from pitch to how to fill out grant applications and I thought had come to a crossroads. publication of a story. ‘I’m never going to need this, where are my tap “I was no longer in love with being a performer But Bolton was also able to draw on existing shoes? I’m just going to be on stage for the but I loved the industry so I experienced deep skills. Having been onstage himself for many rest of my life’. At that time I didn’t know my and confronting conflict about what to do,” he years, he understood the needs and fears perspective or the things I would want from life explains. “Eight shows a week every week and of performers. So while he was learning how might change. Back then all I cared about was then just move on to the next show no longer the media world worked, he was also able to the footlights and performing.” fulfilled me.” coach performers in how to handle the press. Having enjoyed a successful career as a “Hugh Jackman was at WAAPA when I was “It’s something I still do, when I work with a performer before finding job satisfaction in a there and years later I understudied him in performer who might be new to having to do related field, Bolton now believes that performing Beauty and the Beast. But by the time I turned media interviews, I’m able to help them when arts students should embrace everything that is 30, I knew I wasn’t going to be Hugh Jackman. answering questions so they sell themselves offered to them. And I also knew that I probably didn’t really even and the show to the best of their ability.” “If I could have my time again, I would be want to be Hugh Jackman because, if I’m honest a little less focussed on just the performing with myself, I didn’t have the talent, personality KEEP LOOKING aspects,” he reflects. “The elation I used to get or any of the attributes to sustain that kind of “ AT ALL THAT LIFE CAN from performing is the elation I now see when life. I felt like I had gone as far as I could go in an idea turns into a fantastic piece of editorial musical theatre and I needed to adapt if I was OFFER – BOTH ON AND OFF that is one small part of what helps a show to going to stay in the business. That was what THE STAGE be a success. So I’d say keep an open mind and made me decide to look at other options.” don’t discount the fact that what you want may Back in Sydney, following a short stint in In August 2005, Bolton returned to his home change. Keep looking at all that life can offer – call centres, Bolton “fell into PR”, snagging the country of New Zealand for a 10-month stint in both on and off the stage.” job of junior publicist on the original Australian rock ‘n’ roll PR. However he found he missed the Bolton himself doesn’t rule out yet another production of The Lion King. He ended up definite arc of excitement that builds towards career change. “I don’t know what’s next,” he working with that agency for three years. the opening night of a big musical. “When you’re says. “I’ve been doing publicity for 13 years now doing publicity for a band like U2, Bono will do “The great thing about The Lion King but I don’t discount changing direction again. In two phone interviews and that will be your fact, it’s highly likely. Life is change.” experience was that the team working on the campaign.” show at that time were the very best in this Wherever JP Bolton ends up, it’s a fair bet that country,” says Bolton. “So I realised that I had to Out of the blue, Bolton got a phone call from his luck will go with him. be very sponge-like and just absorb information. theatrical producer Louise Withers about being

Inside WAAPA Issue 40 Page 7 LIFE IN THE PARISIAN SUN

A LONG-TERM MEMBER OF THÉÂTRE DU SOLEIL SHARES HER EXPERIENCES

Astrid Grant graduated from WAAPA’s IW: How would you describe your experience Acting course in 2001. The following year she of working with Theatre du Soleil? travelled to France for a workshop with Ariane AG: Impossible to sum up 13 years at once! It Mnouchkine at Théâtre du Soleil, and was has been deeply rich and changing, and I am invited to stay and work there. sure it goes beyond my conscious perception of Now 13 years later, the Sydney-born it. Moving to France was an enormous cultural Grant returned to Perth in June to perform in shift, which in itself challenged me to look at The Song Was Wrong with the Perth Theatre art, life, people, and myself, in a different way. Company (PTC). The learning of a new language, the intense and In the intervening years, Grant has toured saturating working practice, the richness of the the world with the French avant-garde history of the troupe, the numerous encounters theatre ensemble, performing in France, Italy, of an incredible number of incredible people Germany, Austria, Greece, Scotland, Taiwan, from different countries and cultures, working Argentina, Chile, Brazil, America and Australia. alongside and with them, hosting them, being Astrid Grant as Lady Macduff in the Theatre du Soleil production of Macbeth. She has performed in the company’s last four hosted, touring, constantly learning, being Photo by Michèle Laurent productions – Le Dernier Caravansérail, Les inspired, challenged and surprised by the humble AG: I have always been interested and drawn to Ephémères, Les Naufragès du Fol Espoir and nature of these same simple encounters... physical styles of theatre, and have maintained Macbeth – and has been involved in a number Perhaps some of the principal and recurring a working relationship with the exceptional of other projects, such as a 2005 workshop in lessons I carry with me are to never to give up the movement teacher I had at WAAPA, Lisa Scott- Afghanistan. good fight, to always listen, always learn, and on Murphy. When Mel Cantwell (Artistic Director stage, to believe... Of her return to Perth, Grant says: “I am of PTC, writer and director of The Song Was delighted to re-acquaint myself with the IW: Is it true that as part of the company’s Wrong) was looking for an actress to play the city that housed me and holds within it my philosophy, the members live together part of Cécile, my name came up (Lisa is the memories of the most wonderful three years communally? choreographer on the show). Mel had already an acting student could have!” seen some of my work, but we met over Skype AG: Ha! I am always charmed by this perpetuating Here Grant talks to Inside WAAPA about her before she made her decision. It was simply a rumour! Where did it start?! There are around 70 life in theatre: miracle that the timing was right and I was free to members of the company. When we are preparing come to Australia for the season! IW: What was it that first attracted you to for a show, we can have up to 120 people on the Ariane Mnouchkine and the Théâtre du Soleil? payroll (extra technicians, costume makers, IW: Do you return to Theatre du Soleil after your painters, office staff etc.) Our last show had more season in Perth? AG: After graduating from WAAPA I returned to than 40 people on stage. my home town, Sydney, just in time for the AG: Yes, I will continue to work with them. This We work long hours. We start in the morning Sydney Festival of 2002. The Théâtre du Soleil year we are running a few workshops as part of and always eat lunch together. It is not uncommon were performing their work The Flood Drummers what we have called École Nomade (Travelling for us to work into the night and eat the evening (Tambours sur la digue). School) and the first workshop will be held in meal together. It is not unknown for us to crash I had never seen anything like it. An Santiago, Chile, which is where I go next. The rest for the night at the theatre. But we all have our overwhelming melding of exotic Asian and of the year will be dotted with workshops, but I own homes that we go to! Many of us have our European poetry, an ensemble work so purely plan to squeeze in some time to visit my family own families, children, lovers, housemates, pets, attentive to every detail, dripping with visual in Sydney too. to whom we go home! beauty and the meticulous but unpretentious IW: What are your best memories of your time physical prowess of the actors. The story was IW: What have been the highlights of your time at WAAPA? a political fable, pointed, yet mythical; the with the company? discrete genius of live music gently cradling, AG: There are so many, I sometimes wish I AG: Another hard question to sum up. There are so accompanying the story, a figure of Poseidon could revisit my lessons at WAAPA. The three many. But when an audience member remembers at the helm, the entire space had been cared for years were so rich. We had an extraordinary you, despite your wig and heavy make-up on – it was an overwhelming experience from the combination of lessons and teachers. My year stage, and tells you that she felt understood, second I walked in the door. I fell in love with the group had the extra pleasure of working with and heard, recognized from your work; when an work. Nothing like that existed here in Australia, being directed by the late Nick Enright, who left audience member writes to the company and so I was compelled to go there to where it did, to a jewel of understanding of the theatre in us all. tells us that his life has been enriched, changed, go to them. from his experience of coming to our theatre and I learned that Ariane ran workshops and IW: What advice would you give to current spending a day with us; when we see the faces asked her how it might be possible to attend one. WAAPA students? of people light up in wonder, with a recognition of She told me to write to the theatre, which I did. humanity, then we know why we are doing this. AG: Be brave. Forget the mould. Make new The workshops are actually rare events. That is a great highlight. mistakes. Logic isn’t always your friend. Listen. Some of the 2000 applicants had waited 5 years, Live. Travel. Laugh. Teach yourself. Learn about I only waited 9 months. I was lucky. IW: How did it come about that you were offered theatre from all around the world. Allow yourself the part in The Song was Wrong? to dream. Big, wide, and far.

Page 8 Inside WAAPA Issue 40 REPETITION MAKES PERFECT REPETITEUR LOCHLAN BROWN HAS WON A SCHOLARSHIP TO THE MANNES COLLEGE OF MUSIC

Being a repetiteur is perhaps one of the audition, I was required to prepare a number of arts industry’s lesser-known career paths. Yet solo piano works, a handful of lieder, some opera if you’re a talented pianist who loves working arias and an entire Brahms violin and piano collaboratively with opera singers or dancers, sonata!” laughs Brown. He was also asked to then this can be a perfect vocation. sight read instrumental and vocal repertoire, In opera, a repetiteur is the person and was tested on his diction and understanding responsible for coaching singers and playing of Italian, German and French. the piano for music and production rehearsals. But Brown had done his homework before his In addition to strong keyboard skills, a audition. Before even applying, he had visited repetiteur must possess exceptional sight- New York twice and met the Mannes teachers to reading and score reading skills. When coaching work out who would be the best mentor for him. solo singers or choir members, a repetiteur “Although the audition plays a big part in your also needs a working understanding of vocal acceptance to these schools, it’s also about your technique and vocal requirements, a familiarity relationship with the teachers and if they think with many languages, an appreciation for they can work with you,” explains Brown. All poetry and drama, and an ability to read from that effort paid off – Brown was one of only two orchestral scores and mimic orchestral colours pianists accepted into the program and received in the piano. an 80% scholarship. Lochlan Brown can’t pinpoint the exact At Mannes, Brown will join WAAPA alumni Photo by Kristyn Rowland Photography moment when he decided to be a repetiteur. But it Isabelle Freeman, Chelsea Kluga, Richard was around the time he was completing a double enthusiastic to help you achieve your projects Symons, Sarah Guilmartin and Caitlin Cassidy, Bachelor of Music (Composition) and Electronic and initiatives...I was treated like a working who are all currently studying at the renowned Engineering (Hons) at the University of Western professional whilst cushioned with all the New York conservatory – a fact Brown took into Australia. His friend Daniel Mullaney – a WAAPA support or guidance I’d need. I think this consideration. graduate who now sings in the renowned English preparation enabled me to fall so seamlessly “This is absolutely an industry of managing National Opera chorus in London – asked Brown into professional work as a musician even before relationships and it makes perfect sense to to play through a few songs he was learning. I graduated.” study where I have colleagues I work well with.” Mullaney then gave Brown some poetry to set to music so that he and Brown could perform In 2014, Brown received a full scholarship to Brown is also looking forward to being able together. Mullaney also arranged for Brown to study Italian diction and the bel canto style at to expand his talents as a repetiteur, conductor play for a vocal workshop at WAAPA. La Lingua della Lirica in Italy, and was invited to and composer at Mannes. “My interests are all return again in 2015. related – composers turn ideas and sounds into By this time, Brown had discovered his love manuscript, conductors do the reverse. Also, of vocal repertoire. So he enrolled at WAAPA to opera conductors traditionally start as pianists study piano under Anna Sleptsova and spent the STUDENTS AND TEACHERS in opera houses.” next three years learning how to be a repetiteur ALIKE ARE ALWAYS on oratorios and productions. “We live in an age where sources of ENTHUSIASTIC TO HELP YOU entertainment and means of communication are It turns out that Brown has a gift for working rapidly changing. I believe this requires artists to with singers. For three consecutive years, he ACHIEVE YOUR PROJECTS remain as versatile and evolving as possible to received trainee repetiteur scholarships to not only pay their rent but to keep art a desirable attend the prestigious Lisa Gasteen National Through all of this, Brown was also winning and accessible part of people’s lives.” Opera School in Brisbane. In 2012, he was commissions and prizes for his choral Brown experienced this first-hand when in awarded the Evelyn and Ralph Thompson compositions, and working as a conductor and August 2013, as repetiteur with the WA Opera’s Memorial Scholarship. On graduating from music director. He has recently been accepted Young Artist Program, Brown performed a WAAPA in mid-2013, he launched straight into into the 2015 Symphony Services International medley of popular operatic scenes at the Perth the Young Artist Program at the WA Opera as a Conductor Development Program, under the Concert Hall with WA Opera singers for the 4ARTS repetiteur. directorship of Christopher Seaman, where he Festival. The audience consisted entirely of When asked what he loves most about being will work with the West Australian Symphony primary school children, yet Brown cites this as a repetiteur, Brown nominates the collaborative Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and one of the highlights of his musical career so far. process and working with “the crazy people.” Auckland Philharmonia. “They couldn’t understand any of the “Musicians are all interesting characters, Now he has also been awarded a scholarship languages, yet they were screaming, cheering but singers are particularly wild. I’m certain to the Mannes School of Music to undertake a and in fits of laughter at the show we put interesting art comes from interesting artists Masters in Collaborative Piano (accompanying, together... it was surreal,” says Brown. “In the with an urge to express something slightly chamber music, opera and conducting), which current climate of the National Opera Review and different.” starts in September. the increasing bankruptcy of opera companies Brown credits the atmosphere of Auditioning for Mannes proved an “intensive” worldwide, it was an unbelievable experience collaboration and support at WAAPA as being process. After his initial application was to witness the astonishing effect of our crucial to his smooth transition to professional accepted, Brown was asked to travel to New performance on those kids.” work. “Students and teachers alike are always York in March for an audition. “For the 30-minute

InsideInside WAAPA WAAPA IssueIssue 40 40 Page Page 9 9 TRAVELLING TO LEARN AN ACTOR AND AN OPERA SINGER HAVE BEEN AWARDED $20,000 EACH TO HELP PURSUE THEIR ARTISTIC DREAMS

In March, actor Nicole Shostak and opera Next year Shostak singer Corinne Cowling were each awarded a plans to spend a week 2015 Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarship. in New York taking voice These annual scholarships provide talented classes with renowned British Australians under the age of 35 with $20,000 voice coach, Patsy Rodenburg. for interstate or overseas travel to explore, study She will also spend five weeks in Left: Nicole Shostak and develop their artistic talent. The winners Russia studying at the St Petersburg State Right: Corinne Cowling are chosen from nine artistic categories, Theatre Arts Academy and being involved in a offered over alternate years, from the fields of residency at the Maly Drama Theatre of Europe, Guildhall is an internationally acting, architecture, ballet, instrumental music, a repertory theatre which specializes in the respected arts training institution, with painting, poetry, prose, sculpture and singing. plays of Chekhov and Russian classics. successful opera singers such as Bryn Terfel, Past recipients of the scholarships include Corinne Cowling trained in both music Anne Sofie von Otter, Teddy Tahu Rhodes and author Tim Winton and painter Wendy Sharpe. theatre and classical ballet before she settled WAAPA graduate Sky Ingram among its alumni. on a career as an opera singer. “I know I will be in safe hands as Guildhall has 2011 Acting graduate Nicole Shostak, whose “Something happens when I sing opera, an some of the most world-renowned professors screen credits include A Place to Call Home and and guest lecturers for voice,” says Cowling. Devil’s Playground, will use her scholarship to indescribable connection to my true self,” the hone her skills in long-form improvisational 25-year-old budding opera star says. “When I Cowling is due to start her Masters at Guildhall comedy and sketch writing, and to extend her sing, I am sharing my heart and soul with the in September. The course includes individual comedy performance experience. audience.” Cowling graduated from WAAPA as singing lessons and coaching; classes in opera, the inaugural recipient of the 2013 Dame Mary theatre and language; masterclasses with guest Shostak has already begun her scholarship Gilmore Award for the most promising overall artists; visits from agents and casting directors; itinerary, relocating to Los Angeles two months final year female student in Classical Voice. and plenty of performance opportunities. The ago to study at the Upright Citizen Brigade (UCB). Last year, as a finalist at the IFAC Australian course is specially designed to prepare singers This is the top improvisational comedy school for the wider international industry. in America, with alumni such as comedians Singing Competition, Cowling won the Guildhall Amy Poehler and Zach Galifianakis. Many of its School of Music and Drama award which “Study and coaching is essential to a graduates have gone on to write and/or perform provides fees for a year of postgraduate study successful career in opera,” says Cowling of her for the Emmy Award-winning comedy show, at London’s famous training institution. However decision to take on her Masters. “It’s impossible Saturday Night Live. the course she is enrolled in, a Masters of Music to do it all on your own, as it is a classical Vocal Studies, is a two-year degree. art form that takes years to understand and “I have always loved comedy, it demands “The expenses not covered by the Guildhall execute. The more advice you get the better, and unique timing and really living ‘moment to being surrounded by an environment that is rich moment’; that kind of spontaneity is really Award include the second year fees and living expenses in London,” says Cowling. “The in opera history such as the Royal Opera House exciting to me,” Shostak explains of her decision doesn’t hurt either!” to study at UCB. “I enjoyed exploring it at WAAPA, financial pressure is immense, so receiving and wanted to spend more time pushing the the Marten Bequest Scholarship was definitely Cowling hopes to complete her studies at boundaries of its possibilities. The training at something to celebrate...it will ensure I am able Guildhall and then audition for young artist UCB is surprisingly technical so there is a good to financially sustain my studies in London over programs within opera companies in the UK, structure to follow that then allows the comedy two years, keep my budget organised and make Australia or US. Her Marten Bequest Scholarship to naturally occur. It definitely feels like I’m in the sure every cent counts!” has helped set her on the path to achieve right place.” her goal. WAAPA WINNERS In June, 2nd Year Music Theatre student Also in June, 3rd Year Acting students Megan Hayden Baum was awarded the prestigious Bill Wilding and Benjamin Kindon were named the Warnock Scholarship. The award was announced winners of the 2015 Sally Burton Awards for best at the conclusion of the preview performance of male and female performances at WAAPA. WAAPA”s mid-year musical Legally Blonde at the Nurturing young artistic talent has long been Regal Theatre. a passion for Sally Burton, the widow of the great The scholarship, awarded to the most promising Welsh actor Richard Burton. second-year music theatre student, honours Bill All students in 3rd Year Acting at WAAPA are Warnock’s love of WAAPA performances and his invited to perform for the annual prizes – one for passion for the WA performing arts community. a male, one for a female – worth $2,000 each. Presented on the same evening was the 2015 The students are required to perform a John Cowdell Music Theatre Ensemble Prize Shakespearean monologue or duologue. The to 2nd Year Music Theatre student, Rebecca judging is based on the ability to speak the verse, Cullinan. This prize is awarded to the student connect to the text, interpret the content and judged to have contributed the most to the present the finished work. ensemble of the mid-year musical. Top image (from left): Hugh Dalrymple, 2015 Bill Warnock Scholarship Below image: 2015 Sally Burton Award winners Benjamin Kindon and Megan recipient Hayden Baum, Diana Warnock, Kylie Warnock and Greer Dalrymple. Wilding with Sally Burton (centre) Page 10 Inside WAAPA Issue 40 DESIGNING A SECONDMENT

Walker first met Sean Turner, Associate six-metre-high figure of the Holly King. Walker Designer for LAStheatre, early in 2014 when she created the head of the giant Holly King sculpture was his design assistant on the Punchdrunk for the show and also made costume pieces. production of The House Where Winter Lives, for Other gigs while in England included the Perth International Arts Festival. LAStheatre sourcing costumes for a promotional shoot and Punchdrunk are both UK theatre companies for LAStheatre Company’s production of New renowned for immersive theatrical experiences. Atlantis and helping design a set for a Parkour While in England, Walker worked as a design dance company. “The set had to be structurally assistant on four shows, the main production strong but also able to be moved from location to being an end-of-year pantomime at the City location as this company does most of its shows Varieties Music Hall in Leeds, Dick Whittington: outdoors on the streets.” The Rock ’n’ Roll Panto. Now back in Perth and post-WAAPA, Walker is “Dick Whittington was such an amazing keeping herself busy. She has been production experience because I witnessed it from start to designer on three WA Screen Academy films; Holly King sculpture at Kew Gardens Christmas Festival finish, got to work closely with everyone in all she is managing and designing a music video hen Rhiannon Walker, who graduated departments – which made me feel like I was for a local up-and-coming band; she is starting from WAAPA’s Design course in 2014, back at WAAPA – and I had a lot of responsibility an events design/styling business; and she is Wundertook a seven-week secondment throughout the process which allowed me to turning people’s photos into paintings – “possibly in the UK working with British designer Sean prove myself as a designer.” another business venture!” Turner, it allowed her to put what she had learnt Walker then worked with Turner on the “Since coming home I haven’t been out of at WAAPA into practice. LAStheatre production, Hweol, commissioned work so I am keen to get involved in everything “It helped boost my confidence as a designer for the Kew Gardens Christmas Festival. An Perth has to offer and hopefully one day work and showed me that I was ready for the ‘real interactive family show, it brought the tale of the for theatre companies around the world from a world’,” Walker says. Winter Solstice to life, using a specially crafted studio in Perth.” VALE DR MAGGI PHILLIPS Associate Professor Maggi Phillips was the twenty years the university boardroom where coordinator of Research and Creative Practice at the imperative to advocate for practice as the Western Australian Academy of Performing research for Artist Researchers was paramount. Arts, a position that enabled daily access to the Maggi began at WAAPA teaching Dance integration of artistic innovation and research. History and Analysis units which she continued Her life path crossed many disciplines and until her passing, despite the many other roles worldviews, from dancer (trained in ballet she she accumulated as Coordinator of Research travelled the world initially with Casino de Paris and Creative Practice at WAAPA. There are and then with works by Doris Haug of Moulin legions of dance graduates who remember Rouge) to a world literature doctorate (the her with true appreciation for her passion and comparative analysis of postcolonial African breadth of knowledge in her field. Maggi believed and Indian literature), the circus ring (a year in the study of dance as a credible academic with Swiss National Circus Knie where she pursuit at tertiary level and was recognized to think – to really think –and encouraged us all developed a lifelong love for as a pioneer in this both nationally to activate and challenge our thoughts, beliefs elephants), to community and internationally. and dreams. She gave her students the skills arts development and dance To say Maggi Phillips was an to embark on rational enquiry whilst instilling in the top end (Brown’s Mart incredibly special person is an in them the enthusiasm to carry curiosity with Community Arts and Feats inadequate them through their life journeys. The staff at Unlimited in the Northern expression WAAPA and the ECU community are united in Territory) and over the last of our love and their grief at losing our esteemed colleague and admiration for her. dear friend. We so miss her healthy cynicism, She was a vital part her joyful optimism, her laugh. We clutch for our of the culture of WAAPA. With fond memories of Maggi and scrabble to retain grace and dignity she questioned the wisdom she imparted in such a gentle, but and cajoled, provoked and resolved. considered manner. Maggi Phillips made a giant She led, not by putting herself contribution in the world of dance and academia. first, but by imbuing in others But it was our personal interactions with her the “sense of the possible” in that we will treasure the most. She will remain the realm of the “improbable” in our hearts forever, although forever seems so and by doing so encouraged limiting. imaginations to soar. She Rest in peace, you deserve it. believed in everyone’s Professor Julie Warn AM, Director, WAAPA individual ability and Ms Nanette Hassall AM, Head of Dance, WAAPA inspired students InsideInside WAAPA WAAPA IssueIssue 40 40 Page Page 11 11 Rai Thistlethwayte in Concert The Playboy of the Western World IN THE SPOTLIGHT A GLIMPSE OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING ON STAGE AT WAAPA

Pulse

The Good Doctor Legally Blonde the Musical

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS Playboy of the Western World Pulse Tipping Point

Tipping Point Legally Blonde the Musical

Cover Credits Front Cover Courtesy of KUČKA Back Cover Production photos by Jon Green Photographer Rai Thistlethwayte in Concert, photo by Kathy Wheatley

CRICOS IPC 00279B Page 12 Inside WAAPA Issue 40