OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS, EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY (ISSUE 39) MARCH 2015

WAAPA welcomes new 30 years of Head of Acting Music Theatre Page 2 Page 4 Plus KABOOM PERCUSSION Overseas exchange and lifts off ... graduate success Page 8 stories!

Inside WAAPA Issue 39 Page 1 WAAPA WELCOMES NEW COORDINATOR OF ACTING ACTOR, DIRECTOR AND EDUCATOR GLENDA LINSCOTT

TAKES ON HER NEXT BIG ROLE

Actor Glenda Linscott says that her motto appeared with William Zappa in Hate by Stephen to live by is simple: “Be Kind. Breathe. Count Sewell for Malthouse Theatre, and directed Life Your Blessings”. of Galileo and Summer of the Seventeenth Yet it is the Academy’s students who will Doll for the Complete Works Theatre Company be counting their blessings now that Linscott in Melbourne. has relocated from Melbourne to Perth to take Linscott has also taught at acting up the position of WAAPA’s new Coordinator institutions such as NIDA, VCA, MEAA, of Acting. Melbourne University, Swinburne University, Linscott brings a wealth of acting and Patrick Studios Australia and many private teaching experience to her role at WAAPA. training academies in VIC, NSW and QLD. Since graduating from NIDA in 1978, she has “The appointment of such a highly- worked extensively in theatre, film, television respected arts practitioner will undoubtedly and radio; she has taught at Australia’s major enhance WAAPA’s national reputation,” says actor training institutions; and she runs her Julie Warn, Director of WAAPA. “We’re delighted own business, Perform with Confidence, which to welcome Glenda on board, and look forward provides training and coaching services to to benefiting from her expertise.” actors and corporate clients. Linscott describes herself as being elated Linscott is best known for her award- about her WAAPA appointment. winning performance as tough bikie inmate “It’s the affirmation of a lifetime’s work and top dog Rita ‘The Beater’ Connors in the and a very great honour,” she says. “I’m very iconic Australian television series, Prisoner. excited about working with and training the That was back in 1986-87, yet people still write, next generation of elite actors.” approach her in the street, ask for photographs, and wallabies. She had finished high school Asked to name who has had the greatest and want to talk about how much they loved and was studying psychology in the UK. After influence on her career, Linscott is at a loss to the show. that day, she decided to emigrate and finish her know where to begin. degree at Ballarat University. We had a deep Linscott describes how an encounter with “Not fair! So many!” she laughs. “My first conversation about how Rita’s story – and all a Prisoner fan turned out to be one of the acting teacher Aubrey Mellor, Cicely Berry who the stories told through a piece of low budget highlights of her career. taught me in early 1980s, Lindy Davies, Nick Aussie TV soap – had the power to enhance, “I once had a very humbling encounter with a Enright, Peter Kingston, Rhys McConnochie, inspire and engage people to live better lives, Prisoner fan, who’d had a tragic early childhood, ABC Radio Drama! The playwrights! The brilliant and become better human beings.” suffering terrible physical and emotional abuse actors I’ve worked with over the years, Maggie at home, and grinding poverty,” recalls Linscott. “That made me very proud to be an actress.” King, Geoff Morrell, all the girls on Prisoner, Paul “When she was still a little girl she went to Linscott’s long list of television credits also Eddington, Julia Blake, William Zappa, Blessing visit her grandmother one holiday. She saw includes regular roles on the drama series Mokgohloa ... too many!” an episode of Prisoner with me playing Rita Murder Call as pathologist Dr. Imogen Soames; When Linscott launched her training Connors. She told me that she didn’t know on Neighbours as Dr. Jessica Girdwood, a company Perform with Confidence in 2008, human beings could be like that – so full of surgeon at Erinsborough Hospital; and more she wrote herself a mission statement. It reads: life, so fun, so passionate, so caring – even recently on Winners & Losers as Lily Patterson, “Glenda’s intention is at all times to support the when they were behind bars. She made up her Frances’ wayward mother. realisation of the individual’s potential. Allowing mind that she would meet me one day. Her Among her considerable theatre experience, the development of imagination, creativity and grandmother told her if she applied herself and Linscott has performed lead roles for major adventurous story telling in order to develop finished school, she would help her with the theatre companies in plays such as Steaming, excellence in communication and performing airfare to Australia.” Daylight Saving, Speaking in Tongues, Crimes with confidence; to serve our community by “Twelve years later she flew out to Australia of the Heart, and Dinner with Friends. reflecting the value and meaning of our lives.” as part of a UK Fan Club event and met me. In 2012, she was nominated for a Greenroom It seems WAAPA’s Acting course is in We talked as we walked around the Wildlife Award for Best Actress for Bad Blood Blues at good hands. Sanctuary in Ballarat, held koalas, met goannas Melbourne’s Chapel Off Chapel. Last year she Photo by Yatzek

Page 2 Inside WAAPA Issue 39 MEG MAC SCORES TRIPLE TRACKS IN HOTTEST 100 VOCAL POWERHOUSE MEG MAC SCORES THREE TRACKS IN TRIPLE J’S HOTTEST 100 FOR 2014

Since snagging one of the three “Around the time I graduated I had winning places in the Unearthed only recorded one song which I had competition for 2013, written that year,” said McInerney. Meg Mac has been making a name “Being an unknown and unsigned for herself with her sophisticated artist I created a profile on Triple J songwriting and velvety-smooth, Unearthed and uploaded my first soulful vocals. single, Known Better and put my After graduating from WAAPA’s music out in to the world for the Contemporary Music course in 2012, first time. I guess you can say I was Meg Mac – a shortening of her real ‘unearthed’ by Triple J because it all name, Megan McInerney – brought started from there. I started getting out two singles in quick succession airplay and support from the station, to critical acclaim, Known Better presenters and the listeners and and Every Lie, both of which that all led me to write and record feature her trademark bluesy more and now I find myself where I instrumentation and bursts of am today.” passionate vocal power. Behind the scenes, Composition Now three of her songs have and Music Technology graduate made it into Triple J’s Hottest 100 for Charlie Daily produced two tracks by 2014: Roll up Your Sleeves was voted Allday that made the Hottest 100 cut: in at 24, Grandma’s Hands charted at You Always Know the DJ scored at 35 46 and Bridges ( 2014) and Right Now was voted in at 65. came in at 91.

DR THOMPSON TAKES CENTRE STAGE t Edith Cowan University’s graduation funding for 12 special projects at WAAPA ceremony on January 31, Australian this year. Ascreen legend Jack Thompson was the Included will be a play by leading recipient of the honorary title of Doctor of playwright David Milroy to be performed Performing Arts honoris causa. by the students of WAAPA’s Aboriginal The award recognises Thompson “as one Theatre course. of Australia’s most iconic performing artists and for his decades of leadership as an ambassador of reconciliation.” Dr Thompson AM, who lives in Sydney, is a regular visitor to WAAPA. He has held several masterclasses for students and his son Bill graduated from the Acting course in 2013. Dr Thompson is also the Founding Patron of the Jackman Furness Foundation for the Performing Arts, which was established by WAAPA alumnus and actor, producer and director Deborra-lee Furness in 2014. The Jackman Furness Foundation, with support from the Andrew and Nicola Forrest- founded Minderoo Foundation, has approved From left: Director of WAAPA Professor Julie Warn, Dr Jack Thompson and Jonny Hawkins Photo by Paul Santelmann, GFP Studios Inside WAAPA Issue 39 Page 3 SHOWSTOPPERS KICK OFF 30TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR WAAPA’S MUSIC THEATRE COURSE TURNS 30 ... AND KICK STARTS THE YEAR WITH A SHOW-STOPPING FUNDRAISER

Launching a year of celebrations to mark 20-23. Themed Australasian Overtures, this will the 30th anniversary of WAAPA’s renowned be the first MTEA Conference to be held in the Music Theatre course, the Academy hosted southern hemisphere. a fundraising gala concert in the Geoff Gibbs The conference will bring together musical Theatre on February 9. theatre educators from all over the world to share WAAPA Music Theatre Showstoppers featured ideas about curriculum, recruitment, production the entire cast of Cameron Mackintosh’s and professional placement. It will also unite acclaimed new production of Les Misérables – educators with professional theatre artists in which includes 16 WAAPA graduates – with their their respective fields, with key Australian and Musical Director Geoffrey Castles, members of international artists being featured. There will

the orchestra and key technical staff, who all be presentations, workshops, discussions and Heath Stephen by Photo generously donated their time to make the gala entertainment pertinent to teachers of acting, Music Theatre graduate Kerrie Anne Greenland, who plays Éponine in Les Misérables, performing in WAAPA’s Showstoppers gala concert possible. Les Misérables also celebrates 30 singing, dance and voice. years this year. Comedian, author, playwright, actor and WAAPA Music Theatre graduates that he has All funds raised will benefit WAAPA’s hosting director Ben Elton, who is patron of the MTEA auditioned and employed. He said the upcoming of the 2015 Musical Theatre Educators’ Alliance Conference, spoke at the gala concert about conference will only build on the department’s (MTEA) Conference, which will be held from June the preparedness and professionalism of the already outstanding international reputation.

Director of JFFPA Geoffrey Michael and Ben Elton (centre) with the cast of Les Misérables and current WAAPA Music Theatre students Photo by Stephen Heath Stephen by Photo DIANA WARNOCK HONOURED

On January 26, former MP, the Bill Warnock Scholarship. Awarded broadcaster and women’s rights to WAAPA’s most promising 2nd Year activist Diana Warnock was recognised Music Theatre student, this scholarship in the 2105 Australia Day Honours for honours the passion that Diana’s late her service to the community and to husband Bill had for the WA performing the Parliament of Western Australia. arts community and in particular, Every year, at the conclusion of for WAAPA. the preview performance of WAAPA’s WAAPA is proud of its association with mid-year musical, Diana Warnock and the Warnock family and congratulates members of her family take to the Diana Warnock on her Australia stage to announce the recipient of Day Honour. Photo by Kathy Wheatley Kathy by Photo Diana Warnock (second from left) with Hugh Dalrymple, 2014 Bill Warnock Award recipient Page 4 Inside WAAPA Issue 39 Joel Granger, Greer Dalrymple and Kylie Warnock THE BUSINESS OF PERFORMING A YOUNG OPERA SINGER COMBINES HER TWIN PASSIONS FOR THE ARTS AND FREE-MARKET ECONOMICS

It’s not every opera singer who is passionate and last year performed the role of Guinevere about economics. Or who sets up their own in Camelot in Vegas. What’s next for you as film production company. Or who can speak a performer? Last year my first feature film five languages, play six instruments and is a Subconsicous was released. This year I have a state gold medal-winning Irish dancer. But not leading role in two more feature films, BTS and everyone is Naomi Brockwell, a 29-year-old Attack on Ashville, and am also putting together dynamo who has spring-boarded her training at an original one-woman show. I have a new music WAAPA into a multi-faceted career. group with my sister, and we will be recording Perth-born Brockwell describes herself as an album together as a fun side project. We both “an actress, film producer, Austrian economics sing and play many different instruments so evangelist and opera singer”. Now based in New we thought it would be a great thing to do. Our York City, Brockwell works as Program Officer grandmother was a singer in the army and she’s for the Moving Picture Institute, a charitable a great inspiration to us. foundation which supports the production of Why did you decide to found Rainsworth Photo by Rebecca Mercia Photography Mercia Rebecca by Photo films promoting freedom. Yet around her day job, Productions? I used to make a lot of films Brockwell fits in an extraordinary array of other with my friends in Perth, and I also produced interests: she is CEO of her own film production theatre. When I moved to NYC I began casting The Institute for Humane Studies; I’m a policy company, Rainsworth Productions, where she and producing features in my spare time, associate at the New York Bitcoin Centre; and works as a producer, casting director and actor; and I auditioned over a thousand actors. This I’ve taken to rewriting pop songs to be about she continues to work as a performer; and her experience gave me a lot to offer actors in economics and making parody videos for them. interest in economics – mentored by Gene helping with their audition technique, and it also My aim through these endeavours is to educate Epstein, economics editor of America’s premier introduced me to a lot a very talented people people about economics. We all want to change financial magazine, Barron’s – finds expression who wanted to work. When I set up Rainsworth the world for the better, but you can’t judge a in a surprising variety of ways. Productions, it was not only to make films with policy by its intentions, you must judge it by its Here Brockwell talks to Inside WAAPA about this new network of mine, but I also brought consequences. I want to help people understand her unusual career path: in famous casting directors to teach audition about the unintended consequences of their masterclasses. I also began teaching singing Tell us about your studies in Perth ... I studied decisions so that we can make better choices and giving audition coaching classes, and helped economics at UWA initially, then did a Bachelor as a society, and create positive changes mentor actors who were trying to navigate their of Performance majoring in Acting at Curtin around us. way through the acting world here in NYC. I University. In 2008 I studied Musical Theatre really love business as well as performance, so What are your favourite memories of your time at WAAPA in the certificate program, and setting up a production company seemed like a at WAAPA? I loved my time at WAAPA, it had such then graduated with a Bachelor of Classical great move. a profound impact on me. Imagine Disneyland for Performance from WAAPA in 2013. (Two years of a performer, that’s what it felt like to me. I loved opera were completed at Mannes College in New You have a number of creative roles to your walking into the building in the mornings, seeing York and two years at WAAPA). credit: actor, singer, casting director, producer. dancers stretching in the corridor, the guitarists Is there one that stands out as being your When did you move to New York and what strumming away on the couch, hearing a jazz favourite that you'd most like to pursue in prompted the move? I have been living in New band off in one of the studios, seeing people in the future? I’ve always wanted to act. Then I York for almost four and a half years. I wanted costumes, carrying beautiful sets around, the discovered singing and fell so madly in love with to do some training over here, and was inspired singers humming to themselves. opera that I could think of doing nothing else. I by the intensive program that Patricia Price’s It was the most positive and inspiring place became a producer to pay the bills and enable son, Alexander Lewis undertook. [Patricia Price for any creative person to flourish. I was super- other opportunities, but it turns out that I’m is WAAPA’s Coordinator of Classical Vocal Studies lucky to have such wonderful teachers, but also actually quite good at it, and there’s a certain and Opera; her son Alexander graduated from felt that I was at a tremendous advantage having thrill that comes from managing a tremendous WAAPA in 2004 and is now a professional opera the opportunity to learn from all of the students amount of moving parts and putting films singer based in New York.] there in all kinds of disciplines. It allowed me together right from the start. I work full-time to fall in love with so much more than just my I intended to stay only two months over my as a producer at the Moving Picture Institute own major, and really helped me grow in my own summer break, doing singing lessons every in NYC and adore my job. I’ve really never been pursuits. I’ve always been a curious person, and day, coachings, Alexander technique sessions, happier but I’m always making sure that I keep WAAPA handed all kinds of amazing to me on a seeing as much opera at The Met[ropolitan performance an important part of my life. Opera] as I possibly could. It was an intensive silver platter. Your interest in economics is not the usual and exhausting time but I absolutely adored it What advice would you give to WAAPA students? sideline for an opera singer! What do you and so I decided to stay. I thought why not make The most important thing I’ve learned in my love about it? Economics is a great passion that my regular routine? And so I dove head first career and in running my film company is that of mine. I host an Austrian economics reading into a life of intensive opera training and loved good things don’t come to those who wait. Good group in NYC with economics editor of Barron’s, every second of it. things come to those who network like crazy, Gene Epstein; I’m on the advisory council of work as hard as they can, and persevere through You made your Off-Broadway debut in 2012, the Mannkal Economics Education Foundation; till the end. debuted with the New York Lyric Opera in 2013 I am the host of the Learn Liberty Academy for

Inside WAAPA Issue 39 Page 5 CULTURAL EXCHANGE RATES HIGHLY PERFORMING ARTS STUDENTS ENJOY OVERSEAS INTERCULTURAL ACTOR TRAINING

On January 1, six students from the teachers actively encouraged us WAAPA’s Bachelor of Performing Arts to think about our culture and listen to in Performance Making flew out of and learn from others – from the voice SWEET TALENT ON SHOW Perth to spend six weeks at Singapore’s lessons where we had to research Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI). where our ancestors come from (skype Formerly known as the Theatre calls to mums and grandparents were Training & Research Program, ITI recommended) and where we had to is an independent theatre school each teach a song in our language to co-founded by its current director, all the other students; to the humanity Sasitharan Thirunalan, and the late class where we talked about what we playwright, theatre director, educator think of culture and what we think and arts activist, Kuo Pao Kun. Both makes our culture and makes us who men have been recipients of the we are; to the daily one hour lunch Cultural Medallion, Singapore’s highest break where all the students would sit honour for artists, which recognizes together at a long table, talking and outstanding work in the arts. quite often singing, using all sorts of things as instruments – chopsticks, ITI’s vision of intercultural actor forks, hands, even coconuts! Different 3rd year Performance Making students (left to right) Indiana Coole, Mariah O’Dea, Lucy Clements, training uses a matrix of traditional Melissa Ettler and Elijah Melvin before their final presentation at the end of 6 weeks of training in accents and people not understanding Japanese Noh Theatre at ITI in Singapore. Asian theatre systems and theatre- a word or sentence (because English making from different cultures, with a isn’t their first language) was never view to producing critically and socially seen as an obstacle but as an engaged artists who make original, opportunity to learn for both sides.” contemporary theatre. Thirunalan described the WAAPA Sasitharan Thirunalan describes ITI students as a “credit to themselves, as “not a school in the cookie-cutter their teachers and to WAAPA”. mould”. Its students are encouraged to explore the “whys and wherefores “Both as a group and as individuals of doing theatre and being an artist” by I witnessed how they grew to engaging in different cultural contexts. always adapt to new and changing situations, and watched as their The WAAPA students spent their curiosity and competence developed,” mornings taking voice, movement and he commented after the visit. “The Tai chi classes, and in the afternoons highlight was seeing them grow as studied traditional Japanese Noh persons and actors. I am hoping this theatre. There were also weekly classes is a process that will continue after discussing culture, intercultural they return to WAAPA. It must be said practice and the arts. that the WAAPA students made deep (Left to right) Melissa Ettler, Tim Green and Lucy Clements in masks and kimonos for their BPA student Lucy Clements believes impact on the ITI students, through presentation of Japanese Noh theatre études. the trip changed her and her fellow their commitment and the sheer joy students, both as people and as they brought into the studio process.” artists. “The Singapore exchange trip As part of the visit, Head of WAAPA’s at ITI opened and expanded our minds, Bachelor of Performing Arts course Dr not just to different styles of theatre, Frances Barbe spent four weeks at ITI, but also to different cultures, values, teaching her intercultural approach to people and lifestyles,” she said. “The movement and performer training. trip was a journey with many struggles and hardships, all of which we came Thirunalan has been invited to visit through together, resulting in a deeper WAAPA later this year to present a talk understanding of the creative process, on ITI’s intercultural actor training what it means to make art and what it program. While in Perth, Thirunalan is means to be an artist.” keen to learn about WAAPA’s Bachelor of Performing Arts course and meet “On our first day we were told that the local theatre community of actors, to be a good artist we must learn to directors and students. be a good person. After six weeks of living and learning with our incredible With New Colombo Plan funding fellow students, we came home with a already secured to run the study tour new understanding of the meaning and again next year, Dr Barbe is hoping to value of this message.” make this exchange between ITI and Noh Theatre master Yoshimasa Kanze (centre) of the Kanze School of Noh in Japan, with WAAPA WAAPA an annual event. student Tim Green learning repertoire with Japanese sword. Yoshimasa Kanze is the only son of Fellow student Melissa Ettler Yoshiyuki Kanze, the fourth head of Kanze Kyuhkoh-kai (Kanze School of Noh), Yoshimasa Kanze was taught and trained by his father, and made his stage debut at the age of three. agrees: “From the first day onwards

Page 6 Inside WAAPA Issue 39 SWEET TALENT ON SHOW

Director Dean Bryant won a Helpmann Award Zhivago, South Pacific, West Side Story and The SWEET CHARITY, WHICH for Best Direction of a Musical for his inspired Woman in White, among many others. revamp of this classic show. 2003 graduate Lisa Sontag played Heléne, RECENTLY CLOSED AFTER A Bryant, who has previously won two Green one of the main trio of dance hall hostesses. SHORT SEASON OF TOURING Room awards and a Sydney Theatre Award, has a Sontag, who won the Green Room Award for Best string of directing credits to his name, including Supporting Actress for ‘Frenchy’ in Grease, has ON THE EAST COAST, HAD being worldwide associate director (under worked regularly with , Simon Phillips) on Priscilla, Queen of the Desert toured with Mary Poppins and is now appearing CRITICS AND AUDIENCES – The Musical. He has worked for the Melbourne in Les Misérables. Theatre Company, The Production Company, Here’s a sample of the unanimous praise APPLAUDING. Red Stitch, OzOpera and CUB Malhouse. His next the reviewers heaped on Sweet Charity’s project is directing Opera Australia and John main leads: Produced by Luckiest Productions and Neil Frost’s production of , starring “Verity Hunt-Ballard ... is a remarkable mix Gooding Productions, Sweet Charity opened Caroline O’Connor and Todd McKenney, which of pep and pain as Charity. The role is a tough in February 2014 as the first offering from the opens in Sydney in September. ask, requiring teeth-out goofiness and naivety Hayes Theatre Company. This new company has In the starring role of Charity Hope Valentine, one minute, heartbreak and wisdom the next – taken over a tiny theatre space in Sydney’s Potts 2003 graduate Verity Hunt-Ballard produced plus a range that can handle the belting highs of Point, formerly run by the Darlinghurst Theatre yet another knock-out performance, taking out Where Am I Going? Hunt-Ballard manages all and Company, to create a home for small-scale a 2014 Helpmann Award and Sydney Theatre then some. As her men ... Martin Crewes is her musicals and cabaret. Award. Three years ago she won a Helpmann and equal.” – Joel Meares, Sydney Morning Herald Sweet Charity was an instant hit: reviewers a Green Room Award for her ‘practically perfect’ “Verity Hunt-Ballard is gorgeous as Charity, raved, the show sold out and it went on to win portrayal of the much-loved magical nanny in capturing her kookiness, sweetness, sunny three . Riding high on that Mary Poppins. optimism and vulnerability ... it’s a radiant, success, in January this year the production Green Room Award winner and Helpmann endearing performance; sensationally sung, relocated to the ’s nominee Martin Crewes played all three danced and acted, with knockout comic timing. Playhouse Theatre, followed by short runs in of Charity’s beaux: no good lover Charlie, Martin Crewes plays Charlie, Vittorio and Oscar Canberra, Melbourne and Wollongong. international movie star Vittorio and odd-ball and delineates them with wonderfully detailed Four of the main players behind this show’s neurotic Oscar. Crewes, who graduated from performances ...” – Jo Litson, Scene and Heard success are WAAPA graduates. WAAPA in 1990, has enjoyed leading roles in Dr Verity Hunt-Ballard and Martin Crewes in ‘Sweet Charity’ Photos by Jeff Busby Jeff by Photos Inside WAAPA Issue 39 Page 7 DRUMMING UP SUCCESS A DYNAMIC DUO IS PASSIONATE ABOUT CREATING AND PERFORMING EXCITING NEW PERCUSSION MUSIC

Photo by Nik Babic

Catherine Hall and Joshua Webster stand the most outstanding student in the final year of buyers from London’s esteemed Royal Academy behind two tom-tom drums in WAAPA’s Handa a Bachelor of Music degree. She then received an of Music, the University of Glasgow and from Studio, home to WAAPA’s extraordinary array Australian Postgraduate Award to complete her places as far afield as Luxembourg and Japan. of percussion instruments. They each hold Masters degree in percussion performance. Hand in hand with their composing, Hall and drumsticks in their hands, poised in readiness. Webster’s talents were equally recognized Webster are also building a reputation for their There’s a moment of complete stillness. Then, at WAAPA, being awarded the John & Margaret fun, inspirational teaching of children. Last as one, they begin drumming. What follows is a Winstanley Prize for most outstanding classical year Kaboom Percussion was commissioned fun performance of slick, synchronized playing music student. In 2009, he won a scholarship to to write a piece for 350 boys from Christ interspersed with tapping, clapping and even travel to Budapest, Hungary, to study cimbalom Church Grammar School, the entire cohorts juggling, as the two percussionists twirl their with Viktória Herencsár, the President of the from Years 3 through 6, to be performed at an drumsticks in the air and to each other, without Cimbalom World Association. Webster returned end-of-term concert. ever missing a beat. to Europe three times, studying with leading “At the start of the term, we sent the school This is Kaboom Percussion, a pair of young cimbalom performers Kálmán Balogh, Sándor the music and YouTube videos of us playing Perth musicians whose aim is to inspire and Kuti, Giani Lincan, Miklós Lukács, Jenő Lisztes, the parts and suggestions on how to build their empower children and adults through their and Jenő Sörös. instruments,” says Webster. entertaining percussion performances, fun Post university, Hall and Webster enjoyed “We got them to make their own percussion workshops and original compositions. stints performing and touring both nationally kits, which was a combination of things like rice Kaboom Percussion was officially formed and overseas, mainly as part of Tetrafide taped into plates, little bucket drums, cans with just over a year ago, yet Hall and Webster have Percussion. They have also worked as tutors, balloons over the top ... and then they decorated known each other and worked together for ensemble directors, composers and freelance their kits in art class.” over ten years. They met as undergraduate percussionists. “The staff and students worked on the project students; Hall was studying percussion at the At the end of 2013 Hall and Webster started all term, then we came in a couple of days before University of WA and Webster was at WAAPA but writing percussion music together. Kaboom the concert to see what they had achieved. We both were invited to join WAAPA’s award-winning Percussion grew out of the idea that they could put it all together in an hour and half – that was percussion ensemble, Defying Gravity. Soon sell their compositions online. one crazy rehearsal! But the concert was a after meeting, they enlisted two other student One of these compositions is a quirky huge success.” percussionists and formed their own quartet 3-minute percussion duo for red drinking cups, called Quadraphonic. This year they are working on two more based on Anna Kendrick’s ‘Cup Song’ from the school commissions, for the Year 6 cohorts Hall and Webster excelled in their respective movie Pitch Perfect. Hall and Webster filmed of Perth College and Peter Carnley Anglican tertiary environments, picking up numerous themselves performing the piece and posted Community School, respectively. awards as they made their way through their it on YouTube. ‘Cups’ has now been viewed 2 “We’re trying to write material that’s portable degrees, each attaining a Bachelor of Music with million times. first class honours and a Masters. – pack small, play big,” says Webster. “The “The site is getting close to half a million school show we’re writing at the moment uses At UWA, Hall was the recipient the V. H. views a month, with the lion’s share going to the everything we have ... so we’ve got a couple of Cooper Memorial Prize, awarded to the most ‘Cups’ video,” says Webster. Sales of their sheet tables and we play them, we’ve got a couple of outstanding first year performance student, and music are also taking off internationally, with chairs and we play them.” u the Lady Callaway Medal for Music, awarded to Page 8 Inside WAAPA Issue 39 “Then we use the chairs in another piece and Musical Director of Defying Gravity, Tim know all the instruments and it’s a big scale for people to sit in so everything’s got a White, for his constant enthusiasm and support. percussion piece whereas at the moment a lot of dual purpose,” adds Hall. “It shows kids that “That’s the great thing about the Perth music we’re writing is small scale,” says Webster. everything can be used as a musical instrument.” percussion community, it’s such a friendly Whether it’s the modest quirkiness of ‘Cups’ “We love the immediacy of percussion, kids community to be in, everyone wants to help or a large-scale percussion composition for 20 really pick up on that and it’s not like they need each other in what they’re doing,” says Hall. players, Hall and Webster as Kaboom Percussion to get a teacher to teach them this expensive Their ultimate goal would be to make enough are drumming their way to success. instrument, it’s a cup or it’s a chair and they can money to have their own studio space and figure it out for themselves.” hire an admin person. “We’d like to expand SEE KABOOM PERCUSSION IN In addition to commissions from schools, into corporate work, and do more writing and Hall and Webster have started running summer workshops,” says Webster. “We’d also like to ACTION AS THEY JOIN MUSIC school programs for percussion students. In create a small show combining percussion, DIRECTOR TIM WHITE AND the recent school holidays, Kaboom Percussion magic, juggling and comedy that we could tour DEFYING GRAVITY FOR A SUPER- held a three-day workshop for 26 high school to international Fringe festivals.” CHARGED EVENING OF PERCUSSIVE students at WAAPA, which culminated in a But before any of that, the two musicians ENTERTAINMENT IN KABOOM! concert. The students were all ages, came from have a world premiere to write. At the end of AT THE WAAPA MUSIC AUDITORIUM various high schools – one student journeyed April, they will present their new 35-minute from Albany to participate – and had vastly piece Doomsday as guest artists with ON APRIL 30, MAY 1 AND MAY 2. different levels of percussion experience. Yet Defying Gravity. the feedback from parents was glowing, with “This is great because it’s the opportunity words like “incredible”, “amazing” and “brilliant” Joshua Webster and Catherine Hall (centre back) with high school to write for the ensemble that we played in, we peppering the testamonials. students at their recent summer school program Webster concedes that he and Hall have worked “really, really hard” to get Kaboom Percussion to where it is today. “We’ve done pretty much everything ourselves so far, all the graphic design, creating the website, filming the YouTube clips, the writing, the playing, the contracting of artists, taking the school bookings.” Yet they are both keen to acknowledge all those who have helped along the way, from their family, housemates, WAAPA staff and in particular, WAAPA’s Coordinator of Percussion A GIFT FOR WAAPA WAAPA is extremely grateful to John Goldsmith, Managing Director of Kosmic, for the gift of 13 brand new Yamaha drum kits which will take pride of place in WAAPA’s ensemble rooms, jazz teaching rooms and practice rooms. This is an amazing act of philanthropy from Kosmic. The combined value of the instruments is over $38,000. Kosmic have been generous supporters of WAAPA for several years and Tan Adam by Photo in that time they have gifted hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of musical equipment to the Academy. Kosmic have a massive store in A FRIEND FOR 30 YEARS Osborne Park and also an online store at kosmic. Jill Clarke, who served for 30 years as com.au and we encourage all our students a committee member of the Friends of the and supporters to support this fine Western Academy, retired from her position earlier Australian owned business. this year. During her years on the Friends committee, Jill was responsible for significant Friends initiatives including the establishment of an annual grant for Aboriginal Theatre students and the ‘meet and greet’ for new WAAPA students moving from interstate. To acknowledge Jill’s three decades of Jill Clarke receiving her ‘key’ and certificate of appreciation from Friends dedicated service to the Friends and WAAPA, of the Academy Chairman, Kevin Button. Friends of the Academy Chairman Kevin Button presented Jill with a certificate of appreciation The Friends of the Academy and everyone at and a ‘key’ to attend any WAAPA performance WAAPA sincerely thank Jill and wish her all the best for the future. John Goldsmith, Managing Director of Kosmic with a new Yamaha kit free of charge in perpetuity. Photo by Kathy Wheatley Inside WAAPA Issue 39 Page 9 SECONDMENT SEGUES TO DREAM JOB AN ARTS MANAGEMENT GRADUATE STEPS STRAIGHT FROM STUDY INTO A JOB CREATED FOR HER AT OPERA AUSTRALIA

Like many young girls, Katherena Lambetsos In the Corporate Partnerships and Events “Every member of staff at WAAPA that I dabbled in music and drama at high school. She team, Lambetsos works alongside two other engaged with was an industry professional loved the experience so much she decided to WAAPA Arts Management graduates: Amanda in some capacity,” she says. “The course pursue a career in the arts. Yet after ruling out Michetti, who is the Corporate Partnerships is also excellent in providing students with being a performer, Lambetsos wasn’t quite Manager, and Erin Nottage, Corporate guest lecturers who are currently working in sure what she wanted to do. A school drama Partnerships Assistant. the industry. This not only gave me a greater trip to Melbourne, which included tours of the While she considers herself “lucky” to be understanding of the arts and the current arts city’s main theatre venues, set Lambetsos on working at the Opera Centre so soon after climate, but it allowed me to start building a a path that eventually led her to WAAPA’s Arts graduating from university, Lambetsos is professional network which is an important Management course. convinced that the skills she gained during her asset in the industry.” “I realised I wanted to work in and hopefully three years at WAAPA helped her make the most It was through these WAAPA connections that one day run a performing arts company,” of her secondment. Lambetsos was able to secure her secondment, says Lambetsos. “This led to me contemplate “Arts Management taught me the practical which led to her current job. studying a business or marketing degree skills to work and think like an arts professional,” Based on her experience, Lambetsos has but I was disappointed with these prospects she says. “This level of understanding allowed a simple piece of advice for anyone wanting as I didn’t want to give up an involvement in me to approach my internship head on and get a career in the arts: put your hand up for the arts.” the most out of the experience.” everything. Lambetsos heard about the Arts Management “Take any opportunity that is presented to course through her older sister, who was Arts Management you, at this point there is no such thing as a bad studying at the Western Australian Screen taught“ me the practical skills experience. Doing as much as you can allows Academy at the time. you to decide what you do and don’t want to do “WAAPA is the only institution in the country to work and think like an arts later down the line. It also gets your face and that offers a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management. professional name out there which is always a good thing.” I really wanted to study in this area and loved She also recommends learning as much the fact that I could do it in a setting where I was To these skills, Lambetsos added her own about the industry as possible and experiencing immersed in the arts.” passion and drive to succeed. “I entered my art forms outside your own area of interest “The course has such a strong history of secondment with the intention to treat it as a or expertise. For WAAPA students, that means successful graduates and large network of job and not ‘just an internship’ and take any getting to know students in other courses, alumni, so I knew I would be in great company opportunity that presented itself. I think it was a who Lambetsos sees as “future colleagues, and receive an excellent platform to launch a combination of the opportunities they presented employers, connections and mentors”. career in the arts.” and my approach to the internship that led to my As for Lambetsos, she is living her dream: When Lambetsos graduated at the end of last employment.” working in an environment of artistic endeavour year, she found herself well and truly launched – Lambetsos believes that being exposed and knowing she is contributing to an industry straight into a new position created for her in the to industry professionals throughout her she loves. Corporate Partnerships and Events department undergraduate course was another important of Opera Australia. factor in making her ‘industry ready’. Describing herself as being “in the right place at the right time”, Lambetsos was offered her job as Partnerships and Events Assistant on the final day of a 12-week secondment with Opera Australia. The position was created for Lambetsos to fill the growing demands of the department. “I accepted the role minutes before my farewell, flew home to Perth that night and was back in Sydney and at work the following Monday,” she laughs. “It was a little crazy!” Lambetsos is ecstatic about being an Opera Australia employee. Seeing her first opera at the Sydney Opera House was “magical”, yet it is the joy of working in Opera Australia’s headquarters at the Opera Centre in Surry Hills that thrills her most. “The Opera Centre is a multi-level warehouse,” she explains. “In this one building we have our admin staff, costume, set and props team and rehearsal venues so there is always something beautiful being created in the building.”

Page 10 Inside WAAPA Issue 39 2014 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

Synchronicity Children of Eden Conversations with the Dead Fallen

Synchronicity Blood Wedding Radio Active

Conversations with the Dead

Guess Who’s Coming Fallen to Dinner Guess Who’s Coming Hansel and Gretel Radio Active to Dinner

Children of Eden Blood Wedding Hansel and Gretel

Inside WAAPA Issue 39 Page 11 Hiawatha Pride and Prejudice IN THE SPOTLIGHT A GLIMPSE OF WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING Pride and Prejudice ON STAGE AT WAAPA

Urinetown Urinetown

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS

Marat Sade Urinetown Hiawatha

Cover Credits Front Cover Kaboom Percussion photo by Nik Babic Back Cover Production photos by Jon Green Photographer

CRICOS IPC 00279B Hiawatha Marat Sade Page 12 Inside WAAPA Issue 39