Students vying for starring roles

More than 40 talented Queensland students are a step closer to hitting the spotlight as stars of a spectacular stage show celebrating State Education Week in May.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the young performers were winding up a three-day young artists’ workshop at the Old Museum in Herston tomorrow (Thursday 10 April).

“Our state has a wealth of artistic talent that has taken Queenslanders to stages around the world, and the young people participating in this workshop show our creative future is in safe hands,” Mr Welford said.

“During the workshop, the students have gained rare insights into the performing arts industry, and valuable skills from professionals including acclaimed vocalists Ingrid James and Alison St Ledger, internationally renowned dance choreographer Helena Moore, and former vocalist for the Ten Tenors, Shaun Brown.

“Their workshop ends tomorrow with a special visit from Simon Gallaher, best known for his musical performances in The Pirates of Penzance and HMS Pinafore.

“Simon Gallaher is a legendary Australian performer, so his insights into theatrical life - including audition processes - will give these students an invaluable lesson.”

Mr Welford said the students participated in the workshop as part of a competitive audition process to select lead performers in the production of Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage 2008.

“This outstanding event, now in its fourth year, showcases the talents of more than 550 students from over 65 state schools across Queensland as part of State Education Week from 26 to 30 May,” Mr Welford said.

“A 70-piece orchestra, a 220-voice choir, 220 dancers, vocalists and professional artists all come together to present a host of different performance styles.

“Having the chance to perform at this professional level is an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”

The event aims to extend the excellent performing arts education students in Queensland state schools receive by displaying their talents in an exciting, professionally produced show.

Three Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage 2008 performances will be staged at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Concert Hall on Friday 30 May and Saturday 31 May 2008. Tickets go on sale through QTIX in early May via www.qtix.com.au or phone 136 246.

A full list of participants in the three-day workshop follows. For more information, visit www.education.qld.gov.au/community/events/creativegeneration/onstage

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000

2008 CREATIVE GENERATION WORKSHOP STUDENT PARTICIPANTS

Guy Hazlewood, Beaudesert State High School, Beaudesert
Jade McMahon, Beaudesert State High School, Beaudesert
Jessica Gannon, Beaudesert State High School, Beaudesert
Claire Owen, Brisbane School of Distance Education, West End
Stephan Smith, Cleveland District State High School, Cleveland
Luseanne Lopetti, Clontarf Beach State High School, Clontarf
Bobbie-Jean Henning, Coorparoo Secondary College, Coorparoo
Jocelyn Farquhar, Emerald State High School, Emerald
Christopher Batkin, Indooroopilly State High School, Indooroopilly
Kurtis Tupangaia, Indooroopilly State High School, Indooroopilly
Jacob Curro, Ingham State High School, Ingham
Ayla Smith, Kelvin Grove State College, Kelvin Grove
Kirby Lunn, Kelvin Grove State College, Kelvin Grove
Madalyn Milazzo, Kelvin Grove State College, Kelvin Grove
Emma Gage, Kenmore State High School, Kenmore
Emma Afeaki, Kingston College, Kingston
James Poole, MacGregor State High School, MacGregor
Josh Thackeray, MacGregor State High School, MacGregor
Sophie Rohweder, MacGregor State High School, MacGregor
Talia Pallant, MacGregor State High School, MacGregor
Andrew Francis, Mansfield State High School, Mansfield
Alex Tomlins, Narangba Valley State High School, Narangba
Trent Lewis, Narangba Valley State High School, Narangba
Alice Murray, Nerang State High School, Nerang
Allegra Cramer, Queensland Academy for Creative Industries, Kelvin Grove
Ayeesha Ash, Queensland Academy for Creative Industries, Kelvin Grove
Laura Mulcahy, Queensland Academy for Creative Industries, Kelvin Grove
Lauren Stowe, Queensland Academy for Creative Industries, Kelvin Grove
Shaun Pryor, Queensland Academy for Creative Industries, Kelvin Grove
Chrislyn Hamilton, Redcliffe State High School, Redcliffe
Layla Rogers, Redcliffe State High School, Redcliffe
Luke Dalton, Rochedale State High School, Rochedale
Nicole Sokolovic, The Gap State High School, The Gap
Shontel Durkin, Theodore State School, Theodore
Jediah Boase, Toowoomba State High School, Toowoomba
Josh Lovegrove, Urangan State High School, Urangan
Lydia Paine, Urangan State High School, Urangan
Keenan Cronau, Urangan State High School, Urangan
Dillon Ormond, Woodridge State High School, Woodridge
Nara Timoti, Woodridge State High School, Woodridge
Saraiha Grasius, Woodridge State High School, Woodridge