Preparing Performer Futures
A musical for anyone who has loved Grease, Hairspray and Scooby Doo, comes to the stage.
BIGLITTLE Theatre School present, Brenda Bly Teen Detective at Shelley Theatre from Wednesday 19th to Saturday 22nd February. Musical Director, Colin Billing shares the importance of providing young performers with a professional environment to deliver.
Colin co-founded the school in 1996, alongside Principal, Michelle Guy, and now as a not-for-profit organization, part of the school’s work is to help develop and students who are considering a career within performing arts. Colin says, “We are preparing students for their future.”
“We performed Little Women at Shelley Theatre in 2019 and was a huge success, not only in terms of sold-out shows but also seeing how our young performers develop personally.”
Brenda Bly will be performed over six shows, set in 1958 at Whitney Ellis Private School For Girls. Colin added, “This is such a fun story, with a detective element to it. The school is ready to perform its new show ‘Rocket Girl’ only for the leading lady to be knocked unconscious. It’s up for Brenda Bly to solve the mystery. It is such a fun story and the composer, Charles Miller has a knack for writing songs that people will think are familiar.”
The backdrop of Shelley Theatre for a week helps the school prepare its actors for where their potential future lies. Colin says, “BIGLITTLE Theatre School recognise the importance of a professional approach. When it comes to musicals, it is not just about performing elements, but the importance of consistency and the stamina that is involved in delivering a show for multiple performances.”
Bringing the performing team together is where the reward lies. Colin says, “Our director, Susan Raasay, contributes so much. This helps the students relax and understand the techniques involved. We started this in November 2019 and as each week passes, there is a real sense of personal growth and teamwork amongst the whole cast. This provides a foundation to build on for the rest of their careers.”
Performing at Shelley Theatre also helps to create a professional, working environment and Colin and the team look forward to returning. “We fell in love with the charm of the building. It provides a great working space. The developments over the years at the Shelley have been brilliant, and the addition of new facilities such as dressing rooms under the stage make it easier to bring our young company to this lovely theatre.”
“To make great theatre, you don’t need huge space, you need songs and text delivered with great heart. We all look forward to returning and sharing Brenda Bly with everyone.”
