You might be forgiven for thinking that the upcoming production of Cinderella at the Civic Theatre is just another school musical. Until, of course, you discover that the school in question is Newcastle's St Philip's Christian College. With alums like Alana Tranter (Come From Away and soon to be opening the Sydney season of Disney's production of Beauty and the Beast) and graduates who've toured as technicians in Lion King, Aladdin and Frozen, this is undoubtedly no ordinary school production. The multi-CONDA (City of Newcastle Drama Awards) award-winning school is renowned for its excellence in musical theatre productions and commitment to providing valuable professional learning opportunities for our students and inspiring the next generation of industry professionals. This month we caught up with the driving force behind the school's dramatic arts programs, Michael Cooper, amid rehearsals and di covered that staging the magic of Cinderella right here in Newcastle is no small feat.
