Grease programme by Kristen Beever

Bendigo Theatre Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tribe Youth Theatre

BOOK, MUSIC AND LYRICS BY JIM JACOBS & WARREN CASEY By arrangement with ORiGiN TheatricalTM

KATIE MCMILLAN

BRONTE BAILEY

GEORGIA CAMPBELL

SEAMUS ALLAN

KODY AUSTIN

MITCH HAMMER TARA GLOZIER

CEDAR-ROSIE RUSSELL

MAX ABRAHAM BEEVER GEYER

DANIKA MADDELINE EDWINA HILL JACKSON WALLACE-SMITH

JACOB ELLIOT MACKLIN HOOKE WELLARD WELLARD

JAKOBY APPLEBY EMILY BROWN CONNOR CANTWELL DANIEL CHISHOLM TAYLAH CHISHOLM ERIN COLLINS JADE CUSKELLY ELLA FLETCHER MILLY FLETCHER BRIDIE HANSEN MAX HARRIS ETHAN HARRISON NATALIE HERCUS ERIN HOWELL LILY JOHNS-HAYDEN ANNABELLE KINGSTON-BROWN LEROY MILLER LUCY MILLS HAYDN OXENHAM ERIN TINKER JACOB WARE

Choreographer & Director VANESSA BATE Musical Director JARROD HANDLEY Production Manager KRISTEN BEEVER

Performed at GIRTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL, BLACK BOX THEATRE, BENDIGO 28 September to 6 October 2018 2

Bendigo Theatre Company On behalf of Bendigo Theatre Company, I am delighted to welcome you ‘Grease’ – prepare to be amazed. These young adults are truly talented performers, and beautiful people; watching them in the rehearsal room has been an absolute delight. Bendigo Theatre Company was established in 1952 as the Bendigo Operatic Society. More than 65 years on, we are a thriving, vital organisation which is firmly entrenched in the vibrant and expanding local arts community. The addition of Tribe in 2017 and their inaugural production of ‘Barnum’ was a resounding success.

“Theatre brings together groups of people from all walks of life, and we are all richer for the experience”

I am extremely proud to be President of a company which can facilitate such worthwhile, quality, and powerful experiences for Bendigo’s youth. Theatre brings together groups of people from all walks of life, and we are all richer for the experience - this is the beauty of community theatre. It is true that it takes an army to mount a production such as this, and there are hundreds of people who need to be thanked for time and effort put into this production – you all know who you are; your work is not unnoticed; you are all integral to the success of our company, and you truly are the heart of BTC. I thank you for your generosity, dedication, passion, and humour. To the entire Grease production team, cast, crew, and orchestra: congratulations, and thank you. Special thanks to the BTC Committee of Management for your commitment to positive leadership of this vibrant company; your knowledge, dedication, and generosity is truly admirable. To our Tribe Subcommittee, I thank you for your passion and drive. You are a group of exceptionally talented individuals who embody the absolute best of community theatre. I hold so much respect for you all, collectively and individually. To Vanessa Bate: your tireless work ethic, commitment to excellence, and positive influence on these young adults constantly astounds me. Thank you for your time, your honesty, and your passion; I hope you are as proud of this show as I am. To our patrons - thank you. Your support and attendance is what allows us to continue to do what we do. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy ‘Grease’.

Abe Watson

President Bendigo Theatre Company

Tribe Youth Theatre On behalf of BTC’s Tribe Sub Committee, I welcome you to ‘Grease’. Just like the participants in the show, Tribe is young and growing. This year saw a huge jump in the number of enthusiastic youth of Bendigo signing up to audition. Selecting a relatively small cast from such a large number of talented performers made the casting process quite difficult. Fitting with the Tribe philosophy, the creative team was conscious of casting across all age ranges, allowing for experienced performers to work along side some of those not so experienced, as a learning opportunity. Mentoring and learning are at the heart of Tribe, and as such, many of the production roles have also been filled by young and enthusiastic youth wanting to learn all aspects of the theatre. They have been guided in their roles by experienced theatre community members willing to give their time and knowledge. Tribe plans to continue to mentor and provide theatrical opportunities, to this end, we have planned a number of workshops and productions as part of our 2019 season.

“They have been guided in their roles by experienced theatre community members willing to give their time and knowledge”

Tribe’s dedicated team includes the BTC Committee of management, the Tribe sub committee members, parents of our Tribal youth and interested community members. Together we will continue to work to ensure that Tribe grows in a healthy happy and educated way, just as we want our youth to grow.

I hope you enjoy our production of ‘Grease’ as much as our amazing production team, cast and crew have enjoyed creating it.

Julie McDonald Chair Tribe Sub-Committee

Bringing it all together A Production Manager’s role involves ensuring that all production team roles are filled, that the production operates within budget, and that everyone has a positive learning experience and, most importantly, a lot of fun. We are keen for young theatre enthusiasts to gain experience in backstage roles so we are once again mentoring directors, choreographers, production managers, lighting operators, stage managers and a backstage crew. As was the case in 2017 with Tribe’s production of Barnum, Grease is providing a launch platform for a musical director. We are also debuting a stage manager and have two year 10 crew members fulfilling work experience placement.

“When somebody wants to be part of something voluntarily, they’re more likely to pursue it with passion”

Most secondary schools offer some performance opportunities to students, but what sets community theatre apart from those productions is that it is voluntary. When somebody wants to be part of something voluntarily, they’re more likely to pursue it with passion. Tribe seeks to draw participants from all over Greater Bendigo. To that end, our Grease cast and crew attend ten local schools, one is at RMIT and one is from Mildura. Ask any Grease cast member how they’ve enjoyed the rehearsals and the response will be that they have loved every minute of them. This is because genuine friendships and bonds have been formed. They like hanging out together and they have enjoyed being extended as performers. In this production non-dancers are dancing, non-singers are singing, and everyone’s had a great time doing it. That’s what you will find at Tribe, a group of theatretragics, both on- and off stage, who are dedicated to learning and growing together. We’re not perfect, but you can’t fault our passion. For Grease to have sold out the entire season a month before opening night is a triumph. Thank you for your support of this production. In just our second year, I’m immeasurably proud of what we have achieved with limited resources but terrific enthusiasm and support from individuals and organisations alike. Thank you BTC, the Tribe team and their families for your dedication to Grease. I hope you will join us again in 2019.

Kristen Beever Grease Production Manager & Tribe Sub-Committee member

Set the bar high It was 40 years ago, in 1978, that ‘Grease’ the movie was released and became an unexpected, runaway success. Before that, in 1971, Grease the live musical was originally performed in Chicago, USA. The original production was a raw, vulgar and aggressive show. Subsequent productions were sanitized and the context diluted. In its current format, ‘Grease the musical’ is still quite an education for our Tribe teens to understand how society was in 1959 and to see how far we have come with equality of the sexes and society’s expectations. None of our cast members were born in 1978, but their parents will clearly remember the impact the movie, the characters and the songs had on the world at the time.

“Grease offers young performers the opportunity to discuss controversial social issues and to explore characters far removed from their own lives.”

Grease offers young performers the opportunity to discuss controversial social issues and to explore characters far removed from their own lives. This cast has relished the opportunity to be challenged and they have developed outstanding characters and performances. Many moons ago, one of my mentors advised me that, when working with young adults … set the bar high, they will reach it ! Well, this cast certainly has.

I am incredibly grateful to the Grease production team the following people for their extraordinary support and work during this production. Kristen Beever, Julie McDonald, Kerry Lorenz, Karin Van Poppel, Jarrod Handley, Kate Tinker, Liz Young, Charlee Harris, Shantara Johnstone, Lauren Mitchell, Kay Hercus, Thomas Moore, Emily Holmes, Emma Fletcher and the one and only Jordan French. As we know, it is always a massive team effort ! Finally, my heartfelt thanks to my wonderful cast. I am extraordinarily proud of each and everyone of you. I hope you have had the time of your life, made lovely, new friends and never the forget the time you were in Grease with Tribe Youth Theatre.

Vanessa Bate

Grease Director/Choreographer and Tribe Artistic Director

The Creative Team

Jordan French

Charlee Harris

Shantara Johnstone

Assistant Production Manager and Rehearsal Co-ordinator

Choreographer (Beauty School Dropout and Freddy My Love)

Choreographer (Grease is the Word and Those Magic Changes)

Twelve months ago I was approached to coordinate makeup for Tribe’s inaugral musical ‘Barnum’ and subsequentlly jumped at the opportunity. From the first moment I walked through the door, I knew that I wanted to be a member of the Tribe. Earlier this year I was lucky enough to be seconded on to the Tribe sub-committee, and when the opportunity arrived to be on the Grease production team, nothing was going to get in my way. It has been an absolute joy and pleasure to be involved with Grease.

The opportunity to work alongside Vanessa as a junior choreographer has been so valuable for me as I grow my creative abilities. This role has given me the chance to combine my experience of dance with my imagination and bring a vision to the stage.

I can’t express how proud I am of these young artists who have worked so hard to produce this incredible show. Tribe has been achieving great things since it began, and I’m delighted to be a part of the family.

My favourite part of the Grease experience has been the family vibe and positive evergy in every rehearsal. #tribewithagoodvibe

This role has boosted my confidence in more ways than one. It has not only challenged me as a dancer and creator, but it has taught me to believe in myself and trust my ideas. I have learnt so much during this experience. I would like to thank the entire cast and crew for being so accommodating, patient and loving. And Vanessa, thank you for giving me this opportunity, it is one that I will never forget.

Not only have I watched our performers grow in confidence and talent, but I’ve had the chance to observe the entire production process and develop my own creative skills with generous support from the production team. Special thanks to Vanessa, Kristen and Charlee. What I’ve learned will be instrumental to me for many shows to come.

Kerry Lorenz Vocal Coach When Tribe first approached me to consider the position as Vocal Coach for the upcoming production of Grease, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate for a moment, it is always a privilege and honour to be given the opportunity to work with and hopefully inspire young people. The first thing that I noticed at the start of rehearsals was the respect that these young people have for their production team, Director and for each other. This Company is refreshing, positive and a delight to be a part of. Working with this cast of talent has also been inspiring for myself and being in a position to see each one of them grow in confidence with every rehearsal is, just wonderful. Hopefully I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t frightened them too much with my quirky, or should I say eccentric approach to singing and they are able to take away from this production a new found sense of belief and confidence. Lastly I would like to say how proud I am of them all and I will be there on Opening Night with a handkerchief to dab away the tears of pride. Ladies and Gentlemen you are going to LOVE this show....So sit back, relax and enjoy.

Libretto GREASE IS THE WORD

Soloist Taylah Chisholm

Act One RYDELL ALMA MATER

Full company

RYDELL ALMA MATER - PARODY

Greasers

SUMMER NIGHTS

Sandy, Danny & company

THOSE MAGIC CHANGES

Doody & company

FREDDY MY LOVE

Marty, Rizzo, Jan, Frenchy

GREASED LIGHTNING

Kenickie & company

RYDELL FIGHT SONG

Patty, Sandy & cheerleaders

MOONING

Jan & Roger

LOOK AT ME I’M SANDRA DEE

Rizzo

WE GO TOGETHER

Full company

Act Two HOPELESSLY DEVOTED TO YOU BORN TO HAND JIVE

Sandy Johnny Casino & company

BEAUTY SCHOOL DROPOUT

Teen Angel & angels

SANDY Danny ROCK ‘N ROLL PARTY QUEEN

Doody & Roger

THERE ARE WORSE THINGS I COULD DO SANDRA DEE – REPRISE

Rizzo Sandy

YOU’RE THE ONE THAT I WANT Full company WE GO TOGETHER

Full company

Cast SANDY DUMBROWSKI BETTY RIZZO FRENCHY

Katie McMillan Cedar-Rosie Russell Georgia Campbell

MARTY Tara Glozier JAN

Bronte Bailey

PATTY SIMCOX Edwina Wallace-Smith CHA-CHA DI GREGORIO Danika Hill DANNY ZUKO KENICKIE DOODY ROGER SONNY LATIERRI EUGENE FLORCZYK

Mitchell Hammer Kody Austin Abraham Geyer Max Beever Seamus Allan Elliott Wellard

VINCE FONTAINE

Jacob Hooke

JOHNNY CASINO

Macklin Wellard

MISS LYNCH TEEN ANGEL

Maddeline Jackson Max Beever

COMPANY Jakoby Appleby, Emily Brown, Connor Cantwell, Daniel Chisholm, Taylah Chisholm, Erin Collins, Jade Cuskelly, Ella Fletcher, Milly Fletcher, Bridie Hansen, Max Harris, Ethan Harrison, Natalie Hercus, Erin Howell, Lily Johns-Hayden, Annabelle Kingston-Brown, Leroy Miller, Lucy Mills, Haydn Oxenham, Erin Tinker SWING

Jacob Ware

Katie McMillan (19)

Mitch Hammer (18)

Sandy

Danny

Katie has been involved with BTC for many years now, starting off at aged 10 playing the title role in ‘Annie’ (YEAR).

Mitch is a Year 12 Graduate currently on a gap year. While Grease is Mitch’s first production with BTC, he has performed in seven other productions, most notably his role as Curly in Nexus BYT’s Oklahoma! (2016)

Since then, her theatre credits have included Slightly in Peter Pan, Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Boy from Oz and Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof. Katie was lucky enough to perform her Year 12 Drama solo at VCE Season of Excellence Top Class earlier this year. Katie is so lucky and grateful to be surrounded by such a talented cast and crew. Playing Sandy was a dream role Katie never knew she had.

After a 2 year hiatus from performing in musicals, and growing up a huge fan of the film, Mitch decided that Grease would be the perfect return to the stage. He has found the dancing to be the most difficult aspect of the show, but welcomes the challenge. In the future, Mitch would love to continue entertaining and performing on a professional level.

YOUTH THEATRE 14

Pink Ladies

Tara Glozier

(19)

Marty

Jan

Tara was interested in being a part of Grease because it was one of the very first musicals she ever watched. This is her first and last year as a cast member with Tribe as she is unfortunately the maximum age.

Bronte has greatly enjoyed playing the charmingly offbeat and effervescent Jan, and has relished the opportunity to perform in Grease.

Past notable roles include Carlotta Phantom of the Opera with Nexus BYT 2017, and other roles in Fiddler on the Roof BTC 2018 and summer pantomimes. A fact about Tara is that she spent 8 years playing flute before she did any proper theatre. Tara looks forward to seeing where the future takes her.

Georgia Campbell

A seasoned performer, Grease marks Bronte’s fourth production with BTC, including Snow White in Snow White and Nanny Ogg in Wyrd Sisters. Her school credis include Cinderella’s Stepmother in Into The Woods, Mrs Jordan in The 39 Steps, Babette in Beauty and the Beast, and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Bronte’s most recent achievement was being selected to perform her Unit 3 / 4 Theatre Studies monologue in the prestigious Top Class series at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

Cedar-Rose Russell

(17)

Frenchy

Rizzo

Grease marks Georgia’s fourth production with BTC and eighth production over all. She has a love for all things theatre and has previously been in BTCs Fiddler On The Roof (2018) as Chava, Tribe Youth Theatres Wyrd Sisters (2018), BTCs Beauty And The Beast: The Pantomime (2018), and NEXUS’ The Phantom Of The Opera (2017) and more. The 17-year-old is thrilled to be playing the ditzy, pink-haired, Beauty School Dropout, Frenchy, and wants to thank the incredible cast she’s had the honour to work with, and everyone behind the scenes that has made this show as amazing as it is.

Bronte Bailey

(19)

Grease marks 17-year-old Cedar-Rosie’s sixth show with the BTC, excitedly joining the varied array of roles that Grease showcases—exhausting though it is falling in love with every cast member. Cedar—playing Betty Rizzo—shows that characters with traumatic backstories can still be sexy, funny and passionate. Following 2017’s Barnum, Cedar has again been assigned a wonderfully talented on-stage partner, and advises that Kenickie’s solo ‘Greased Lightning’ has never before been such an undisputed banger. Cedar-Rosie is thrilled to step into the iconic role of Rizzo and strut, cigarette in hand, onto the stage of Tribe Youth Theatre’s latest musical venture.

Seamus Allen (17)

Abraham Geyer (14)

Sonny

Doody

Fiddler on the Roof will be Seamus’ fifth show with the Bendigo Theatre Company; his theatre credits with the company include Christopher Robin in the TenX10 2017 short play anthology, Ensemble in One Man, Two Guvnors, Amos Scudder in Barnum, and Jagger Fleming in the TenX10 2018 showcase. Seamus also recently had his directorial debut in the annual TenX10 season and loved gaining an insight to a different side of theatre. The Russian Soldier—Fyedka—is a departure from what Seamus has done in the past, but he has enjoyed every moment of exploring the history behind the character.

Abe has thoroughly enjoyed his first show with Tribe Youth Theatre. He took part in his first show at age 7 and has been in 5 shows since. Most recently Abe played Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls Jr. Despite being just 14 Abe has loved learning and developing his theatrical skill set under this amazing creative team and talented cast. Particularly the fast paced and challenging choreography, as well as learning guitar and singing. In his spare time Abe enjoys playing basketball, saxophone, video games and reading. He is looking forward to his next theatrical adventure, to infinity and beyond.

Max Beever (17)

Kody Austin (16)

Roger / Teen Angel

Kenickie

Max’s first ever show was at just 3 years old, with a local nativity play. Since then this UK born theatre tragic will mark off his 20th show with Tribe Youth Theatre’s production of Grease!

Kody is a Year 10 student at BSE, only taking the stage last year when he played Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera with Nexus BYT. For this performance Kody received a Music Theatre Guild of Victoria nomination.

Max has had an extremely diverse spread of roles that have evolved anything from dressing up as a woman, to flying over the Ulumburra stage. Thrilled to be playing two roles in Grease, Max has enjoyed working with an extremely talented cast and crew, and he would like to thank BTC for this opportunity.

Kody’s first show with Tribe was earlier this year when he played Duke Felmet in Wyrd Sisters. Grease has been a great adventure for Kody. He has thoroughly enjoyed playing Kenickie and he will always cherish the friends he has made and the songs they’ve sung together. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Edwina Wallace-Smith (17)

Elliot Wellard (16)

Patty

Eugene

Edwina is loving every minute of her Grease experience as Patty. Edwina usually works behind the scenes, so getting the chance to be on stage has been fabulous.

Elliot is in Year 10 at Eaglehawk Secondary College and will spend his 16th birthday performing in Grease!

As well as working backstage, Edwina has played roles in shows such as Into the Woods, Aladdin, Hairspray and A Midsummer Nights Dream and in mini shows of Wicked, Les Miserable, Matilda, Lion King and Shrek. Excited to be part of Grease after Barnum, Tribes musical last year, Edwina’s favourite thing about Grease is being able to work in such a professional environment, where everyone is so encouraging of each other.

Elliot played Hwel in Tribe’s Wyrd Sisters earlier this year, Spirit of the Ring in BTC’s Aladdin: the Pantomime, and most recently Link Larkin in ESC’s Hairspray. Elliot began dance lessons at age 5, undertaking 6 years in tap, jazz ballet, classical, voice and musical theatre. Elliot earned the Australian Scout Medallion in November 2017 and is currently working toward his Queen’s Scout Award. He plays clarinet and is an enthusiastic soccer player with Epsom. Elliot’s favourite part of this production is Greased Lightning.

Maddeline Jackson

(17)

Miss Lynch Maddie Jackson is playing the role of Miss Lynch in the production Grease. She has been involved in BTC previously in the pantomime Cinderella and played a main role. She has also been involved in Catholic College Bendigo’s production Hairspray and was also a main role in that. Maddie has enjoyed her time with the rest of the Grease cast and cannot wait to audition for future shows with Tribe and BTC.

Danika Hill (20)

Macklin Wellard (17)

Cha-Cha DiGregorio

Johnny Casino

Danika is in her second year of Fashion Design at RMIT University. She has danced locally for fifteen years, and has competed in several competitions around Victoria.

Macklin is in Year 11 at BSSC, he has been dancing since the age of 5 studying tap, jazz ballet, hip hop, voice, classical ballet, modern dance, musical theatre and acro at Start Studio in Golden Square.

Danika branched out into theatre in 2016 as a member of the ensemble in Bendigo Theatre Company’s production of The Boy From Oz. She loved the experience of her first production so much that she came back for more, and in 2017 she was a part of BTC’s production of Legally Blonde, appearing as a Delta Nu. Danika is excited to perform in the role of Cha Cha DeGregorio and she hopes you enjoy this fabulous and fun show.

Macklin appeared in Tribe’s Barnum as General Tom Thumb and in Wyrd Sisters as Tomjon, his BTC debut was The Boy From Oz (2016) where he played a young Peter Allen. Outside theatre, Macklin plays trombone and is an avid soccer player. Macklin’s favourite part of Grease is the talented group of friends he shares the stage with.

Jacob Hooke (14) Vince Fontaine Jacob is in year 8 at Girton Grammar School where he has enjoyed performing in Peter Pan Jr, Seussical, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and earlier this year, Peter Pan - a musical adventure. Being new to Tribe Youth Theatre, Jacob has been amazed by the professionalism and expertise of what Tribe rehearsals and ethos. He has never been more excited for a performance, than he is for Grease. that the rehearsals, dancing and life lessons have made him a better person since joining, and that he has loved every bit of it.

Jakoby Appleby (16)

Emily Brown (17)

Connor Cantwell (15)

Jakoby’s acting debut was playing the role of Joseph Buquet in Nexus’ Phantom of the Opera, where he was hanged every night. This year, he was cast as Ursula the Maid (changed to Godfreid early on) in The Sound Of Music. He was a very corny Corny Collins in Eaglehawk Secondary’s Production of Hairspray Jr. His favourite part about joining Grease is the new friendships he has made. Little known fact about Jakoby: besides musicals, he has a very fond love for independent music such as Sufjan Stevens, Twenty Øne Pilots, etc.

Emily is a year 11 CMC student who loves taking part in acting related opportunities. Emily found her passion for theatre when dressing up at primary school, and she is very excited to perform in Tribe’s second musical.

Connor has been interested in being in a production for a while and saw Grease as an opportunity to get involved. This is Connor’s first production and he has loved every bit of it, including making many new friends. Connor found out about Grease during a talk given at his school, introducing Tribe, the BTC and the Grease production. Connor didn’t want to see this opportunity go by, so he signed up for the audition; there he found he had what it takes, and got in. Everyone in the production was kind and welcoming, making it easy to join in and have fun.

Emily has performed in Guys and Dolls (ESC), Pirates of Penzance (NEXUS), Oklahoma (NEXUS), Singing in the Rain (ESC), Barnum (Tribe BTC) and Tribe’s first play, Wyrd Sisters. Emily hopes to continue getting involved in theatre and is very thankful to Bendigo Theatre Company for their support.

Company

Daniel Chisholm (13) Daniel has performed in Aladdin – The Magical Pantomime (BTC 2017), Phantom of the Opera (NEXUS BYT 2017), Barnum (Tribe 2017), played Michael Darling in Peter Pan Jnr (Marist College Bendigo 2017), The King & I (Victory Christian College 2017), Wyrd Sisters (Tribe 2018), the Sound of Music (NEXUS BYT 2018), and Mary Poppins Jnr ((Victory Christian College 2018). Daniel enjoys singing and dancing, and Grease was an opportunity to do both; his favourite things about the production has been spending time with the cast at rehearsals, learning new songs and dance moves. Daniel hopes you enjoy the show.

Taylah Chisholm (16) Taylah is very excited to be part of her favourite musical! She will be opening the show singing ‘Grease is the Word’ as the soloist. Taylah’s passion for musical theatre started in 2016, being cast as Silly Girl 2 in BSE’s Beauty and the Beast. Since then she’s been in many productions such as playing the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz (BSE 2017), pantomimes Aladdin (BTC 2017) and Beauty and the Beast (BTC 2018), Meg Giry in Phantom of the Opera (Nexus 2017) and Baroness Elsa Schraeder in the Sound of Music (Nexus 2018).

Erin Collins (15) Ever since taking part in Tribe’s 2017 production of Barnum, Erin has wanted to being a part of the company again. Erin has performed at showcases for Helen O’Grady Drama Academy and BSE’s Academy of Creative Arts, and she is now studying Drama at Girton Grammar School and takes singing lessons at SingStudio. Other performances include Girton’s One Act Plays, and Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure. Erin admires everyone involved in Tribe and feels honoured working with the team. She is thrilled to be a part of Tribe’s second musical and looks forward to making even more memories.

Jade Cuskelly (14)

Jade has always loved singing and the stage; her first experience was in Grade 5 at St. Joseph’s Primary School as Wendy in the production of Peter Pan Jr. Jade is a student of the Academy of Creative Arts Programme at Bendigo South East College, where she is studying Vocal performance and Drama. Grease will be Jade’s first show with the BTC; she is excited to be involved, and she loves the energy and fun that this musical brings. In the past she has sung at South Australia’s Generations of Jazz, at the Capital Theatre, Ulumbarra and more.

Ella Fletcher (16) Ella is in year ten at Girton Grammar. This is Ella’s second show with the BTC and she is delighted to be involved with Grease. Earlier this year, Ella enjoyed playing the sinister Duchess, who torments Kody’s character, the Duke, in her first play with Tribe, Wyrd Sisters. She has loved making new friends and has enjoyed every part of rehearsing Grease. Her favourite scene is the Hand Jive as she is part of a fast-moving acrobatic routine. Ella is looking forward to opening night and is grateful for this opportunity to again be part of the Tribe family.

Millie Fletcher (14)

Bridie Hansen (16)

Milly is in year eight at Girton Grammar. She has been involved in many school productions and Grease will be her fourth show with BTC. Last year she was part of Tribe’s inaugural production, Barnum (2017) and the Kids’ Christmas Concert (2017), and earlier this year, Millie was in the cast of Tribe’s Wyrd Sisters (2018).

Bridie has been attending Girton since 2014 and has been in a number of productions throughout her time with varying roles, ranging from playing Donkey in Shrek Jr, Nibs the Lost Boy in Peter Pan, and assorted chorus roles in Beauty and the Beast and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Milly has particularly enjoyed learning the rock ’n’ roll choreography, rehearsing with old friends and meeting new friends. She feels very lucky to be part of this amazing production.

Being a part of Grease has assisted Bridie to grow as a performer and she has made many new friends throughout this experience. Bridie has really loved being involved with this production, has from a young age enjoyed performing, and wishes to continue in the performing arts as future career.

Max Harris

(16)

Max Harris has loved acting ever since he was Santa at the ripe age of 4 and since then has continued to pursue his passion with acting, singing, violin and dance. Notable roles that he has played in the past are The Fiddler in Fiddler on the Roof, The Fool in Wyrd Sisters, Lefou in Beauty and the Beast, The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz and many more! Max dedicates his performance to all his theatre family and friends who continue to show him love and support that he appreciates to no end.

Erin Howell

(16)

Erin is in year 10 at Catherine McAuley College. This is her first year with Tribe BTC but has been involved in many Nexus BYT productions including Sound of Music (2018) and Phantom of the Opera (2017). Erin is very excited to perform in Tribe’s Performance of Grease after growing up loving the movie and songs. She is grateful to be a part of such an incredible cast and has loved getting to know each member. She is thankful for the opportunity to further develop her skills and hopes you enjoy the performance!

Ethan Harrison

(17)

Ethan is 17 and currently goes to Marist College Bendigo. He is performing with the ensemble in Grease and has been a part of many other productions in the past, including Von Schreiber in Sound of Music with Nexus BYT, Willy in Beauty and the Beast: the Pantomime with BTC, and Grimsby in The Little Mermaid Jr., to name just a few.

Natalie Hercus

(17)

Natalie is 17 years old and attends Bendigo Senior Secondary College. Her first training in the performing arts was jazz and tap dance at the age of 5. Natalie returned to dance last year and took up jazz/ballet with Claire Sexton and singing with Emily Holmes. Natalie’s past experiences with Bendigo Theatre Company include Tribe Youth Theatre’s Barnum (2017), Wyrd Sisters (2018), and Fiddler on The Roof (2018). Natalie is continuously grateful to share the Grease stage with so many beautiful and talented people.

Lily Johns-Hayden (13) Lily has always loved singing and always wanted to perform, taking singing lessons with Rebecca O’Sullivan at SingStudio. In the past Lily has performed in Barnum with Tribe, a police officer BTC’s Beauty and the Beast: the Pantomime, and was also a robber in Tribe’s Wyrd Sisters, as well as two showcases with SingStudio. Lily has loved doing Grease and has enjoyed every bit of it, especially singing the songs. Lily is currently a year 8 at Bendigo South East College, and an interesting fact about her is that she is a brown belt in Kenpo Karate.

Natalie Hercus

(17)

Leroy Miller (15)

Lucy Mills (17)

Haydn Oxenham (14)

Leroy has enjoyed being involved in Tribe Youth Theatre’s production of Grease; past productions Leroy has been involved with include the role of General Genghis Khan Schmitz in Seussical: The Musical.

Lucy’s passion for performance began when cast as Sleeping Beauty in her year 6 production, delivering the most deadpan Disney princess in all human history. Despite the rough start she has since been involved in several productions, each more enjoyable than the last. Some of her fondest past roles include The Giant from Into The Woods, Chip from Beauty and the Beast, Joyce Heth from Tribe’s Barnum and most recently Peter Pan in Peter Pan: a Musical Adventure. Lucy has enjoyed being in the ensemble of Grease immensely and thanks the dedicated cast and crew for all they’ve achieved.

Haydn has really enjoyed putting all the skills he has learned into practice— for example, when he first started to practice all the dance moves at home and liked how much progress he was making with moves such as the hand jive. He has also enjoyed meeting lots of new people and socialising with people older than him.

Leroy’s interest in being a part of Grease began after one of his teachers, knowing that he loves drama, suggested that he should join Tribe. His favourite thing about being in Grease is hearing the amazing harmonies and brilliant choreography come together.

Erin Tinker (13)

Jacob Ware (16)

Erin is a student in year 8 at Catherine McAuley College, and has taken drama classes at Helen O’Grady Drama Academy for the past six years. She has also taken a variety of dance, cheerleading, gymnastics and two years of singing and instrumental lessons. Erin’s past performances include the 2017 Tribe Youth Theatre production of Barnum and she was then Brigitta von Trapp in the Nexus production of The Sound Of Music. Erin is honoured to be a part of Grease; considering how many people auditioned she greatly appreciates the chance to be involved.

Jacob is in year 10 at Girton Grammar, where he has performed in a number of productions including The Jungle Book (2012), Peter Pan Jr as Mr Smee (2014), Lord Farquaad in Shrek (2016) and this year in Peter Pan - a musical adventure. He also regularly takes part in Girton’s Actors Studio where he has been awarded with best actor and best supporting actor.

Grease is Haydn’s second show. After his first, where he played Scar in the Lion King, he won an award to join Nexus Bendigo Youth Theatre. Haydn hopes Grease is not his last production.

Jacob made his debut with the Bendigo Theatre Company in 2015 as a member of the chorus in Mary Poppins. He has also participated in many dance concerts from an early age and in 2016 Jacob was a guest performer in the Victorian ballet performance of Don Quixote.

Jarrod Handley Musical Director Jarrod’s involvement in music has been varied and dynamic. Beginning to learn brass instruments at age 7 with his grandfather before joining the now City of Greater Bendigo Brass Band in 2004, he has many years of experience in community ensembles. Within the brass band world, he learned many instruments, however has always felt at home on the baritone horn, however plays trombone and tuba when required in musical theatre and orchestras. Jarrod has played in many musical theatre performances, most notably BTC’s productions of Mary Poppins (2015) and Fiddler on the Roof (2018). Whilst also playing in the Bendigo Brass Band, he plays with the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, has been a part of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony in a Day project (2016) and is also the Musical Director of Bendigo Youth Brass. In the

past, he has played with Booroondara Brass Band (Melbourne), Bendigo & District Concert Band and Eaglehawk Citizens Band. Last year, Jarrod lived in Liverpool, England, and was the Solo Horn of the Formby (Brass) Band, which competed at the National Championships of Great Britain in the Third Section, and toured to France to accompany world renowned trumpet player Phil Lawrence. He also competed at the Whit Friday marching competition with Flixton Silver Band from Manchester, also on Solo Horn. The role of Musical Director of Grease has been a massive opportunity to hone his conducting skills, whilst also working with talent on stage and in the orchestra itself. Organising rehearsals and working with the performers to create a extraordinary listening experience has been a great opportunity and learning experience. He was ecstatic to accept the role and begin a new path as a Musical Director of stage shows. Outside of the world of music, Jarrod is a car fanatic, avid reader, lover of strong coffees and robust political discussion.

Musicians

Karin Van Poppel

Geordie Scarce

Ben Fitzgerald

Cooper Bennet

Bevan Madden

Chris Epworth

Chloe Fitton

Aidan Ratcliffe

Piano

Double Bass 26

Guitar

Percussion

Guitar

Saxophone

Bass Guitar

Saxophone

Crew PRODUCTION MANAGER

Kristen Beever

ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER and REHEARSAL CO-ORDINATOR

Jordan French

DIRECTOR and CHOREOGRAPHER

Vanessa Bate

Emily Holmes

Julie McDonald

Stage Manager

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR JUNIOR CHOREOGRAPHERS

Charlee Harris Shantara Johnstone

VOCAL COACH

Kerry Lorenz

MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Jarrod Handley

REHEARSAL PIANIST

Karin Van Poppel

STAGE MANAGER

Emily Holmes

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

Ebony Watts (BSSC)

STAGE MANAGERS’ MENTOR

Kerry Turpie

COSTUME CO-ORDINATORS

Liz Young Lauren Mitchell

HAIR/WIGS HairByChantelleMaher MAKEUP

Amelia Howden (Weeroona SC)

PROPS / SET PROPS

Kate and Steve Tinker

LIGHTING DESIGN

Ian Scott

LIGHTING

Lachlan Careedy (BSE)

SOUND and PROJECTIONS

Thomas Moore Calum McClure Jared Hodges (Girton)

SET

Bendigo Scaffolding Colin Brown, Keva Lloyd, John McDonald, Vern Wall, Ken Wells with Grease families

CREW

Charli Kingston-Brown (CMC) Georgia McMillan (Girton) Tahlee Cornell Ashli White (Ilrymple SC)

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

David Field Shooter Photos

SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO

Ebony and Tabitha Watts

PROGRAMME DESIGN

Kristen Beever

SPECIAL THANKS TO

A seasoned performer with BTC, Emily is thrilled to be extending her theatrical credits to stage management. Emily recently graduated with a Bachelor of Education and now teaches Performing Arts at Golden Square Primary School. Emily is absolutely thrilled to be working with such a talented group of people, on and off stage. Emily hopes you enjoy the show and the chance to sing along to all your favourite Grease songs.

Joel Nicholson Jason Priestley Southern Cross Austereo Shantelle Rathbone Jenny Clohesy Girton Grammar School The Ulumbarra Foundation

Ebony Watts Assistant Stage Manager Ebony is 19 years old. Her first production was Annie with Nexus BYT, 2013, and has since been in countless productions with Nexus on and off stage. Last year, Ebony Stage Managed A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Girton Senior School Production 2017) and is now aspiring to further herself in this field. Wyrd Sisters was Ebony’s first production with Bendigo Theatre Company which she juggled with a Nexus BYT Graduate Leadership program. She is now balancing Grease with Assistant Directing BTC’s The Mousetrap. Ebony has enjoyed making promotional films for Grease and working with a great team..

The Mousetrap, a murder mystery written by Agatha Christie opened on London’s West End in 1952, the same year the Bendigo Operatic Society was founded. Both have been running continuously ever since! Bendigo Theatre Company is thrilled to present the world’s longest running play in October and November 2018. A whodunit set in the Great Hall of Monkswell Manor, it is complete with murder, mysterious notes, red herrings and three blind mice. It’s a prime example of a twist ending - and audience members are asked to not reveal the killer. ALL TICKETS $27.00

OPENS OCTOBER 26th Tickets on sale now from GoTix: 03 5434 6100 www.gotix.com.au | Capital Box Office

ASPIRE • TO • STAR! Girton Grammar School would like to congratulate BTC’s Tribe Youth Theatre on their incredible production. We are delighted to be the host venue for “Grease.”

WITH BENDIGO’S LARGEST PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM With one of the largest Performing Arts programs in Regional Australia, Girton Grammar School currently has eighteen recent graduates studying Music, Drama and Film courses at University, five of whom are at the prestigious Victorian College of the Arts and two at 30National Academies.

In Theatre Studies alone, 2018 is the fifth consecutive year that Girton students have been selected for the prestigious Top Acts Season of Excellence, having achieved a perfect A+ score in VCE examinations. It all starts by providing opportunities and with 35 musical ensemble groups and 3 major

theatrical productions every year, there are endless ways that students can follow their passions in Music, Drama and Dance.

girton.vic.edu.au

If you’d like to find out what opportunities Girton’s Performing Arts Program and scholarships could offer your child, please contact our Registrar on 5441 3114 or email: registry@girton.vic.edu.au

A S P I R E TO S TA R

Bendigo Theatre Company 2018 Committee of Management President Vice President Secretary Treasurer

Abe Watson Vern Wall Stania Tresize Maureen Fleiner

General Committee Life Members Patron

Barbara Billings, Colin Brown, Keva Lloyd, Bevan Madden, Rebecca Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan, Ken Wells

Anne Ball, Mrs Ball (Dec.), Colin Brown, Grace Cox, Gael Emond, Greg Harris, Patricia Lyon (Dec.), Jack Paynting (Dec.), Annie Smith, Stania Tresize, Vern Wall, Ken Wells, Madge Welsh (Dec). Cr. Rod Fyffe