Life Corporation workers (from left) Abbie Reid, Brody Goldsmith, Kasey Walsh, Mikaylah Stephens, Emily Turner, Emily Suttar, Lilly Ramm, Anastasiia Kushnir, Sienna Valente and Indie-Lee Nankivell get up to date all the latest hype in The Next Big Thing. Photo: Amy Clarke and Lyndel Taylor.
Young performers from Esperance Senior High School will step into the spotlight on the Civic Centre stage when their original show The Next Big Thing opens on Saturday, August 16.
The cast of 25 students from years 7-12 has been working with Director Lyndel Taylor since March in preparation for the show which Ms Taylor devised to showcase the talents of the school’s actors, singers and musicians.
Ms Taylor said the story followed Douglas, a creative soul trying to make his way in the corporate world.
“When his demanding boss issues him with the challenge of coming up with ‘The Next Big Thing’, Douglas embarks on a journey to discover what really matters in life,” she said.
“The show explores what it takes to create something worthwhile and it is a celebration of the qualities that the school embodies.
“We have characters such as Truth, Knowledge, Wisdom, Enthusiasm and Courage.”
This energetic and original show is a celebration of song, dance and drama and will introduce audiences to some hilarious and memorable characters.
Ms Taylor said The Next Big Thing would appeal to all ages.
“It is an entertaining and inspiring story that the whole family will enjoy,” Ms Taylor said.
“The cast members have had a lot of fun as they bring the script to life. They are working hard to make this a thoroughly entertaining show.
“It is great to see their confidence, teamwork and theatre skills developing.”
The students are involved both onstage — acting, singing, dancing — and behind the scenes on technical aspects of the show.
ESHS principal Janet Silburn Barker said the production was a wonderful opportunity for students to experience valuable learning outside the classroom and to excel in the dramatic arts.
“Students from years 7-12 have worked together to bring this show to life,” she said.
“Ms Taylor encourages the development of high-level communication, teamwork, and dramatic performance skills, and our students have demonstrated outstanding commitment, work ethic and leadership.”
The ESHS production is generously supported by Esperance Civic Centre and Esperance Theatre Guild.
Ms Taylor said it was inspiring for the students to be able to work in a real theatre.
“While some cast members have been part of previous successful ESHS productions such as Midsummer Night’s Dream, for many this is their stage debut,” she said.
The cast will present a special matinee show on Thursday, August 14 for local primary schools.
The Next Big Thing runs for one public show only on August 16. Tickets are available online through Trybooking.com .
Lyndel Taylor is ESHS English and Drama teacher.
