NAPA News - Week 2, Term 2, 2025
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome to Week 2 of Term 2! A big welcome to our new families who have joined us this term. If you are new to NAPA don’t forget to follow our socials and join our Facebook group to stay up to date with all the goings on around the studio. A reminder that the website is a wealth of information. The handiest page for parents is our calendar. This has all dates for the year, including term dates and public holidays etc.
QUICK REMINDERS
LABOUR DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY - ALL AFTERNOON CLASSES ARE ON - DAY OFF FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
P&F COMMITTEE - WE WILL BE HOLDING A GENERAL MEETING at 5pm, 16 JUNE TO ELECT NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE, PLEASE EMAIL [email protected].
UNIFORMS - REMINDER THAT OUR WINTER UNIFORM IS NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
NAPA CABARET
A massive thank you to the NAPA Ensemble Permanent Players for an awesome night of entertainment on Saturday night. Our “Double Trouble” Cabaret featuring duets from musical theatre was a great success and it was so nice to see you all up on stage together. Stay tuned for more upcoming cabaret nights!
we’re getting a new sound system!
We're thrilled to be installing a new sound system in the theatre! Until now, we've had to hire sound equipment for every production—a costly expense that significantly impacts our budget. By owning our own system, we can redirect those funds into other areas of our shows and continue raising the bar. Our fantastic sound engineer, John Taylor—one of the best in the business—will be handling the installation. He’ll also continue programming our productions to ensure top-quality sound for every performance.
napa college 2026 parent info night
We will be holding an information night for potential new parents and students at 6.30pm, 16 June. If you are interested in attending, please email [email protected] to RSVP. Meet the teachers, gain insight into the course, and meet other College families.
WEllbeing
Helping Young Performers Find Balance During Busy Show + competition Seasons
Production and competition seasons can be one of the most exciting times in a young performer's life—costumes, rehearsals, music, and the thrill of the stage! But with the excitement also comes long days, high energy demands, and lots of commitments, both at school and in the theatre. That’s why it’s so important—for both young performers and their families—to prioritise balance and wellbeing along the way.
Why Balance Matters
When performers are tired or overwhelmed, it affects more than just their energy. It impacts their focus, emotions, physical health, and even their confidence. Finding the right balance helps them enjoy the experience, grow as artists, and stay healthy and happy—on and off the stage.
Tips for Parents & Performers
Here are some family-friendly strategies to help keep show season joyful and manageable:
1. Make Sleep a Priority
Rehearsals can run late, but rest is essential. Try to maintain a consistent sleep routine whenever possible, especially on non-rehearsal nights. A well-rested performer is more focused, calm, and confident.
2. Pack Smart Snacks
Keep energy levels stable with snacks that fuel—like fruit, muesli bars, or sandwiches—instead of sugary treats that cause crashes. Encourage hydration too, especially during long rehearsals.
3. Balance Commitments
It’s okay to take a step back from other activities during production weeks. Be realistic about what can fit into your family schedule. A less-stressed performer usually performs better!
4. Create Quiet Moments
Even short breaks matter. Take time to relax together as a family—go for a walk, do some gentle stretching, or simply enjoy a quiet dinner without rushing.
5. Check In Regularly
Ask your young performer how they’re feeling—physically and emotionally. Let them know it’s okay to feel nervous, tired, or even overwhelmed. Your support and understanding make all the difference.
6. Make Time for Each Other
While it’s easy to get swept up in rehearsals and performance prep, it’s just as important to make time for family connection. Shared meals, supportive conversations, and time spent simply being together can recharge everyone—not just the performer. Life is fleeting, and these seasons pass quickly—making space for togetherness not only supports wellbeing but also creates cherished memories you’ll hold onto long after the final curtain call. Production season is a shared experience, and finding a rhythm that supports both your child’s passion and the family’s wellbeing makes it all the more meaningful.
At the end of the day, performance is about joy, growth, and creativity. Encouraging balance at home and in the rehearsal space helps young performers feel supported—not just as artists, but as whole people. With rest, nourishment, and family care, they’ll be ready to shine brightly on stage and beyond.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
CASSIDY MACKIE
Performer • Songwriter • DJ • Wedding Musician
NAPA Alumni 2011–2012
From the NAPA stage to the national spotlight, Cassidy Mackie has built an inspiring, multi-talented career that spans live performance, original music, and unforgettable moments as a wedding and event artist.
Cassidy trained at NAPA in 2011 and 2012, taking classes in Broadway (Musical Theatre), Dance, and Performance Teams. It was here, under the guidance of Miss Kim and the NAPA team, that Cassidy began developing the discipline, versatility, and stage presence that would shape her future.
Since then, her achievements have been nothing short of extraordinary. Cassidy has:
Performed at the AFL Grand Finals in 2020 and 2022
Reached the semi-finals of The Voice Australia in 2022
Released a catalogue of original music under her artist project, COTTA
Garnered over 1.5 million streams on one of her songs
Won awards for her songwriting
And perhaps most memorably, built a thriving career as a wedding musician and DJ, working with around 75 couples each year—including some familiar faces from the NAPA family (shoutout to Mr Sam!)
When asked about her time at NAPA, Cassidy says:
“My training at NAPA gave me the foundation I still lean on today—not just technically, but in terms of confidence, professionalism and versatility. Miss Kim taught me how to rehearse and perform at a high standard, how to tell a story through song, and how to connect with an audience. Whether I’m singing a couple down the aisle, performing at a major event, or writing music in the studio, the performance instincts I developed at NAPA are always with me. Most of all, it cemented my love for live performance and gave me the courage to pursue it as a career 🥰”
With a career that balances artistry and heart, Cassidy Mackie is a shining example of what happens when talent meets hard work—and a little NAPA magic.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
DAVID VALKS
SINGING SPECIALIST
CLASSES — OPENS MUSICAL THEATRE TEAM, NAPA COLLEGE SINGING, PRIVATE VOCAL TUITION
NAPA is proud to shine this month’s Staff Spotlight on the incredible David Valks, our versatile Singing Specialist, whose talent and passion for vocal performance continue to inspire students across every level of experience.
David leads NAPA College Singing, Private Vocal Tuition, and plays a key role in our dynamic Opens Musical Theatre Team. Whether he’s coaching a soloist through a challenging ballad or directing a full ensemble number, David brings a depth of knowledge and a contagious love for the craft.
With a rich performance history spanning London, Sydney, and the Gold Coast, David has worked extensively in both professional and community theatre. His impressive credits include West End and UK tour productions of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Mikado, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Pirates of Penzance. A graduate of Arts Educational London, David holds advanced training in multiple vocal methodologies, including BAST and Estill, ensuring his students receive expert guidance rooted in proven technique.
David’s impact goes far beyond the studio. His recent directorial work—Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Gypsy and The Sound of Music with Spotlight Theatre—not only highlighted his creative leadership but also gave many NAPA students the chance to shine in high-calibre productions under his mentorship.
At the heart of David’s teaching philosophy is a simple, powerful goal: to help each student build a confident, joyful relationship with their voice. He believes singing should be both technically sound and emotionally expressive, and he works tirelessly to help students of all ages unlock their potential.
Whether you're stepping into the spotlight for the first time or preparing for a professional stage, David Valks is the coach, cheerleader, and creative guide every performer hopes to find.
Don’t miss David’s latest production at Spotlight Theatre featuring several NAPA cherubs along with graduates Torrek Elbeb and Jasmine Andrews.
PERFORMANCE TIPS
Staying Show-Ready in the Cooler Months
As the days grow colder and rehearsal rooms get chillier, performers of all kinds—dancers, vocalists, and actors—need to be extra mindful of self-care. Whether you're leaping across the stage, projecting your voice to the balcony, or embodying a character through hours of rehearsal, the change in weather can impact your performance if you’re not prepared. Here are some season-specific tips to help you stay healthy, energised, and performance-ready all winter long.
Warm Up With Purpose
Cold weather makes muscles and vocal cords more prone to tension and strain. Dancers should extend their warm-up routines to gradually raise core body temperature and increase flexibility before diving into choreography. Actors and vocalists should also allow time to warm up both body and voice—start with gentle movement and breath work, then transition into vocal exercises to ensure clarity and prevent vocal fatigue.
Dress Smart, Layer Well
Staying warm doesn’t mean sacrificing mobility or vocal freedom. Dancers can benefit from flexible, breathable layers that can be removed as the body warms up. Vocalists and actors should protect their throats with scarves when traveling to and from rehearsals, and keep rehearsal gear on hand—like cozy socks, leg warmers, or shawls—to maintain warmth without restricting movement or posture.
Hydration Isn’t Just for Summer
Heated indoor air and brisk outdoor temperatures both contribute to dehydration, which can dry out vocal cords and tighten muscles. All performers should make hydration a daily priority. Vocalists, especially, should keep water and soothing teas on hand, and consider using steam or humidifiers to support vocal health.
Listen to Your Body
The winter season can be demanding, with competitions and productions, longer nights, and the risk of seasonal illness. Be proactive: don’t push through pain or fatigue. If you’re feeling under the weather, rest and recovery are not luxuries—they’re necessities. Your artistry relies on your body and voice functioning at their best.
Keep Energy Up, Even When the Sun’s Down
Shorter days can zap your energy. Prioritise good nutrition, sleep, and mental wellness to keep your focus and creativity sharp. Whether you're rehearsing routines, monologues, or vocal runs, showing up prepared—physically and mentally—sets you and your cast and team mates up for success.
No matter your discipline, winter wellness is part of your craft. Taking care of your body and voice ensures you're always ready to give your best on stage, even when the temperature drops.
