NAPA News - Week 3, Term 2, 2025
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome to Week 3 of Term 2. The weather is really starting to cool down now! Our first round of winter uniforms will be ordered on Friday, 16 May, so please ensure you have made your order by then to ensure you don’t miss out.
QUICK REMINDERS
ABSENTEEISM - DON’T FORGET TO USE YOUR PARENT PORTAL TO LOG ANY ABSENTEEISM
P&F - WE WILL BE HOLDING A GENERAL MEETING ON 16 JUNE FROM 5.00PM
LOST PROPERTY - SEE PHOTO BELOW FOR ITEMS STILL IN LOST PROPERTY
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
HUMPHREY IS COMING TO NAPA!
We are so excited to announce that Humphrey B Bear will be joining us at the studio! Humphrey will be filming a segment “Humphrey discovers NAPA - Musical Theatre fun!” as well as a few other segments. Some of our lucky students will have the opportunity to be part of filming with Humphrey, and we can’t wait to see the end result. Humphrey will be visiting NAPA regularly, so keep an eye out and make sure you say hello!
FOOTLOOSE!
Tickets are on sale for our final NAPA Ensemble production of 2025! Footloose stars an amazing cast of local talent, NAPA Graduates and our current NAPA College cohort. If your child is interested in joining NAPA College, we highly recommend coming along to see this show!
napa college 2026 parent info night
We will be holding an information night for potential new parents and students on June 16th from 6.30pm. 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
MAINTAINING A WHOLISITIC LIFE PERSPECTIVE
Being a young performer can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also become overwhelming if performance takes over every part of your life. That’s why it’s so important to prioritise balance. This means making space not just for rehearsals and performances, but also for school, friendships, family time, and hobbies that have nothing to do with performing.
One powerful way to maintain that balance is by building friendships outside your studio or performance space. While it’s great to connect with others who share your passion, friends from school, sport, youth groups, or other interests give you the chance to unwind, talk about different things, and just enjoy being yourself. These friendships offer perspective and support, helping you stay grounded and reminding you that there’s more to your identity than performing. They can also provide stability when challenges arise—having other supportive spaces to turn to makes a big difference.
In addition, developing life skills through experiences outside of the performing arts will help you grow into a well-rounded, adaptable, and more employable artist after graduation. Skills like communication, teamwork, time management, leadership, financial literacy and even something as simple as barista skills are essential in any career—including the arts, and can actually expand your realism, understanding and performance as an actor. Whether you’re collaborating on a group project at school, exploring the world around you, volunteering in your community, or working a part-time job, these experiences prepare you for the real-world demands of a professional career and help you stand out in a competitive industry.
A balanced routine supports your mental health, helps manage stress, and allows you to enjoy being young—not just a performer. Activities like reading, playing sport, gaming, or simply relaxing with friends give your mind and body a break, helping you return to your craft feeling refreshed and inspired.
Remember, performing is just one part of who you are. By nurturing all areas of your life, you build resilience, stay motivated, and bring more depth and joy to your performances. Balance isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for long-term wellbeing and success.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
EMILY MONSMA
NAPA Years: 2009–2012
We’re thrilled to shine this month’s Alumni Spotlight on Emily Monsma, a NAPA alumna whose star continues to rise on stages across Australia.
Emily trained at NAPA from 2009 to 2012, immersing herself in Broadway (Musical Theatre), Performance Teams, and Dance. Her early years at NAPA were a formative time filled with learning, growth, and inspiration—an experience she credits as pivotal in shaping both her artistry and professionalism.
After graduating from NAPA, Emily went on to earn her Bachelor of Musical Theatre from the Queensland Conservatorium, graduating in 2015. She made her professional debut touring nationally in arena productions of Hairspray (as Penny Pingleton) and Grease (as Marty) from 2016 to 2019. Today, Emily is dazzling audiences across Australasia as the Glinda Understudy in the international tour of Wicked—a milestone that reflects her talent, dedication, and resilience.
Emily shares, “Having grown up in Community Theatre, Miss Kimmi originally guided both Courtney and I to join NAPA in it's early years after meeting on Gypsy at Spotlight Theatre (2006). Best decision we ever made. NAPA kept me focused and gave me so much opportunity to train, perform and learn so that a career in the Arts was achievable. Mostly, it taught me respect and how to work hard and be a good person (cherub) so that you're easy and a pleasure to work with, the most important trait of all. It gave me teachers and mentors that inspired me and pushed me out of my comfort zone and prepared me for the industry I get to work in now, as well as making and preparing me to be my own Singing and Theatre teacher and how to gage respect and implement my own knowledge to youth as well.”
Now also a teacher herself, Emily continues to pass on her passion and knowledge to the next generation of performers—just as her own mentors did for her.
We are so proud of Emily and can’t wait to see what’s next on her journey. Keep soaring, Emily!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
SAM HINDMARSH
DANCE SPECIALIST
CLASSES — 12s PERFORMANCE TEAM, ACRO, LYRICAL/CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUE, BOYS CLASS, INTERMEDIATE FOUNDATION BALLET (SHARED ROLE), COLLEGE DANCE, PRIVATE DANCE TUITION
We’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on one of our incredible staff members, Sam Hindmarsh – an international performer and industry pro who brings a wealth of experience, energy, and passion to our team.
Sam’s professional journey began at lightning speed – he made his professional debut at just 18 years old with Royal Caribbean, launching a globe-trotting career in entertainment. After two contracts at sea, Sam took the next exciting step by joining The Walt Disney Company, performing in One Man’s Dream at Tokyo Disney Resort.
But he didn’t stop there! Sam went on to complete an amazing nine contracts over eight years with Disney Cruise Line, performing in beloved original musicals like Tangled, Aladdin, Frozen, and Toy Story, as well as fan-favorite productions like Star Wars: Summon the Force and Marvel: Heroes Unite. His talent and leadership were quickly recognized, and he was promoted to Male Swing & Dance Captain—a role he held for his final six contracts, guiding casts and supporting creative teams while continuing to perform.
Now based on land, Sam brings that same level of excellence and dedication to our students. Whether he’s teaching choreography, mentoring performers, or preparing young artists for the professional world, Sam leads with experience, heart, and a deep understanding of what it takes to thrive in this industry.
On top of all that, Sam is also the Co-Founder of Industry Auditions, a platform helping performers navigate and access casting opportunities around the globe—a true example of giving back to the arts community.
We’re so lucky to have Sam as part of our faculty. His international insight, unmatched professionalism, and love of performing inspire everyone around him.
PERFORMANCE TIPS
Shine Together, Not Just Alone
One of the most exciting things about performing is getting the chance to shine—to sing that big solo, nail a dance break, or fully step into character. But here’s something every great performer knows: the best performances happen when the whole cast shines together.
In theatre, dance, and musical performance, your individual talent is just one piece of the puzzle. You might play a lead or a featured role, but you’re also part of an ensemble—a team of storytellers working together toward one shared goal: bringing a story to life.
Here are some ways you can shine with others, not just on your own:
🎭 Listen and React
Acting and performing are not just about speaking or dancing—it’s about responding. Pay close attention to your fellow performers. When you truly listen, your reactions become more natural, and the entire performance becomes more alive and believable.
👯 Know Your Role in the Bigger Picture
Every role matters. Leads, ensemble, dancers, narrators, background characters—each person adds depth and meaning to the show. Embrace your part, no matter how “big” or “small”, and understand how it contributes to the overall story.
🤝 Be Generous on Stage
Don’t compete for the spotlight—share it. That might mean adjusting your focus so a moment of dialogue isn’t overshadowed, or helping a fellow performer hit their cue. A generous performer is always a joy to watch and work with.
🎉 Celebrate Others’ Successes
Cheer each other on. If your friend lands a big solo or nails a tricky scene, be the first to congratulate them. Supporting others doesn’t take away from your shine—it multiplies it.
🌈 Bring a Positive Attitude to Rehearsals
Rehearsals are where the real magic begins. Be prepared, be respectful, and be kind. Directors, choreographers, and castmates always remember the people who made the process better for everyone.
✨ Remember: The Story Comes First
No matter what, the story is the star. Everything you do on stage—every note, every movement, every glance—should serve the story you’re telling together.
At the end of the day, being a great performer isn’t just about being in the spotlight—it’s about helping the whole show shine. When you lift others up, listen closely, and work as a team, you don’t just perform… you inspire.
Keep working hard, supporting your cast, and telling powerful stories—together.
