NAPA News - Week 4, Term 3, 2025
FROM THE DIRECTOR
As we wrap up Week 3 of Term 3, it’s incredible to reflect on how much we’ve already achieved!
Our Gold Coast Eisteddfod dance soloists have competed with fantastic results, Sweeney Todd played to sold-out audiences, and preparations are well underway for our GCE Dance Groups, Drama Groups and Soloists, as well as our Vocal performers.
Winnie the Pooh and April Aardvark are also fast approaching and will hit the stage before we know it. But next up in our home theatre is our Performance Team Concert, taking place on August 29 and 30 at 7pm.
Tickets go on sale this Wednesday at lunchtime, so be sure to grab yours early — they’re sure to sell out!
QUICK REMINDERS
LOST AND FOUND IS FILLING UP AGAIN - PLEASE CHECK
COLD AND FLU SEASON IS STILL HERE - STAY WARM BEFORE AND AFTER CLASSES
DON’T FORGET TO LOG ABSENCES IN YOUR PARENT PORTAL
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
SWEENEY TODD
Wow! Our senior students absolutely blew us away with their performance of Sweeney Todd. This production is one of the most challenging pieces in musical theatre—from the complex characters and music to the demanding staging—and for students aged just 14–18 to take it on and perform at such a high level is a true testament to their hard work and training. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them and so grateful to our amazing team.
This year, we expanded our Broadway Extension class faculty. Alongside Miss Kim, Miss Hollie, and Miss Steffi, we welcomed back several of our talented NAPA graduates and former students who returned to support the production as teachers, assistants, and crew.
Laila Chequer de Souza and Torrek Elbeb, both graduates of our Extension class, have remained permanent fixtures at NAPA. Torrek has been a brilliant Assistant Director for the past two years and has developed into an exceptional technical assistant across all areas of production. Laila has grown into a remarkable Musical Director and has contributed her skills to many productions and classes this year.
We were also thrilled to have past NAPA students Elliot and Layne join the team. Their work as Assistant Director and Assistant Stage Manager, respectively, has been invaluable.
Having student helpers is such a vital part of our training institution. Not only do they support the production team during major shows like this, but they also gain hands-on experience that is truly invaluable in the performing arts.
These images by David and Beau Reynolds
CONGRATULATIONS EADIE!
Congratulations to our Broadway Bound student Eadie Lee, who successfully auditioned to take part in The Little Red's production of "Taylor Made" at The Tivoli Theatre in Brisbane. Eadie was selected from an extensive audition process to play a young Taylor Swift, alongside some of Australia's most talented performers. You are amazing, Eadie and we are so proud of you!
CONGRATULATIONS SOLOISTS
We are so proud of the dedication, resilience, and growth shown by our soloists at Gold Coast Eisteddfod and Dance Life Unite. Their outstanding results are a reflection of their consistent effort and commitment to their craft.
What makes us most proud, however, is the way each dancer approached their performances with professionalism, took on feedback with a positive attitude, and used it as fuel to continue growing as artists. Watching their development both on and off the stage has been inspiring, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes them next.
Well done to each of you. Your hard work, passion, and love of dance truly shone through!
AUDIENCE REMINDER - FILMING DURING SHOWS
Please note that photography and videography during performances is strictly prohibited.
This policy is in place to protect copyright, ensure the safety and wellbeing of our performers, and maintain respectful audience etiquette so that everyone can enjoy the show without distraction.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding — thank you for helping us create a safe and supportive environment for all involved.
Wellbeing
Navigating Anxiety, Trauma & Life’s Unexpected Turns
In a perfect world, your journey as a performer would unfold smoothly—fuelled by talent, training, and determination. But the reality is, life happens. Anxiety, trauma, grief, family struggles, mental health challenges, or personal setbacks can show up uninvited and at the worst possible times—right before a performance, in the middle of a contract, or when you’re just beginning to find your stride.
It’s important to know that these experiences don’t make you less of an artist. In fact, they often shape the depth and honesty you bring to your craft. But carrying emotional weight while trying to show up for auditions, rehearsals, or performances can be incredibly overwhelming. You might find yourself pushing through when your body and mind are screaming for a break—or questioning whether you even belong in the industry anymore.
Give yourself the same compassion you’d offer a friend. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to step back, seek therapy or counselling, or take time to rest and reset. Processing trauma and managing anxiety is not a distraction from your career—it’s part of the work of becoming a healthy, sustainable artist.
For parents and caregivers, your support can be one of the most powerful protective factors in your young performer's life. Create an environment where emotions are welcomed, not dismissed. Be curious, not critical—especially when they’re quiet, withdrawn, or unusually overwhelmed. Understand that their pressure often doesn’t just come from the stage, but from within. Offer stability, consistency, and safety. Encourage balance in their lives—rest, friendships, hobbies—so their identity isn’t solely tied to performance. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply listen without trying to fix. And most importantly, know when it’s time to seek professional help—because recognising that moment can be the difference between your child merely surviving... or truly thriving. Being able to process these things well in childhood sets a healthy emotional foundation for the rest of their life.
And for performers—look out for each other. This industry can feel competitive, but behind the curtains we’re all human, all navigating our own silent battles. Check in with your friends. Notice when someone seems off. Be the kind of artist who lifts others, who says “Are you okay?” and means it. Your kindness might be the thing that helps someone hold on. Community and connection are as vital to your wellbeing as training and talent. No one should have to carry it all alone.
You don’t need to be perfect. You need to be real, supported, and healthy. That’s the version of you that shines brightest—onstage and off.
CHERUB OF THE WEEK
CONGRATULATIONS MARDI MOORE!
This week we proudly recognise Mardi, a dedicated NAPA student since 2013. Mardi embodies everything we value in a performer—she is humble, hardworking, reliable, and consistently kind. A true team player, Mardi recently excelled as Dance Captain in Sweeney Todd, going above and beyond to support her cast and lead with grace.
Mardi has also been involved in several NAPA Ensemble productions this year, where she not only shone on stage but also lent her crocheting skills to help create our iconic mouse props for The Witches! She trains across dance, musical theatre, and singing, and is a valued member of our elite senior team.
Mardi, your creativity, commitment, and generosity continue to inspire. We’re so proud of you!
PERFORMANCE TIPS
Mastering Your Calendar – Balancing Rehearsals, School & Work
As a performer—or the parent of one—juggling rehearsals, school, part-time work, and auditions can sometimes feel like a constant race against the clock. The secret to staying calm, focused, and successful? Master your calendar before it masters you. Without a plan, it’s easy to become overwhelmed or let important things slip through the cracks. That’s where smart time management becomes your superpower.
For parents of younger children, it’s never too early to start teaching your young performer to manage and be aware of their calendar. Helping them visualise their week—even with simple tools like stickers, colours, or picture-based planners—instills good time management habits from the start. It prepares them to anticipate busy days rather than being caught off-guard, and it fosters independence by encouraging them to take responsibility for their commitments in a way that’s age-appropriate and empowering.
Start by choosing a calendar system that suits your style—whether that’s a physical planner, a wall calendar, or a digital app like Google Calendar or TimeTree. Log everything: rehearsals, school deadlines, work shifts, travel time, meal breaks, even self-care and sleep. Seeing your week, month, term, and year laid out visually helps you spot busy patches, avoid clashes, and plan ahead with clarity. Colour-coding different areas of your life can make it easier to check your balance—or spot where you’re doing too much.
Make it a habit to review and update your calendar at the start of each week. This small step builds confidence and gives you a sense of control, rather than leaving you in reactive mode. Set reminders or alarms for key tasks and commitments. And when new opportunities or requests come up—especially ones beyond what’s already compulsory—don’t feel pressured to answer on the spot. Sometimes the most professional and respectful response is: “Let me check my availability and get back to you.”
Learn to protect your time. You don’t have to say yes to everything. Overloading your schedule only leads to burnout—and showing up exhausted or distracted doesn’t serve your performance, your education, or your wellbeing. Make sure to block out time for proper rest, creative play, meals, and connection with friends and family. These aren’t extras—they’re essentials that help you stay grounded, energised, and emotionally strong.
And finally, give yourself grace. Life as a performer is full of unpredictable moments—rehearsals run late, auditions pop up last-minute, school expectations shift. Things won’t always go perfectly, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Learning to manage your time well is a life skill that goes far beyond the stage or screen.
