NAPA News - Week 6, Term 1, 2025
KIM REYNOLDS
COMPANY DIRECTOR
FROM THE DIRECTOR
What a wet and wild week it has been! I hope none of our NAPA families have been too badly affected by the cyclone. As you would have seen in our email tonight, we have sustained some minor damage to the studio, so I have made the call to stay closed tomorrow. With the amount of water around and with the nature of our facility, I do not want to risk it. The safety of the kids and staff is the most important. I will be emailing some individual classes with some make-up lessons that will take place, but most classes will be made up in extra rehearsals for end of year productions.
STUDIO CLOSED MONDAY
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IMPORTANT CYCLONE ALFRED UPDATES
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STUDIO CLOSED MONDAY
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PLEASE MONITOR SOCIAL MEDIA AND EMAILS FOR STUDIO CLOSURES AS THE WEEK PROGRESSES
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STUDIO CLOSED MONDAY 〰️ IMPORTANT CYCLONE ALFRED UPDATES 〰️ STUDIO CLOSED MONDAY 〰️ PLEASE MONITOR SOCIAL MEDIA AND EMAILS FOR STUDIO CLOSURES AS THE WEEK PROGRESSES 〰️
QUICK REMINDERS
MARCH FEES NOW DUE
LOST PROPERTY - THIS HAS BUILT UP AGAIN. PLEASE CHECK THE RACK IN RECEPTION.
KAEL AT OPENING NIGHT OF MJ THE MUSICAL … WHAT A STAR!
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
With our opening weekend being cancelled and with no possibility of extension, we now only have THREE chances to perform or NAPA Ensemble production of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME. Book now as our final shows are starting to fill up!
the witches — tickets on sale soon!
We are nearly ready to announce our cast for THE WITCHES, our next NAPA Ensemble production. This production will be fun for the whole family and is being staged during the April school holidays. Tickets will go on sale soon, so keep your eyes on our socials for this one.
PRIVATE SINGING LESSONS
We are excited to have Melissa Lukin Stripp joining our vocal staff for 2025. If your child is interested in having singing lessons, please email Kimberley to express interest and she will forward your request to Mel.
WELLBEING
Navigating a Season of ‘Stuckness’ as a Performer
Every performer experiences seasons of feeling “stuck.” Maybe you’re recovering from an injury, facing creative blocks, struggling with motivation, or simply not seeing the progress you expected. It’s frustrating—but it’s also completely normal. The good news? These moments of stillness can be opportunities for growth, reflection, and renewal.
🌱 Shift Your Perspective
Instead of seeing “stuckness” as failure, view it as a season of preparation. Growth isn’t always visible, and sometimes the best progress happens beneath the surface. Trust that this phase has a purpose in your artistic journey.
🎯 Reconnect with Your ‘Why’
When routines feel monotonous or progress slows, take a step back and rediscover what drew you to performing in the first place. Was it the thrill of storytelling? The joy of movement? The emotional connection with an audience? Reconnecting with your purpose can reignite your passion.
💡 Try Something New
Feeling stagnant often means it’s time to shake things up:
✅ Explore a different dance style or vocal technique
✅ Take an improv or acting class for fun
✅ Listen to new music or study performances that inspire you
✅ Try journaling or visualisation exercises to spark creativity
🛑 Release the Pressure
Perfectionism can be a major roadblock. If you’re feeling stuck, remind yourself: it’s okay to rest. Take time for self-care, stretch without expectation, sing just for enjoyment, or move without judgment. Progress isn’t always about pushing harder—it’s also about knowing when to pause.
🤝 Seek Support
You’re not alone! Reach out to fellow performers, teachers, or mentors. Talking through frustrations, sharing experiences, and seeking advice can offer fresh perspectives and remind you that every artist faces similar challenges.
💙 Final Thoughts
Seasons of stagnation don’t last forever. Trust that even in stillness, you’re growing in ways you may not yet see. Stay patient, stay open, and know that your artistry will find momentum again.
🎶 Keep going, keep creating, and remember—your journey is always unfolding. 🌟
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Ethan Robinson
Years at NAPA: 2006-2016
Classes Taken: Broadway (Musical Theatre), Tread the Boards (Plays), Dance, Film and Television
Since leaving NAPA, Ethan has starred in two major Australian films—Swinging Safari and Danger Close—working alongside some of Australia’s most celebrated talent. His ability to bring compelling characters to life on screen is a testament to his hard work and training.
Reflecting on his time at NAPA, Ethan shares, “NAPA provided me with the essential tools to excel not only in front of the camera but behind it as well. Becoming a skilled actor is just one part of the journey, and the team at NAPA is unparalleled in their commitment to ensuring students are fully prepared for success in the industry. Their expertise and dedication truly set them apart.”
Beyond the training, Ethan emphasises the invaluable connections and lifelong friendships he built at NAPA, many of whom he still collaborates with today. “The community you build here will be the one that supports you throughout your entire journey!”
We are incredibly proud of Ethan and can’t wait to see what’s next in his journey. Congratulations, Ethan—your NAPA family is cheering you on!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
TAHNEE PITCHERS
BALLET SPECIALIST AND RAD BALLET COORDINATOR
CLASSES — GRADE 3,4,5 INTERMEDIATE FOUNDATION AND GRADE 7 RAD BALLET, PRIVATE DANCE TUITION
At NAPA, we’re lucky to have an incredible team of passionate and dedicated educators, and this week, we’re shining the spotlight on Tahnee Pitchers!
Miss Tahnee’s dance journey began at Professional Ballet Coaching Academy Australia, where she quickly distinguished herself as a talented performer. She was a finalist in several RAD Jacqueline Moreland Awards, a finalist in Sydney Eisteddfod’s Robert & Elizabeth Albert Scholarship, and the winner of the JJ Richards Memorial Scholarship. She was also part of Queensland Ballet’s Junior Program, further developing her artistry and technique.
Her dedication led her to train at Canada’s National Ballet School in Toronto on a full tuition scholarship, an incredible achievement that shaped her as both a dancer and educator. Tahnee is now expanding her expertise by completing a Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet) with the Royal Academy of Dance.
Since joining NAPA in 2018, Tahnee has been an invaluable part of our teaching team. Her passion for ballet, commitment to her students, and love for dance education shine through in every class. We are so grateful to have her inspiring the next generation of dancers!
Thank you, Tahnee, for all that you bring to NAPA! 💙
SUBSCRIBE TO MISS TAHNEE’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR SOME AMAZING PILATES WORKOUTS FOR YOUR HOME TRAINING
PERFORMANCE TIPS
Safe & Effective Home Practice for Performers
When bad weather keeps you stuck indoors, it’s easy to feel disconnected from your craft. But isolation doesn’t have to mean stagnation! Whether you're a singer, dancer, or actor, there are plenty of ways to train safely at home and keep your skills sharp.
🎤 For Singers: Vocal Strength & Clarity
Being indoors provides the perfect opportunity to refine vocal technique and build endurance.
✅ Diaphragmatic Breathing – Lie down with a book on your stomach and practice deep, controlled breaths.
✅ Lip Trills & Sirens – Gently warm up your vocal cords without straining.
✅ Diction & Articulation Drills – Try tongue twisters to improve clarity and control.
✅ Silent Singing – Practice lyrics and phrasing mentally to strengthen muscle memory.
⚠️ Safety Tip: Stay hydrated, avoid over-singing, and always warm up before pushing your vocal range!
💃 For Dancers: Strength & Flexibility
Lack of space doesn’t mean lack of training! Focus on conditioning and injury prevention.
✅ Theraband Work – Strengthen ankles and feet for better stability.
✅ Core Activation – Planks and slow, controlled ab exercises enhance balance.
✅ Flexibility Drills – Controlled stretching improves range of motion.
✅ Choreography Review – Mark through routines mentally or in small spaces.
⚠️ Safety Tip: Practice on a non-slip surface, wear proper footwear (or socks with grip), and take breaks to prevent fatigue.
🎭 For Actors: Expression & Vocal Control
Use this time to refine delivery, breath support, and facial expressions.
✅ Mirror Work – Practice different emotions and expressions with subtlety.
✅ Monologue Practice – Work on diction, pacing, and connection to text.
✅ Facial & Jaw Relaxation – Stretch and massage to release tension.
✅ Breath Control – Try sustained humming or Shakespearean text for vocal endurance.
⚠️ Safety Tip: Avoid overstraining your voice, and be mindful of posture to prevent tension buildup.
🛑 Train Smart & Stay Injury-Free
While it’s great to stay active at home, remember that proper technique is key to avoiding injuries. Move with control rather than forcing movements, and always listen to your body—pain is a sign to stop, not push through. Use mirrors or video recordings to check your alignment, warm up before every session, and avoid training on unsafe surfaces. If a movement feels unnatural or painful, adjust or skip it altogether. Training safely today means staying performance-ready for tomorrow!
Final Thoughts
Staying performance-ready at home is all about balance—train, but don’t overdo it! Use this time to fine-tune technique, care for your body, and emerge stronger when you hit the stage again.
🎶 Stay safe, stay inspired, and keep creating—no matter the weather! 🌟
