NAPA News - Week 6, Term 3, 2025
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Week 6 is off to a fantastic start with some wonderful results from our Gold Coast Eisteddfod (GCE) groups over the weekend. Beyond the great achievements on stage, the feedback from judges, audiences, and GCE convenors has been outstanding. Our students were praised not only for their performances, but also for their professionalism and conduct behind the scenes. This is the kind of feedback we value most, as it reflects the behaviours we strive to instil in our performers to prepare them for professional pathways. Congratulations to our cherubs and teachers — we are so proud of you all!
8&U Team
Musical Theatre: 1st
10&U Team
Any Style (Song & Dance): 1st
Any Style Small Group (Song & Tap): 3rd
Lyrical Small Group: 3rd
12&U Team
Musical Theatre: 2nd
Any Style Small Group (Broadway): 3rd
Hip Hop: HC
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
WINNIE THE POOH TICKET SALES
Winnie the Pooh tickets will go on sale this week. They will first be released to Broadway Kids families, and then the link will go live on Thursday for our wider community.
For those new to NAPA, please note our ticket purchasing system for musicals:
When released to families you may purchase a maximum of 5 tickets for the season. Please book these in your child’s name so we can mark off who has tickets. This is to ensure that all families have the opportunity to get at least 5 seats across the shows. Once they are released to the public you may purchase as many as you like. PLEASE do not email and ask for more tickets in the first round. The system is in place to ensure fairness across the board, and then once they are released it’s up to families if they want to purchase more. If you purchase more than 5 tickets in the first round they will be cancelled and released back into the system. I will email instructions to all Broadway Kids families on Tuesday when tickets go live.
Thank you for following our guidelines and ensuring all families can purchase tickets to the show.
NAPA COLLEGE CHOIR
We must make special mention of our NAPA College Choir who performed for the first time in the Open Show Choir section at Gold Coast Eisteddfod. Not only did they take out first place, but they were awarded a platinum score! Our College cherubs have worked on hard on this piece with our brilliant Mr David. We could not be prouder!
CALLING ALL ARTISTS
We are looking for some helpers to aid with upcoming set painting and decoration. If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to Kimberley with your availability. We would love to have some help with costumes for upcoming shows too, so if you can sew, please add your name to the list!
Wellbeing
Caring for Your Voice
Your voice is one of your most valuable instruments, and like any instrument, it needs care to last the distance. Many young performers push too hard without realising the long-term impact – which can lead to strain, fatigue, or even nodules.
1. Warm Up & Cool Down
Just like dancers stretch their muscles, singers and actors need to warm up their voices before use and cool down afterwards. Gentle humming, lip trills and sirens are safe, effective tools.
2. Avoid the Common Pitfalls
Overuse: Long rehearsals, constant talking, and shouting (including in social settings like sport matches or noisy parties) wear the voice out quickly.
Bad habits: Whispering, coughing too hard, or “pushing” for volume can cause strain.
Poor lifestyle choices: Lack of hydration, late nights and excessive caffeine can all dry and tire the vocal folds.
3. Build Vocal Endurance Safely
Think of your voice like an athlete’s muscle: it develops stamina over time, not overnight. Work with your vocal coach to increase singing time gradually, take vocal rests during the day, and listen to your body when it feels tired.
4. Steamers & Nebulisers
Hydration isn’t only about drinking water – your vocal folds benefit from direct moisture too.
Steamers: A simple steamer (or even a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head) helps soothe and hydrate the vocal folds after heavy use.
Nebulisers: A portable nebuliser delivers a fine mist of saline solution directly to the vocal folds. Many professionals use these for targeted hydration, especially during intense rehearsal or performance seasons.
Both are safe, drug-free options to add to your vocal care routine, but they are not a replacement for rest and healthy technique.
5. Be Careful with Lozenges and Soothers
Throat lozenges, sprays or “soothers” can sometimes numb discomfort, making you feel like your voice is fine when it’s not. This can trick you into continuing to sing or speak on an already injured or fatigued voice, which may cause further damage.
Avoid medicated or numbing lozenges unless directed by a doctor.
If you use lozenges, stick to simple ones (like honey- or glycerine-based) that moisturise rather than mask pain.
Remember: pain or hoarseness is your body’s signal to rest – not something to be covered up.
6. Prevent Injury & Nodules
Stay hydrated (water is your best friend).
Use mic technique or projection training to avoid shouting.
Prioritise rest – vocal folds need downtime just like any other part of the body.
Seek professional help early if you feel pain, hoarseness, or lose range – don’t push through.
Having a strong, healthy voice isn’t about how loud or long you can sing today, but how well you care for your instrument so it serves you for a lifetime of performances. Protect it now, and it will protect your career later.
CHERUB OF THE WEEK
CONGRATULATIONS ANGELIQUE ALEXANDER!
This week we are thrilled to celebrate Angelique!
As a dedicated member of our performance teams and Broadway Tweens class, Angelique is admired by her teachers for being both hardworking and kind. She always comes prepared, knowing her work and approaching every class with a positive attitude. Over the weekend, she was a true standout in the 12’s groups—showing herself to be not only a professional performer but also a supportive friend and a natural leader within her team. Congratulations, Angelique!
PERFORMANCE TIPS
Your Brand & Social Media Presence
In today’s industry, your brand is more than what you do on stage or screen – it’s also how you present yourself online. Casting directors, agents, and producers often look at social media before making decisions, so your digital presence can either work for you or against you.
1. Developing Your Brand
Your “brand” is simply the way people remember you. Ask yourself: What are my strengths? What roles do I naturally suit? What makes me unique as a performer? If you know your casting type (for example: “the comedic best friend,” “the leading ingenue,” “the quirky character”), you can shape your online content to highlight those strengths. This doesn’t mean limiting yourself, but showing consistency helps the industry see where you fit.
2. Professional Social Media Presence
Treat your accounts like an extension of your audition room:
Share clips, rehearsal snapshots, or behind-the-scenes content that show your dedication.
Keep language and captions professional and positive.
Engage respectfully with others in the industry – kindness and encouragement go a long way.
Be cautious with “spammy” trends or anything that could come across as unprofessional.
3. Separating Personal & Professional Accounts
It can be wise to create separate accounts: one for your professional performer brand, and one for your personal life.
On your professional account, only post industry-related content: headshots, reels, show announcements, training highlights, and inspirational posts.
On your personal account, keep posts appropriate and respectful – even if it’s “just for friends.” Avoid anything that could damage your reputation if screenshotted or shared publicly.
Always remember: there’s no such thing as truly private online. Even on personal accounts, post with care.
4. Propriety Matters
Social media is public, even if your account is private. Posts, comments, and tags can be screenshotted and shared. Before posting, ask: Would I be comfortable with a director, casting agent, or future employer seeing this? If the answer is no, don’t post it.
5. Casting & Socials in Decision-Making
It’s common for casting teams to check socials. They want to see if you are:
Consistent with your audition material and brand.
Someone who could represent their production well.
Professional in how you present yourself online.
Sometimes, decisions are swayed by how an actor presents themselves outside the audition.
6. Digital Footprints
Every post, comment, or share leaves a trail – even if deleted. This is called your digital footprint. Think long-term: what you post at 14 could still be found when you’re 24 and auditioning for a big role. Protect your future opportunities by being mindful now.
7. Age Appropriateness & Laws
For under-16 performers, there are legal and safety considerations:
Australian laws currently prevent children aged Under 16 from creating and having social media accounts.
Always protect your privacy – avoid oversharing personal details like addresses, schools, or schedules.
Remember, the law protects young people from exploitation, but you also need to use good judgment to protect yourself.
