NAPA News - Week 7, Term 1, 2025
KIM REYNOLDS
COMPANY DIRECTOR
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Happy Week 7 NAPA Family! The past week and upcoming week have seen lots of auditions happening, so I thought it would be good to include a few more tips around auditions in this week’s newsletter. Please take some time to read these to your children.
QUICK REMINDERS
MARCH FEES NOW DUE
LOST PROPERTY — THIS HAS BUILT UP AGAIN; PLEASE CHECK THE RACK IN RECEPTION.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CAST OF THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
OUT OF BOUNDS AREAS — PLEASE ENSURE YOUR CHILDREN ARE STAYING SAFE AT NAPA
Can I please ask parents to talk with your children about staying safe when playing between classes at NAPA? Playing behind our big container is not allowed, as this is where we store some old sets and things that may be ready for the tip. It is not safe for our cherubs, so please encourage them to stay in the main outdoor or indoor areas allocated to them.
the witches — tickets on sale
Please welcome the cast of our holiday production, Roald Dahl’s ‘The Witches’! This is a production that is fun for the whole family, so get your friends and family together and book your tickets. Groups of 10 or more will receive their 10th ticket for free. Email [email protected] for any group bookings.
NAPA CHERUBS AT ‘LIVE BY LANI’
Chookas to some of our seniors and graduates who will be performing at Live by Lani at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse this weekend.
Step into a speakeasy cabaret and be transported to an era of glamour, intrigue, and vintage charm. From the clink of cocktail glasses to the smoky allure of jazz-filled nights, you’ll feel the magic of a bygone age.
Then, let yourself by enchanted by dazzling modern burlesque—a mesmerising journey through the eras of cabaret. From the elegance of classic routines to the bold artistry of contemporary styles, this experience celebrates the evolution of performance, leaving you spellbound by the beauty, passion, and creativity that define cabaret across the ages.
WELLBEING
SUPPORTING OTHERS AROUND AUDITION TIME
Audition season can be an exciting, yet challenging time for any young performer. While it's natural to feel nervous or excited about your own audition, it's equally important to remember the power of supporting those around you. A positive, encouraging environment can make a huge difference for everyone involved.
Here are some simple ways to support your fellow performers during audition time:
Offer Words of Encouragement: A kind word can go a long way. Whether it’s a simple "Good luck!" or "You’ve got this!", positive reinforcement helps others feel more confident and calm.
Celebrate Everyone's Journey: Remember, everyone is on their own unique path. Celebrate the courage it takes for your peers to audition, regardless of the outcome. It's not just about getting the role; it's about growing and learning through the experience.
Create a Supportive Environment: If you’re waiting for your turn to audition, try to keep the atmosphere light and friendly. Instead of comparing performances, focus on cheering each other on. We all shine in different ways!
Share Tips and Techniques: If you’ve found a way to manage nerves, stay focused, or prepare more effectively, share it with others! Helping each other succeed makes everyone feel supported and less isolated during audition time.
Be There After the Audition: Whether you or a friend receives good news or not, offering a shoulder to lean on is important. Rejection is part of the process, but support can make it easier to handle and keep everyone motivated for the next opportunity.
By lifting each other up, you create a healthier, more positive environment for everyone to thrive. Auditions can be nerve-wracking, but with a little kindness and empathy, we can all feel more confident, connected, and ready to shine.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
SEBASTIAN LI
Years at NAPA: 2012-2018
Classes Taken: Broadway (Musical Theatre), Dance
Sebastian Li’s journey from NAPA to the stage and screen is a testament to his dedication and passion for the performing arts. Having trained at NAPA from 2012 to 2018, Sebastian honed his craft in Broadway (Musical Theatre) and Dance classes, laying the foundation for what would become an expansive and successful career in the theatre and film industries.
Since graduating, Sebastian continued his training at The Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), where he solidified his passion for acting. His career took off with a notable role in the SBS mini-series New Gold Mountain, where he portrayed the supporting role of Chen. This was just the beginning of a remarkable trajectory.
One of Sebastian's most cherished career milestones has been his time with the Melbourne Shakespeare Company (MSC). He has graced the stage in a variety of roles, including Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Sir Andrew in Twelfth Night, Lucius in Julius Caesar, and Elder Thomas in The Whale. These performances not only showcased his versatility as an actor but also marked significant steps in his professional development.
Another career highlight came when Sebastian had the opportunity to tour the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the original play How to be a Person When the World is Ending. The success of the show continued with a subsequent season at Theatre Works in Melbourne, marking a major achievement on his artistic bucket list.
Other standout theatre credits include performances in Climbers at Fortyfive Downstairs, Don Quixote with the Australian Ballet, and The Boys in the Band with the James Terry Collective. Sebastian’s upcoming role in The Beep Test: The Musical at Theatre Works is yet another exciting venture to look forward to.
Reflecting on his NAPA training, Sebastian shares how invaluable those early years were in shaping his professional journey. "Attending NAPA was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. The comprehensive training taught me discipline, professionalism, confidence, and the skills to tackle the world of the arts head-on," he says. He holds a special place in his heart for his mentors Kimmi, Lynn, and Hollie, whose guidance and encouragement were instrumental in his development as a performing artist.
Sebastian’s journey is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, determination, and the right foundation. We are incredibly proud to call him an alumnus of NAPA and look forward to seeing where his talents will take him next!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
JACKIE TURNER
SINGING SPECIALIST AND PRODUCTION MUSICAL DIRECTOR
CLASSES — BROADWAY TWEENS, NAPA COLLEGE SINGING, PRIVATE VOCAL TUITION
Jackie Turner has become a prominent and highly sought-after singing teacher on the Gold Coast over the past decade. As a versatile and experienced vocal coach, Jackie brings a wealth of knowledge to her classes, specializing in cross-training between Music Theatre and Contemporary Commercial Music vocal styles. Her passion for nurturing versatile vocalists is evident in her teaching, and she has built a reputation for helping students of all ages unlock their full vocal potential.
Jackie’s academic background is as impressive as her teaching career. She graduated from the Queensland Academy for Creative Industries in 2013, where she furthered her studies in Theatre and Film. She also holds a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Drama from the University of Queensland. This diverse academic experience enhances her teaching, giving her a broad understanding of both the technical and artistic elements of vocal performance.
As a lifelong learner, Jackie is constantly expanding her expertise in Vocal Pedagogy. She is a proud VocaLab VET Alumni, a qualified Vocal Health First Aider, and a self-proclaimed "voice science nerd." Her commitment to continuing professional development ensures that her teaching remains informed by the latest techniques and best practices in vocal health and pedagogy.
In her role as a Singing Specialist at NAPA, Jackie teaches Broadway Tweens, NAPA College Singing, and provides Private Vocal Tuition. Her ability to teach students across a broad age range, from pre-prep to adults, makes her an incredibly adaptable and engaging instructor. Whether in a group class or private session, Jackie’s lessons are known to inspire, excite, and challenge students, pushing them to achieve their vocal goals while fostering a love of singing.
Jackie’s dedication to both her students and the craft of vocal training makes her an invaluable member of the NAPA team. We are lucky to have her sharing her expertise and passion with our students!
PERFORMANCE TIPS
Be Prepared and OrganiSed for Auditions
Auditions can be a nerve-wracking experience, but the more prepared and organised you are, the more confident you’ll feel walking into the room. Here are some key tips to help you stay on top of your audition game:
Know Your Material Inside and Out: Whether it’s a song, a monologue, or a dance routine, make sure you’ve practiced thoroughly before the audition. Rehearse it until you can perform it confidently, without relying on notes or prompts.
Plan Your Audition Day: Map out your day well in advance. Know the time, location, and any specific requirements (like dress code or materials to bring). Leave extra time for travel so you don’t feel rushed or stressed on the day.
Organise Your Audition Kit: Have all your materials ready the night before. This includes your headshot, resume, sheet music, any required forms, and even a water bottle or snacks. Being ready ahead of time helps reduce stress and ensures you don’t forget anything important.
Warm Up Properly: Give yourself time to warm up physically and vocally before the audition. A proper warm-up will help you feel more relaxed and ensure you're performing at your best.
Stay Calm and Confident: The more organised you are, the easier it will be to stay calm. Trust in your preparation and remind yourself that the audition is just one step in your growth as a performer. Stay positive, and give it your all!
Being prepared and organised gives you the confidence to focus on doing your best, rather than worrying about the small details. The more you practice this habit, the easier auditions will become—because you’ll know you’ve done everything you can to set yourself up for success!
