NAPA News - Week 8, Term 1, 2025
KIM REYNOLDS
COMPANY DIRECTOR
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Happy Week 8! As we approach the end of term, we are finalising casting in our production classes. Our dance classes have settled into a good routine and our Film and TV classes are producing lovely work. We will be closing off enrolments to all of our production classes once casting is complete, however our Dance and Film + TV classes (that have space) will remain open until we begin to prepare for our dance concert.
QUICK REMINDERS
MARCH FEES ARE NOW OVERDUE—PLEASE SETTLE ACCOUNTS ASAP
LOST PROPERTY—LAST CHANCE TO CHECK BEFORE WE DONATE
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
CONGRATULATIONS BROADWAY BOUND CLASS
The past two weeks I have been part of the Broadway Bound class auditions. I have loved seeing all of the amazing talent in this class and being part of their audition process. I was so impressed with the vocal talent in this group and I’m so excited to see this production come together!
The witches — tickets NOW on sale
Please welcome the cast of our holiday production, Roald Dahl’s THE WITCHES! This is one 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.
UNIFORMS
We have reopened the uniform orders for t-shirts and winter gear. If you’d like to order, please pop onto your portal and order before April 5th, so they will be ready for Term 2. Anyone who ordered after our last cut-off date, yours will be done with this order.
WELLBEING
Recover Smart, Return Stronger: Recovering from Injury as a Performer
Injuries can be one of the most frustrating parts of the performing arts journey — but they can also be an opportunity to reset, rebuild, and return stronger than before. Whether it’s from overuse, acute trauma, or one unfortunate landing, how you recover makes all the difference.
Here are 4 key recovery tips every performer should know:
1. Don’t Push Through Pain
Mild soreness is normal — but persistent, sharp, or increasing pain is your body’s way of saying stop. Ignoring it can turn a small issue into a long-term setback.
2. Prioritise Active Recovery
Total rest isn't always best. Controlled movement, mobility work, and strength-based rehab (guided by a pro) promote healing and reduce your risk of re-injury.
3. See a Dance-Specific Physio
Dancers aren’t like other athletes — and your rehab shouldn’t be generic. You need someone who understands turnout, hypermobility, artistic goals, and the demands of rehearsal and performance schedules.
4. Rebuild Technique Gradually
Jumping back into full choreography too quickly can undo your progress. Follow a progressive load and return-to-performance plan to come back safely and confidently.
That’s where we cannot recommend Sarah and the team at Inform Physio & Co (Burleigh) highly enough. With years of experience treating dancers and performing artists, they offer highly personalised care tailored to your body and your craft. Having a physio who truly understands the physical and artistic demands of performance is key to achieving longevity as an artist.
💡 Pro Tip: Even if you're not injured, book a screening. Identifying imbalances early is one of the most powerful ways to stay injury-free and stage-ready.
📍 Inform Physio & Co | Burleigh | https://informphysio.com.au/
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
MADISON MARR
NAPA Student 2008–2014 | Performer • Trainer • Leader
We’re thrilled to feature Madison Marr in this week’s Alumni Spotlight — a shining example of what passion, dedication, and training can lead to beyond the studio walls.
Madison trained at NAPA from 2008 to 2014, immersing herself in Broadway (Musical Theatre), Dance, and Performance Teams. From a young age, she showed a spark for the stage — a spark that’s now lit up audiences across the globe.
Since graduating, Madison has enjoyed a 9-year professional career as a performer, with standout achievements including:
🌟 Three performance contracts with Hong Kong Disneyland
🌟 Eight cumulative years at Warner Bros. Movie World
Over the course of her career, she’s worn many hats — Dancer, Singer, Actress, and Face Character — and has even stepped into leadership and trainer roles within the industry, sharing her knowledge and passion with the next generation of performers.
When asked how her time at NAPA shaped her path, Madison shared:
"NAPA shared an abundance of incredible knowledge with me — from theatre etiquette to how to hold myself in both an audition and a rehearsal room! I learned to approach all opportunities with professionalism and an open mind. NAPA taught me that we never stop learning!"
Her advice to current students?
✨ "Always believe in your dreams and goals. Work hard and enjoy what you do — and you’ll achieve them!"
We couldn’t be prouder of everything Madison has accomplished and all that lies ahead in her journey.
💖 “Once a NAPA Cherub, always a NAPA Cherub!” – Madison Marr
Xoxo
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
CILLA SCOTT
ACTING SPECIALIST AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
CLASSES — SENIOR TREAD THE BOARDS, BROADWAY BOUND, TRINITY GUILDHALL EXAMS
We are thrilled to shine the spotlight this week on the incredible Cilla Scott — a powerhouse of talent, creativity, and leadership in the performing arts world.
With nearly three decades of theatre-making and education under her belt, Cilla is a highly respected director, drama teacher, and drummer on the Gold Coast. Her extensive experience and passionate approach have left a lasting impact on students, performers, and audiences alike.
Cilla is a Gold Palm Theatre Awards finalist for Best Director eight times — and uniquely, she’s the only director to have taken home the win across every category:
🏆 Godspell (Youth)
🏆 Kelly (Community Theatre Play)
🏆 Chicago (Community Theatre Musical)
Her directorial resume is as dynamic as it is impressive, with recent credits including:
🎭 We Will Rock You
🎭 High School Musical
🎭 Seussical
🎭 Picnic at Hanging Rock
🎭 Still Standing
🎭 Grease
🎭 All Shook Up
🎭 The Lion King
🎭 Jersey Boys
🎭 Sweet Charity
🎭 Kelly
🎭 Chicago — which was proudly voted Best Community Theatre Production in Queensland (2023) by Aussie Stage Buzz.
While her achievements speak volumes, it’s Cilla’s creative heart and commitment to nurturing young talent that make her truly special. Her passion lies in empowering the next generation of performers, and we are so lucky to have her as part of the NAPA family.
"Creating theatre with young people is where my heart is — it’s where the magic truly begins." – Cilla Scott
Please join us in celebrating Cilla — a mentor, artist, and inspiration to so many!
PERFORMANCE TIPS
Choosing a song for your audition
When choosing a song for your vocal audition, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure you present your best self.
First, ask yourself: Is this song appropriate for me? Take a moment to analyse the character who sings the song. Is their story or emotional journey something you can connect with or understand? Audition panels want to see you bring authenticity and emotion to the performance, so it’s crucial to choose a song that resonates with you personally. This will allow you to express genuine emotions, which will make your performance more impactful.
Another important factor to consider is your vocal range. Choose a song that fits comfortable within your vocal capabilities. While it might be tempting to take on a challenging piece, it’s generally better to select a song that allows you to showcase your strengths. Remember, no matter how experienced you are, nerves will always play a role on audition day. Singing something that you are confident in will help you stay composed and focus on delivering your best performance.
Dressing for the role is also an important part of your audition. While you should avoid wearing a full costume, it’s helpful to dress in a way that reflects the character or mood of the song. For example, if you’re singing a song from a period piece, dressing in a way that hints at that era can add depth to your performance. However, the focus should remain on your voice and your connection to the material, so choose attire that is both comfortable and appropriate, without being distracting. You want to feel confident and ready to perform, but it’s essential that your clothing doesn’t overshadow your talent. At NAPA we do not recommend auditioning in school uniform, as you often need the separation of “school kid” when putting yourself out there for different roles.
Ultimately, your goal is to feel in control of the song, which means choosing something that not only highlights your vocal abilities, but also suits your personality and skill level. Taking these factors into account will ensure that you present a polished and memorable audition.
