NAPA News - Week 9, Term 1, 2025
KIM REYNOLDS
COMPANY DIRECTOR
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Wow, I can’t believe we are already in our last week of term! Lots of important news this week, so please read all of our articles below. Enjoy your final week of term and Happy Holidays to all!
QUICK REMINDERS
APRIL FEES DUE BY SATURDAY, 5 APRIL 2025
LOST PROPERTY WILL BE DONATED TO CHARITY OVER THE HOLIDAYS
BOYS TOILET CLOSED INDEFINITELY DUE TO CONSISTENT DAMAGE—PLEASE USE TOILET IN RECEPTION ONLY
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
CONGRATULATIONS BROADWAY KIDS CLASS
The past few weeks have seen our Broadway Kids auditioning for their production of Winnie the Pooh. We are so excited to announce the casting for this adorable production. Miss Laura and the team were so impressed with how brave this class were with their auditions and were blown away by the talent of these little people!
The announcement of a cast can evoke a range of emotions, from excitement to disappointment, depending on the outcome. Please rest assured that we are dedicated to supporting all of our talented performers equally throughout this process. As we move forward, we encourage all cast members to foster an environment of encouragement and mutual support, regardless of the final casting decisions. A spirit of camaraderie will not only strengthen our production but also enhance the experience for everyone involved.
We kindly ask parents to support the casting decisions and to engage in positive conversations with their child regarding the outcomes. Given the sensitivity of this time, being mindful of the language used with your child will help them maintain a positive outlook and continue to thrive in their performing arts journey.
THE WITCHES — holiday entertainment for the whole family!
Not long now until our holiday production of 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. Starring members of our NAPA family from our smallest cherubs to some of our amazing grandmothers! Groups of 10 or more will receive their 10th ticket for free. Email [email protected] for any group bookings.
DANCE CONCERT DATE
We have been liaising with HOTA on a date for this year’s concert, after being unable to secure our usual timeslot. To be able to fit in 2 days (rehearsal and then performance), we have had to move to a weekday timeslot - MONDAY, 24 NOVEMBER (REHEARSAL) and TUESDAY, 25 NOVEMBER (Performance).
This will hopefully mean that we will have less students with clashing end of year dates, as we usually coincide with primary school graduations etc. All our dates for 2025 can be found on our website.
Stay tuned for our concert theme and audition announcement coming soon!
Congratulations Dakota!
Dakota had her first week of performances this week, and I was fortunate enough to attend her second preview show on Thursday evening. I couldn’t help but shed many proud tears as I watched our little star shine on the big stage. She is surrounded by incredible talent, including the brilliant Anthony Warlow as Daddy Warbucks. It warms my heart to hear from the adult cast and production team that Dakota is a true professional and beloved by her peers. She has been chosen to perform on Opening Night this coming Thursday, a well-deserved recognition of her hard work and professionalism—not only over the past few weeks, but throughout her entire performing arts journey. Hard work truly pays off. Well done cherub!!
WELLBEING
Cultivating a Mindful Mindset as a Performer
As a performer, your mind and body are your primary tools for creating art, and taking care of both is essential to sustaining your creativity, focus, and overall well-being. One of the most effective ways to nurture both is by integrating mindfulness practices into your routine. Mindfulness is the art of being fully present in the moment—something that’s especially important in the world of performing arts, where the pressure to constantly deliver and meet expectations can often lead to stress, burnout, and mental fatigue.
Tip: Before stepping into a rehearsal or performance, take a few moments to center yourself through mindful breathing. Close your eyes, place your hands on your body—perhaps your heart or stomach—and begin by inhaling deeply through your nose. Hold your breath for a moment, and then slowly exhale through your mouth, letting go of any tension or mental clutter. As you do this, focus solely on the rhythm of your breath, and allow yourself to become aware of the present moment. Notice how your body feels, where you're holding tension, and where you can soften. This practice doesn’t take long—just a few deep breaths can help reset your mind and body.
In addition to breathwork, try checking in with yourself throughout the day—during breaks or in between scenes—by grounding yourself in your surroundings. This could be as simple as feeling the ground beneath your feet or noticing the sounds around you. By engaging your senses, you anchor yourself in the present, preventing your thoughts from spiraling into past mistakes or future worries.
The Benefits of Mindfulness for Performers:
Reduces Anxiety and Stress: Performance anxiety is common, but with mindfulness, you can shift your focus from self-criticism to acceptance, which lowers stress and boosts confidence.
Improves Focus and Concentration: By practicing mindfulness regularly, you enhance your ability to stay in the moment, improving your concentration during rehearsals and performances.
Enhances Emotional Awareness: Being mindful of your emotions helps you process and release negative feelings, ensuring that they don’t interfere with your performance.
Promotes Physical Awareness: Mindfulness allows you to tune into your body’s sensations, preventing strain or injury by fostering better posture and alignment during rehearsals and performances.
Mindfulness isn’t just a performance-enhancing tool—it’s a lifestyle shift. By incorporating these practices into your routine, you create a stronger, more balanced relationship with both your art and your body, helping you thrive in your craft without sacrificing your mental or emotional health.
Remember, performing isn’t just about delivering a flawless show—it’s about being present in the moment, embracing both the highs and lows, and finding joy in the process. Take a few minutes each day to reconnect with your breath and your body, and watch how your performances—and overall well-being—transform.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
IZELLAH CONNELLY
NAPA Student: 2015–2017, 2022–2024
SEE IZELLAH FEATURED ON AUSTRALIAN IDOL
Disciplines: Broadway (Musical Theatre), Tread the Boards (Plays), Dance, Performance Teams, Film and Television, NAPA College
From her early days training at NAPA to gracing TV screens and recording studios, Izellah Connelly has proven she’s a powerhouse talent with limitless potential.
Izellah first joined the NAPA family in 2015, and over two key training periods (2015–2017 and 2022–2024), she immersed herself in all aspects of performance—musical theatre, acting, dance, screen, and ensemble work. Her commitment to growth and excellence was evident from day one, and it's no surprise that she’s now making waves on a national and international scale.
Since leaving NAPA, Izellah’s star has continued to rise. She landed a recurring role on the Nickelodeon TV series Rock Island Mysteries, captured the nation’s attention on Australian Idol, and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Musical Theatre at Griffith Conservatorium. She's also worked on a feature film (yet to be released) and is actively recording music under a professional label.
When asked how her time at NAPA shaped her journey, Izellah says:
“My training at NAPA has truly helped me in every possible way. It prepared me for auditions, taught me how to present myself, and gave me the essential tools to succeed in the industry. I was lucky enough to have Miss Suzanne for two hours every Tuesday morning—this made a huge impact on my development. She helped me build the stamina I needed, which has been incredibly beneficial for the intense training we’re doing at the Conservatorium. My time at NAPA deepened my understanding of what true musical theatre and performing is.”
Izellah continues to inspire current students and fellow alumni alike with her drive, talent, and passion for the arts. We’re so proud to watch her journey unfold—and we know this is only the beginning.
Keep soaring, Izellah! 💫
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
MANDY MORRISON
TAP + CHOREOGRAPHY SPECIALIST
CLASSES — JUNIOR, INTERMEDIATE, SENIOR AND ADVANCED TAP, TAP TEAM, BROADWAY TWEENS, BROADWAY BOUND, COLLEGE DANCE, NAPA ENSEMBLE, PRIVATE DANCE TUITION
We are so excited to shine a spotlight on our talented Tap and Choreography Specialist, Mandy Morrison! With a lifelong passion for dance, Mandy has built an impressive career that spans across various aspects of the performing arts industry, and we’re lucky to have her share her expertise with our NAPA students.
Mandy’s dance journey began at just 3 years old at The Dance Works in Brisbane. She went on to study Music Theatre at the Australian Dance Performance Institute, where she earned an Advanced Diploma of Art (Music Theatre) and a Certificate III in Fitness.
Her professional career took off when she moved to Melbourne, where she gained significant experience in both the corporate and commercial scenes, as well as in children's entertainment. She was a teacher at Elevator Studios and frequently taught various kids' and professional classes. In 2015, Mandy’s hard work and creativity were recognised when she was nominated for a Lyrebird Award for Best Choreography for OCPAC's production of The Addams Family.
Mandy’s passion for teaching continued in Darwin, where she became a core faculty member at Sam’s Dance Studio, teaching everything from jazz, tap, and hip-hop, to contemporary, acrobatics, music theatre, and singing.
After returning to Queensland, Mandy began performing at Dreamworld as a show host, dancer, and street performer, where she continues to perform to this day, bringing energy and joy to audiences.
Currently, Mandy is furthering her education with a Cert IV in Training & Assessment, and she is thrilled to share her knowledge and passion for dance with her NAPA students, including Junior, Intermediate, Senior, and Advanced Tap classes, Tap Team, Broadway Tweens, Broadway Bound, College Dance, NAPA Ensemble, and Private Dance Tuition.
Callout for Parents:
Looking for a fun way to stay active and socialise? Join Mandy's adult dance classes! Whether you're looking for exercise, a creative outlet, or just a fun way to meet new people, Mandy’s classes are the perfect fit. Come dance with the Rhythm Studios crew and experience the joy of movement in a supportive and energetic environment! For more information or to sign up, reach out today!
PERFORMANCE TIPS
Embracing Feedback as a Tool for Growth
As a performer, feedback is an invaluable part of your artistic journey—it’s a way to refine your craft, expand your abilities, and gain new perspectives. However, receiving feedback, whether positive or constructive, can sometimes feel challenging. The key is to approach it with an open mind and a growth-oriented mindset.
Tip: When you receive feedback, take a moment to pause and breathe before responding. It’s natural to feel defensive or self-critical, but try to shift your focus toward how the feedback can help you evolve. Instead of immediately acting on it, reflect on the comments with curiosity—ask yourself, How can I use this to improve? Embrace feedback as an opportunity to learn and develop, rather than a judgment of your abilities.
When receiving constructive criticism, ask for specific examples or clarification after class if needed—but always do so respectfully, never in a challenging way. This not only shows that you value the input but also helps you apply it in a practical way. Similarly, if the feedback is positive, take a moment to appreciate it—acknowledge what you did well and use it as motivation to keep growing.
A Key Tip: Always remember to thank the person giving you feedback. Whether it's a director, teacher or coach, expressing gratitude shows that you value their time and perspective. A simple, "Thank you for the feedback, I really appreciate your insight," can go a long way in building positive and supportive relationships.
Remember, feedback is about progress, not perfection. By viewing it as a supportive tool for your development rather than a critique, you’ll create an environment where your skills and confidence can truly flourish.
