Storm the Stage - 2011 National Grand Final

Storm the Stage 2011 – National Grand Final

Eighteen talented young Australian performers and two guest New Zealand performers to Storm the Powerhouse.

Eighteen young performers from around Australia aged between 16 and 19 have successfully achieved selection for the eighth annual Storm the Stage National Grand Final,where they will perform exceptional solo pieces in their chosen category of drama or musical theatre at the Brisbane Powerhouse Theatre on Sunday November 27. A total of $11,000 will be awarded to the best performances as judged by some of Australia’s leading performing arts professionals.

Storm the Stage is a non-profit nationwide opportunity for Australia’s most talented up and coming performing artists. After auditions and regional finals held around Australia by Rotary and volunteer industry professionals, this year’s National Grand Final is being held for the first time in Brisbane with the theme ‘For Youth, By Youth’.

While Storm the Stage is a national Rotary project, since its inception the National Grand Final has always proudly been held in Western Australia. Due to the tragic circumstances in Japan earlier this year, Storm’s major sponsor since 2004 IFAC (International Foundation for Arts and Culture) and Dr Handa could not support the national competition this year.

Chairperson, Carolyn Fennelle said “It is important Rotary came together to maintain IFAC’s support for Australian youth in the performing arts”.

This year Storm the Stage welcomes two young guest performers from New Zealand’s NASDA(National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art) who will shine on ‘Storms’ stage thanks to an anonymous benefactor.

Fennelle said “It is an honour to welcome Ashleigh Stove and Layna Hunt as our International guests from across the Tasman to perform by invitation solo acts in drama and musical theatre. In light of the devastating earthquakes in Christchurch and floods in South-East Queensland and Victoria, youth in the arts can make a valuable contribution towards rebuilding the spirit for recovery. We value this opportunity and to bring youth together in this way to build fellowship and good will.”

Past ‘Stormer’ and this year’s National Producer, James Gauci is excited by the event and the camaraderie it will build between these effected regions.

“Theatre provides us with unlimited possibilities to express perspectives on the human experience. Storm gives young people the valuable opportunity to explore and portray these experiences in a supportive, educational, and above all engaging environment”, he said.  

Prepare yourself for a kaleidoscope of solo performances as they portray characters that will take your emotions on a journey of joy, sadness, anger, despair, laughter, courage, bewilderment, inspiration, confrontation and much more. It is what makes Storm the Stage a special event.

Storm the Stage is a national Rotary project, supported by IGA Brisbane and an opportunity for young people to gain valuable experience through monologue and musical performances, as well as connect and network with peers. Storm the Stage supporter is Hugh Jackman and patron Jill Perryman, both Western Australian internationally-acclaimed performing artists.

The eighteen 2011 finalists are:

Musical Theatre:  Bonnie Page, Matty Johnston, Romy Vuksan, Natasha Walker – QLD; Lachlan Graham – VIC; Tayla Jarrett – NSW; Rebecca Riley – TAS; Adam Lebransky, Madeline Crofts – WA.

Drama:  Hayden Maher, May Grehan, Xanthe Eppelstun, Mitchell Page – QLD; Jasmine Jehn &ndash VIC; Camilla Best, Terri Ryan – TAS; Jacob Dibb, Simon Thuijs - WA

Venue:  Brisbane Powerhouse Theatre, 119 Lamington Street, Brisbane
Time: 6.30pm, doors open 15 minutes prior

Tickets: $37 Full, $29 Concession, Student $26, Group 10+ $29

Bookings: Brisbane Powerhouse ph (07)3358 8600  www.brisbanepowerhouse.org  

 

Further information www.stormthestage.com.au

Media Enquiries contact TAZ Entertainment ph: (08) 9255 3336  taz@tazentertainment.com.au