By Jessica Anstice
A group of young performers are set to put on a show for Cardinia Shire residents and beyond with an online livestream video.
Not all theatre has stopped during the Covid-19 crisis as Masquerade Youth Productions Inc has found a way to give 16 young talents the opportunity to perform in the Victorian premiere – The Big One-Oh.
The Big One-Oh will be presented to a live online audience, with each local performer acting on camera from the comfort of their own homes.
“There is nothing like the thrill of performing on stage to a live audience, so continuing to bring the arts to an audience during Covid is especially challenging,” Masquerade Youth Productions production executive Rachael Rooney said.
Just released from Broadway from the writer of Footloose, Dean Pitchford, the musical is about a 10-year-old’s birthday party, and is full of fun for all the family.
Pakenham Upper 12-year-old, Georgia Rooney, has been performing since she was just four-years-old.
Her first real production was Beauty and the Beast Jr with Masquerade Youth Productions when she was eight.
“I love that when I perform it brings joy to others and just being a part of a show is absolutely amazing,” she said.
“I also love that you don’t have to be the lead role to be a good performer.”
Having been able to see her friends, meet new people and communicate via Zoom have been the highlights for Georgia while being a part of The Big One-Oh production.
However performing virtually has come with its challenges.
“The thing I found the most challenging was working over Zoom and learning the choreography over zoom,” she said.
“But I think it’s amazing that we get to perform remotely – it gives an opportunity to people to still do what they love during these times and it also gives performers a new skill of acting to a camera.”
After weeks of long rehearsals, The Big One-Oh will be presented by the not-for-profit production company live at 5pm on Saturday 4 July.
Pakenham 12-year-old, Ryan Chalmers, has been performing for almost four years.
“What I love most about performance is the drama and acting as it is my speciality,” he said.
“What I have enjoyed most about being involved in The Big One-Oh is doing a full musical on zoom – I also liked performing with people I wound normally perform with.
“To perform remotely it feels new, weird, as it is a new experience for me and the most challenging bit of this whole thing is getting up early on the holidays.”
To book a ticket for an access pass to the exclusive Facebook screening, head to: https://www.myproductions.com.au/how-to-book-tickets
