Sonja Plummer from Storm the Stage
Now in its sixth year, Storm the Stage is a Nationwide talent competition open to students between the ages of 16 and 19. A Rotary International New Generations Event, the competition was set up to promote and develop the acting and stage performances of Australian youth.
The National final is set to go off at the Burswood Theatre on Friday the 4th of December in Perth. Previous finals have proved to be a great night out, and might even be a chance to catch a glimpse of some of Australia’s rising stars.
As a bonus, Storm the Stage are offering 2 for 1 tickets for the first 25 bookings. Just mention Australian Edge when making your telephone booking on 9498 5880 (10am-8pm). Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 concession, $80 for family. 10 or more tickets at $25 each.
We caught up with Storm’s Producer Sonja Plummer to find out how the preparations are going.
How have the preparations for Storm the Stage been going this year?
Preparations for Storm have been flying along for 2009. This year, the theme for our event is titled “TIMELESS” and will leave the audience member with TIMELESS moments, which they will take away with them for years to come. From it’s magical opening to the individual national finalists and to the unique closing, Storm 2009 will be an evening of movement, change, voice, emotion, colour and sound, second to none. From now till December 4th 2009, I don’t expect to lift my head out of PREPARATION mode.
Talia Rowley – Drama Category Winner 2008
Tom Ballard
Callan Kneale - Musical Theatre Category Winner 2008
How is the crop of talent doing?
Ahhhhhhhhhhh… the crop of talent!!! I am constantly amazed at how incredible our young people are and the diversity of this year’s finalists is proof of that fact. We have gone full circle and are now seeing the emergence of a different group of theatre performers than we have had over the last 5 years of Storm. They are not any less amazing however, but are definitely entrenched in both the old and new aspects of the theatre world. This year’s finalists are not willing to simply step into unknown waters and tread that water, but want to dive head first into the raging Storm waters and come out the end significantly wiser, stronger and more amazing as both performers and young people. We may just find the new Cate Blanchett’s or Hugh Jackman’s in our crop of finalists this year.
What can people expect to see from the performances?
Hmmmmmmmmmm… how to give you a sneak preview without spoiling the moment? You will go from a beginning of time to a musical trip Through time and in between you will find birds, young girls, mature women, young men, old men, young love, lost love, unrequited love, illicit love and even bird love. Did I mention you will find VARIETY in this year’s Storm? :)
Anya Row – Special Audience Appeal Winner 2008
Cassandra Kotchie
What have the previous winners of Storm the Stage gone on to do?
Past winners of Storm have gone on to study overseas, travel the Westend and Broadway sidewalks, work overseas, invest in their theatre futures and audition successfully for major shows, nationally and internationally. Storm’s rich heritage of winners and National Finalists is growing in both number and successes.
You have worked in theatre for many years, producing and directing shows across Australia and the US. How is Storm the Stage different from your other experiences and what have been the challenges you have faced?
There are so many aspects of the Storm event which are unique to this event alone. There is much to consider and to work through from pre registration, auditions, heats, semi finals, finals and the lead up to the National Production. It is by far the most involved event I work on each year and has it’s own set of intricacies and delicacies which all need attention. In my 30 years in this industry, here and internationally, Storm is the most unique event I have come across and had the good fortune to work on. With that uniqueness comes a variety of unique situations, which alter year to year, keeping myself and the amazing Storm committee on our toes. It would be impossible for me to qualify a single challenge, as that challenge may or may not appear again, but I can guarantee that 10 new ones will take it’s place.
Candace Wise
Mikaela Campbell
Riley Nottingham
Film & Theatre star Hugh Jackman is a supporter of Storm the Stage. How did Hugh come to be involved?
Don Briggs and Geoff Gibbs conceived the idea of Storm 7 yrs ago and through the efforts of both men and Geoff’s lifetime contacts, Hugh Jackman was approached to come on board. Hugh’s passion for the theatre is internationally known and to have him as a strong supporter of our event is amazing.
Top image: Julian
Link:
www.stormthestage.com.au
Remember: As a bonus, Storm the Stage are offering 2 for 1 tickets for the first 25 bookings. Just mention Australian Edge when making your telephone booking on 9498 5880 (10am-8pm).
Photographs courtesy of Nathan Turner
