The 10-time Tony Award winning musical Moulin Rouge! The Musical has been captivating Perth audiences since February, but it was a special behind the scenes tour on Thursday March 23 that was truly spell binding for Year 10 and 11 Drama students from St Stephen’s School Carramar and Duncraig.
In an Australian first, Sydney based production company Global Creatures presented Get Technical! – Behind the Curtain of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
“Get Technical! is a unique opportunity for Global Creatures, through Moulin Rouge! The Musical, to showcase the variety of backstage roles and the contribution they make to the musical theatre production. We hope to inspire the next generation of theatre practitioners through this event.” – Dawn Martin, General Manager, Global Creatures.
The initiative is in response to the critical job shortages currently affecting theatre productions across the country. There is an urgent need to find and train the next generation of production creatives, crew and technicians.
Hosted by legendary Australian actor Simon Burke AO, who plays Harold Zidler in the Australian production, the event included a performance of the show’s opening, behind the scenes video tours of each technical department, followed by Mr Burke interviewing crew live on stage about their departments. A Q&A session at the end helped students truly understand how to have a successful career in the performing arts industry.
Year 10 St Stephen’s School Student Daniel Nievelstein said “I now have a new appreciation for the scale of these performances. My favourite departments were sound and stage management.”
This unprecedented and exclusive free event was open to high school students in Year 10 or above, University, TAFE, and college students, as well as people with transferable skills.
Deputy Head of Secondary Pippa Travaglione said she was extremely delighted when she received a call inviting St Stephen’s School to attend.
“Our young thespians and future backstage crew members and producers were spellbound by the elaborate costumes, state of the art set design and atmospheric lighting. The presentation was so engaging and left students thinking about their future career pathways. It was such a privilege for St Stephen’s School to be invited to such a monumental event.”