Theatre opens Olivia’s eyes

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Theatre opens Olivia’s eyes

OLIVIA Winchcombe’s love of theatre has flourished since participating in the Victorian Drama League Summer Performance Project.

The camp was held at Allambee in January, and provided Olivia a wonderful insight into the world of dramatic arts.

“It was amazing. It strengthened my acting ability and taught me a lot about the theatre community. I have made friends for life now,” she said.

Olivia was selected to attend the program by Leongatha Lyric Theatre. Having the opportunity to participate in the program gave Olivia confidence as an actor.

She was also thrilled to be joined by other young actors from Leongatha: Evy Nye, Nikki Stockdale and Lachlan Moore.

Although the project ran for nine days, she had to learn lines for a show within four days. She performed in a show called One, Two, Three, Home and auditioned to play several roles. It was performed at the Warragul Arts Centre at the end of the project.

Project leader Andrew Davis said Olivia could further her career by learning to work without microphones, practicing singing everyday and maintaining vocal exercises.

“He told me VCA (Victorian College of the Arts) put on classes every Sunday and it would be a good idea for me to audition,” Olivia said.

“I’m originally from Melbourne and I have done some acting classes. I got into dancing and singing afterwards.”

The importance of energy on the stage was reinforced throughout the camp – something Olivia is no stranger to after performing the lead role in Lyric Theatre’s 2013 major musical The Wizard of Oz.

“Playing Dorothy is the biggest thing I have ever done. I was also in the ensemble in Gypsy and I was part of Mary MacKillop College’s production of Fame,” she said.

“I’d like to do more productions with Lyric but I’m in Year 10 this year so I want to focus on my studies. However, I will be doing All Shook Up with Mary MacKillip College this year. We have the opportunity to work with Bron Kalos, who I love working with.”

However, Olivia is considering playing a role in Lyric’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream later this year.

Mary Poppins directors Peter McAlpine and Kerrie Giles asked Olivia to share her summer experience with the young cast members after rehearsals begin in late February.

“The advice I would give them is there only one way to make it – there’s no easy way. I would tell them to practice as much as they can, apply themselves and, if all else fails, smile and laugh,” she said.

Lots of laughs: from left, Olivia Winchcombe and Tenee Schneider greatly enjoyed their time at the Victorian Drama League Summer Performance Project.

Lots of laughs: from left, Olivia Winchcombe and Tenee Schneider greatly enjoyed their time at the Victorian Drama League Summer Performance Project.

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Posted by on Feb 23 2016. Filed under Arts & Entertainment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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