Cinderella Meets Circus at Children's Theatre Week
Young theatre goers will be treated to an age-old classic at USQ’s Children’s Theatre Week this May.
With a three-decade strong tradition, the annual season has introduced many generations of youngsters to the joys of live theatre.
The year’s production of A Toby Show will be directed by award-winning actor/writer/director and comedian, Liz Skitch and feature the University’s first year Creative Arts students.
Liz’s body of work ranges from clowning and comedy through to theatre and cabaret and she brings with her a wealth of experience in children’s theatre as both director and performer.
“My first theatre memory was when my eccentric godmother took me to see a production of The Wizard of Oz at The Twelfth Night when I was very little but I think it was actually ballet classes which ignited my passion for performance - I didn’t really like ballet or the classes, but I loved the annual concerts when we got to dress up in costumes and take to the stage!
“My first professional role in theatre was at the age of 23, playing a seven year old in Queensland Theatre Company’s production of Backseat Drivers for The Out of the Box Festival and since then I seem to keep getting cast in children’s shows! I played an eight year old in Lily Can’t Sleep (QTC/ Out of the Box), a nine year old in Show (QTC) and a variety of roles for KITE Children’s Theatre.”
In 2009, Liz was awarded a Churchill Fellowship and researched children’s theatre in Japan, working with Kazenoko Children’s Theatre Company.
“The Churchill Fellowship gave me the opportunity to spend time with Kazenoko Theatre Company - one of the oldest Children’s Theatre Companies in Japan - and to research into the power of theatre to overcome language and cultural barriers.
“Kazenoko taught me that ‘play’ should be at the heart of Children’s Theatre and that children the world over communicate, learn and imagine through play so, when creating shows for young audiences, we should learn from and adopt their ways.
“Maybe ‘play’ is the international language that has the ability to overcome language and cultural barriers.”
USQ’s Toby Show will certainly embrace the concept of ‘play’.
The delightful retelling of the Cinderella story will brings with it all of the favourite characters – Cindy, the Ugly Step Sisters and the Fairy Godmother - together with a barrel roll of singing, dancing, circus acts and surprises guaranteed to entertain children of all ages.
“Every little girl loves Cinderella and I was no exception although these days, now that I am older I like to have fun with traditional tales and find new ways to tell their stories - generally involving massive injections of comedy.
“And our Toby Show will be no exception – retelling the classic tale with the added bonus of variety/circus/vaudeville acts!
“We have an amazing cast who can drum, sing, juggle, tap dance, hip hop, balance, twist, turn and even play the trombone!"
A Toby Show will be presented in the USQ Arts Theatre at 10am on 8-11 May; 1pm on 8, 10, 11, 12 and 13 May; and 6pm on 9 and 12 May.
Tickets are $14.50 for adults, $8.50 for children and $6.50 each for groups of twenty or more and can be purchased through the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 07 4631 1111.