Whether you’re a fan of the larger than life Marvel comic book characters or the modern-day action heroes, one thing is for sure – young or old, we all secretly wish we had our very own super power.
For Michelle Miall, that power would be the ability to slow down and stop time whenever she wanted.
“As a kid I thought, if I could do that, then I could sneak into the chocolate shop and eat all the lollies before anyone knew I was there – and now, it would certainly make for a less hectic life!” said Ms Miall.
Director of USQ’s 2013 Children’s Theatre Week production, Skeeter’s School for Successful Superheroes, Michelle has recently cast the show and is now busy in rehearsals for the fast-approaching May season.
The multi-award winning director and playwright, is somewhat of a theatre industry superhero.
She has a number of prestigious industry accolades under her belt including Matilda Awards for Best Director, Best Emerging Artist and for her Contribution to Directing and Producing Outstanding Independent Theatre and a Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Fellowship.
In 2011, Michelle was chosen to participate in the Australia Council’s JUMP mentoring program during which she undertook a creative residency with QTC working alongside Artistic Director, Wesley Enoch and undertook artistic and professional development in Austria, The Netherlands, London and New York.
“Theatre has always been a major part of my life; I am passionate about the role it plays in our world and especially in the development of young people.
“I have had the pleasure of teaching youth theatre and directing productions with kids of all ages, and I love it - it brings me back to the fundamentals of what theatre is about and how transforming and exciting it can be.
“Cultural experiences for young people are such an amazing and vital opportunity - not just in terms of encouraging creative expression, but in the very fundamentals of their development.
“Theatre, drama and the arts have a powerful impact on young people and children – helping them develop self-esteem, confidence and self-expression and to make sense of the world around them.
“It impacts positively on other learning too - and they get to have fun through imagination and a sense of play."
Skeeter’s School for Successful Superheroes is full of fun and the clever script interweaves some important life messages.
“Nelle Lee (playwright) has a great knack for writing funny, entertaining, meaningful theatre for young people.
“The key message underlying this show is an important one; everyone has their own, special power in being themselves - and besides, you don't need superpowers to make your mark!”
Skeeter’s School for Successful Superheroes will be presented in the USQ Arts Theatre at 10am on 7-10 May, 1pm on 7 and 9-12 May, and 6pm on 8 and 11 May.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $9 for children and $7 each for groups of twenty or more and can be purchased through the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 07 4631 1111 or on-line at www.usq.edu.au/artsworx.
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