Graduating actors showcase their skills

USQ's graduating troupe of actors will appear together for one final performance in the Theatre Showcase this week.

Director and Head of Theatre at USQ, Scott Alderdice, said the students will present a fast-paced selection of contemporary comedic scenes.

'Most of the pieces revolve around male and female relations and the battle of females to try and find love in difficult circumstances – a bit Sex in the City,' he said.

The scenes include segments from Theresa Rebeck's plays, Sunday on the Rocks and Spike Heels, and Total Strangers by Ian Heggie.

In addition to the live scenes, ten show-reel pieces will also be shown, that were especially written for the performers by Sydney film writer, Michelle Mead.

'Michelle came to USQ early in the year and ran some workshops with the students to identify their strengths and then developed the scripts to suit the actors,' Mr Alderdice said.

'The show-reels cover a whole gamut of themes and reflect those that are on the Australian television at the moment.

'The scenes are more story-driven then in our previous annual showcases. We only have seven actors so we were able to select complex stories and text and really demonstrate how they can hold the story.'

The show-reel scenes were directed by the top two young directors in the state, Alex Chomicz and Mairi Cameron, and filmed by award-winning cinematographers, Julian Filer and Jonas Mcquiggian.

'The show-reels are just breathtaking. They have done an excellent job creating atmosphere and capturing the students at their best,' Mr Alderdice said.

'This is the students' gala performance where they are introduced to the industry at the peak of their training. USQ is one of only two institutions in Queensland that are industry recognised. We train people for the business,' he said.

'Over the past 30 years, USQ has prepared industry professionals who find employment in every sphere of the entertainment industry including national television productions, state theatre company performance seasons and national touring productions.

'The showcase is an opportunity to celebrate the journey and talents of these students as they launch themselves upon the industry,' Mr Alderdice said.

The Theatre Showcase will be performed in the USQ Arts Theatre on Thursday 26 October and Friday 27 October at 7.30pm. Tickets are $20.50 Adult and $16.50 Concession, and are available from the USQ Performance Centre Box Office on 4631 1111 or boxoffice@usq.edu.au

Photo opportunity: A live stage scene will be presented and the Actors and Director will be available for interview at a press call between 9.30-10.30am in the USQ Arts Theatre on Thursday 26 October.

Media Contact: Fiona Taylor, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559 or +61 423 808 462