She was the recipient of the Wirripang Publishing award for New Composition and the Specialist award for best Vocal Composition in 2013. Having achieved so much in her career, we talked to her about her musical theatre journey.
How did your journey with music begin?
I started learning the piano at seven years old. Becoming a successful classical pianist, I moved to London for a period to further my studies. I have always had a great interest in storytelling, and for my Master's Degree I studied songwriting (singer-songwriter). I was also choreographing shows, mostly musical theatre. Having a great love for writing, storytelling and theatre, I eventually combined my two loves and started composing musical theatre.
Tell us about your process for writing your first musical theatre production.
My first musical production was inspired by a series of songs I had written which was structured into four sections with four characters. The first production of this show was extremely exciting and had a huge learning curve. I was fortunate enough to work with a wonderful cast and director. Everyone was passionate and committed to bringing the first version of the show to life.
You have studied around the world, achieved a range of awards and recorded three CDs. What was the most pivotal moment in your music career?
The most pivotal moment in my career was the very first showcase I did of a selection of my songs. Hearing my songs sung for the very first time in rehearsal was incredible. The audience’s response to the performance was electric at the first showcase. There was much encouragement and belief in my work from the performers and audience. It propelled me into putting on my first production, Connect four, that same year. Hearing the lush harmonies in the opening number sung with the whole cast for the first time in the theatre, amplified, is also a moment I will never forget.
You work with performers from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of directing?
Working with various ages in my productions brings different dynamics and energy to the process. Before I moved to New York, I was workshop developing my newest work, Just a phase, which involves two children. These girls brought such delightful energy into the rehearsal space. They were also incredibly talented and inspired some of the new material written during the workshop stage.
What has been the best piece of advice that has helped you in your career?
Something that has really helped my career is hearing the feedback after my shows—also hearing the audience’s response during the show. The audience’s reaction has made such an impact and has inspired me to continue, as I am incredibly passionate about the craft.
Do you prefer to perform or direct musical theatre?
I enjoy both directing music theatre as well as performing, but ideally, I’ll have a music director on board, so I’m able to take a step back in the rehearsal process and focus more on the show’s progress, especially if it’s the first production of a show. In saying that, there is something so wonderful about performing alongside brilliant singers, so I also enjoy performing.
What is your dream musical to work on?
My dream musical set would be Sunday in the park with George. It’s my favourite musical and was such an inspiration for me as I began my journey into composing music theatre.
Watch behind the scenes of Connect Four here.
