Moana Jnr! Cast Diary
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Auditions
Auditions we saw 57 hopefuls performing their hearts out to win a spot on the cast for our next production, Moana Jnr! So much talent, from beginners to experienced performers. Seeing how each and every single one of them have learnt the audition piece and prepared it in their special way - it's amazing. A tough decision and long time for auditions, but really worth it and important to pick the best cast possible. Next up, we move into the call back stages, it's important for all auditionees to know that whether you receive a call back or not, it doesn't mean you haven't won a place on our cast. The audition panel simply need to bounce some performers against others, helps see an emotional connection where unable to gain in the initial stages. Well done to all and we can't wait to make the official announcement of our Moana Jnr Cast! By Joe Russell (Producer) 12/03/2023 |
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READ THROUGH
Our Cast and Crew have met for the first time since auditions. Everyone has received their scripts and sat together to read and sing through the whole show. The cast learnt about the culture and meanings behind the story and characters. Understanding the language and storyline will set them in good stead for an amazing production. What a large cast! So much fun. Then some of the principals met together and worked through their character development. Learning their style and relationships to each other. Simple elements such as their stance, walking and speech. Each cast member were given a sheet of paper to write down their process, were asked to take these home to research and progress further. Such a strong cast, the crew could not be happier! Well done! By Joe Russell (Producer) 06/05/2023 |
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DAY ONE - REHEARSALS
Our Cast and Crew started their rehearsals. With help from their Acting Coach, they worked on their emotional connection towards each other, forming some in-depth family relationships. With some fun exercises and focus on sections of the script, we're already seeing some amazing characters coming to life. This is shaping up to be an amazing production! By Joe Russell (Producer) 07/05/2023 |
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DAY TWO - REHEARSALS
Our Cast and Crew started their choreography rehearsals and music rehearsals. Learning choreography and practicing songs and culture lyrics throughout their time at our studios. The cast are really shining and enjoying their time. Well done to all, keep practicing and we'll see you next week. By Joe Russell (Producer) 14/05/2023 |
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DAY THREE- REHEARSALS
Our Cast and Crew continue their choreography rehearsals. Some amazing work created by Ella Ashenden, our Choreographer for Moana Jnr! It's amazing to see all the hard work these dancers and ensemble members are pouring into their rehearsals. The cheesy grins say it all. Some of these cast members have also auditioned for our next production the Wizard of Oz earlier the same day. Amazing effort. You should all be so proud, already looking fantastic. By Joe Russell (Producer) 21/05/2023 |
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DAY FOUR - REHEARSALS
Our Cast and Crew start their vocal rehearsals and continue their choreography. Some very hard work by not just the cast but our costume and prop department. Such a great committed group of people that have one simple task in mind, make the best show we possibly can and give the cast and crew as much support as possible. We also met for a cast photo with our banner and handed out bunches of leaflets for marketing efforts. By Joe Russell (Producer) 27/05/2023 |
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DAY FIVE - REHEARSALS
Our Cast and Crew continue their Choreography rehearsals and some vocal work. The Crew and really coming into their own and lifting the cast as the come to a close on their vocal lessons. Great work by all... By Joe Russell (Producer) 28/05/2023 |
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DAY SIX - REHEARSALS
Our Cast and Crew continue their Choreography rehearsals and moved into blocking the first few scenes. Stressful times after the majority of the cast and crew were heavily involved in Can Dance for a Cure on Saturday! The show is starting to come together now, seeing how scenes will be portrayed and certain props beginning to be used as well. Great work by all... By Joe Russell (Producer) 04/06/2023 |
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DAY SEVEN - REHEARSALS
Our Cast and Crew continue their stage blocking rehearsals. Amazing effort, the song and scenes are coming together really well. We also, got down and groovy with some painting and costume making. We also were introduced to our Moana Mentors, hand-picked to help support and encourage all cast members. To be that direct link between cast and crew. They will support the general rules around the company, to be supportive, encouraging and endorse respectful-appropriate behaviour. The show is coming together really nicely! By Joe Russell (Producer) 10/06/2023 |
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DAY EIGHT - REHEARSALS
Our Cast and Crew finish their stage blocking rehearsals. Wow. Stage blocking is over. What does this mean? Well, it means that the show is set and ready for the first full run through! Amazing effort all round. Putting this aside, our producer and Now Productions Royalty, Alex are knee deep in building sets. Also, our Costume Department, headed by Kylie and Lynda are working so hard. Helpful parents and friends of Now Productions are giving up their valuable time to make the show look so wonderful. We are forever in your debt! By Joe Russell (Producer) 17/06/2023 |
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DAY NINE - FULL RUN THROUGHS
Our Cast and Crew commence their full run-throughs. What a show we have building up and we still have another weekend of rehearsals! WOW! We introduced Stars of the Show this weekend, this means that one member of Principal and one member of the Ensemble Casts are recognised by the production crew as standing out. This could be performing their very bests, being on point or simply helping out wherever they can to keep the flow going for the shows. So good and great to see everyone really taking this seriously and bringing their A Game! Well done guys and gals. Amazing Effort! By Joe Russell (Producer) 18/06/2023 |
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DAY TEN - FULL RUN THROUGHS
Our Cast and Crew complete their final full run-throughs. Costumes and set pieces are really starting to come together now. Full make up with neon paint and the use of our UV lights, what an amazing outcome we've achieved. Three run throughs, some stage direction and planning. We have a show! How great to see everything come together. Amazing! Our costume crew as well, they have worked so hard and some very long hours. Well done to all, such an achievement. By Joe Russell (Producer) 24/06/2023 |
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DAY ELEVEN - BUMP IN AND TECH / DRESS REHEARSALS
Our Cast and Crew move into the theatre to commence their bump in and Tech and Dress Rehearsal. Bump in was on Wednesday, 9am - 5pm. The crew managed to bump in, set the stage, hang certain items or set and plot the lighting. What a great turn around, with time to spare as well. On Thursday the cast has joined the crew inside the theatre, tech rehearsal. Learning where to walk, how to enter/exit the stage and learn the technical aspects of the show on site. Then, dress rehearsals. Each cast, of which there are two run their dress rehearsals. Full costume and make up, sound and tech running at full throttle. Amazing outcome, the cast are set and ready to go! By Joe Russell (Producer) 29/06/2023 |
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DAY TWELVE - SHOW TIME
Our Cast and Crew have completed a matinee and evening performance. Both had reviewers from Theatre Association of South Australia, which were very complimentary. Please visit the review page and take a look. Amazing efforts by our cast and crew. Well done and only two more shows to go! By Joe Russell (Producer) 30/06/2023 |
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DAY THIRTEEN - SHOW TIME
Our Cast and Crew have concluded their final matinee and evening performance. What a day and what a production. So many thank you were made and then, we moved into the Bump out phase. So many people helped out to bump out of the production which meant we were finished 45 minutes early! How good is that?! Thank you everyone and farewell for another show, until the next one! By Joe Russell (Producer) 01/07/2023 |