MERMAID COASTS IN
The ever-popular story of The Little Mermaid is being brought to colourful life this week by a talented and enthusiastic cast from St Hilda’s Junior School
ZARLI DICKINSON AND TATIANA BELAPUNA
St Hilda’s School, Year 7
ST HILDA’S Junior School students are preparing for their production of The Little
Mermaid this Friday.
The girls are very excited and are working hard to remember their lines and dance routines and perfect their songs.
After auditions were finally over and roles were announced, the girls got to rehearsing.
The leads all said they had lots of experience acting which helped them portray their characters even better.
Acting workshops, speech and drama lessons and school plays have all taught the girls a variety of skills.
Two of the leads, Abby Long and Mia Otto, said they had already been part of many productions at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), which was how they learned to act, sing and dance from a young age.
Putting together The Little Mermaid was a long process but the play is starting to come together, according to Year 5 student Abby Long.
“Being in the musical is fun and being a lead, you get to sing and really show your acting skills,” she said.
Fellow student Capri Patterson is playing everyone’s favourite villain, Ursula, and said she was a good match for the role as she was generally a loud and outgoing person.
The girls love preparing for such a big event, which is definitely the highlight of the school year for some.
Students in Years 4 to 6 are involved in the production and Year 6 student Mia Otto, who plays Ariel, says she enjoys collaborating with students from other year levels as they are encouraged to share ideas and techniques.
“There are a lot of emotions in the musical and a lot of good characters,” she said.
Amelia Salmon of Year 6 said she found her role as Prince Eric somewhat challenging because it was a bit awkward when acting with Ariel and portraying their undying love.
She also said that she had to portray how boys acted in certain situations.
Coralie Bradnam of Year 6 said: “You should definitely look out for Flounder because he is awesome and cute and played by me!”
We can’t wait for a stunning performance by the girls, but we can’t forget the wonderful teachers and parents who have helped with directing and props.
Buy tickets at theartscentre gc.com.au/events/st-hildasschool