The production is hugely physical, and it’s a long season – how do you train for the role, and keep your energy up throughout the run?
Prior to starting this season, I had already regularly trained in circuit training in order to maintain my physically fitness. However starting this show I’ve actually had to alter my personal training to something a bit more therapeutic for my mind and body. Because of this show being so physically demanding, I’ve surprisingly switched from high intensity circuit training to meditation and yoga. Every night a new challenge arises, so I’ve found that through the practise of yoga and mediation during this season, it helped me identify what my current physical state is for the day. Every night my performance feels different in my body because I’m constantly catering to how my mind and body is feeling that day or night.
Yoga and meditation has also helped me drop into the physicality of Danielle, which has been fulfilling for the development of my character and the show!
You mention breaking cultural stereotypes in your bio – what does a role like this mean to you?
Danielle’s morals and drive to succession resonates with me on a very personal level. So being able to step into the role of Danielle not only feels like I’m telling both her and every other struggling Jackson student’s story, but also my own story. There’s a special feeling inside of me every night that allows me to discover and learn just as much about myself as I do with the character. That’s how close I feel to Danielle. Which makes it so fulfilling for me as an artist. It feels rich and alive every night. Privilege is definitely an understatement.
You are finishing your VCS course and find yourself in a demanding role like this. How do you balance it all?
I feel like I’m constantly generating off of 3 coffees and adrenaline everyday hahaha, but for real though I genuinely don’t find it difficult at all! I enjoy what I do for work and study. I have to constantly remind myself I’m in a lucky position of still being able to still graduate whilst doing shows in my third and final year therefore I’m always aiming to complete and balance my work and study with utmost gratitude.
What was the biggest struggle in bringing this character to the stage?
I feel like the discussion of mental well-being in the industry of performing arts is a very scary and rare issue to raise awareness to. But in all honestly my biggest struggle to bringing this character to life included my own mental barriers. At first I was very scared of my young age showing and my lack of experience on stage in comparison to others who have a wealth of experience. Still being in my third and final year at the VCA has its pros and then its cons. In my case, my own personal thoughts restricted me throughout my first couple of days during rehearsals. However during the course of rehearsals, working personally with such an amazing and supportive creative team (Michael Ralph, Alister Smith and Daniele Buatti) and a diverse and loving cast, helped me free myself from all of my fears which resulted in me permitting myself to take on the role of Danielle with power, love and strength!
Do you have a ritual of things you do before you go on stage?
I meditate in my dressing room and brush my teeth. Then I do 15x squats and 20x push ups side stage every night. Lastly the beautiful Sam Bruzzese (Nautica) and I breathe and embrace each other right before we walk on stage.
What is the most valuable piece of advice that you have been given
Complete the work with gratitude not attitude folks.
Who has inspired you the most personally or professionally?
I’m unsure. Truthfully I haven’t felt like I’ve had an inspiration recently. But I’m hoping i’ll naturally find one!
If you could send out a tweet that would reach the entire world, what would it say?
You have a lot more potential than you realise, and the world needs to see it.
Bring It: On The Musical
Original story by Tony Award winner, Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music and lyrics by Tony Award-winning composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights, Hamilton), music by Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning composer, Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), lyrics by Broadway lyricist, Amanda Green (High Fidelity), and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical.
27 Aug – 8 Sep
Wed – Sat 7:30pm
Tue: 8pm
Matinee: Sat 2pm/Sun 1pm
Venue: State Theatre
Theatre Company: David Venn
Duration: N/A
Campbell is cheer-royalty at Truman High School and her senior year should prove the most cheertastic – she’s been named captain of the squad! But, an unexpected redistricting has forced her to spend her final year of high school at the neighbouring hard-knock Jackson High School. Despite having the deck stacked against her, Campbell befriends the dance crew girls and, along with their headstrong and hardworking leader, Danielle, manages to form a powerhouse squad for the ultimate competition – the National Championships.
Following sold out Melbourne performances and nominated for Best Production (Green Room Awards), this high energy hit features an exciting fresh sound and explosive choreography with aerial stunts.
Ticket Prices
$99.90 – 119.9 plus booking fee
