Joymas Creative took a moment to find out a little bit more about the show, its star and why Brisbane audiences should be doing all they can to grab a ticket TODAY!

Star of SONGS FROM AN UNMADE BED: Tye Shepherd

JC: You were last seen playing the role of Peter Allen in the smash hit ‘Boy From Oz’, how does it feel throwing yourself into such an intimate show after playing to a 1500 seat theatre?

TS: To be honest, it’s not really the size of the audience that is pushing my buttons with this work.  The Boy from Oz was such a phenomenal role in a fantastic venue working with some amazing people, but as our director Lewis Jones said, above all it was a piece that mattered.  It shared the story of a positive, openly gay character such as Peter Allen with the world and offered a message of hope to anyone who has ever faced adversity because of their sexuality.  Everything else about that production was just a bonus for me.

I guess that is why I’m so excited about premiering ‘Songs from an Unmade Bed’ to an Australian audience.  Similarly, for me, it is a piece that matters – but on a different scale.  It’s an intimate celebration about human relationships.  It offers amusing observations from one gay man’s point of view in a very playful, moving way.  Anyone who has ever felt the ecstasy of love, the pain of loss, had a bad date, a good date, navigated their way through single-life, coupled-life, felt alone, or felt alive will get this show.  It shows a part of our community that is rarely seen celebrated in such a way on stage.  As such, I feel it is an important work which I am privileged to perform.

JC: What’s the best thing about performing solo?

TS: I have a little bit of a problem with the notion of ‘performing solo’.  I tend to think of it more as ‘performing lead’ as there’s usually someone there supporting you – even if it’s just the sound guy.  Even in ‘Songs from an Unmade Bed’ I’m not truly alone.  True, I’m ‘front and centre’ from go to whoa, but I do have a wonderful trio of musicians supporting me.

I do however love the feeling of guiding the energy for an audience – it’s the ultimate control, but also the ultimate responsibility.  There’s no hiding – it’s all you.  If your energy is off, then your support is off too, but if you’re ‘on the money’ that’s when magic happens!  It’s that wonderful feeling of a personal connection with an audience – and discovering the journey together.

JC: What inspires you?

TS: Possibilities and the voice inside that asks “What if?” I’m very blessed to have some wonderful mentors that constantly challenge me to think along these lines.  The idea that things can be done, things are possible – not just with hard work but with clever thinking.  I love the challenge of growing and moving forward as an artist and as a human being.  We are such amazing creatures and we have the ability to move the world (and often do!).

JC: Performing a song cycle (with so many different composers) provides both challenges and rewards. What would be your greatest challenge & reward with this particular work?

TS: I consider myself lucky because usually with a song cycle, you have the one composer who writes all the music and that becomes the connective thread holding the piece together.  ‘Songs from an Unmade Bed’ has eighteen different composers, each with their own unique musical treatment, and only one lyricist.  Therefore, rather than being led by the music, this work is driven by the dramatic themes expressed in the lyrics, with the music supporting it emotionally rather than thematically.  The audience is presented with micro-stories or vignettes, emotionally supported and enhanced by music, and each in a contrasting musical style.  Because of this lyric driven element, as an actor I felt immediately attracted to it.

Apart from the artistic challenges, I’m embarking on a much larger personal process – one in which I find myself wearing a lot of different ‘hats’.  Usually I’m just the performer in someone else’s production, and even though I tend to put my artistic two-cents in, ultimately it’s not my responsibility.  This show is a completely different situation.  I’m co-producing it which means I’m no longer ‘just the performer’.  I’m dealing with all the other goings-on that make a show come together.  Formulating and coordinating rehearsal schedules, production meetings, marketing, leading rehearsals, sourcing props, costumes, sets etc.  Even though it isn’t a large-scale production, when you’re only a small team it all takes time and everything takes longer than you originally think it will.  I’ve had to find a balance between assertiveness and patience.

JC: If you weren’t performing, what would you be doing?

TS: I tend to be a dreamer, so there’s a great many things that I would love to do.  That’s probably what attracted me to performing in the first place – I could pretend to be anyone or anything!  I’d probably be a mad scientist pioneer who discovers a protective time bubble and travels back through time to witness the wonders of primordial earth, then travels slowly forward in time to watch our ancient civilizations grow – it would be the ultimate fly-on-the-wall experience!  That’s it!  I could open a time-dimensional travel company.  It’s a niche market, now all I need is the proper tools… Science – Where’s my personal teleporter?  Hmm? I’m waiting!

JC: What do you think audiences will take away from ‘Songs from an unmade bed’?

TS: As ‘Variety’ said – One of the best hours not spent in bed. Seriously, it’s a great show and I’m sure that people will leave afterwards with a smile on their face, a tear in their eye, and maybe, just maybe, a feeling that we’re not quite as alone as we think we are.

One performance only: 7:30pm Saturday 13th August – JUDITH WRIGHT CENTRE (Shopfront)
TO BOOK: www.judithwrightcentre.com

TICKETS: From $20

Queenie van de Zandt performs for Qld Flood Benefit

We are extremely honoured to be presenting the multi-award nominated musical theatre and cabaret artist, Queenie van de Zandt in association with The Judith Wright Centre.

We are even more proud to be able to announce that ALL PROFITS from this brilliant night of comedy cabaret will be donated to the Actors Benevolent Fund – specifically assisting artists and creatives directly affected by the Qld Flood Disaster.

Queenie will be bringing her one woman, AussieTheatre.com nominated show, CABARET – IN 12 EASY STEPS to the Judith Wright Centre on Tuesday 8th February 2011.

Joymas Creative recently had the opportunity to quiz Queenie on where it all began, and what keeps this Green Room Award nominated artist inspired…

JC: Where did the original idea for ‘Cabaret in 12 easy steps’ come from?

QvdZ: I was teaching a cabaret course to the students in the musical theatre course at VCA  – helping them all develop a 10 minute cabaret and at the same time trying to come up with an idea for a 20 minute cabaret for the 2006 Brisbane Cabaret Festival, but all my ideas were being used helping my students create their cabarets.  So I thought – why not write about what I know and about what’s happening in my life right now – ie.how to create a cabaret.  So out of that initial Brisbane Cabaret show, came Cabaret – In 12 Easy Steps.

JC: Do you consider yourself firstly a performer or a writer?

QvdZ: Well…my very first theatrical experience was performing as a 5 year old in a site-specific version of Treasure Island in Canberra.  But it was closely followed with my first piece of writing – a play in Grade 2 – which I wrote utilizing the free puppets I had been given by the Commonwealth Bank for opening a savings account.

So probably – performer, writer and then puppeteer.

JC: Who is your biggest influence and why?

QvdZ: I don’t know who would be my biggest – but some people who have influenced my work:

• My Dad – because of his ability to think of big ideas and then make them happen
• Emer McDonagh – my first drama teacher – who made me believe in myself
• ABBA/Olivia Newton John/Barbra Streisand/Joni Mitchell – whose albums taught me how to sing and write songs
• Garry Scale and Robyn Arthur (actors I worked with early in my career), Max Lambert and Michael Tyack (musical directors) – who taught me you can be a lovely person and a success in the industry – and that the two are not mutually exclusive
• Tony Taylor and Peter J. Casey (my co-writers of the tv and theatre show based around  my comedy character “Jan van de Stool”)- because they make working a constant laugh
• Magda Szubanski, Jane Turner, Gina Riley and Marg Downey– those girls inspired me to move into writing and performing comedy for TV

JC: If you could have dinner with ANY four people (alive or dead) who would they be?

QvdZ: Magda, Jane, Gina and Marg – I’ve eaten with 2 of them, and not stopped laughing, but I think eating with the 4 of them would probably give me serious laughter-induced heartburn.

I’d also settle for the male equivalent dinner party – Chris Lilley, Will Ferrell, Ricky Gervais, and Wayne Hope

JC: What’s your idea of the ‘perfect’ gig?

QvdZ: Doing what I love doing, with people I love and getting paid well to do it.

JC: Where is the most interesting place you’ve been recognised?

QvdZ: I can’t think of any place interesting – but I do get recognized regulary as Jean Kitson – but of course – I’m not Jean Kitson, so it doesn’t really count.

JC: What do you REALLY want to be when you grow up?

QvdZ: A dancer, painter, interior decorator, psychologist, and a Mum…but hey you can’t have everything (where would you put it!)

CABARET – IN 12 EASY STEPS (Starring Queenie van de Zandt with Lucy Bermingham on piano)

Playing @ The Judith Wright Centre, 7:30pm, Tuesday 8th February (Tickets from $26)

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Until next time….    JC

Leon Cain - James in 'HUM - Becoming Bill'

Here, we venture inside the head of Leon Cain – noted Qld actor (and newly trained clown) – as he prepares to play James, the couch loving brother to our hero, Bill.

JC: Becoming Bill is a new work. What are your feelings about working on a new development?

LC: I always loving working on new work. It is so much fun to work with something raw and to be able to contribute and brainstorm together to bring the story together.

JC: What’s your favourite thing about the Musical Theatre medium?

LC: I don’t get to do it often so when I do I really enjoy it.

JC: What is your wish for your career? Dare we ask… Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

LC: The important thing is that I am still doing what I love. I have no idea where I might be in 5 years time, but I am happy to keep following my heart and passion.

JC: Who would be your biggest influence as a performer?

LC: I really find it hard to answer this question because there are so many different types of performers that I take influence from for so many different mediums. So I could try and list a lot of different performers. But really my biggest influence as a performer is everything that has happened to me and everything I have seen in my life.

JC: What is one thing you would like to tell us about the project Becoming Bill, that we might not be aware of?

LC: Brad is awesome!!

If you missed out on getting your ticket for tomorrow night’s performance of ‘HUM – Becoming Bill’ and you’re keen to not let that happen again, we suggest you head to our website www.joymascreative.com an sign up for our e-newsletter… You’ll be the first to know ALL there is to know about Joymas Creative, our auditions, upcoming shows, competitions and ticket deals.

JC

Kathryn McIntyre - Kimberly in 'Becoming Bill'

Kathryn McIntyre is, without a doubt, a talent to be watched. With a voice you could easily lose yourself in for a few hours, and a humble and honest approach to her work, Kathryn – or Kat as she’s keen to be called – talks openly about her ‘Becoming Bill’ experience.

JC: Becoming Bill is a new work. What are your feelings about working on a new development?

KM: I am so excited to be a part of another new development in Brisbane!! I really love new work!!   It’s something that I didn’t know about myself that I have been fortunate enough to learn in the last 12 months.  It’s such a privilege to get to work so closely with the person who is creating the character and the music and the story that you get to tell, and there is something incredibly special about being the first person to originate a role.  Before this year the bulk of my experience has been performing roles that are so well known you inevitably end up with a pre-conceived idea of how they are supposed to be before you even begin, but getting to see something that starts as just an idea in someone’s mind gradually be given wings and then hopefully watching it take flight is just a real gift as a performer.

JC: What’s your favourite thing about the Musical Theatre medium?

KM: Everything is always better with music!! It heightens and enhances and engages people on a completely separate emotional level.  I’m not sure exactly what it is, but it almost feels like it’s easier to express yourself in song than it is just with words.  It’s not about making the most beautiful sound or being the greatest singer in the world, it’s that connection between the lyric and the piano and the emotion behind it!  I find there is this raw honesty in musicals, particularly some of the more contemporary musicals that bring an entirely new element to any story and whether you’re sitting in an audience or standing on a stage you can’t help but be affected by it. I think that is probably my favourite thing… that I am still naive and dreamy eyed enough to believe that music theatre can change the world!

JC: What is your wish for your career? Dare we ask… Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

KM: This answer seems to change every month!! I am an incredibly impulsive person and also really easily influenced which is both a gift and a curse as far as my chosen career path is concerned.  My goal is the same as everyone else’s in this crazy industry; to be consistently working in the arts! (It sounds so simple…)   For the longest time my ideal dream future consisted solely of my name being billed nice and high somewhere on Broadway or West End, and while be assured that if someone wants to offer me that life I’m going to be pretty happy to jump on board, it seems to have become more about the type of work I want to do than the profile.  I have become really passionate about new developments and trying to play a bigger part in the early stages of what that is. I think music theatre is heading in a really exciting new direction, especially in Australia, and I’d really love to be someone who played a role in influencing that.

JC: Who would be your biggest influence as a performer?

Honestly, most of them reside right here in Brisbane.  I think I get the most from the people that I work alongside of, especially when those people have been someone you’ve watched and admired as an audience member beforehand!  I’ve been very fortunate to work with some ridiculously talented individuals, most of whom I am lucky enough to know on a personal level as well as professional. Directors, writers, designers, actors, musicians… when you are constantly surrounded by people who are so dedicated and passionate about their craft, it’s difficult not to want to strive to be constantly growing and improving as a performer.   There is nothing better than seeing a live production of anything, and leaving feeling completely inspired with that sense of “yep… I want to be just like them!”

JC: What is one thing you would like to tell us about the project Becoming Bill, that we might not be aware of?

KM: From an audience perspective, Bradley has written a beautifully universal piece of theatre.  Whether it’s your life exactly or not, I would find it difficult to believe that there is not a piece of everyone’s history in his story.   Like any new work “Becoming Bill” has been a process of constant discovery and realisation.  It is such a vulnerable position for someone to put their own work on display for the general public to do with what they will.  The stakes, particularly for the writer, are incredibly high.  I think that’s what makes the experience so exciting… because you know that if it pays off you just might have the opportunity to let your audience in on something amazing!!

Until next time…… JC

Director 'Becoming Bill' - Simone de Haas

Simone de Haas may well be a familiar face to many of you, but Joymas Creative is excited to welcome Simone to the helm for the very first time on our second installment in the HUM series – ‘Becoming Bill’.

Simone kindly allowed JC into her brain for a brief few moments. We’ve included some of these valued thoughts in this post… giving you a little taste of what’s around the corner!

JC: Becoming Bill is a new work. What are your feelings about working on a new development?

SdH:  I’m really looking forward to this.  My experience in music theatre to date has generally been with developed works – the traditional musical, or opera – whether it’s a mega musical or a boutique one.  It’s been tried and tested.  It’s such a wonderful opportunity to be in on the ground floor so to speak. See the work develop – help coax it to life.  Tease out the character perspectives and the whole process of discovery.  What does this character want and why?  Where are they headed? It’s a deliciously fulfilling way to work.

JC: What’s your favourite thing about the Musical Theatre medium?

SdH: I’ve always loved the fact that the music just transports you to another place.  The juxtaposition of THAT piece of text with THAT piece of music… it can be expressed no other way.  For me, the music drives home the emotion in a way that text alone does not.  As Victor Hugo said so eloquently:  ”Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent”.

JC: What is your wish for your career? Dare we ask… Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

SdH: Ah… the big question. My wish is that I will continue to be able to work with developing actors and singers, so I expect that in five years I’ll be doing similar work to what I’m doing now – only more of it! And overseas – LA, New York, London.  That’s where I see myself.  I have plans for world domination!  Seriously though, I AM working on a breakthrough process at the moment that I ultimately plan to take interstate and then overseas, so that’s what I really aim to be doing in five year’s time.

JC: Who would be your biggest influence as a performer?

SdH: I find it difficult to define a specific “who”.  It’s more about WHAT I see, when I see performance.  The biggest influences for me are when I see truthful, engaging and connected work – whatever the medium. Whether it’s dance, drama, comedy, music or film.  When a performance moves me, there’s something that lingers, an energy that makes you want to get out there and create.  It fills up the well of your own creativity so that you can continue to explore.

JC: What is one thing you would like to tell us about the project Becoming Bill, that we might not be aware of?

SdH: There’s a huge sense of responsibility to the piece – staying open to whatever comes up, to allow the work to find its own voice.That’s both exciting and terrifying.

Click HERE to book for ‘Becoming Bill’

7:30pm Friday 29th October – The Shopfront, Judith Wright Centre

Alice Barbery - plays Jane (the mother) in 'Becoming Bill'

Many Brisbane theatre goers would be very familiar with the first of our Becoming Bill cast to share their thoughts on this new work, and what it means to develop theatre from the ground up.

Alice Barbery will play Bill’s mother, Jane in the upcoming performance of Becoming Bill (as part of the HUM series) in late October.

JC: Becoming Bill is a new work. What are your feelings about working on a new development?

AB: It is an incredible privilege to work closely with the writer to bring their vision to life.  And like all privileges comes an increased sense of responsibility. While I always work very hard to bring  authenticity and truth to a character, when you are working directly with the creator you are charged with a heightened sense of responsibility to deliver on their vision.

JC: What’s your favourite thing about the Musical Theatre medium?

AB: The ability to express emotion, truth and connection in a totally otherworldly fashion. We don’t just break into song in the “real world” and this medium gives an actor licence to express the character in a unique way.  For me it’s never been about singing perfectly, it’s about being truthful to the lyric and the music.  When you are singing you engage an extra element of yourself and it requires you to be fully present.  You are fully laid bare when you sing so if you don’t commit then the singer becomes separate from the character.  Musical theatre demands an extra commitment as well as provides an additional opportunity to tell the story.

JC: What is your wish for your career? Dare we ask… Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

AB: Alive, healthy, working with people who tickle my spirit and doing the best work I can do.  Improving every year and sharing the joy of music and life .  The “where”  and the “what” just keeps unfolding and I accept whatever that will be with gratitude and joy.  My cup is more than half full! ( and yes, I really mean it)

JC: Who would be your biggest influence as a performer?

AB: The truth is anyone I have ever watched perform. Even if it is just their courage and willingness to share I am  left inspired.  It takes guts to put yourself out there knowing that everyone is a critic.  OK, some performers have made a bigger impact but all have touched me.  When I was 8 my Dad took me to see Marcel Marceau ( not much synergy for singing) but he captivated 300 people without speaking.  I still cherish that performance.

JC: What is one thing you would like to tell us about the project Becoming Bill, that we might not be aware of?

AB: I have worked with Brad in the past and he one of  the most generous performers I know.  I know the character of the Mum is precious to him and I truly hope to do justice to his vision.

To book tickets for the next installment in the HUM series – Becoming Bill, head HERE. Please note: Venue capacity is strictly limited.

Becoming Bill – 7:30pm Friday 29th Oct, 2010 – The Shopfront (Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Art)

Handle with Care is the show of interest here, and we’ll be meeting with several interested parties in the ongoing touring life of this new musical, particularly the networking and industry ‘meets’ with HWC’s writer/composer Megan Shorey.

So, next we blog, it will be from our Southern state, and with a head full of inspiration and agenda.

Until then… let us know what YOU’RE inspired by right now. Is it your collaborators? Your children? Political turmoil? Or the simplicity of the changing season? Tell us what’s getting YOUR juices flowing people?

JC

Award-winning film director: Peter Ireland

This post is a preemptive one… But JC is a little excited to see what our meeting with the brilliant Peter Ireland may uncover today.

Joymas Creative has worked with many artists and creative’s in the past, but none so completely than with the ‘new kid on the block’ film Director – Peter Ireland.

Peter has several writing/directing hats (Short film, Feature films and Music Video’s), and with this collaboration comes another – Musical Theatre Films.

Peter Ireland and [Joymas Creative's Artistic Director] Megan Shorey‘s collaboration started in 2009, with the Musical Short Blueberry Lane, for which both Peter and Megan have been awarded. However, there are several other projects currently under development – none more demanding than the long term project Spark.

With initial scoring beginning in 2007, Spark will see life in many formats before audiences will be able to see it on the big screen. Workshops, Concert performances & Developments are all planned as part of the work’s journey.

So we come to what is in store for today’s meet…

With another smaller project in the pipeline, JC and Peter are going into pre-production planning. We’ll be talking casting, and on-sell…. How exciting! Hope to have more to share about this new venture soon. Until then, keep your eye on our blog or the website for all the latest.

JC

'Handle with Care' original cast recording

SAVE THE DATE!

• 7:30 pm Friday 22nd October, 2010 @ The Shopfront. Judith Wright Centre, 420 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

On Friday 22nd October, Joymas Creative will be launching the keenly anticipated original cast recording of Handle with Care.

Featuring (in order of appearance) our cast – Penny Farrow, Judy Hainsworth, Kathy Burns, Kat McIntyre, Sarah Knight, Arlie McCormick, Liz Buchanan and Rachel Dunham and with instrumentalists – Anna McPherson, Eric Milliken, Steve Whittington, Sean Gilligan, Jamie Foulger and Megan Shorey,  this album will be released and available for sale on the evening and via itunes shortly after.

The evening will also host an excerpt from the next installment of the HUM series – Becoming Bill by Bradley McCaw, to whet your appetite for his premiere performance the following Friday – 29th October in The Shopfront. Joymas Creative will also be announcing some pretty special news on the night too.

So if you’re keen to join us all on this very special evening, reply to our RSVP list here rsvp@joymascreative.com and we’ll confirm your attendance by email shortly after. Capacity is limited, so don’t dawdle… get your name on the door NOW!

More updates to come

JC x

'Becoming Bill' writer/composer - Bradley McCaw

BRADLEY McCAW writer/composer – Becoming Bill

A few days ago, Joymas Creative caught up with emerging musical theatre composer/writer, Bradley McCaw to find out exactly what makes him tick….

JC: Give me 5 words to best sum up who Bradley McCaw is?

BM: Honest, playful, hardworking, heart and passionate.

JC: What inspires your original compositions?

BM: My life. Currently I write mostly from my own personal experience. When I sit down to write, it’s usually in the first person and I am commenting on what I feel personally. I do put myself in others shoes, but even then the actor in me comes forth, and so the cycle continues. I am also inspired by other musicals that I love. I have grown up on Jonathon Larson, Jason Robert Brown and Stephen Sondheim [and] they are all very different. I feel my personal style is very much my own – it leans strongly toward piano driven pop music that is direct in its lyrical content.

JC: How do you feel working simultaneously on 2 projects – one a community theatre show, and the other your own?

BM: At different times I feel different things. Mostly, when I am focused on one I am there 100%. So when i’m rehearsing [Miss Saigon] I am there fully. When I’m writing and working on my own show [Becoming Bill], it is an entriely different process, but again, when I am there I am focussed on that totally. At times I can feel daunted and worried I will be spread too thin, but currently I’m just saying to myself – ‘One day at a time’. I love both shows for very different reasons but my main drive is my love and passion for theatre. I love performing it, rehearsing it, creating it. It’s a magical process and I feel privileged and excited by any opportunity I have to been involved in theatre. Also, whats that saying…’when it rains…?’