Singing to win

MYP’s winning team at Junior Theatre Festival Australia in Newcastle. Picture: MICHELLE JOHNSON

A group of Berwick musical theatre students have wowed the judges at the 2023 Junior Theatre Festival Australia held in Newcastle on October 27 and 28, taking home the Outstanding Dance group award.

Masquerade Youth Productions (MYP) competed alongside 23 other groups from across Australia and New Zealand competed, judged by a panel of international visiting artists from Broadway and the West End.

Aged 10 to 17, the 25 MYP students presented selections from ‘Disney’s Frozen Kids’, with musical directors Emily Keegan and Rochelle Glenwright selecting songs which featured cast members individually and as a cohesive group.

Local choreographer Suzie Ryrie from Suzie Ryrie School of Dance created the award-winning dance movements.

MYP co-founder Megan Glenwright said the performers were excited and engaged throughout the event.

“It is delightful to see our performers supporting each other and making memories lasting a lifetime,” she said.

“They have all added to their ‘sing, act, dance’ toolboxes and have enjoyed every minute.”

Broadway composer and TikTok influencer Daniel J. Mertzlufft and actor Olivia Charalambous were the adjudicators, while the students also got to meet Australian celebrities Rob Mills, who is currently touring with

the hit musical ‘& Juliet’ and performer Vidya Makan.

For more information, visit www.myproductions.com.au.