Something mysterious is stirring in Dayboro, but the real magic is happening behind the curtain.
Local young performers are helping create The Shadow Academy, an original musical developed by Nathalie Cotte and Creative Connections – Performing Arts Academy, which will be performed at the Dayboro Community Hall this month.
Students have spent the year learning about the work involved in developing a production, from its initial concept to the final performance.
Creative Connections Director Nathalie Cotte said the project was designed to introduce young people to the many creative pathways involved in theatre.
“Performing is only one part of creating a show,” Ms Cotte said. “I wanted our students to see what happens behind the scenes and understand that there are so many different pathways within the creative industries.”
Behind the Scenes Mentorship, Original Musicals, and Local Theatre Growth
Students have worked alongside industry professionals and mentors on scriptwriting, original music, recording, choreography, character development, costumes, props and stagecraft. They have also taken part in professional recording sessions at Airlock Studios.
Set within a mysterious academy where students are divided according to who they are expected to become, The Shadow Academy explores individuality, belonging, creativity and having the courage to choose your own path.
Ms Cotte said collaboration had been an important part of the experience.
“They are learning how ideas become scripts, how music is developed and recorded, how characters and worlds are created, and how an entire production comes together,” she said.
“Most importantly, they are learning to collaborate, contribute their ideas and build confidence in their own creativity.”
The project has been supported by local families and businesses, including Lucid Financial, Bright Minds Psychology Service and Engage U, with community fundraising helping towards lighting, sound, sets, props, costumes and production opportunities.
Looking ahead, Creative Connections plans to expand the program in 2027 to include areas such as songwriting, script development, special-effects makeup and technical theatre.
“We live in an incredibly creative area,” Ms Cotte said. “I want young people to know they don’t necessarily have to travel into Brisbane to begin discovering what they are capable of.”
For more information, find Creative Connections Performing Arts on Facebook.
The Shadow Academy
- Sunday, 22 November; Saturday, 28 November, Sunday, 29 November
- Dayboro Community Hall
- 6 Bradley Street, Dayboro
- Get your ticket here.
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