UPPER Hunter students are taking centre stage this week at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle, performing as part of the original ASPIRE production 365 Questions, Issues and Good Deeds.
Ten youngsters from the region were selected during the audition process, held by the Diocese of Maitland - Newcastle Catholic Schools Office, to create a cast and crew of 170.
Four of those include vocalists Jimmy Dever (Year 6, St James' Primary School, Muswellbrook) and Eliza Peebles (Year 11, St Joseph's High School, Aberdeen), as well as drama pupils Daniel Chapman (Year 7, St Joseph's High School, Aberdeen) and Lily Whetherspoon-Mills (Year 11, St Catherine's College, Singleton).
In 2019, the students will perform in front of thousands of people over four big days, at six shows - three of which are already sold out.
365 Questions, Issues and Good Deeds introduces its audience to a host of characters and charts their lives over the space of a year, through their lows, their highs and their epic birthday parties.
Launched in 2011, ASPIRE invites pupils from Years 5 to 11 across all 57 catholic schools in the diocese to audition in the key areas of acting, singing, dancing, music, design and production.
The successful students prepare for the annual production for months in advance, including weekly travel to Newcastle, and are encouraged to take part in the creative process of developing a production.
Additionally, they receive professional mentoring from industry experts to develop their talents and have a unique opportunity to share their interests with like-minded children.
Tickets are still available on Friday, August 2 (7pm) and Saturday, August 3 (11am and 7pm).
