By Lauren Mitsak of Stanwell Park Arts Theatre
The premiere of the play Tap Cats of the Sunshine Coast will take place on Saturday evening, April 26 at 7:30, a twilight performance on Sunday, April 27 at 4pm, and evening performances on Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5, both at 7:30pm.
The play, written by local writer Christine Sykes, is a rollicking adaptation of her novel of the same name, published in 2022. The director is Katie Peach and Christine and Sonia Westwood are sharing the role of producer. Rod Lander is the stage manager.
If acting is not your thing but you would like to get involved, we welcome additional tap dancers who just want the opportunity to dance. We also need help with costumes, set design and construction, backdrops, props, and front of house. If any of these roles appeal to you, please email us at spartstheatre@gmail.com.
As this production promises to be fun-filled and popular and as there are only four performances, it is important to book early to guarantee you won’t miss out. Tickets will be available online from mid-March. Go to www.spat.org.au and follow the link to purchase tickets.
Audition to be in Tap Cats
Auditions will take place on Thursday evening, January 30 at 7:30 and Sunday afternoon, February 2 at 2pm at the Stanwell Park CWA Hall. Rehearsal will take place every Thursday evening at 7:30 and Sunday afternoon at 2:00, although all cast members may not be required at every rehearsal.
There are roles for eight women: three in their mid 50s, one in her 60s, one in her 70s, one in her 80s, one in her 40s and one aged 19- 20. All the woman in this play are tap dancers. Ideally, the director would like at least two experienced tap dancers and the rest, just need a willingness to learn some basic tap steps.
There are also speaking roles for four men. Three are in their late 50s to early 60s and one in his mid to late 70s and two non-speaking male roles, one aged 60 to 70 and one aged in their late 20ties to early 30ties. If you are interested in any of these roles but can’t make either audition, email us at spartstheatre@gmail.com and we can arrange an alternate audition date for you.
SPAT Singers return
The SPAT Singers will resume on Friday, January 24 at 7:30 pm at Stanwell Park CWA Hall under the able direction of Lindy Sharp. Lindy has been teaching music all her adult life as well as performing with choirs and orchestras. The initial repertoire will consist of songs from a wide range of musical genres for our annual singers’ supper show to be staged in late June, early July. If you’ve been thinking about joining a choir, the start of the new year is the perfect time, and the SPAT Singers are a particularly warm and welcoming group.
Numerous studies have shown that singing reduces stress and is beneficial for the mind, body and spirit. Our Friday night get-togethers are a great way to end the week on a positive and restorative note, so hop on board!
SPAT membership fees due in January
It’s time for new and existing SPAT members to pay their annual membership fee. If you are involved in productions, it’s mandatory to become a SPAT member so that you are covered by our group insurance policy. Fees are $15 for adults and $10 for ages 17 and under. SPAT members receive a $5 discount on all ticket prices.
Pay online at www.spat.org.au – click on the membership link.