Search Results

Stories in the Spotlight Prime Time Broadway returns to Honour Productions this June with a stacked setlist and a cast ready to step into the spotlight. This year, the musical theatre showcase strips things right back. There is no single theme, no elaborate choreography, and no attempt to force the songs into one neat narrative. Instead, Prime Time Broadway places its performers centre stage, quite literally, with the cast remaining onstage throughout as each number blooms into its own self-contained story. The 2026 setlist is a mix of contemporary musical theatre favourites, lesser-known gems, emotional solos, playful duets, and group numbers. The program celebrates the breadth, humour, heart, and vocal thrill of musical theatre. Ahead of the season, we spoke with director Sheryl-Lee Secomb and several cast members. A Stripped-Back Spotlight Under the direction of Sheryl-Lee Secomb, this now-annual showcase will embrace simplicity this year, placing the focus firmly on the performer. “Alone in a spotlight, the focus is on the artist, the music and the story. The result is unpretentious and relatable. Each song works in our format because we focus on the individual performer and how they connect with the song. When you remove most of these songs from their musical theatre context, you find wonderful storytelling that finds a whole new life in the everyday world of our performers and audiences,” Sheryl-Lee shared. “By interrupting expectations, our aim is to break down the wall between audience and artist,” Sheryl-Lee said, describing the atmosphere as one where “it feels like the audience is sitting in our living room with us, everyone just enjoying wonderful music, laughs and storytelling.” That sense of connection also shapes the way songs were chosen. Some performers requested specific numbers. Some are singing their audition pieces that were too good to leave behind. Others were matched with songs by the creative team. Opening Up the Room Stephanie Lee-Steere opens the show with ‘What’s Inside’ and ‘Opening Up’ from Waitress, two songs she says “capture the heart and spirit of musical theatre from the very first moments.” Even without the sets and costumes of a full production, Stephanie feels the strength of Sara Bareilles’ music and storytelling is enough to “instantly create that world for the audience.” She is especially drawn to the emotional honesty of Waitress, describing the score as “a beautiful balance of vulnerability, humour, and strength.” It’s a perfect choice for the “start of a journey through lots of different stories and styles across Broadway.” Finding the Courage to Sing For Sally Jacobs, her audition song ‘The Life I Never Led’ from Sister Act carries deep personal meaning. Its themes of fear, courage, and self-discovery sit close to her own life. “In 2021, I made the decision to return to singing, to reconnect with something I once loved and had devoted so much of my life to. The journey toward recovery brought many tears and challenges as I faced perfectionism, fear of failure, self-doubt, and the feeling of never being good enough. But slowly, I began to find my voice again.” For Sally, the song “speaks to the parts of ourselves we hold back, the dreams we silence, and the risks we don’t take. But at its core, it is also a song about courage. It’s about choosing to be brave enough to step into the unknown, to take chances, and to truly live, because life is too precious to spend on the sidelines.” For Merryn Holder, the show offers a chance to explore one of musical theatre’s great survival songs: ‘I’m Still Here’ from Follies. “I’m delighted to perform this Sondheim classic,” she said. “Talk about a challenging song!” The number, sung by a former showgirl reflecting on a life of triumphs, knocks, reinventions, and sheer persistence, is one Merryn feels requires lived experience. “One needs to be of a certain age to sing this song with conviction. As I am now in my golden years, I relish the opportunity to act out this life story. I look forward to sinking my teeth into this song.” The showcase will also feature younger performers tackling material from 13 the Musical and Tuck Everlasting, bringing even more shades of courage and discovery into the room. A Song for an Angel For Laura Fois, ‘To My Angels’ from SuperYou is both a personal choice and a tribute. “I heard ‘To My Angels’ randomly on YouTube and it spoke to me. It is one of those songs that represents struggles, and I feel it can talk to anyone struggling with absolutely anything. It’s a scream for help in solitude but singing that makes you feel heard.” Laura first worked on the song with her vocal teacher, Loic Valmy, during a difficult time in her life. “I wasn’t well,” she shared. “I had to stop taking classes and before I could go back, Loic suddenly, heartbreakingly and unexpectedly, passed. This is the last song I took to him, and I knew it needed to be performed somehow,” Laura said. Prime Time Broadway, with its focus on individuality and personal storytelling, felt like the right place to bring it forward. “So here I am, with this beautiful song, which is a shared story and an homage to my teacher and everything he taught me.” Yearning For More Kinta Suryadarma brings ‘Wild Uncharted Waters’ from the live-action The Little Mermaid into the program, reimagining a song originally written for Prince Eric, and one she describes as having “such aggressive yearning.” For Kinta, the song’s appeal lies in its cinematic sweep and “visceral feelings of longing and chasing something you can’t fully explain yet.” Taking it out of its original context has allowed her to make it her own: “it’s about wanting more from life, taking risks, following your instincts,” she said. Gender-bending the number has also opened up more room to play. “I can’t just follow what Jonah Hauer-King does in the movie, because clearly I’m not a guy,” she laughed. “It leaves a lot of room to explore different colours and dynamics that make it feel more authentic and comfortable for me vocally.” Cassie Midgley is performing ‘Say the Word’ from The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown, a song that began as her audition piece and has now found its way into the show. “It holds a really special place in my heart,” Cassie said. She was drawn to the writing of Kerrigan and Lowdermilk, particularly their “incredible ability to capture the nuance and complexity of human emotion in a way that feels deeply real,” she said. For Cassie, ‘Say the Word’ stands out because it does not rely on a huge dramatic declaration of love. Instead, she said, “the emotions are quieter, more uncertain, more complicated, but that doesn’t make them any less raw or meaningful. Real life is often like that. Sometimes it’s confusion, hesitation, longing, overthinking, hoping someone will finally say what you need to hear.” The yearning does not stop there, with Cassie also performing ‘Will He Like Me’ from She Loves Me, and Ashlie Beauchamp bringing the beautifully anxious ‘When He Sees Me’ from Waitress to the stage. When the Harmonies Hit For Maddi Halvorson, ‘When the Chips Are Down’ from Hadestown brings something different to the setlist: groove, attitude, and tight three-part harmony. “I love to bring a really fun number with strong female harmonies to Prime Time,” Maddi said. “‘When the Chips Are Down’ is so unique with its deep and rich vocal texture… it’s so satisfying to perform live.” Maddi saw Hadestown in Sydney last year and has been hooked ever since. “I have been obsessed with every song in the show,” she said. “I love to see strong alto roles!” The show will also feature some very fun duets, trios, and quartets, including ‘Love You till the Day’ (It Shoulda Been You), ‘The Doctor is In’ (Charlie Brown), ‘Been a Long Day’ (How to Succeed), and ‘What You Got’ (Freaky Friday), proving there is nothing quite like musical theatre characters trying to communicate. Full-Circle Moment This writer, Samantha Hancock also has her own little place in this year’s show. “What keeps bringing me back to Prime Time is the community of it all: the kindness in the room, the intimacy of the format, and the chance to hear people express themselves through songs that genuinely mean something to them.” This year, I will be performing ‘Thank You for the Music’ from Mamma Mia!, which feels very full circle. “ABBA was part of my life long before I ever played Sophie Sheridan (my first role in a musical), and returning to this song now feels like revisiting a younger version of myself with a lot more life behind me.” “I am dedicating the song to my singing students, and to my late uncle, who passed on his instruments, his love of music, and so much of his joy for life to me. In that way, he still lives on in me through music. ‘Thank You for the Music’ is a song about gratitude, and at this point in my life, music really is my whole world. It is my career, my hobby, my first love, my escape, and my freedom.” More Than a Setlist That is the heart of Prime Time Broadway. It is not just a list of songs. It is a room full of performers stepping forward with pieces that mean something to them, whether that meaning is funny, nostalgic, technically satisfying, quietly vulnerable, or deeply personal. Among them, Laura Bye will perform ‘How Did We Come to This’ from The Wild Party, another audition song that has found its way into the showcase. Drawn to the song’s musicality and the chance to shape it for her own range, Laura hopes audiences connect with the question at its centre: “how did we come to this?” For her, that question reaches beyond the musical itself and into “the bigger picture of the world at the moment, including the ways politics and the environment have come to dictate so much of our lives.” There will also be plenty of moments designed to thrill, surprise, and make you laugh. Kirsten Brown will take on ‘Watch What Happens’ from Newsies, so come along and watch whether she runs out of oxygen while attempting this non-stop song! There will be dramatic moments too, including songs from the more overlooked worlds of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Hercules. While Jacob Ewan and James Hogan bring ridiculous humour to their solos from Freaky Friday and She Loves Me. Basically, if your preferred flavour of musical theatre is emotional devastation, vocal gymnastics, character comedy, or Disney grandeur, you should be well looked after. Some songs will be familiar. Some may be brand new discoveries. And with the cast onstage together throughout the show, each moment becomes part of something shared. The result is a showcase built not just around repertoire, but around connection: to character, to story, to memory, to music, and to the joy of performing in a room full of people who love this stuff just as much as each other. For Sheryl-Lee Secomb, that shared feeling is what she hopes audiences take away. “We love it when audiences leave our theatre talking about how they feel. They’re often surprised by the level of excellence in performance, the fact that the cast is diverse, and the whole experience is much more than something they witness; they feel seen. And our fabulous live band usually blows them away!” Bring your love of musical theatre, your curiosity for hidden gems, and possibly your singing voice. With this many musical theatre people in one room, you never know when audience participation may come calling! The full setlist is already available to peruse, and the 2026 cast features Ashlie Beauchamp, Cassie Midgley, Emily Egan, Emma Parkinson, Emma Watts, Jacob Ewan, James Hogan, Jamie Cripwell, Jordan Atiga, Jordana Johnstone, Kinta Suryadarma, Kirsten Brown, Laura Bye, Laura Fois, Leon Sparrow, Maddi Halvorson, Merryn Holder, Mike Zarate, Natarlia Pouli-LeFale, Sally Jacobs, Samantha Hancock, Stephanie Lee-Steere, and Yzabel Santos. Prime Time Broadway plays at Honour Productions (3/61 Holdsworth Street, Coorparoo), for four shows across 13 and 14 June 2026. TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

Title: The Pirates of Penzance Presented By: Savoyards Genre: Musical Comedy / Gilbert & Sullivan Synopsis: Savoyards sets sail in 2026 with a bold, high-energy new production of The Pirates of Penzance, inspired by the iconic Essgee revival and reimagined for a new generation. Featuring the same creative team behind the smash-hit Shrek the Musical in 2024, this production blends the classic wit of Gilbert & Sullivan with contemporary theatrical flair, sharp comedy and dynamic choreography. Fast, funny and fresh — pirates have never looked, sounded or moved like this. Audition Date: June 26th - 29th, 2026 July 1st, 2026 (Callbacks) Audition Time: Principal Auditions Friday June 26th: 7PM - 10PM Saturday June 27th: 11AM - 12PM Sunday June 28th: 9AM - 12PM (with accompanist) & 12:30PM - 5PM Monday June 29th: 7PM - 10PM Movement & Ensemble Auditions Saturday June 27th: 12:30PM - 1:30PM or 4PM - 5PM Ensemble Vocals: 1:30PM - 2:30PM Dance Ensemble: 2:45PM - 4PM Callbacks Wednesday July 1st: 7PM - 10PM Audition Location and Address: June 26th, 28th & 29th - Savoyards Hall, Ferguson Street, Manly June 27th - Waterloo Bay Leisure Centre, 241 Tingal Road, Wynnum July 1st - Wynnum State High School, Peel Street, Manly Audition Requirements: Principal Auditions Prepare: Two contrasting 60-second song excerpts (32 bars) Material that demonstrates vocal strength and versatility in the style of the show Applicants will receive script sides upon registration confirmation. Movement & Ensemble Auditions General ensemble auditions include vocals and movement Dance ensemble auditions include vocals and dance Dance audition choreography taught on the day General ensemble and soloists will receive movement video prior to auditions Attire Requirements: Clothing suitable for movement Sneakers/enclosed flat shoes Jazz/ballet shoes and chorus heels encouraged for dance auditions Audition Registration: Register via email: auditions@savoyards.com.au Include: Name Mobile phone number Roles auditioning for Whether accompanist is required Audition Pack: The Pirates of Penzance Audition Pack Performance Dates: September 25th - October 10th, 2026 Performance Times: Fridays & Saturdays Evening - 7:30PM Sundays Matinee - 1:30PM Saturday 3 October & Saturday 10 October - 1:30PM & 7:30PM Performance Location: Iona Performing Arts Centre, 85 North Road, Wynnum West Rehearsal Dates: Commencing Sunday July 5th, 2026 Additional key dates Launch Event - Saturday August 8th, 2026 Sitzprobe - Sunday September 13th, 2026 Bump-in - September 11th - 12th, 2026 Bump-out - Sunday October 11th, 2026 Rehearsal Times: Sundays - 12PM - 5PM Mondays & Wednedays - 7PM - 10PM Rehearsal Location: Wynnum West State School, School Road, Wynnum West Performer Age: Minimum age 16 years Creative Team: Director - David Harrison Musical Director - Nicky Griffith Choreographer - Julianne Burke Assistant Director - Joshua Moore Production Website: Savoyards - The Pirates of Penzance Other Information: Savoyards is Brisbane’s oldest continuously running musical theatre company This is an amateur community theatre production All cast and crew are expected to assist with production duties including bump-in and bump-out Savoyards is committed to diversity, inclusion and cultural safety Performers of all backgrounds, identities and abilities are encouraged to audition A social media blackout applies until official cast announcements Available Roles / Character Breakdown: Frederic - Male | Playing Age 20–30 | Tenor (C3–B4) Earnest, loyal and unintentionally dramatic. Strong singer with charm. Mabel - Female | Playing Age 18–30 | Soprano/Coloratura (C4–D#6) Bright, confident and vocally fearless with excellent comic timing. Pirate King - Male | Playing Age 30–50 | Baritone/Bass-Baritone (F#2–F4) Charismatic, theatrical and larger-than-life. Ruth - Female | Playing Age 40–60 | Alto/Mezzo-Soprano (F3–A♭5) Fiercely devoted with bold comic energy. Major-General Stanley - Male | Playing Age 40–65 | Baritone/Tenor (B♭2–F4) Fast-talking, witty and absurdly confident. Sergeant of Police - Male | Playing Age 25–55 | Bass/Baritone (F2–C4) Deadpan and gloriously over-serious. Edith - Female | Playing Age 18–30 Confident and delightfully bossy. Kate - Female | Playing Age 18–30 Sweet, romantic and grounded. Isabel - Female | Playing Age 16–25 Bright, eager and energetic. Samuel - Male | Playing Age 20–40 | Baritone/Tenor (B♭2–E4) The Pirate King’s loyal right-hand man. Dancer Ensemble - Any Gender | Playing Age 16+ High-energy dancers with strong technique and stamina. General Ensemble - Any Gender | Playing Age 16+ Versatile performers portraying pirates, police and daughters throughout the production.

Title: Romeo & Juliet Presented By: Vox Theatre Arts Genre: Shakespeare / Tragedy Synopsis: Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare is reimagined by Vox Theatre within the stunning natural surrounds of the Forest Lake Amphitheatre this September. Inspired by the celestial beauty and grandeur of Roman mythology, this evocative retelling transforms Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy into a sweeping theatrical experience beneath the stars. Accompanied by an original score by Mark James, the production blends poetic language, dynamic storytelling and emotionally charged relationships with the thrill of live stage combat and swordplay. With a smaller, highly collaborative cast, performers are given rich and demanding acting opportunities driven by passion, connection and visceral storytelling as two young lovers fight for each other against the tides of fate, family and destiny. Audition Dates: June 19th - 21st, 2026 Audition Time: Acting Role Auditions June 20th & 21st: 9AM - 12PM Vocalist Auditions June 10th: 6PM - 8PM June 21st: 2PM - 4PM Audition Location and Address: Acting Auditions - Forest Lake Amphitheatre Vocalist Auditions - Upper Mt Gravatt State School Hall Audition Requirements: Acting Roles Attend one casting workshop and perform: Two contrasting Shakespearean/Renaissance monologues One dramatic and one comedic Maximum 2 minutes per piece Auditions include: Group movement and ensemble workshop Warm-up exercises Ensemble movement and response-to-direction activities Tips: Memorisation encouraged Outdoor performance requires strong vocal projection Passion, purpose and playfulness encouraged Singing Roles Prepare: One classical piece in your vocal range Maximum 1 minute 30 seconds One original piece by Mark James in your chosen vocal range Available vocal ranges: Soprano Mezzo Alto Tenor Baritone Bass Audition Registration: Complete the Audition Booking form to register. Audition Pack: Romeo & Juliet Audition Pack Performance Dates: September 17th - 26th, 2026 Performance Times: 7PM Performance Location: Forest Lake Amphitheatre Rehearsal Dates: Sunday June 28th - Meet & Greet / First Rehearsal Sunday July 5th - Stage Combat & Ensemble Workshop Sunday July 12th - Photo Shoot & Media Day Sunday June 28th - Thursday 17 September – Rehearsal Process Tuesday September 8th - Thursday September 17th - Tech & Dress Week Rehearsal Times: Rehearsals held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Warnings: Stage combat and swordplay Onstage violence and death Intimacy/kissing scenes Outdoor performance conditions Performer Age: All performers must be 18 years or older by commencement of rehearsals. Creative Team: Director - Rhona Bechaz Assistant Director/Intimicay & Fight Coordinator - Dugald Lowis Composer/Musical Director - Mark James Stage Manager/Musical Director - Maddy Simons Production Website: Vox Theatre Arts - Romeo & Juliet Other Information: This is an amateur production - no roles are paid Vox Theatre strongly encourages performers from diverse backgrounds and experiences to audition Cast members missing more than three rehearsals without disclosed conflicts prior to casting may be replaced Full cast availability required for tech and dress week dates Available Roles / Character Breakdown: Juliet - Any Gender | Playing Age 15–22 Only child of Capulet. Forced toward marriage with Paris but falls deeply in love with Romeo. Intimacy/kiss with Romeo Onstage violence & death Capulet - Any Gender | Playing Age Late 20s–40s The fiery matriarch of House Capulet, constantly at odds with Montague. Onstage combat Angelica - Any Gender | Playing Age Late 20s–40s Juliet’s Nurse and second mother figure, balancing compassion and practicality. Potential intimacy/kiss with Tybalt Tybalt - Any Gender | Playing Age 20s–40s Passionate protector of House Capulet and skilled fighter. Potential intimacy/kiss with Angelica Onstage combat & death Sampson - Any Gender | Playing Age Late 18–30 Hot-headed Capulet servant who understudies Romeo. Onstage combat Gregory - Any Gender | Playing Age Late 18–30 Quick-witted Capulet servant who understudies Juliet. Onstage combat Romeo - Any Gender | Playing Age 16–25 Passionate and impulsive son of Montague whose love for Juliet drives the tragedy. Intimacy/kiss with Juliet Onstage violence & death Montague - Any Gender | Playing Age Late 20s–40s Concerned parent of Romeo seeking peace amid the family feud. Onstage combat Mercutio / Friar John - Any Gender | Playing Age 18–30 Witty and volatile friend of Romeo. Onstage combat & death Intimacy/kiss with Benvolio Benvolio - Any Gender | Playing Age 18–30 Romeo’s calm and peacekeeping cousin. Onstage combat Intimacy/kiss with Mercutio Abram - Any Gender | Playing Age 18–30 Montague servant who may play multiple roles. Onstage combat Balthasar - Any Gender | Playing Age 18–30 Romeo’s loyal servant who may play multiple roles. Onstage combat Paris / Prince Escalus / Peter - Any Gender | Playing Age 18–25 Potentially played by one actor. Paris hopes to marry Juliet; Prince Escalus attempts to maintain peace in Verona; Peter is a lively Capulet servant. Paris includes onstage combat & death

Discover the latest in Brisbane theatre auditions and reviews on Stage Buzz Brisbane. Your go-to source for all things theatre in the Queensland capital. WELCOME TO STAGE BUZZ BRISBANE This dynamic hub for South-East Queensland thespians is your go-to source for audition updates, performance reviews, and engaging content that celebrates the vibrant local theatre scene. From spotlighting talented actors to providing valuable tips, it's a community-driven platform that brings the magic of the stage to the forefront, fostering connection and celebration among theatre enthusiasts in the region. NICE TO MEET YOU Embrace the enchanting world of South-East Queensland's theatre scene right here on Stage Buzz Brisbane! We're your go-to hub for all things theatrical: upcoming performances adult audition alerts youth auditions performance reviews exclusive spotlight interviews with local talents rehearsal/performance venue database Whether you're a seasoned thespian or a passionate supporter of the arts, join us on this exciting journey as we celebrate the magic that unfolds on our local stages. At Stage Buzz Brisbane, we believe every production deserves its moment in the spotlight. If you know of any upcoming productions or hidden gems that have slipped under the radar, don't hesitate to reach out and share your insights or let us know about the productions that deserve extra applause. Together, let's shine a light on the vibrant and thriving community theatre culture in South-East Queensland. Let the curtains rise, and let the show begin! Contact

< Back THEATRE: Comedy of Errors - Griffith University 4 June 2026 Season: June 4th - 5th, 2026 Title: William Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors Presented By: Griffith University Genre: Comedy / Shakespeare / Physical Theatre Synopsis: This fast-paced adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors brings mistaken identities, slapstick chaos, and sibling confusion to life in an energetic sixty-minute production performed by Griffith University’s second-year acting students. Featuring physical comedy, accessible storytelling, and contemporary staging, the production reimagines one of Shakespeare’s funniest plays for modern audiences. Performance Dates: June 4th - 5th, 2026 Performance Times: Thursday - 11AM & 7:30PM Friday - 7:30PM Performance Location and Address: Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct, Butterbox Theatre, 270 Jacaranda Avenue, Kingston QLD 4114 Ticket Costs: Adult - $30 Concession / Student - $22 School Groups - $17 students Teachers/Carers - One free ticket per 10 paying students Ticket Link: Buy Tickets - Comedy of Errors Warnings: Contains adult references and mature themes presented in a comedic and exaggerated style. Recommended Age: Recommended for ages 15+ Duration: Approximately 60–70 minutes, no interval. Cast: Performed by Griffith University second-year acting students. Production Website: Griffith University - Comedy of Errors Other information: The production uses contemporary staging and physical theatre techniques to make Shakespeare accessible for younger and general audiences. The Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct offers accessible parking, wheelchair access, accessible amenities, and companion seating options. Nearby Logan Arts venues include Logan Entertainment Centre and Logan Art Gallery. Previous Next

< Back SHOWCASE: Starstruck - Allstar Dance, Ipswich Civic Centre 3 June 2026 Season: June 3rd, 2026 Title: Starstruck Presented By: Allstar Dance, Ipswich Civic Centre Genre: Dance Showcase / Musical Theatre / Family Entertainment Synopsis: Starstruck Showcase is Allstar Dance’s annual performance spectacular, featuring dancers of all ages performing across multiple dance styles including jazz, ballet, hip hop, tap, acro, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theatre. The showcase combines energetic choreography, theatrical storytelling, dazzling costumes, and contemporary music in a family-friendly celebration of dance and performance. Performance Dates: Wednesday June 3rd, 2026 Performance Times: 6PM Performance Location and Address: Ipswich Civic Centre, 50 Nicholas Street, Ipswich QLD 4305 Ticket Costs: Adult - $40 Student/concession - $35.50 Child ticket (3 - 15 years) - $32 Ticket Link: Buy Tickets - Starstruck Recommended Age: Suitable for all ages / family friendly Cast: Students from Allstar Dance Production Website: Ipswich Civic Centre - Starstruck Other information: The showcase features performers ranging from young children through to adult dancers in a large-scale community dance concert environment. Ipswich Civic Centre offers wheelchair accessibility, accessible bathrooms, hearing assistance, Companion Card acceptance, lift access, and nearby parking facilities. Pre-show dining is also available through the venue precinct. Previous Next