Building skills beyond the stage

Marlo Stephenson as Ursula in Stage Left's production of The Little Mermaid.

For more than 17 years Stage Left has been leading the field in performing arts education for young people in Melbourne.

With a focus on musical theatre, Stage Left caters for 4- to 16-year-olds with holiday workshops, private singing tuition, and weekly `act, sing dance` classes.

Stage Left prides itself on creating an environment that is welcoming, supportive, and about building confidence as well as technical skills.

A few Stage Left students told us what they enjoyed about the classes and gave some insight into their Stage Left experience.

Marlo Stephenson started at Stage Left at age 10 and has just completed her VCE.

Did your time at Stage Left help with your school subjects and performances?

They inspired and fuelled my passion in the performing arts, which I carried into my VCE subject selection.

I chose to study theatre and music repertoire performance and using the skills that were fostered at Stage Left I was able to pass with flying colours.

Beyond just the stage, it helped me with my public speaking skills, creating and maintaining friendships, and being dedicated to our passions.

What is the most important thing you have learnt during your time at Stage Left?

We are all uniquely capable of achieving amazing things.

My favourite message taught at Stage Left is that everyone is important and worthy of being on stage.

At only 17, Lachlan Young has a CV that would be the envy of many an adult actor – Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, School of Rock, Dream Lover, and Kinky Boots.

What have been your most memorable experiences as a performer so far?

I have been very lucky to meet and work with many incredible performers such as Marina Prior, David Campbell, and Lucy Maunder and meet so many others who have the same passion for music theatre that I do.

What are your future goals?

I would like to have a career in musical theatre and perform in musicals all over the world.

What is the most important thing you have learnt so far as a young performer?

Preparation is key. The better your preparation, the more likely you will be able to execute something when the pressure is on.

At 8 years old, Freya Robinson has already been at Stage Left for almost four years.

Do you have a favourite class at Stage Left?

Singing, because I like projecting my voice.

What are you most looking forward to this year at Stage Left?

I’m looking forward to the end-of-year show because we will be combining singing, dancing and drama.

New families are welcome to book in for a free trial class at Stage Left.

Venues are located across Melbourne’s south-east including Glen Iris, Camberwell, Hampton, Rowville, and Malvern East.

Visit www.stageleft.com.au or email info@stageleft.com.au for more information.