Library transforms into theatre for young stars

Upstage made a welcome return to Parkes during the school holidays hosting two days of thrilling workshops at the Parkes Shire Library. Known for bringing music and fun into primary schools across the region, Upstage extended its reach to our junior and senior performers in Years 3 to 12. More than 40 enthusiastic students attended the free workshops across the two days. The sessions were designed to help participants develop their skills in a supportive and creative environment, rotating through different disciplines including singing, acting, dancing and songwriting. Upstage founder Jessica Westcott, originally from Parkes, shared her passion for bringing professional-level training to regional communities. "I started Upstage in 2020 and we've been working in Parkes schools for the past five years, it's always so much fun," she said. "These holiday workshops are especially great because we get to spend more time with the kids and really dive into the creative process." Jessica who works in the professional music theatre industry in Sydney, brings a team of accomplished artists to the workshops. This time the lineup included dancer Nicole Vella, fresh off the national tour of the Elvis musical; Oliver Beard, a songwriting coach with multiple albums on Spotify and collaborations with artists like Gretta Ray and Maisie Peters; and Matt Manahan, a seasoned performer in more than 100 musicals and shows. The Parkes Library hosted a condensed version of Upstage's usual full-day program where Parkes students learnt a dance, a song and a scene to act out. "It's a shorter format but still packed with learning and fun," Jessica added. The workshops were a hit, showcasing the amazing talent and enthusiasm of the Parkes Shire's youngest creative performers.

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