Former Hampton Park Primary School student Victoria Rendall, right, will direct Footloose while Grace Travaglia, who went to St Agatha’s Primary School, is one of the chorus members.
By Sarah Schwager
HAMPTON Park’s Victoria Rendall is making her way in the world of musical directing.
The former Hampton Park Primary School student will take the musical Footloose to the local stage next week along with cast and crew from Deakin University.
Victoria, 21, took her experiences from her years at school to the bigger stage with this her first attempt at directing a play.
“I have helped with performances at Hampton Park Primary School. I try to lend as much of a hand as possible,” she said.
She is now in her final years of a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts in drama and studies directing as a subject.
She said she was enjoying directing more than she thought she would.
“It’s a great experience,” she said. “I’ve loved every second of it.”
Victoria said the play of Footloose, based on the popular movie, included a lot of the same songs but in the play they were sung by the characters.
Victoria is not the only local involved in the play.
Chorus member Grace Travaglia lives in Cranbourne and went to St Agatha’s Primary School.
Victoria was introduced to drama in year 10 at Dandenong High School and hasn’t looked back.
She said she had originally wanted to become a teacher and would still think about doing her diploma of education after she graduates.
Her mother, Faye Rendall, is a teacher at Hampton Park Primary School.
But Victoria said her initial plan would be to join up with an amateur theatre company and eventually move into professional theatre.
“This show has really made me realise how much I love directing,” she said.
“I definitely want to continue on in the theatre.”
Victoria also danced for 16 years and has a lot of experience with choreography and teaching dance, making Footloose a natural choice for her to direct.
“I’d been dying to do a musical forever. I thought ‘I’m putting so much into getting one up and running, why not have a part in it’,” she said.
That part in the play includes director, co-choreographer and set designer!
Footloose hits the stage next week with performances from 13 to 16 September at 8pm as well as a matinee at 2pm on the Saturday.
The shows will be held at the Mahon Theatre at Aquinas College on Great Ryrie Street, Ringwood.
Tickets are $20 adults and $18 concession.
People wanting to purchase tickets can book on the website www.bustco.com or call 0421 842 147.
