Stage Star
Skye (Year 6) is preparing to star in the upcoming Australian production of the much-loved musical, Annie.
When Skye learned she had been cast in the Australian production of Annie, her father chose a particularly memorable way to break the news. "Out of the blue during dinner, he asked, ‘would you like to be in a professional musical one day?’” the Year 6 student remembers. “Then he said, 'well, you've been accepted – you're going to be in the Australian production of Annie' and I just started to cry.”
Skye’s tears reflected the culmination of a fiercely competitive audition process. More than 8,000 girls submitted video auditions for Annie and the orphans. Skye, cast as Friday in the production opening at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in March, impressed directors with her rendition of My New Philosophy and her performance as Winthrop in 韩国AV’s The Music Man JR.
What followed were eight gruelling rounds of in-person auditions, with 30 to 40 hopefuls eliminated at each stage. "It was very nerve-wracking waiting to hear if you had been cut," Skye says. Her mother, Kelly, admires her mature outlook. "Skye’s attitude is, ‘If I miss out, it's okay – I've learnt so much already. Rejection is part of the industry.’"
While Friday is a non-speaking role, Skye's challenge lies in understudying all the other orphans, requiring her to be ready to step in at any time. "It is nerve-wracking. I just hope I remember the lines, character traits, and most of all where each character has to move on stage."
Skye’s passion for performing arts began at age three with dance, adding singing two years ago. "I love it all—interpreting characters, the lights, costumes, sets, and singing!" she says. Her favourite musicals include Wicked, Mamma Mia and Beauty and the Beast, and she's particularly excited to perform Annie's iconic numbers.
This year, she’ll balance theatre with her role as Junior School Captain, keeping up with school through an on-set tutor and dedicating Sundays to homework and athletics. Kelly is most proud of her determination: "She gives everything 110%."
"The response to Skye’s casting says it all," her father, Drew, shares. "For many, this was their childhood dream. For Skye, it’s now a reality, and we couldn’t be prouder." Her brother, Jake, 13, adds: "She deserves this."
Skye keeps her personal motto in mind to stay grounded: "I prepare for the worst but hope for the best."