Students performing in this year’s school production of Frozen Jr at The Academy of Mary Immaculate had the exceptional opportunity to attend an acting workshop led by celebrated stage actress Sophie Weiss.
Known for her diverse and impressive career in musical theatre, Sophie recently completed a national tour of Frozen, where she understudied the role of Elsa and performed in the ensemble.
The workshop, held in Term 1, was a rare occasion for students to learn from an industry professional whose credits include School of Rock (Australia, China, New Zealand), The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Merrily We Roll Along. Sophie’s experience in these productions provided students with unique insights into character development, stage presence, and performance techniques, proving to be invaluable knowledge for their preparation for the upcoming production.
The workshop showcased the Academy’s dedication to nurturing students’ artistic potential and passion for the performing arts. Participants gained important skills and newfound confidence to bring to their own creative endeavours. The workshop was proudly facilitated and supported through Stephen Valeri, a performer and educator who holds a longstanding association with the Academy.
“It was such a privilege to work with the talented students at The Academy. Being a part of the national tour of Frozen as an ensemble member and understudying Elsa was an amazing experience – so it was an absolute pleasure to revisit this material and share some of the insights I gained from working with the international creatives with this cast. The students were so willing to explore new vocal choices and to further develop their characters intentions, to ensure every member of the cast is contributing to creating The Academy’s unique version of this beautiful show,” shared Sophie.
Principal Sr Mary Moloney emphasised the profound impact of musicals, “School musicals are vital in shaping young performers, fostering their passion for the arts and building lifelong skills including teamwork and creative thinking. I am so excited to see how the dedication of our students and performing arts staff shine through in the final production.”
The Academy of Mary Immaculate is the oldest girls’ school in Victoria, located in Fitzroy. The Academy is an authentic and inclusive premier learning community, dedicated to nurturing the academic, artistic and personal development of students, where students are empowered to achieve their full potential across various disciplines.
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