NAPA News - Week 4, Term 1, 2025
KIM REYNOLDS
COMPANY DIRECTOR
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome back to Week 4. Lots of amazing things to be proud of this week, with our students kicking goals inside and outside the studio! A lot of these achievements are posted on our social media, so make sure you jump on and give us a follow on all our platforms.
QUICK REMINDERS
UNIFORMS - NEW STOCK OF OUR SCOOP BACK TOPS AND GIRLS’ BLACK SHORTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE.
RESPECTING THE SPACE - PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR CHERUB TO ENSURE THEY ARE KEEPING OUR SPACE CLEAN. IF THEY EAT DINNER HERE ENCOURAGE THEM TO CLEAN UP ANY MESS MADE.
ONLINE - PASSWORDS FOR OUR ONLINE PRACTICE PORTALS HAVE BEEN SENT OUT TO SEVERAL CLASSES. BROADWAY KIDS AND TWEENS WILL RECEIVE WITH AUDITION INFO.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
Tickets are now on sale for our NAPA Ensemble production of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME. This play is recommended 13+ but parents can make the call as to whether they think their child is mature enough to watch. I’m sure they would love to see Miss Kim on stage. There are some mature themes, simulated violence and coarse language.
Christopher Boone is 15 years old and lives in the English town of Swindon, located about 100 miles west of London. He is extremely curious, an excellent mathematics student, and has an extraordinary ability to observe and retain highly detailed information about any situation he finds himself in. Christopher lives with his father, Ed, and shares a close bond with his teacher, Siobhan, who encourages him to keep a written journal of his thoughts and activities, which they read aloud together as the play progresses. As a young person on the autism spectrum, certain social situations can be challenging or confusing for Christopher to navigate, and his work with Siobhan helps him express and process his unique perspective on the world around him.
Congratulations kael!
We can now confirm that our cherub Kael Smith has been cast as Little Marlon in the Australian touring production of MJ the Musical. We are obviously over the moon and so, so proud. Those who know Kael know what a hardworking, passionate, and talented young man he is. You are so deserving of this success cherub! Thank you to all the teachers who have contributed to Kael’s training and to all in the NAPA family who have been a big support to Kael and his beautiful mum Kristin. We can’t wait to see you on the big stage soon!
REMINDER: ABSENTEEISM REMINDER
We now have a new procedure for notifying us of your child’s absenteeism. If you go into your parent portal and click on ATTENDANCE, you can then follow the prompts to advise which classes your child will miss on particular days. This will then automatically load in their roles, so teacher can see who is away and when.
WELLBEING
NAVIGATING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS
Social media offers young performers opportunities to showcase their talents and connect with others. However, it's essential to use these platforms responsibly to protect mental health and adhere to legal standards.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Limit screen time and take regular breaks to avoid burnout and comparison traps.
Curate Your Feed
Follow accounts that uplift and inspire you, steering clear of those that cause stress or self-doubt.
Engage Positively
Use social media to celebrate your progress and support others, rather than seeking validation through likes and comments.
Protect Your Privacy
Ensure that all social media accounts are managed by a parent or guardian. Be mindful of what you share and who you connect with, and always check with a trusted adult before posting or interacting online.
Remember Real Life Comes First
Prioritise in-person experiences, training, and self-care over online presence.
THINK BEFORE YOU POST
Remember that once something is shared online, it can be nearly impossible to remove completely. Even deleted posts can be screenshotted, shared, or archived. As a young performer, your online presence is part of your personal brand, and anything you post can impact future opportunities. Always consider how your words, images, and videos might be perceived by industry professionals, schools, or potential collaborators before sharing them.
Understand Legal Protections
Australia has enacted laws to protect children's online privacy and safety:
Social Media Age Restrictions: As of December 2024, children under 16 are prohibited from accessing major social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. This legislation aims to safeguard young users from potential harms associated with social media use.
Children's Online Privacy Code: The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) is developing a code to enhance privacy protections for children online. This code will set standards for how children's data is collected and used by online services.
By using social media thoughtfully and understanding these legal protections, young performers can enjoy its benefits while staying happy, confident, and focused on their craft! 🎭✨
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
HARRY SAM TOWNSEND
From the stages of NAPA to the bright lights of Japan, Harry Sam Townsend has carved an incredible path in the performing arts industry!
Training at NAPA from 2018 to 2021, Harry honed his skills in Broadway (Musical Theatre), Tread the Boards (Plays), Dance, Performance Teams, Film and Television, and NAPA College. His dedication to mastering multiple disciplines made him a standout performer and set the foundation for his flourishing career.
Since graduating, Harry has soared to new heights, earning a Musical Theatre Diploma from Brent Street before stepping into the professional world. He is currently a lead performer and Show Captain at Universal Studios Japan, where he has captivated audiences for the past three years. Beyond performing, Harry has showcased his creative talents as the Producer, Choreographer, and Writer of the hit productions "CATACOMBS" and "BELLÈ", both of which played to sold-out audiences in Japan. Adding to his list of achievements, he is also a music producer and writer, having released a full-length album titled "Bellè".
Reflecting on his time at NAPA, Harry shares:
"Without my training at NAPA, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The support from the teachers and the endless opportunities I was given allowed me to become an all-around triple threat in the industry. From understudying roles to learning about lighting and audio equipment, and training under industry professionals in all dance and vocal styles, NAPA gave me the biggest boost and advantage in my career."
Despite his busy career, Harry's heart remains with NAPA:
"I will forever be a NAPA kid, and I miss all of you so much! Sending my love!"
We are beyond proud of Harry’s achievements and can't wait to see where his talent and passion take him next! ✨👏
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
JACY MOORE
BA (Creative Arts)
ACTING SPECIALIST
CLASSES — NAPA COLLEGE ACTING, AUDITION TECHNIQUES AND ARTIST DEVELOPMENT, NAPA ENSEMBLE
A true powerhouse in the performing arts, Jacy Moore (Lewis) brings a wealth of industry experience and passion to NAPA. As an award-winning actress, accomplished dancer, choreographer, and musical theatre artist, Jacy’s career spans theatre, television, film, voiceover, and print campaigns—making her an invaluable mentor to our students.
Her recent screen credits include Good Cop Bad Cop (Stan Original), Ruff & Ruby Series (Jess T Fisher, Screen Queensland), Troppo (S2, ABC TV), In Limbo (ABC TV), Harrow (ABC TV), and The Bureau of Magical Things (Nickelodeon), demonstrating her versatility and depth as a performer.
Beyond the screen, Jacy has made a lasting impact in live entertainment. She spent several years as a lead performer and acting coach at the Australian Outback Spectacular, where she not only took center stage but also mentored up-and-coming talent in a high-energy, immersive setting. She also spent over a decade at Warner Bros. Movie World, where she thrived as an actress, face character, choreographer, director, and writer. As a founding member of the theme park’s street theatre department, she played a pivotal role in shaping its creative direction and performance culture.
With over 12 years as a teacher at NAPA, Jacy continues to inspire the next generation of performers. Her real-world experience, combined with her passion for teaching, makes her a guiding force for our students, helping them refine their craft and step confidently into the industry.
We are incredibly lucky to have Jacy as part of the NAPA family, shaping the future of performing arts with her talent, dedication, and heart! 🎭✨
PERFORMANCE TIPS
BACKSTAGE ETIQUETTE FOR STAGE AND SCREEN
Being professional backstage is just as important as your performance on stage or screen! Here’s how to keep things running smoothly:
✅ Stay Quiet & Focused – Whether you're in a theatre’s wings or on a film set, silence is golden. Respect the performers, crew, and director by keeping noise to a minimum.
✅ Be Ready & On Time – Always be where you need to be when you need to be there. Delays can affect the entire production.
✅ Respect Personal Space – Everyone prepares differently. Some actors need quiet time, while others warm up with movement—be mindful of your fellow performers.
✅ Keep Costumes & Props in Place – NEVER touch or move someone else's props, scripts, water bottles or costumes unless instructed. Staying organised prevents mishaps.
✅ Support Your Cast & Crew – A great performer is also a great team player. Be kind, encourage others, and thank the crew—they make everything possible!
✅ Exit Gracefully – Whether you nailed your scene or made a mistake, don’t linger in frustration or celebration. Keep the energy professional and ready for the next moment.
Professionalism backstage translates to a smoother performance and a great reputation in the industry! 🌟
