Monthly Archives: February 2017

Wyrd Sisters Rehearsals Underway

The cast and crew of Milton Follies’ June Production of the hilarious and topical ‘Wyrd Sisters’ have hit the ground running.

The show, a thought provoking comedy (think “MacBeth meets Blackadder), follows the adventures of three country witches who take on royal politics and the power-hungry, mad King. They meet with fierce resistance, in the form of a travelling performance troupe hired to rewrite history and spread ‘alternative facts’.

Director K-M Doyle was thrilled with the audition turn out, and the subsequent casting.

“This play attracted new blood for Follies which is always exciting. We have found:

  • Sarah – a former professional, British and French actor
  • Faron – a recent Charles Sturt drama graduate
  • Alex – with previous Edinburgh stage experience
  • Jodhi – a former professional actor and acting teacher, (now well-known locally as ‘The Scrappy Sculptor’)
  • Ed – a writer, actor and director of short films
  • Gemma – an experienced puppeteer
  • Layissa – a young emerging actor, recently returned from drama training in America.

We’ve also been blessed to find Ella, who is being mentored in Stage Management, and is proving herself to be perfect for the position, and an invaluable asset.

These new recruits, combined with the wealth of talent already in the Follies stable, are uniting as an insightful and dedicated ensemble, and I am so proud of the work they are already producing.”

Follies President, Ruth Myers, herself making her stage debut in this production, is delighted with the show so far.

“Terry Pratchett’s® Discworld® series is a firm favourite with readers worldwide, and I am delighted that a director with K-M’s experience and passion has volunteered to bring ‘Wyrd Sisters’ to Milton Theatre.

It is a privilege to be a part of an amateur cast that is receiving such professional training: from the industry’s leading voice training method, to ensemble building, deep character development, and individual tuition.

I am hopeful that our patrons will be treated to a show that makes them laugh and makes them think, and makes them proud to be of a community that produces and supports great talent.”

‘Wyrd Sisters’ will open at Milton Theatre on the June Long Weekend.

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NIDA Open Workshop a Great Success!

Milton Follies, with the assistance of a $4500 CASP grant, hosted a NIDA open workshop for 16 talented budding thespians this weekend.

NIDA director, Elsie Edgerton-Till, who has worked with Opera Australia, Sydney Theatre Company and Griffin theatre, brought her years of training and experience to Milton CWA Hall for an intensive two day workshop, attended by a mix of teen Follies regulars and newcomers.

“I have absolutely loved working with this group, ” said Elsie. “Country kids are so much more relaxed and open to expressing themselves and trying new things. This group has risen to every challenge I gave them. We have had an incredible time.”

Milton Follies President, Ruth Myers, attended both days and was impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of the all involved.

“There was a lot of hard work put in by the Follies Committee to make this workshop happen. We are grateful to NIDA Open and to Regional Arts NSW. Without the CASP grant we would not have been able to go ahead.  Given the success of this weekend, we are keen to pursue all avenues to provide professional training locally as often as we can. We look forward to seeing these teens bringing their improved skills to a Follies production soon!”

Despite the diversity of age and experience, the participants responded well to the enthusiastic direction of Elsie, with improvement demonstrated by all. As a part of their audition training, each performer was pushed to their limits to breathe life into rehearsed monologues.

Follies regular, Sophie Morrissey, was thrilled to be included in the workshop. “I am passionate about performance and acting, and will be producing a major drama work for my HSC this year. Elsie has been a fantastic teacher, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from her.ransw-logo