New show on the road

Altona North's Lucy Diggerson is playing the role of Hazel in Performing Artists Company upcoming production of Newsies Jr. (Supplied)

By Matthew Sims

Altona North resident Lucy Diggerson has been selected as part of Performing Artists Company [PAC] performing cast of its Newsies Jr production.

As part of PAC’s Young Industry Project, the PAC has started rehearsals for its Newsies Jr production from Friday, July 8 to Sunday, July 10 as part of an intensive rehearsal process.

Ms Diggerson said she has been enjoying the rehearsal process.

“After two years of no theatre and constant cancellations, it’s a dream come true to be back rehearsing a show with my PAC family once more,” she said.

“I’m super excited to be working with such an amazing production team and a crazy talented cast.”

Young Industry Project mentors Lyndon Watts, Shubshri Kandiah and Rob Mills have also been teaching the students.

Ms Diggerson said working with Lyndon Watts from Hamilton had been the highlight of her time on the project so far.

“He gave us some great advice on how to naturally stay in character during a performance and interact with other characters on stage,” she said.

“They [Rob and Shubshri] mentored us in vocal health, musicality, audience interaction and acting techniques and were genuinely the sweetest people ever.”

In the role of Hazel, Ms Diggerson has enjoyed getting to know her character’s “determined spit-fire personality” and playing around with the further development of her backstory, as well as understudying for the lead role of Katherine.

“It’s definitely been challenging tackling the long hours of rehearsal days,” she said.

“This production has given me a taste of what it’s like to work in a professional musical theatre environment and I have made some beautiful new friends through this experience.”

Director Alice Batt said she was “blown away” with the talent seen during the audition process.

“We know how desperate everyone is to get back on stage after the last few years and so we’re planning to come back with a bang,” she said.

Details: www.performingartistscompany.com/tickets