|
Theatre's Next Crop
28th
May 2008
By Nathan Eva
Jessie Yates
Age:
18
You would have seen her as:
AIDA (AIDA) Devanesen Productions
 After
finishing Year 12 at Melbourne Girls Grammar in 2007 Jessie has
already made an impact on the theatre world. With perfect scores in
Drama, Music Solo (voice) and Theatre Studies it was no surprise she
was invited to perform at Top Class for both Music and Drama.
Looking back 5 years Jessie started in the Musical Theatre world at
the ripe old age of 13 in her school’s production of Grease.
Being at a girl’s school she landed the part of Danny and managed to
get a little too much into her character. “I got in trouble from one
of the mothers for doing too many hip thrusts”. In another of her
school’s productions- Small Poppies, came Jessie’s favourite
theatre moment. “I got to pee my pants on stage!” When asked about
her worst moment on stage she laughed and responded “getting to pee
my pants on stage”. Nonetheless with numerous school productions on
her side, nerves do still get to the girl. “I don’t really combat
them – I just go really quiet and freak out”.
Asking her why she started in music theatre I was shocked to hear
the answer. She wasn’t accepted into her school choir so she went
off to find a singing teacher to teach her songs that didn’t require
a ‘choir voice’. This is where she was introduced to the musicals
that she loves. Like many schools that encourage sport over the arts
there was some pressure away from music theatre. With the support of
her friends and her drama teacher Jessie was able to maintain an
unwavering passion for Music Theatre. Immersing herself in Music
Theatre in her gap year, when Jessie is not rehearsing or performing
you can find her hibernating in her room listening to musicals,
wishing she was at rehearsals.
With AIDA being her first show outside high school Jessie has
loved the experience. “It’s pretty fun, I had a ball. Although it is
a little intimidating going into a lead in a company such as
Devanesen straight from school.” Asking Jessie if she looked up to
anyone in the amateur theatre scene she just laughed at me and said
“I don’t know anyone yet. But I’d like to get to know people”.
After chatting for a while we went into the fast money round with a
couple of quick questions to help you all get to know Jessie better.
TP: If directors out there want you what 3 shows should they put on?
JY:
I
want to be the first female to play the Phantom (Phantom of the
Opera), Annie Oakley (Annie Get Your Gun) and of cause Elphaba
(Wicked)
TP: Any thoughts of going pro?
JY:
That’s the goal
TP: Going to either WAAPA or NIDA?
JY:
Not sure yet
TP: So the how about Australian Idol?
JY:
(laughs) No
TP: How about your idol?
JY:
Elvis, Jennifer Holiday and Idina Menzel
TP: Your audition song?
JY:
Woman from Pirate Queen
TP: Your next project?
JY:
Haven’t found one just yet
TP:
Sondheim or Webber?
JY:
Sondheim
TP:
JRB or Schwartz?
JY:
(pause) Schwartz
TP: Favourite line from a musical?
JY:
I
didn’t recognise you without the handcuffs - RENT
TP: Finally Jessie is there any advice for budding young performers
out there:
JY:
Um I think I need advice (laughs) well drink water and don’t do
drugs and always take advantage of the casting couch!
Jessie will soon be performing for lots and lots of young kiddies in
a travelling production company by the name of
Tony Bones Entertainment. So watch out for this young lass, she will
be one of the big names in Musical Theatre in the near
future, if she isn’t already.
|