Much Ado is so much more

In 2009, Adlib Young Performers (AYP) began to offer their brand new Senior Production Class as an alternative for students wishing to undertake a challenge.

The course comprises a multitude of skill workshops and is designed to teach them that ‘anyone can get up on stage and act, but it takes a dedicated person to be able to get up there and perform’. The students also take part in three full productions across the year.

Now in it’s third year, the AYP Senior Production Class has been no exception, presenting something bigger and better for the young talent we have in and around Melbourne. This has culminated in their second season for the year, William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

It is a pre-requisite of the course that the students strive to excel themselves, growing as performers and working hard to create new and powerful works. As such, rehearsals began in early March, and we are fast approaching the Performance season in June.

Directing a production on this scale and at this level always presents a few difficulties. First, this particular Shakespeare play deals with quite a few romantic scenes... And most teenagers can be quite temperamental at the best of times. Having said that, these students, some of which have run the course in previous years, others completing the experience for the first time this year, have all risen to the challenge and overcome the different various obstacles that they face.

What makes this show even more exciting for me is that I am able to watch students that I have had under my wing for a number of years grow and take on some wonderful roles, and make them their own.

From dealing with the Shakespearian dialogue, to the issues of betrayal, deceit, seduction and romance contained within the play, the students are better behaved (and in some cases, more talented to boot!) than some of my other theatrical comrades, and their maturity shows in the performances that they continue to deliver, rehearsal after rehearsal.

If you can see fit within your busy schedules to come down to the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick, you will be treated to a wonderful rendition of this timeless classic.

‘Much Ado About Nothing’ will be performed at the Old Cheese Factory on Homestead Road, Berwick on Friday 10 June @ 8pm and Sunday 12 June @ 8pm. All Tickets $17

AYP’s Senior Production Class will present a final production in 2011 late December, and enrollments for the 2012 season will be open from 10 December 2011. Acceptance into the course is via audition only. For Audition Information and more details please email info@adlibentertainment.com.au

Matt Hillman is an accomplished performer, writer and director across a diverse range of mediums. 2009 saw the premiere of his one-man-show 'Life In Imagination', as Matt put his heart on display for all to see. The show's success has spurred him to work even harder, and he will be presenting the production at a professional level for the Melbourne Fringe Festival later in 2011.

Matt's most recent stage experiences have included Les Misérables (Grantaire/Bombatois, WTC), The Boy From Oz (VCA), ‘The Engineer’ in Miss Saigon (WTC), and ‘Captain Von Trapp’ in The Sound of Music (PLOS). He tutors Drama and Vocal Training at a secondary level with Adlib Young Performers, for their Senior Production class and ‘Glee Club’, Crescendo. You can see him onstage in the upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar with Windmill Theatre Company, and later in the year singing along to the Movie Music Spectacular with the City of Greater Dandenong Band.