Play It Forward, together with Dr Jonathon Welch AM, is thrilled to announce that round one of Permission to Shine is open. This online singing competition with a difference starts with three sections – Music Theatre, Rock and RnB and has prize money totalling AUS$10,500. Entries for round one close on June 30th.
We are also excited to announce our first two Judges for Music Theatre are the incomparable Trevor Ashley and Bev Kennedy!
Trevor Ashley is often described as “the busiest man in Australian show-business”. Whether it be as a writer, musical director, performer, director or producer – there truly is no end to his talents. His credits include Priscilla Queen of The Desert – The Musical, Jerry Springer the Opera, Hairspray, Les Miserables, Liza (On an E) and Diamonds are for Trevor. With his long time collaborator Phil Scott, he has created and performed in the Adults-Only Pantos Fat Swan, Little Orphan Trashley, The Bodybag and The Lyin’ Queen.
Bev Kennedy is generally regarded as one of Australia’s leading Musical Directors & accompanists, having worked on over 30 professional music theatre productions including Billy Elliot, Wicked, Mamma Mia!, The Producers, We Will Rock You, The Lion King, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Chicago, and the concert version of Sunset Boulevard with Judi Connelli. Most recently, Bev has been working on the shows, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Muriel’s Wedding, Jersey Boys and was Musical Director on the New Zealand tour of Avenue Q.
Judges for Rock and RnB will be announced shortly.
Jonathon explains “It doesn’t matter where you are in the world or what type of music you like to sing, pop or folk, blues, hip hop, rap or classical – there will be something here for everyone of all ages to get involved in! We have announced the first three sections to open. Further sections will follow throughout the year, stay tuned!”
You can also visit our website at playitforward.org.au/shine for all details and to enter! We can’t wait to receive entries from amateurs and professional singers right around the globe!
All funds raised will go towards Play It Forward’s inclusive arts projects and programs.
Thank you for supporting our work at Play It Forward! We love giving you all PERMISSION TO SHINE!
