Steven to star in Chicago production

Gunnedah’s Steven Hopwood is set to appear in a leading role for the school musical ‘Chicago, Teen Edition’.

The Armidale School (TAS) production for senior students will be held mid next year where Steven will play Amos Hart in the cast.

“Amos is a very vulnerable character, he is very emotive and he is ignored by everyone,” Steven said.

“It’s all part of theatre, so I’m sure that it will be very fun and I will enjoy every second of it.”

The Gunnedah teenager is a regular vocalist at community and official events where he often sings the national anthem.

His leading role in theatre is new territory for Steven but one he is “thrilled” to be involved in.

“It will be very different from other performances as I haven’t usually had a lead or supporting … it’s really crazy,” he said.

This year’s Chicago production will also feature two casts, one called ‘razzle’ and the other ‘dazzle’, to provide more opportunity for aspiring young actors.

Steven will spend most of his spare hours after school preparing for production but there will be some downtime in his busy schedule.

“A lot of script reading a song memorisation will definitely be key to remembering my script,” he said.

“There are loads of rehearsals at school though, so it makes it very easy to remember things.

“Up until the week of the performance I will be able to see my mates of a weekend and my Mum and Nan which is good.”

During the September school holidays, Steven also attended an audition workshop at the Australian Musical Theatre Academy.

The workshop provided an opportunity for him to work with leading performers, directors and choreographers.

Although unrelated to the Chicago production, the course helped develop his skills and set the stage for success at the audition process.