Emerald local steals the spotlight at CQCM

CQUniversity student Hannah Herwin has let her talents shine at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music's (CQCM) end-of-year production of Ladies in Black.

The Emerald resident is currently enrolled in CQU's Bachelor of Theatre' where the aspiring actor' dancer and singer has been able to develop her skills through the performance-based program.

Having gained a passion for performing while a student at Marist College Emerald' Hannah said she has always been interested in a career in the performing arts industry and was thrilled to learn she could complete her studies close to home in regional Queensland.

"I was always heavily involved with the choir and music and drama programs at my school'" she said.

"I was also involved in the musicals that occurred during my time there. My first experience in a musical was as the lead which was an eye-opening experience."

With a performance-integrated structure that enriches students' learning experience' CQCM students have the opportunity to work in a number of full-scale productions in technical and creative roles.

Hannah said this year's performance of Ladies in Black was particularly rewarding after she secured a leading role in the production' giving her the confidence needed to succeed as a performer.

"In Ladies in Black' I play Lisa' a young girl who has just finished school and is fighting to find her place in the world'" Hannah said.

"I really like the naturalistic nature of the musical compared to the very dramatised style I have been most exposed to.

"It was a great opportunity to study and experience a new style of theatre and how different styles convey a story."

Supported by a passionate group of creative arts professionals' including CQU academic staff and internationally renowned performer Peter Cousens AM as guest director' Hannah said the encouraging and collaborative environment helped to fuel her creativity and passion for the industry. 

"What is valuable to me is the experience that is offered through the course'" she said.

"Every performance opportunity' whether it's our productions' the touring shows or workshop in our classes' is a great learning experience."

Hannah said the blend of practice-based tuition and theory provided a solid foundation of skills and knowledge to coincide with the practical experience which opened her eyes to the range of careers in the entertainment industry.

With applications currently open for the 2023 Bachelor of Theatre course' Hannah encouraged other young Emerald performers to audition.

"CQCM is a great place to study theatre. Being from a small town like Emerald we don't have many opportunities to work in the professional industry'" she said.

"CQU offers great insight into what it's like doing what you love professionally. It is also such a fun environment with great peers."