Audiences are taken on a magic carpet ride of excitement at CQCM Summer School performance

CQUniversity's Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) recently hosted its biggest Music Theatre Summer School Spectacular with 34 high school students involved in this year's performance of Aladdin.

Students travelled from as far as Bowen' Emerald' Yeppoon and Brisbane to attend the weeklong workshops in preparation for their 30-minute version of Disney Aladdin KIDS on Friday night (14 February 2022).

Guided by one of Australia's top choreographers and theatre professionals' Production and Guest Director Dale Pengelly' the teenagers were put through their paces dancing' singing' and acting their way through the iconic production.

CQUniversity Music Associate Lecturer Sarah Rozekrans said it was extremely rewarding to see the budding stars develop their skills throughout the program.

"The students gain so much from our summer school. We see their development over five days and' in many cases' over four years as we have recurring participants each year.

"The main improvement is in the display of self-confidence from audition to rehearsal to performance. We see a sense of community and maturity develop'" Ms Rozekrans said.

"Students begin to understand and appreciate the work and skill that goes into each facet of the final performance."

She applauded the dedication of students and their families in making the production a success.

"Everyone involved cheered each other on. They took risks and were celebrated for it.

"On day one I saw students put on a brave face and sing in front of everyone' but by the second day' students stepped outside their comfort zone and auditioned with some big personas on stage."