Euan Doidge: Rob Guest Endowment Finalist 2012

The much lauded Rob Guest Endowment annual concert will take place on 19 November 2012, where six finalists – emerging stars of Australian musical theatre – will take the stage to show their skills and compete for  the opportunity to study in New York under the guidance of the best that Broadway has to offer to the value of $10,000.

AussieTheatre will feature a short interview with each of the finalists. Cassie Tongue asked ten questions to each finalist, in the lead-up to the concert, asking about their lives, careers, and how they’re preparing for the high-calibre event.

We begin with Euan Doidge. He made an impression on critics earlier this year as sensitive Paul in A Chorus Line. He can currently be seen in Legally Blonde at the Lyric in Sydney.

Tell us your favourite thing about being a performer?

My favourite thing about being a performer is being constantly surrounded by a world of dancing, singing, costumes, humour and love, it brings me so much happiness. Having a life surrounded by this is more than I could ever ask for.

What made you apply for the Rob Guest Endowment process?

I heard about the endowment a couple of years ago and finally had the chance to watch last years final night. Ever since i knew I wanted to audition the following year.

How are you preparing for the upcoming concert? Any new rituals or routines?

I have been rehearsing as much as I normally would for an event such as this one. Its been tricky trying to find songs etc but its a fun process.

You’re featured heavily in one of the funniest numbers in Legally Blonde (There! Right There!) as pool boy Nikos. Is it tough to keep a straight face?

To be honest its quite easy to keep a straight face. I cant see what I’m doing so i guess I can’t laugh at myself. Although the entire scene is pretty hilarious, we all catch each other at different points doing random things, its definitely a fun number.

Your character in A Chorus Line, Paul, has one of the most moving stories in contemporary musical theatre. How did you prepare to play the part?

Preparing for the role of Paul was such an amazing experience. We had one of the original cast members direct our show (Baayork Lee) and she sat me down one day and told me everything i needed to know about Paul, how he use to walk, how he dressed, what he used to do, it was a very intense couple of hours. It was like story time. Although there were many things about him that I couldn’t take away, I was able to bring myself to the character which is what I enjoyed the most.

What’s your go-to, belt-it-out-in-the-shower song?

Mmmm I would have to say anything that has a good melody.

You’ve represented Australia in the World Dance Championships and have been dancing since you were a child. What has it been like making the transition from dance to musical theatre?

I was always very musical anyway so the transition wasn’t too difficult. Although the world of dance and the world of theatre are quite different I managed to work it all out. I guess now I have more ways to explore the art of performing.

Who has most inspired you on your professional journey?

I would have to say anyone who I have worked with. I continuously find myself being inspired everyday. That’s the beauty of theatre, being inspired by my cast mates and directors, it brings me so much joy.

Tell us about your most memorable moment in the theatre – as an audience member or performer.

My most memorable moment in theatre was when I saw my first show which happened to be Wicked. It was then when I became so hungry to be a part of this amazing world of art and now I am working with some of the cast members. I was so inspired, seeing that show brought me so much happiness, I will never forget that day.

What’s number one on your “bucket list?”

To keep doing what I am doing. See what happens I guess, I will keep working hard and enjoy what I love to do.