Hot Shoe Shuffle’s Tap Brothers – Mason Schaube

With just three weeks until opening in Brisbane, we chat with 17 year old Mason Schaube about his musical theatre debut in the 21 Anniversary production of Hot Shoe Shuffle.

Hot Shoe Shuffle is the tale of Spring, Slap, Buck, Wing, Tip, Tap and Slide and their long lost sister April in a 1940s inspired musical theatre setting with choreography by Dein Perry and David Atkins.

What is it that excites you most about joining the cast of Hot Shoe Shuffle?

I love performing, and it is an exciting experience, as a young performer, to be able to get this opportunity to work with such talented people.

When did you discover your love of tap?

I saw Tap Dogs when I was 3, and my mum tells me that I made the decision right there to be a tap dancer.

You have a wonderful story about your introduction to the Hot Shoe Shuffle as a young boy – tell us about it.

I saw Hot Shoe Shuffle when I was 6 or 7, and I was handed the telegram during the performance. Afterwards I got the cast to sign it, and Jack Webster said to me “Maybe one day you will be doing this show”. That has always stuck with me, and I think it is great that I am now fulfilling that dream.

Describe your character – Slide

Slide is always competing with his older brothers

Do you have any pre-show or post-show rituals or superstitions?

I take a few deep breaths and shut my eyes to get in the zone, and I like to pump loud, upbeat music.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Always be yourself, because it is yourself that the people most want to know

Dancing is a very physically exerting exercise – how do you maintain your health and stamina to make sure you are always at your peak?

I run often, and I am taking part in Michelle Slater Coyn B Performing Arts Studios full time course, which involves dancing every day, so it is very physically demanding.

What do you think is the best thing about the performing arts community in Australia?

It is very friendly and there are lots of opportunities for young people

Is this your professional music theatre debut? If so, what are you looking forward to most about working in the musical theatre industry?

Yes, and I am most looking forward to the experience and the thrill that I get from being on stage, and I hope it leads to many more experiences and performances in the musical theatre world.

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Mason began dancing at the age of three and has studied all facets of dance, singing, acting and musicology. He also plays the clarinet and saxophone.

Hot Shoe Shuffle opens at Lyric Theatre QPAC on May 4.

Visit hotshoeshuffle.com.au for tickets and more information