Kirby Lunn: Rob Guest Endowment Finalist 2011
The 2011 Rob Guest Endowment Concert, taking place at on Monday 10 October at Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne, is now only days away. We here at AussieTheatre.com continue our feature interviews with the 6 finalists who will battle it out for their chance to win $10,000 in prize money to further develop their careers in the Music Theatre industry. So far we have caught up with Gretel Scarlett and Jamie Ward, Ashlea Pyke, and Blake Bowden.
The 2011 Rob Guest Endowment Concert, taking place at on Monday 10 October at Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne, is now only days away. We here at AussieTheatre.com continue our feature interviews with the 6 finalists who will battle it out for their chance to win $10,000 in prize money to further develop their careers in the Music Theatre industry. So far we have caught up with Gretel Scarlett and Jamie Ward, Ashlea Pyke, and Blake Bowden. AussieTheatre.com’s Cassie Tongue asks each finalist 10 quick questions about life, the industry and their pre-performance rituals, and today, our featured finalist is Kirby Lunn, who recently appeared in the musical Hairspray. 1. When did you know you wanted to be a performer?I always loved singing and dancing around from a young age. I was constantly involved in speech and drama and choir all through primary school. However, the defining moment that made me want to perform was when I saw We Will Rock You. I had no idea musical theatre could be so exciting. 2. What do you hope to achieve from the Rob Guest Endowment process?Exposure! You really have to earn the right to have people remember your name in this industry. I think by being a part of this process, surrounded by such talented performers and influential judges, not to crack under the pressure is a win in itself. 3. When you found out you were a finalist, what was the first thing you did?Screamed and cried. I am very emotional about my career so I cried for a solid 20 minutes, then went straight on to my iTunes and started researching songs. 4. What is the most exciting thing about music theatre in Australia?That we are willing to take chances on new exciting shows, composers and performers. When I think of the theatre we have and are about to have here; it is just so new and contemporary. Also, the depth of talent is staggering, we have triple threats with heart and our performers bring a lot of soul to the stage. I think the Australian Music Theatre scene is really daring and I am very proud to be a part of it! 5. If you could play any role (regardless of criteria such as age, gender, etc) what would it be?All of my dream roles are boys and without a doubt my favourite would be Elder Price from Book of Mormon. It’s very rare you find a lead character that requires a high belt and brilliant comic timing. I also heard that Bridget Jones’ Diary is being written over in the UK…YES PLEASE! 6. What’s your go-to, belt-it-out-in-the-shower song?“Get out and stay out” from the musical 9 to 5 7. How are you preparing for the upcoming concert?Lots of vocal rest and singing in the shower. As it gets closer I feel the nerves starting to take hold so no late nights, no parties, just being a nana really. 8. Do you have any pre-performance rituals that you follow?Not really, though I do like to have a little bit of quiet time before a show. Just 10 minutes to think about who I am becoming and what I am about to do. I am also always equipped with Skittles… 9. What’s the best piece of theatrical advice that you have been given?I have done countless Queenie van de Zandt workshops and I always discover something extremely helpful but the piece of theatrical advice that has worked best for me is the power of knowledge. Know your songs and the show inside out. Know as much about our industry as you can. Also, to only perform songs you love so much you want to eat. (This was very helpful in choosing songs for Rob Guest Endowment process). But, most importantly in the words of the wonderful Sutton Foster, “kindness really goes a long way. No one wants to work with a diva.” 10. Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?Ideally, I would like to be one of Australia’s leading ladies. It would be such an honour to lead a company in Australia, as we have so much talent! My 10 year plan would have to be Broadway…
More about Kirby
Growing up on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Kirby discovered a love of the stage and all things musical theatre, performing in numerous local and Brisbane productions and concerts before making her professional debut in the Brisbane season of Eurobeat – Almost Eurovision in 2009. Kirby relocated to Melbourne in 2010 to further her musical theatre career and at just 18 years of age she was cast in the m
usical Hairspray. So for the last year Kirby has been performing in the ensemble and understudying the role of the loveable Tracy Turnblad, a character she has had the privilege and joy of playing on many occasions. Kirby is delighted and honoured to be chosen as a finalist in this year’s Rob Guest Endowment.
More information on the Rob Guest Endowment: Rob Guest Endowment: Ticket Giveaway Winners Announced Triple Threat? Be our guest Gretel Scarlett: Rob Guest Endowment Finalist 2011 Jamie Ward: Rob Guest Endowment Finalist 2011 Blake Bowden: Rob Guest Endowment Finalist 2011 2011 Rob Guest Endowment Finalists Announced
