Aussie girl combats loneliness with musical theatre on Zoom
London, UK: Australian Kristie Winsen, now based in London, has been combatting loneliness during the pandemic – on Zoom. Kristie Winsen was stuck at home in London after completing her musical theatre studies at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. She started a regular free concert on Zoom with fellow musical theatre graduates and some West End professionals. Close to a year later, UPLIFT musical theatre concerts now reach people in over 25 countries – including a dedicated following back home.
The UPLIFT concerts are designed to lift spirits. Every performer shares something they have found uplifting. The concerts are run on Zoom because it is more personal than streaming services. Despite the work and expense of putting these concerts together they remain free for everyone around the world. Kristie Winsen was the recipient of a Whats On Stage Angel Award in London for her work on the concerts.
Performers have included:
— Desi Oakley (Jenna, Waitress – West End, Wicked – Broadway)
— Katy Treharne (Christine, Phantom of the Opera – West End)
— Alexander Mendoza (Cover Raoul, Phantom of the Opera – World Tour)
— Stephen Kramer Glickman (Nickolodean’s Big Time Rush, Warner Animation’s Storks, Shrek The Musical)
As well as fellow Aussies Hayley Maybury, Thomas Currie, Stephanie Priest and Teya Duncan.
Messages of encouragement come in from around the world – and from the performers who participate:
“Seeing artists come together in a time like this and putting on something beautiful – well done.”
“It felt more live and dynamic but still more personal than anything else I’ve experienced on Zoom!”
“UPLIFT was truly incredible. Everyone who performed was spectacular.”
About UPLIFT Musical Theatre: UPLIFT connects audiences from around the world on Zoom for an at-home concert of inspiring musical theatre. Suitable for the entire family, each concert features musical theatre graduates, emerging artists and established West End and Broadway performers singing well-known musical theatre songs, as well as songs from animated films and movie musicals. Kristie Winsen founded this online concert series in 2020, producing and presenting each concert, and has seen the audience grow to reach over 25 countries.
