JULYS MEMBER OF THE MONTH ~ Natalie

MEET NATALIE!

Manic Stage Productions has a wonderfully talented team of individuals and we like to introduce you to them and tell you a little bit about each and every one of them. This month meet Natalie...

Whats your dance history? 

I started dancing at the age of 3! Mum always said that I practically danced before I could walk! I began dancing at the Southsea school of dancing with Nina Brown! I went to primary ballet and never looked back after that! 

I studied all types of dance; ballet, tap and modern! I quickly began to realise how much I loved to dance. I also went to singing lessons and was a junior member of the Portsmouth players! I did lots of local theatre productions and 

also christmas pantomimes at the kings theatre! At the age of 12 I auditioned 

for the Royal ballet associates, and was lucky to gain a place at their weekend classes. I then went onto being a central school of ballet associate at the age of 15! And landed my first role as Clara in the nutcracker with the English youth ballet! 

Where did you professionally train? 

I auditioned at the age of 16 for many schools, and decided I wanted to go on and train at a professional college. I got into london studios on the ballet course 

and also Northern ballet, but decided I wanted to focus on all disciplines, not just ballet. So I also auditioned for Laine Theatre Arts! I was lucky enough to be awarded a 3 full year scholarship! So I decided to take this incredible opportunity! 

Tell us about the jobs you have done since graduating?

Since graduating I have worked on land as a dancer and dance captain at "Warner Leisure Hotels" with Bourne Leisure at Holme Lacy House and Bembridge Coast! I have worked for sea cruise limited, on the old Thomson Destiny as a dancer, sailing around Greece and Turkey! And I have most recently worked for Qdos Productions, onboard the beautiful Celebrity Millennium as a production dancer, sailing around Alaska and Asia! 

It's truly fantastic to get to travel the world and get paid to do what you love!

What do you love about working for Manic?

I love working for Manic Stage Productions! It's like a little family! It gives us dancers great opportunitys to perform locally in big events! We get to do a great class each week and be involved in some great corporate events and shows! It's so good to be able to do what you love without having to travel so far to do it, and do it at a professional level! It's also a great way to keep fit inbetween contracts! 

Whats your favourite Manic gig?

My most favourite gig with manic so far, has to be "Fort de Soleil"! It was so great to be apart of something so unique. I loved the routine and the whole "cirque" theme! And even gained a new skill whilst doing it! I can now say on my CV, that I can dance with fire! I must say it was frightening experience at first but also thrilling at the same time!

What do you love most about performing? 

I think my most favourite thing about performing, is being able to let yourself go and immerse yourself in what you love! I love performing and bringing joy to others. Dance is a way to express yourself, and I don't think I could ever express myself more than the way I do, when I dance! It's also lovely to be able to say, I love my job! And not many people get to say that! I'm not saying it's easy! As its not, you have to want it and work very hard and constantly keep picking yourself up after rejection, as there is a lot of that! (especially when your 5ft!) but all in all it's a very rewarding job! 

Tell us about your future contracts 

Well my next adventure will be with Fred Olsen Cruises, onboard MV Boudicca! I am very much looking forward to working with Mirage and doing another amazing itinerary but with a different company this time! 

I have to thank my family for always being so supportive and being there through all the ups and downs! But it's been so worth it! 

We hope you have enjoyed getting to know another member of our team and we look forward to introducing you to somebody new next month!

In the mean time if you have any enquiries regarding professional tailored entertainment for any occasion please don't hesitate to contact us at manicstageproductions@gmail.com

www.manicsp.co.uk

Manic's Member of the Month - Jan '15

Manic's Member of the Month!

*JESS*

This month we have chosen to introduce you to another member of our talented team, so you can get to know each of us a little better! 

This months Manic member is JESS!! 

Here's a bit about her and what she has been up to recently! Hope you enjoy!

When did you start dancing?

I started dancing at the age of three when my mum and dad sent me to ballet class. I was quite a shy child so my parents decided drama classes would be a real help in building my confidence. At the age of 10 I got the opportunity to perform on a West End Stage, and from that moment I knew that I wanted to make performing my profession. I loved it from the second I stepped out onto that stage.

What were your first performance experiences?

As a young dancer I was picked to perform with BALLET Russe in their performance of ‘Giselle’, performed in many shows at The Chichester Festival Theatre, and at the age of 16 I featured as a soloist on BBC radio 2. I also completed all of my major examinations in Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz, grade 7 singing and gained a distinction in my drama diploma.

Tell us about your training
I first trained at ‘ Emma Reynolds school of dance’ then on to ‘Art of Dance and Fitness’ in west sussex. At 18 I went on to train for three years at the prestigious ‘Laine Theatre Arts’. I had the most amazing three years there and learnt so much about the industry.

What was your 1st professional job?

My first job straight out of college was a world cruise performing as a singer/dancer on board ‘Voyages of Discovery’. I performed in musical medleys, cabarets, as a Vegas show girl, to Murder Mystery’s and Alan Ayckbourn’s short plays. We were certainly kept busy! I ended up accepting another contract on board shortly after.

When did you join Manic Stage Productions

I joined Manic in March 2013 and can’t quite believe how quickly the time has flown! I love being part of the Manic family!  

Everyone’s so friendly and incredibly supportive of one another.

Everyone at Manic is very busy, what have you been up to lately?

I currently teach Dance in the evenings for a local dance school and have recently returned from the land of Panto, in which I was Princess Jasmine In Aladdin. We toured all over London at different venues and was a wonderful new experience.

What have your Manic highlights been?

I’ve had so many exciting opportunities since joining Manic.  A few of my favourite gigs have been performing at Twickenham Stadium alongside ‘Little Mix’, performing on the Solent Forts and the children’s parties that we host are always such fun! 

Meeting every Tuesday for class with the team is something I always look forward to. Were always rehearsing or working towards something new and exciting!

To meet the rest of our team don't forget to subscribe and follow our blog. We have all sorts of exciting bookings coming up that we can't wait to tell you about, so watch this space!

For enquiries to discuss our bespoke entertainment for any occasion or corporate event do not hesitate to contact us at the following.

www.manicsp.co.uk

manicstageproduction@gmail.com 

Surrounded by Celebrities

It was celebs all the way this weekend as The Show Girlz performed for the glittering Beauty Awards hosted by the glamourous Amy Childs and sponsored by top hair stylist to the stars Lee Stafford.

Nicole took her seat amongst the creme de la creme of Hampshires beauty and hair industry whilst the girlz prepared for their 20 minute musical extravaganza performance on the Guildhall stage!

Outside our sexy stilt walker welcomed the guests with sweets and an even sweeter smile!

The champagne was flowing on arrival and was followed by a delicious 3 course meal. At 9pm The Show Girlz took to the stage to entertain the 450 merry crowd.

Our 5 strong, talented team performed a medley of high energy choreography. Including pieces from Moulin Rouge, Dirty Dancing, Cabaret and Viva Las Vegas.

The audience were treated to 5 vibrant costume changes and 2 solo vocal performances amongst 10 toe tapping tunes. The crowd clapped and cheered with delight as each section quickly rolled into the next.

We had such a fantastic response from everyone watching and we were delighted with how successful the whole night was. Sara from JP South Events who organised the extravagant evening complimented us and said “Thanks soooo much Nicole, your girls were fantastic!! And the stilt walker really surprised the crowd. We will definitely be working with you again"

We even received a tweet from Lee Stafford!!

Amy Childs presented the awards and Nicole managed to sneak a quick picture with her back stage

Lastly we would like to congratulate our TOWERPOWER landlord Tony Wood on his award! His amazing hair salon and team United Salons situated in the Clock Tower (Our Office Building!) was crowned Salon of the Year 2013

 What a fun filled night we had! We can't wait to see if we get invited back next year! Fingers crossed! 

Check out this little video of the event and look out for our gorgeous girlz near the end.

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/salons-triumph-at-our-awards-night-1-5190873

For more information or to book Manic Stage Productions and The SHOW Girlz please visit www.manicsp.co.uk

Manic Member of the Month

Each month we will be interviewing one of our gorgeous girlz on their career and life as a dancer!

This month we introduce to you Lucy Kate

How long have you been dancing for?

For as long as i can remember! I think as soon as I could walk I was wearing my ballet shoes!

Did you train professionally?

Yes I trained professionally from a young age at The Legat Ballet School where I boarded. It was a big decision for my family and I at such a young age but I received a scholarship and was desperate to dance. Later at 16yrs I went to Brian Rogers Performers College for 3 years where I gained a diploma in Musical Theatre.

What was professional training like?

It was tough! We took around 6-8 classes a day which included ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, partner work, singing, drama and musical theatre. We were exhausted at the end of every day! But there was no time for rest, we did this 5 or 6 days a week for 3 years.

After what sounds like grueling training, what was auditioning for professional jobs like?

Auditions are very tough! For every audition there is at least 300 girls sometimes up to 800! It can be very daunting!  But you have to give it your all and not be afraid of knock backs! After all, they are usually only looking for one person, so that means 799 disappointed people. Dancers are tough skinned though and no amount of rejection puts us off going after our dreams! Sometimes your the lucky one!

What was your first professional job?

My first professional dance job was in Qatar. I was a dancer in an illusion show with Guy Barrett, for Qatar Summer Wonders Festival. There were several shows from the UK flown over for the festival which lasted around 2 months.

What was it like working in Qatar?

It was very different to the UK. All our costumes had be made so that they were appropriate for Qatar audiences. Not a lot of flesh was on show compared to the costumes we have in the UK! It was great living and working in such a different culture. A great 1st job with some fantastic people.

What other countries have you worked in?

I have been lucky enough to work in many countries! I have performed in several different shows in Dubai. I have performed in a casino show in Macau and rehearsed for this for a month in Hong Kong, this was a great opportunity to experience yet another very different cultures! I have also performed in several casinos in Portugal and I have been in a show in India. But, most of my traveling has been whilst cruising! Working on a cruise ship as a dancer is a great way to see the world! I have performed on P&O cruises and NCL Cruise line, taking me to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, North America, Carribbean, Mexico, Alaska, South America and Antarctica!

Wow you have been very busy! Do you dance a lot in the UK?

I do dance in England doing shorter contracts and lots of one off events, mainly for The SHOW Girlz (or as they were formerly known MANIC!). With these I have performed at awards ceremonies, xmas party events, theatre shows and corporate events.

How long have you been apart of The SHOW Girlz?

I have been apart of the team since the very beginning! The SHOW Girlz have always welcomed me back to perform with them between contracts and shows abroad. Its nice to come back to friendly faces and know that my experience further a field is appreciated. All the team are encouraged to perform and work for major companies throughout the UK and abroad, this is what keeps the team fresh and at the top of the profession!

Whats your favorite part of being one of 'The SHOW Girlz?'

I love that I can work with professional talented people so close to home in Portsmouth!

Fab! Lastly whats in the performance pipe line for you and The Show Girlz?

It's exciting as the team are getting very busy. Nicole and Matt do a great job of finding us work and Manic Stage Productions are very respected for their ability to provide exactly what is asked of them. We are currently rehearsing for several events along the South coast including The Beauty Awards hosted by Amy Childs from TOWIE. Vegas themed entertainment for a large hotel chain and some amazing choreography to compliment a request from a top MJ tribute artist.

Thank you Lucy :-) we wish you every success!

Let our team help!

After a successful day at The South Coast Business Show last week at The Guildhall Portsmouth. We realised the full potential of our hard working team of Brand Ambassadors (Promotional Models) and were overwhelmed with the enquiries and demand for our beautiful team. If you own a company and require a unique personal service that will help spread the word and really create a buzz for your business then read on!

A promotional model is a model hired to drive consumer demand for a product, service, brand or concept by directly interacting with your potential consumers. 

The consumer's perception of a brand, product, service, or company, is often more profoundly affected by a live person-to-person experience, rather than other more conventional advertising media such as print.

Our team 'The Show Girlz' can provide you with gorgeous, glamorous and intelligent promotional staff to help promote and elevate your business or event through a less conventional approach. Our ladies (and gents) will draw attention to your product with their good looks, friendly personas and perhaps dazzling outfits! 

Wether it be on the high street, at an exhibition or at you own private events, our models can hand out leaflets and other advertising products and draw attention to your brand.  

We advice that our models be briefed on your company/event so that they are always ready with the correct information on your product. 

Perhaps The Show Girlz could get your event off to a brilliant start by meeting and greeting your guests with glamour and professionalism at the entrance. 

Imagine our beautiful girls promoting your business in branded t-shirts with your logo and company name! Everyone would be sure to look! All our staff have big smiles and great enthusiasm and are ready and waiting to promote your business.

Themed, costumed promotional models are a real hit and certainly add the wow factor and draw attention to your exhibition stand or event entrance.

We have thousands of costumes and themes!

Let your imagination run wild and pick the theme that works best for your brand!

If you would like to add a performance to your promotion then just ask. Recently we included an all singing all dancing Abba medley when promoting Fontwell Park's race nights. And have just been approached to add tap dancing sailors to an exhibition stand in London along with stilt walking showgirls to the entrance of an awards show!

You have created a successful, hard working business that deserves the best promotional management!  Let The Show Girlz do what they do best and by adding their enthusiastic sparkle you are guaranteed to spread the word and elevate the awareness of your brand.

For more information and a no obligation chat call or email our production office with all your ideas, requirements and budgets. 

manic_sproductions@yahoo.co.uk

07977478565