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 April Member of the Month - Lucy

Manic Member of the Month

Every month we like to shout about one of our fabulous team members and this month we introduce you to .....

Lucy Penketh

Read on to hear what she has been up to as a professional performer and where it all began!

When did you start dancing?

I first started dancing at the age of 2 when I went along to a baby ballet class where my grandmother was an assistant teacher, I then moved on to learning tap, jazz singing and drama. I was very quickly bitten by the dancing bug, attending many classes a week to achieve my grades aswell as take part in local festivals and national competitions. Winning the British Arts Awards All Round Performer at their finals in London.

Where and when did you continue your training professionally?

After I had been to college and completed my A Levels I knew I wanted a career in the dance industry, I was accepted into Stella Mann College of Performing Arts, in which I completed a 3 year National Diploma Course in Professional Dance graduating in 2012. I was taught a lot of about the industry as well as furthering my dance training to the best it could be. Since then I have danced in a Cyprus, been in Bollywood Films, music videos and the MTV awards in India. Also a James Bond stunt show in Paris and Cruised Asia among many other destinations!

What are you currently doing?

I have recently been away with Costa Cruises, cruising Japan, Korea and China on the Costa Victoria. I have decided to have a summer at home after being away almost continuously since graduating in 2012. I am currently rehearsing with Manic Stage Productions and am very excited to be part of their 'Amazing Venues' Solent Forts team. Its so great to be performing constantly with the Manic Team, at various events and venues with such great local talent!

How long have you been part of Manic?

I started in 2013 with Manic and had my first gig within 2 weeks of joining! A scary but great experience! Since then in between contracts I have had the pleasure of doing a wide variety of gigs events and shows with the Manic team. From dancing with Sinitta to being a stilt walking leprechaun each event is well thought out rehearsed and delivered to a high professional standard, which I am extremely proud to be part of.

Do you have a Manic Highlight?

There have been many highlights with Manic! I look forward to class each week as everyone is so friendly and works really hard, but my main highlight would be the recent Fort du Soleil which we performed on No Man's Land Fort just last week. It was an incredible experience from start to finish, with the boat ride over to having a tour of the venue, then performing almost 3 seperate shows to enetertain the guests, with fire dancing, aerialists and some great singing! I cant wait to go back!!

What are your plans for the future?

I am always looking for new and exciting experiences and performance opportunities so who knows where my dance career will take me! I guess thats another reason I love it so much, as every week, month and year is so different!

For more information on Manic Stage Productions please visit our website www.manicsp.co.uk

or contact us at manicstageproductions@gmail.com to discuss the team performing at your next event

Manic's Member Of The Month: JADE!

MEMBER OF THE MONTH: MAY JADE! 

Here is a little bit about Manic's member of the month Jade. 

Where have you been the past few months?

For the past 6 months I have been cruising on the Caribbean Princess Cruise Ship round the gulf of mexico leaving from houston each week. I have visited many places along the way and docked in some beautiful and exciting destinations. 

What shows did you do on the ship and your favourites?

We had 3 different main shows in the theatre on the ship, the first was called, ‘Do You Wanna Dance!’ This particular show had a rock n roll section, an indian section, an irish section and finally a disco section. This was a very varied show with all sorts of genres and styles of choreography. This fantastic show was great fun as I got to showcase lots of different styles of dance and try a little bit of everything which kept it exciting.

The second show was named ‘Caribbean Caliente’, this show was more of a latin salsa style show. The show took place in the weeks of traveling between LA and Mexico to the caribbean. 

Our final show is ‘Born To Be Wild’. This show was based around a car journey and this one was probably my favourite to perform. Alongside the great soundtrack there was a also a pink cadillac on stage with us that was used throughout the routines. 

How did you enjoy your contract and the places that you visited?

I enjoyed my contract so so much this time around. What with the great shows and amazing choreography there were so many other high points. I met so many great new people on this ship who are now really good friends. Sadly on this contract we did have quite a few injuries meaning we lost some crew members and had to re work some shows. Other than that the ship was brilliant and had so much on board to keep us busy when we weren’t rehearsing or performing. Each port that we visited had beautiful beaches and everything that we needed really close by which kept us all happy. There was lots of do and many places to explore at each port which gave us some great adventures and memories of each place we docked. 

Are you glad to be coming back to join Manic for a few months?

I am very glad to be coming back to Manic in my break between ships. At Manic I always have so much fun and their array of job opportunities are always something to look forward to. I am excited to get back into pro class every Tuesday to see the team and learn what they have been up to and rehearsing. Everyone at Manic are so welcoming and encouraging and it makes it so easy to slip straight back in for the short time that I am home. 

Whats your favourite thing to do with Manic?

My favourite things to do with Manic are as follows. I love doing a regular dance class besides keeping me fit and technically trained it’s a great way to meet up each week with the team and get practising for all the exciting jobs that are booked. Secondly one of my biggest highlights that I look forward to are the bridal catwalk shows. These fashion shows are always so much fun to be a part of, from trying on all sorts of dresses, to rehearsing the catwalk show, having hair and make up done and to finally performing the choreography. Although I haven't performed in one of the big performances yet they look great and I know they have been a massive success with the clients and audiences so I am hoping to be a part of one of these whilst I am home.

What drives you to perform?

The audiences normally drive me to perform, see that they are enjoying watching you do something that you love. This is such a buzz knowing that they appreciate what you do. It just makes me so happy to be on stage and I know I’m so lucky to have the chance to do this as my job.

What are your plans for the next few months and your time at home?

For the rest of my time at home I’m going to take some time and enjoy relaxing at home with my mum n dad. I plan to try and catch up with friends which is hard because they’re either scattered around the country or on ships in different country's themselves. 

I returned to class this week with the rest of the Manic team and am hoping that I can be a part of as many performances and events as I possibly can whilst I’m home before I jet back off again in 6 weeks to continue on my next Princess contract. 

manicstageproductions@gmail.com 

Manic Member of the Month ~ February

This month we want you to meet our team member - Tony

SO HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PERFROMING?

I have been dancing since the age of 6 in and around Portsmouth and have studied in Ballet, Tap, Modern, jazz, Street dance, Ballroom & Disco Dancing. I come from a family with a performing background but it was always my choice to perform, none of this pushy parent malarkey. I performed with New Pantomime productions for over 8 years in there family pantomimes at the Kings Theatre Southsea. Over the years I got to perform with Lisa Riley, Lorraine Chase, Keith Harris and stars of Gladiators & Neighbours. One of the highlights of my career was winning the chance to perform at the London Palladium, performing alongside the cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. There’s no better feeling than performing to an amazing audience.

WHERE DID YOU TRAIN?

I’m a local lad so I trained at local schools in Portsmouth. I also discovered I had a voice whilst performing in Joseph & his Technicolor Dreamcoat and have had extensive vocal training. I gained a BTEC National Diploma in Musical Theatre and have been performing professionally ever since.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR MANIC?

I first worked with Manic over Christmas 2012 performing at local light switch ons and themed Christmas party nights. As well as this Manic also got me a contract to perform at some local Christmas markets, which was such a great experience. I have now returned to Manic as they always have exciting things lined up, I’m currently teaching local school children drama & musical theatre in there PPA Cover sessions & Afterschool clubs. I can always rely on Nicole & Matt to give me a challenge and this time round that come in the form of stilts! On Saturday 25^th January I stood high on my stilts meeting and greeting supporters of the London Wasps Rugby team. I also enjoy it as it adds a few inches to my height, which is an advantage for a shorty like me.

WHAT WERE YOU UPTO IN 2013?

In 2013 I gained a year contract with Bourne Leisure who provide Cast performers to Butlins in Bognor Regis. I was one of two vocalists who performed in a resident band called #CodeRed, performing on breaks across 2013 singing in there two amazing venues. Over the year I performed with the UK’S No.1 tributes to Tina Turner, Tom Jones & Katy Perry. This was a great opportunity to make some new contacts and a chance to see how to start a tribute in the future. Whilst working with Butlins Musical Director Steve Etherington I was asked to feature on an upcoming Christmas album “Let There Be Christmas” with Santa & His Christmas Crackers, which has now been released in Europe. I also had the task of being Swing for the Skyline Gang at Butlins and had the opportunity to perform over the year. 

WOW THAT’S AWESOME! WHATS YOUR PLAN FOR 2014?

My plan for 2014 is to settle back into Portsmouth and hopefully get myself on the property ladder fingers crossed and perform/teach for Manic. I would have loved to perform on cruise ships like some of my Manic colleagues but thats not possible due to being such a shorty…. But maybe I should wear my stilts to the audition? Just an idea, have a great 2014 and remember for your entertainment needs choose Manic!

To book Tony or any of the Manic Stage Production team please contact Nicole on 07977478565 www.manicsp.co.uk nicole_manic@yahoo.co.uk 

Member of the Month ~ August

This month we want you to meet our team member

Emma Lyford!

How long have you been performing?

I joined Manic Stage Productions about 2 years ago and have been performing with them at many events and shows ever since. I started dancing when I was 6 so have always been on stage, I was in many pantomimes at The Kings Theatre when I was younger and performed with my dance school countless times. I guess this made me want to persue it as a career! I love the feeling of being on the stage and performing to people. No show is the same and it's just so exciting to be able to do it as my job!! 

When and where did you start dancing and training?

I'm a local girl so began my training at Iris Barnes Dance School and went through all my ISTD grades up until I left school. When I left senior school I went straight to train at Roynon Dance Centre to become a fully qualified dance teacher. It was a dream to be dancing and training full time and doing what I had wanted to do since I was small. I completed my courses and left there at 18 and have been teaching and performing professionally ever since.

What do you do for Manic?

I love being part of the Manic team. I teach dance for them in many schools across the south coast. PPA cover has become very popular these past few years and I work with the children within the school day teaching them all different styles of dance to compliment the curriculum and the topics they are covering in class. I also do after school dance and cheerleading clubs for Manic. I have been running some dance parties recently which have been so much fun, tailoring parties for all different ages, and types of children to make their birthdays something fun and to be remembered. The wedding shows are always one of my favourite things to do. Being dressed up and working the catwalk is something I always look forward to. Finally of course being a member of The Show Girlz is a great part of being in Manic. Recently we did 2 full evening sets at The Southsea Show. Our performance team have so much coming up including flashmobs, wedding shows, performances and events and I can't wait to be a part of them. 

What have you been up to this summer?

This summer I have been working with Brendan Cole! I have just got back from London, Oxford and Guildford where I managed his summer dance camps for children. The Strictly Come Dancing professional hosts his own dance camps called 'The Brendan Cole Dance Academy' and for this my second year I was asked to run them for him. They are great fun and amazing how in 3 days you can teach so many different styles and teach children the art of performing on a stage. They all love it just as much as I do teaching them. 

Wow thats fantastic, what are your plans for the future?

At the moment I am just planning my second trip to Australia in January. Besides travelling I'm hoping to find a bit of work in the dance scene overseas, before heading back home to continue performing, teaching and being part of this great team! 

We cant wait to hear all about your travels! Good Luck for this and all you choose to do :-)

To book Emma or any of the Manic Stage Production team please contact Nicole on 07977478565 www.manicsp.co.uk nicole_manic@yahoo.co.uk 

Member of the Month ~ July

So it’s that time again..... Member of the month!

 This month we introduce you to Rebecca Edwards!

So Rebecca, tell us a bit about yourself...

How did you get into performing?

The adrenaline rush I experience when I am waiting on the side of a stage to entertain is the most electrifying feeling any dancer could wish to have. I have a strong musical family background and have always had the desire to perform and express myself. I started at a very young age and became a member of Helen O’Grady drama group, where I learnt the basic skills to speak publicly and project myself. 

When did you start your dance training?

A long time ago I with ShowStoppers Dance and Drama Academy. I originally trained in ballet, modern and drama. I have gained my British Arts Awards in ballet and modern. Over the years my classical technique has blossomed through shear hard work which I gain great satisfaction from. I have always been a dedicated team member and have been in many dance shows working as part of a group and also as a soloist competing in London. I came second in the British Arts for Entertainment 2008, competing against other dancers from Europe.

Where did you study?

I am excited to say that I have just graduate from the University of Chichester where I have gained a BA Hons Dance Degree.

What was your experience at University like?

Chichester University has taught me how to be flexible in my career aspirations. The choreography module has required me to use initiative, creativity and imagination, be a good listener to dancers, use enthusiasm and the ability to work alone with little rehearsal supervision. A variety of different contemporary technique classes have given me the understanding of how different people approach teaching dance. From each class I have gained such a broad range of knowledge, I really feel I am equipped to perform and teach in all different styles dance. 

How exciting! How long have you worked for Manic?

I began working for Manic in September 2011, so nearly 2 years now! It's so much fun that the time has really flown by.

What have you done with Manic during that time?

What haven't I done! Work experience is an important element to any career and I've certainly experienced so many parts of this exciting industry through Manic. I have worked as a dance teacher, dancer and model for a Manic Stage Productions. I love working with children it has helped me to understand and develop a different technique in communicating dance. I also work as a Manic dance party host leading games and teaching a small dance routine helping children understand how to work as part of a team. I have performed in many bridal fashion shows under Manic, modelling a variety of wedding and bridesmaid dresses in Hampshire. Alongside this I have performed as a professional dancer in a variety of different events such as Children In Need at the Kings Theatre Southsea, Victorious Vintage and Festival of Christmas at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and other corporate events and shows. 

How are The SHOW Girlz getting along?

We’re doing really well! It's great to be part of such a talented team. Nicole and Matt have some fantastic contacts which have give us a great variety of work. We recently performed at The Beauty Awards hosted by Amy Childs from The Only Way is Essex, we are helping to promote companies such as Fontwell Race Course and coming up, we are performing at the all new Southsea Show.

Sounds Fab! So what are your plans for the future? 

For the future I am hoping to experience some international contracts and possibly a bit of modelling. I also hope to eventually gain my PGCE in Secondary School Dance teaching!

Thank you Rebecca, we wish you all the luck for the future

To book Rebecca or any of the Manic Stage Production team please contact Nicole on 07977478565 www.manicsp.co.uk nicole_manic@yahoo.co.uk