Sky’s the limit for rising stars

As the next generation of stars on stage and screen, Abbie Gommers, Tylah-Jay Foster and Zoe Hitchcock from Redcliffe’s ROAR Academy are already making waves in the performing arts scene.

Not only have they acted in several hit stage productions, but they have also taken on teaching roles at the academy to share their skills with younger members.

All three will star in ROAR Academy’s production Newsies Jr this month. They talk to us about their career highlights, so far, and aspirations.

Abbie Gommers

For as long as she can remember, Abbie Gommers has had her sights set on a stage career.

Since joining ROAR Academy in Year 1, Abbie has starred in many big-named productions.

“One of my most memorable roles was playing Elsa twice in Disney’s Frozen Jr,” Abbie says.

“The show was so popular that we performed it multiple times.

“Some of my other stage highlights include playing Elle in Legally Blonde, and Fiona in Shrek Jr.

“One of my most challenging roles was being a narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat because the show was all vocals and dance.

“Having to convey the story through singing alone was something that really pushed me.”

Abbie is also part of the advanced Broadway class at ROAR Academy and is passing on her knowledge to younger students.

“I want to teach them to be confident in themselves and to be wrong and strong, because if you’re confident in what you’re doing, everyone is going to believe you,” she says.

The Year 12 St Benedict’s College student has applied to study a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Majoring in Musical Theatre at the University of Melbourne.

Tylah-Jay Foster

From the moment she starred as Genie in the beloved children’s story Aladdin, Tylah-Jay Foster knew she had found her calling.

“Genie is such a funny and open character, and I felt like that role was made just for me,” Tylah-Jay says.

“It was my first time playing a lead character on stage, and I took that as a sign that I should stick to acting.”

Tylah-Jay caught the acting bug when she completed work experience at ROAR Academy in 2021 and hasn’t looked back, starring in shows such as Rock of Ages and Shrek Jr.

She graduated from Deception Bay State High School last year and travelled to America in January with the Adelaide Youth Theatre to perform at Disneyland and attend the Junior Theatre Festival.

“Madeleine introduced me to the Adelaide Youth Theatre group, which opened the door to me performing overseas,” she says.

“Being able to perform in front of a few thousand people and see all the little kids dressed up in their Disney costumes, was amazing.”

Even though she is a newcomer to the arts scene, Tylah-Jay is focused on achieving her dreams by attending every audition she can, in between teaching and performing in Redcliffe.

“I have been auditioning for QPAC, as well as television shows and commercials, and different plays and skits around Moreton Bay and Brisbane,” she says.

“I love the emotional connection you have with the audience, and that’s something I want to feel with the whole world.”

Zoe Hitchcock

Regardless of whether she is singing or acting, Zoe Hitchcock loves being in the spotlight.

After joining ROAR Academy when she was nine, Zoe set her sights on lead characters, landing roles such as Anna in Frozen Jr, Fiona in Shrek Jr, and Dory in Finding Nemo Jr.

“I loved playing Anna to sold out crowds, which felt to me like a role I was meant to play,” Zoe says.

Through ROAR, she has experienced life in the director’s chair.

“I have also been really fortunate to intern-direct a show, which was a real highlight for me,” she says.

As a Year 11 student at Southern Cross Catholic College, Zoe juggles acting and teaching responsibilities at ROAR Academy with her school’s drama productions, as well completing a pre-tertiary Music Theatre Course at the Queensland Conservatorium.

“I have been working towards doing a Bachelor of Musical Theatre at Griffith University, which is a course offered to students before they graduate school,” she explains.

“You always see lots of big actors and actresses touring Australia who have graduated from this course, so that is my ultimate goal.

“I think it is important to have a job you love going to every day.”

Secure your seat

Newsies Jr will be performed over four big shows at the Redcliffe Entertainment Centre from September 27-29. To book, scan the QR code. https://www.redcliffeentertainmentcentre.com.au/Events/Newsies-Jr