The 2026 Hobart Theatre Summer School
Directed by Rebecca Oliver-Black
Choreography by Bonnie Cashion
Musical Direction by Andrew Castles
Vocal Direction by Brett Budgeon
The Southern Tasmanian Premiere!
A touch of magic is coming to The Playhouse Theatre ✨
For the first time since Be More Chill in 2020, the Old Nick Company’s Hobart Theatre Summer School is stepping onto the iconic stage of Hobart’s historic Playhouse Theatre – and we couldn’t be more excited!
This season will see the 2026 production, MIDNIGHT: The Cinderella Musical, come to life from Friday 23 January to Saturday 31 January. Tickets are on sale now!
Bringing together a cast of 41 talented young performers, MIDNIGHT promises dazzling choreography, powerful vocals and a bold reimagining of Cinderella, full of humour, heart and a touch of magic.
✨ Directed by Rebecca Oliver-Black
✨ Choreography by Bonnie Cashion
✨ Vocal Direction by Brett Budgeon
✨ Musical Direction by Andrew Castles
About the Show
Forget glass slippers and damsels in distress, MIDNIGHT is a story of strength, wit and self-discovery. Our Cinderella, “Ella,” is clever, confident, and unapologetically herself. The last thing she’s looking for is a Prince Charming… but fate has other plans.
When the Prince meets Ella, he’s captivated and challenged. Can he prove he’s more than a title? Can she inspire him to change before the final stroke of MIDNIGHT?
This production marks an exciting milestone for the Hobart Theatre Summer School. It’s the first time the program has presented an Australian musical – not to mention the Southern Tasmanian premiere of MIDNIGHT. Featuring an original score by John Foreman and Anthony Costanzo and an exclusive song by Kate Miller-Heidke, MIDNIGHT is set to be an unforgettable experience for audiences and cast alike.
About the Hobart Theatre Summer School
Founded in 2005, the Hobart Theatre Summer School, proudly presented by the Old Nick Company, was born from a vision to unite Tasmania’s most passionate young performers in one extraordinary production.
The program aims to:
• Enrich students’ drama and music education through professional theatre experiences
• Connect emerging talent with experienced industry creatives
• Foster collaboration and community among schools across Tasmania
• Showcase large-scale, high-quality theatre that inspires audiences and performers alike
Tickets On Sale Now 🎟️
Early Bird Tickets are available until 31 November 2025 (discount automatically applied at checkout)
Playhouse Members also enjoy exclusive member pricing, so don’t wait! Secure your seats for this magical first season at The Playhouse Theatre!
Presented by the Hobart Theatre Summer School program by the Old Nick Company, in partnership with The Playhouse Theatre.
Follow @summerschoolhobart for behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, cast spotlights and exciting rehearsal updates!
Meet the Team
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REBECCA OLIVER-BLACK
Director
Beck's love for performing began at just four years old when she started dancing at Southern Theatrical Dance School (now Encore!). Since then, her passion for the arts has only grown. She’s trained and taught across all areas of musical theatre performance, even earning a Bachelor of Musical Theatre from the Queensland Conservatorium
These days, Beck balances her creative career with being a proud mum to two little ones, while also working as one of the Musical Theatre Assessors for the UTAS Connections Program across the state.
Passionate about helping students grow in environments where they feel valued, nurtured and confident, Rebecca brings that same supportive spirit to the rehearsal room.
As Director of MIDNIGHT: The Cinderella Musical, Beck ensures every creative element comes together seamlessly - guiding actors through their characters, relationships and motivations to bring the story to life in a truly magical way
MIDNIGHT shines a little brighter thanks to Rebecca’s creativity, care and vision.
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BONNIE CASHION
Choreographer
Bonnie’s journey in the performing arts began at just four years old, when she played Chip in the pantomime production of Beauty and the Beast. By age five, she was performing in The Sound of Music at the Theatre Royal and she’s never looked back! Now, almost 30, Bonnie has spent nearly three decades immersed in dance and musical theatre, working as a choreographer, teacher and performer
While dance has always been her greatest passion - especially tap - Bonnie’s heart truly belongs to musical theatre. She loves creating choreography that tells a story, connects with the audience and captures the emotion behind each movement.
As Choreographer for the 2026 Summer School production of MIDNIGHT: The Cinderella Musical, Bonnie will be bringing the show to life through dazzling dance numbers filled with rhythm, elegance and a touch of sparkle
MIDNIGHT is sure to shine even brighter with Bonnie’s creativity and passion lighting up the stage!
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BIANCA PAINE
Producer & Production Manager
Bianca Paine is a theatre enthusiast, leadership coach and proud Tassie local. After years performing across Victoria and Tasmania, she’s excited to make her debut as Producer in 2026, taking over from Summer School stalwart Mark Holmes. This year’s production of MIDNIGHT: The Cinderella Musical promises sparkle, heart and a whole lot of magic – and Bianca can’t wait to share it with audiences.
By day, she works at NAB and leads engagement for its LGBTQIA+ employee group. By night (and often in between), she runs The Bumblebee, a creative consultancy focused on marketing and community connection. She’s also mum to Isla and Remy – two tiny theatre fanatics in the making
Every fairytale needs a little behind-the-scenes magic and our Producer is the one making it all happen!
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SHENG-YUAN LYNCH
Repetiteur & Associate Musical Director
Sheng-Yuan began his theatre journey incredibly young, working his very first production at just 13 as a repetiteur and keyboardist for The Hutchins School’s 13 in 2018. Since then, he has been involved in over fifteen theatrical productions with schools and companies across Hobart, most recently stepping into the role of Musical Director for Big Job Productions’ Evil Dead: The Musical
Beyond the theatre, Sheng-Yuan’s passions lie in classical piano and film composition, which he is currently studying at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music. Training under Shan Deng, he achieved his LMusA diploma through AMEB at just 12 years old and has gone on to perform with orchestras including the QSO and TSO.
Most recently, Sheng-Yuan was named the recipient of the prestigious Elizabeth Murdoch Prize at the national Great Romantics Competition, a huge achievement recognising his exceptional musical talent
Sheng-Yuan works closely with both cast and band to ensure the music flows seamlessly on stage. He cannot wait for this incredible production to come to life and share it with audiences.
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ANDREW CASTLES
Musical Director
Andrew Castles is a musical director, percussionist, conductor and educator based in Hobart. Andrew holds a degree in music from the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music where he received the Frank Schuster memorial award for excellence in performance, as well as a Bachelor of Teaching from the University of Tasmania. Andrew teaches music in various schools and colleges in southern Tasmania and holds a casual position with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Andrew has musically directed or performed in over forty musicals.
Andrew is passionate about providing opportunities for young performers and is looking forward to helping to bring this year’s Old Nick Hobart Theatre Summer School to life!
Thanks to Andrew's experience and energy, our audiences are in for a truly unforgettable MIDNIGHT experience.
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BRETT BUDGEON
Vocal Director
Brett is a Tasmanian born singer/performer. Brett commenced formal music lessons from a young age leading to the study of classical voice at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) and Queensland Conservatorium Of Music.
He has been involved in many of Tasmania’s largest theatrical productions, the highlight: performing the role of the Phantom, in the Tasmanian premiere production of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Brett has been a voice educator for 25 years. He currently directs choirs at The Hutchins School, The Friends School and Dominic College
Brett continues to work as a performer in the corporate world of entertainment and is excited to share his experience and knowledge with Hobart’s next generation of performers.
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HELEN CRONIN
Costume & Properties Designer
Helen has been an integral part of the Hobart theatre scene for almost her entire life, starting onstage before transitioning into properties management in 2010.
In 2012, Helen expanded her talents into costume design, and now she’s known for her expert work in both fields. As the resident costume, prop, and "anything else that needs a crafty hand" expert for Musical Theatre Crew, Helen also lends her talents to Hobart Rep's children’s pantos, The Show Company, Bijou Creative, Guilford Young College, and, of course, Summer School!
Helen’s favourite creations involve crafting specialised headdresses, masks, and puppets—one of which won her a Tasmanian Theatre Award for Milky White the Cow in Into The Woods (Show Company)
We’re so lucky to have Helen’s creativity and passion bringing MIDNIGHT: The Cinderella Musical to life!
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CHLOE SWAN
Marketing, Sponsorship & Fundraising Manager
Chloe’s journey in the performing arts began at just four years old as a dancer, later gracing the stage in high school musicals while studying dance at college. Though she’s since hung up her performing boots, her creative spark found a new outlet in marketing
With a passion for creativity and storytelling, Chloe has built a thriving digital marketing business and works with a wide range of Tasmanian brands. She loves combining creativity and strategy to help businesses truly shine!
That same creativity now fuels her work with the Old Nick Company, where she coordinates marketing for both the Summer School and Uni Revue productions!
Chloe is adding her creative sparkle to MIDNIGHT, helping spread the magic and excitement far and wide
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MARK HOLMES
Set Coordinator & Front of House Manager
Mark has been part of Tasmania’s theatre community for over a decade and is currently the President of the Old Nick Company and the City of Hobart Eisteddfod Society. With a long history of producing the Hobart Theatre Summer School, Mark has helped shape opportunities for young performers and build a strong culture of mentorship and collaboration
This year, Mark is leading the Set and Technical Team for MIDNIGHT, bringing his practical know how to this new role to ensure these aspects of the production run seamlessly behind the scenes.
Beyond the theatre, Mark is also passionate about AFL umpiring, proudly representing the Tasmanian Football Umpires Association for the past 17 years. Whether it’s on the field or on stage, his focus is always on teamwork, growth and creating moments that bring people together.
Mark’s passion, expertise and unwavering commitment to the arts make him an invaluable part of the MIDNIGHT team.
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ANDREW JOHNS
Sound Designer
The wizard behind the sound desk! If you’ve ever been blown away by the audio at a theatre show, concert, or even a sports game around town, chances are Andrew was behind the magic.
He’s been mixing, tweaking and making things sound awesome since the early ‘90s (yes, he’s survived the cassette era and mastered the digital age), and has a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering with a focus on Communications Systems to back it all up.
Andrew’s not just about theatre – he freelances everywhere! From mixing bands and big events to running audio for live sports, he’s the guy making sure every note, cheer and dramatic pause hits just right.
What makes Andrew stand out? He loves sharing his passion for live sound. He’s always mentoring up-and-coming audio techs and sound designers, helping shape the next generation of audio legends.
This year at Summer School, Andrew is back to build, design and run the sound system – plus mentor the future audio crew.
Some of his highlight gigs:
“Come from Away” (The Show Company)
“Into the Woods”
“Bawdy Panto”
“Avenue Q”
“Musical Theatre Crew”
And of course, “Hobart Theatre Summer School”
Plus, loads of school productions and more!
This year marks Andrew’s 9th year with Hobart Theatre Summer School and his 10th show with The Old Nick Company. That’s a LOT of curtain calls.
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POPPY BULL
Stage Manager
Poppy first stepped into the world of theatre at just ten years old and quickly discovered a lifelong passion for performing arts. Over the past four years, she’s become a familiar face behind the scenes, working on more than 20 productions and developing a strong love for the technical side of theatre.
When she’s not in the wings, Poppy works as a teacher’s assistant and is also studying education full-time — a true multitasker with a heart for both creativity and learning
Having explored many aspects of theatre, Poppy’s greatest joy lies in stage management, whether it’s calling a show, coordinating scene changes, or keeping everything (and everyone!) running smoothly.
As Stage Manager for the 2026 Summer School production of MIDNIGHT: The Cinderella Musical, Poppy will be the organisational heartbeat of the show, ensuring every magical moment unfolds perfectly from behind the curtain
MIDNIGHT is in very good hands with Poppy keeping the magic on track!
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JANELLE JOHNS
Production Assistant
Janelle has been a familiar face in Hobart’s theatre community for many years, bringing her passion for live performance and welcoming audiences to countless local productions. For the past four years, she’s been an essential part of the Old Nick Hobart Theatre Summer School team, ensuring every audience member’s experience is seamless from the moment they step through the doors
Her love for theatre runs deep — it’s truly a family affair! Her son Aaron is a graduate of the Patrick School of the Arts, her daughter Eleanor performs with Musical Theatre Crew and her husband Andrew is Old Nick’s resident Sound Designer.
With her trademark warmth and professionalism, Janelle will once again lead our Front of House team for MIDNIGHT: The Cinderella Musical, making sure every guest feels the magic before the curtain even rises.
We’re so lucky to have Janelle's dedication, energy and love for theatre helping bring MIDNIGHT to life!
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VICTORIA CROALL
Old Nick Committee Liaison & Wellness Officer
Victoria has been part of Hobart’s community theatre scene for more than 20 years, with her very first production being the inaugural Hobart Theatre Summer School in 2005 – Les Misérables: School Edition. Since then, she’s spent plenty of time both on stage as a performer and behind the scenes in a range of production roles. She now serves as the Senior Vice President of the Old Nick Company, continuing her long-standing commitment to the theatre community
Deeply passionate about Old Nick Company, Victoria credits it with shaping her life and creating lifelong friendships, all beginning with that first Summer School experience. She loves watching the next generation of talented young performers find their own sense of belonging and joy through the program.
For the 2026 Summer School production of MIDNIGHT: The Cinderella Musical, Victoria is the Old Nick Committee Liaison, working closely with Producer Bianca to support the program at a committee level. She also plays a vital role as Welfare Officer, ensuring every participant feels safe, supported and included throughout the program.
Whether it’s offering a listening ear, assisting with wellbeing, or just helping someone feel at home, Victoria is always there to make sure everyone can shine — both on and off the stage.
Do you have anything to add?
The Old Nick archives will be pillaged and these pages populated with content, but there is bound to be piles of stuff hidden away in boxes, bags, bins and bureaus! If you have anything that could be of interest - original scripts, photographs, anecdotes, anything - please contact our secretary and let us know!