Tribe Puffs (2022) by Bendigo Theatre Company

Welcome

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome to this production of Puffs presented by Bendigo Theatre Company’s Tribe Youth Theatre. This unique play encompasses mystery, comedy and above all magic and magical creatures. May I congratulate all members of the hardworking production team who have worked so incredibly hard to present this creative production. I am sure you will also be enthralled by the efforts of this talented cast, who combined with wonderful lighting and sound effects, a magical set and incredible properties will have you mesmerised. This production is highlighted by its clever script and the cast are to be congratulated on their professional interpretation of this play.

A huge thank you to the many people who assisted with costumes, set and properties development and

the support given to the Saturday working bees was fantastic. May I also thank the parents of the cast for their support and assistance with this show.

Finally, a huge thank you to the patrons who continue to support Tribe Youth Theatre as it is only through continued encouragement of the performing arts that we grow our future artists and supporters.

So, in closing may I encourage you to sit back and enjoy this wonderful performance.

Yours in theatre, Vern Wall President, Bendigo Theatre Company

THANK GOODNESS FOR PLAYS!

Theatre as an artform has the power to influence the way we think and feel. It invites us to examine our values and behaviour. But going to the theatre to see something you’ve never heard of is a risk because it asks you to invest time and money into something you might not enjoy – and musical theatre is not everybody’s cup of Glee. Sometimes a play, a clever arrangement of words, actions and characters is just the ticket. So thank goodness for plays! Plays carry meaning of time, place, ideas, and language through centuries, and you’re about to see a play that parodies one of the most successful stories of our lifetime.

The original franchise on which Puffs is based deals with themes of prejudice, corruption, death, greed, and madness. Matt Cox’s story of the Puffs runs parallel to that of the famous Mr Potter. It concerns three schoolmates, their friendship and loyaltytogether they are a great team – what a neat segue into talking about the Puffs team.

In Tribe’s sixth year Puffs has brought together 34 young performers, three times a week for the past 12 weeks. Many cast members didn’t know each other prior to this show, and all of them have extended themselves, made new friends and learned new skills

under the irrepressible directorial team of Kerry Turpie and Alise Amarant. The best production experiences stem from the collaboration skills and work ethic of the production team. The Puffs volunteer crew of around 30 has given hundreds of hours so that these actors can enjoy their moment on stage. And let’s not forget the families and support networks that do all the taxiing, line reading, feeding, attending working bees and general support of their children’s passions. I extend my thanks to the entire team for the innumerable hours that they have given to Puffs

For large parts of the past two years theatre was off the table, replaced by endless live streaming, but theatre and streaming are not interchangeable. Theatre is unique because it relies on the performers being face to face with an audience, and community theatre is a magnificent framework that brings people together for nothing but the joy of performing. How great it is to be able to perform live once again. Thank you for supporting us in this venture. I hope you enjoy Puffs

Kristen Beever Production Manager Marketing Coordinator, Tribe Youth Theatre

a Word from our director

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Welcome to Puffs or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic presented by Tribe Youth Theatre. This a playful parody of a wellknown boy wizard - if you are not familiar with that story, get ready for magic, adventure, and laughs! This story follows the Puffs – the house at a Certain School of Magic and Magic that anyone can be part of. It also highlights the traits of the house – a strong sense of justice, loyalty, patience, and persistence. The main message of the show - Anyone can be a hero.

It was this central message that formed the way we would work on this show –an ensemble structure where the cast worked together to support one another, and all contribute to the creation and development of the show. The creation of a collaborative and supportive environment, and to replicate the friendly, welcoming, and inclusive nature of the Puffs.

It has been an honour and a privilege working with such talented, enthusiastic and hard-working cast who have embraced the source material and have joyfully explored ways of presenting it. For many, this is their first production with Tribe Youth Theatre and for some, their first community theatre show. This magic has been possible with the combined efforts of the production team and crew who have worked at bringing this magical world into a reality. From props, set design, building

and painting, costumes, makeup and hair, lighting, sound, stage management, marketing and front of house – like an ensemble, are all important in created the show.

We hope you enjoy this funny, fast paced show of a well-known magical world that we have created to show that anyone can be a hero.

Kerry Turpie Director Chair, Tribe Youth Theatre

meet the Directors

Kerry Turpie Director

Kerry Turpie is a theatre artist from Central Victoria. She has been working as a volunteer in community theatre for the past twenty years in Ballarat, Kyneton, Macedon, and Bendigo as a performer, writer, director, props master, stage manager and production manager. Other directing credits include Wyrd Sisters (Kyneton Theatre Company & Tribe Youth Theatre), Rock of Ages (Catherine McAuley College), Seussical (Kyneton Secondary College, Mount Players Youth Theatre & Catherine McAuley College), The Boyfriend (Kyneton Secondary College), Carpe Jugulum (Mount Players Youth Theatre), Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical (Kyneton Secondary College), End of Year Showcases (Mount Players Youth Theatre), and The Mikado (Kyneton Secondary College). Other writing and directing credits of one act plays include Tracy (Mount Players Youth Theatre, winner of best play and best director at Ararat One Act Play Festival 2010), Flesh and Bone (Mount Players Youth Theatre), and Restaurant Romeo (Kyneton Secondary College).

Alise Amarant

Assistant Director

Alise stepped into the role of AD for Puffs excited about the world building of the show. Working along side the cast on characterisation, physicality and general comedy Alise is so proud of the cast for their achievements. This is Alise’s first production with Tribe Youth Theatre. Alise is the company director of Props Theatre.

eat slugs tripious over snake spell Hit'us your head punch yourself'ious

Best Friends forever

Synopsis

For seven years a Certain Boy Wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story.

This story is about, Wayne Hopkins — a boy from New Mexico who is neither brave, smart, nor a snake — finds out he’s a wizard. Upon arrival at a certain school of magic and magic, he’s placed into the Puffs: a group of well meaning, loyal rejects. Over the next seven years, he’ll try to learn magic; try not to have his life ruined by his four-eyed nemesis; and try to not to get hurt in what is actually a very dangerous place to for unsupervised children to be. Sometimes he will succeed. Partially.

Cedric is the coolest

Wayne Hopkins - 1991

Cast

Wolf Asta

ANTHONY GOLDSTEIN / MIRROR WAYNE / COLIN / DRAGON #4 | BATH / SCORPY

Wolf has been acting since the age of 8 with Props Theatre. Wolf’s first role of Sheriff of Nottingham with Big Hill Primary School. This is Wolf’s first production with Tribe Youth Theatre.

Eve Aurisch-McGrath

POTIONS TEACHER / HERMEOONE #3 / HALLE / BATH

Eve steps on the to stage thrilled with the opportunity to play such an iconic character! With experience of Props Theatre, Spamalot (CMC, 2022) this is Eve’s first performance with Tribe Youth Theatre. From audition to stage there was never any doubt about Eve’s performance of a certain potions teacher being remembered by all who watch her.

Olivia Adams

MEGAN JONES

Olivia is a year 10 student at Bendigo South East College. She grew up singing and dancing before walking and talking. This is her first production with Tribe Youth Theatre and she is overjoyed to be bringing this story from script to stage. Olivia’s past performances include Les Miserables (2019) as Young Eponine, Oliver (2020, 2021) and Shrek The Musical (2022) Nexus, BYT bringing the Wicked Witch to life! Olivia hopes you enjoy this magical journey from a different perspective.

Elaina Bell

PROF. SPROUTTY / PROF. LANNY / DEATH BUDDY 4

Elaina has been performing as long as they can remember and advocating for equality even longer. Their passion for both has been the driving force behind their work. Their previous roles include Puck from Midsummer night’s dream (Uncertain Curtain) and Cherry in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (BTC, 2022). As someone who identifies as autistic and non-binary, being inclusive and considerate has always been Elaina’s priority and they have greatly enjoyed the creating art and forming new friendships.

Aliya Bleier

NURSE / ARIEL / HELGA / SNAKE #6 / HERMEOONE #2 / BATH / DEATH BUDDY 7

Aliya’s first production was Shrek The Musical (2022) Nexus. Aliya is excited to be a part of the Puffs team in her first Tribe Youth Theatre production. Aliya’s favourite part of Puffs is how playful it is, the different interpretations of characters and playing so many characters all in one show is exciting as an performer.

Jasmine Bramley

SOPHIE / SNAKE #2 / SOUL SUCKING GUARD 4 / BATH

Jasmine started drama classes with On The Hill Theatre Company 6 years ago which led to her attending the Academy of Creative Arts with Bendigo South East College in 2022. Jasmine is excited about the new people to meet, always ready with a HI!!! This is Jasmine’s first production with Tribe Youth Theatre.

Ellie Calder

GEORGIA / PROF. LOCKY / BATH

Elli started her acting journey at age 5 in a junior production of Peter Pan (2018). Working with On The Hill Theatre Company Elli can credit herself with roles in Alice in Wonderland, Bubble Bubble, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and most recently playing Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2022) BTC.

Will Calder

MAX / MR. BAGMAN / DEATH BUDDY 6 / SWING

Will has been studying acting for over 8 years and Puffs is his 17th production. That’s right 17th! Will is also enjoys making music, singing and playing violin in his quartet and orchestra. Will has been an essential member of our Puffs team on and off the stage.

Zoe Di Camillo

BRONTE / GINNY / BATH / DEATH BUDDY 2

Zoe started in the Sound of Music playing Gretel at the age of 5. A dedicated student of Props Theatre and Academy of Creative Arts (BSE) Zoe has been in nearly every Bendigo Theatre Company and Tribe Youth Theatre production since 2018. Zoe has a deep love of theatre and performing which can be clearly seen in her character work and incredible timing in the Puffs battle scene.

Daniel Chisholm

UNCLE DAVE / CEDRIC / ZACH SMITH / SWING

Daniel is completing Year 12 at Victory Christian College and Girton Grammar School (Theatre Studies). Daniel takes singing lessons with Kristie Woodward and wishes to pursue a career on the stage and screen. Daniel is passionate about Performing Arts and has been involved in various productions in Bendigo. Puffs is Daniel’s 5th production with Tribe. Daniel has recently performed in Shrek the Musical (Nexus 2022) and Singing in the Rain Jnr (VCC) Daniel looks forward to bringing his characters to the stage for everyone’s magical enjoyment!

Kira Collins

BLONDO MALFOY / SAL / BATH / SWING

Kira is looking forward to her first production with Tribe Youth Theatre, Puffs! Kira has enjoyed ensemble roles with Girton Grammar School productions of Mulan and Legally Blonde and played the role of Lars in Madagascar. Kira has been attending Props Theatre 2022. Kira loves supporting local and international shows with most recently Wicked in West London.

Finn Cunningham

J. FINCH FLETCHLEY

At the age of 16 Finn enters his second show with Tribe Youth Theatre. Finn has previously performed in Blood Brothers (Tribe, 2019), Oliver (Nexus BYT, 2021) Finn also attends Props Theatre with his wonderful assistant director, Alise (2018 – 2022). Finn has a love of music which means he can be found frequently with a guitar in his hands. Finn would like to thank his family for their love and support.

Ewan Dellar

CLUMSY LONGBOTTOM / MIRROR OLIVER / BATH

Ewan has been a Props Theatre student for over 2 years and has enjoyed working on Puffs as his first Tribe Youth Theatre production. Ewan describes his favourite part of Puffs is the battle scene which has been fun to work on as a whole cast. Outside of Puffs Ewan enjoys meeting up with his drama colleagues. Ewan shares the kind heart of his character, Longbottom, on and off the stage.

Isla Devers

KODY / SNAKE #8 / REAL MR MOODY / DEATH BUDDY 3

Isla has been dancing since she was 4 years old. Isla prides herself on her development with Z Fit studios, Props Theatre and past Tribe Youth Theatre productions, Barnum, Cats and now Puffs! Isla has taken on the character of Moody with a fierceness/daintiness that only Isla can deliver.

Kenneth Eludo

WAYNE HOPKINS

Kenneth has been within the performance space all his life whether it be in the theatre or as a musician. His favourite thing about Puffs is the opportunity to meet new people and create new friendships. Spoken like a true Puff!

Ryan Foxlow

1ST HEADMASTER / VIKTOR / MR. VOLDY / SWING

This is Ryan’s first ever production or experience of theatre and he is loving it! Ryan has been valuable on stage and off being a regular member of the props and set building teams and a leader in the Puffs Social Club.

Kurtis Godfrey

SEAMUS / BATH / SNAKE # 4

/ SOUL SUCKING GUARD 2

/ DRAGON #2

Kurtis is very excited to part this show, not just as cast but also as crew. As the head makeup artist, Kurtis can’t wait for everyone to see the work fully developed. Kurtis has been a Tribe Committee member for two years and Puffs is his first time on stage with Tribe. Kurtis has performed in Wicked (2019) BTC, Oliver (2021) and Shrek the Musical (2022) Nexus, BYT as makeup artist and actor.

Gemma Graham

PROF. McG / 2ND HEADMASTER / DEATH BUDDY 1 / SWING

Gemma has been involved in theatre and dance since she was 3 years old. Gemma soon developed a passion for acting and singing. Gemma has thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Puffs and awards the experience to helping her with leadership skills and making new friends. Gemma was essential in developing the characterisation of the death buddies and also lends a hand as a microphone technician backstage for other actors.

Leah Grotto

PROF. TURBAN / MIRROR MEGAN / RUNES TEACHER

/ MYRTLE / DEATH BUDDY 9 / SWING

Leah started acting at the age of 7 by taking lessons with On The Hill Theatre Company. Leah’s first role was Tinkerbell in Peter Pan (2018) Leah has loved being a part of the Puffs as her first Tribe Youth Theatre production and has proved in every rehearsal the value she brings to the show. Leah hopes you enjoy watching Puffs! as much as she has enjoyed performing in it.

Ella Honey

LEANNE

At the age of 15 Ella has a list of productions longer than her ability to stand on one leg, SEE! Oliver (Nexus BYT, 2021) All Together Now (Nexus, 2021), Cats (Tribe, 2022), Shrek the Musical (Nexus, 2022), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (BTC 2022) and now Puffs (2022) Ella enjoys singing, dancing, acting, art and music. Ella’s favourite part of Puffs has been the new people to meet, work with and adores her character, Leanne.

Eliza Ladner

SUSIE BONES

Hi!!!! Eliza has been doing theatre her whole life and started her acting studies with Props Theatre in 2018. Eliza joins Puffs as her first Tribe Youth Theatre production. Eliza has shown great passion and dedication to her role throughout the rehearsal process for the benefit of the cast and the audience. Eliza hopes everyone enjoys watching Puffs as much as she has enjoyed working on it!

Tom Marchant

ERNIE MACK

Tom has a long list of productions under his hat working and learning with Props Theatre, Nexus, Tribe Youth Theatre, Girton Grammar School and continues to develop his skills with Centre stage Performing Arts School in Melbourne where is currently undertakes theatre studies and dance. Tom also appears in various short films and music videos (Tones and I “Wont Sleep”)

Tom favourite part of Puffs is taking on an Irish character and accent for you to enjoy!

1st place Prom - 1993

Frog choir

Say

Cheese

Maddy McArthur

GOYLE / RIC GRYFF / BATH / DEATH BUDDY 5

Maddy first took to the stage with Matilda (Girton Grammar School) and attends Props Theatre. This is Maddy’s first Tribe Youth Theatre production and enjoying every part of it. Maddy is looking forward to theatre being a strong focus in her future.

Tara McBurney

NARRATOR / WAYNA RIVERS-JONES

This is Tara’s first Tribe Youth Theatre performance with her past experiences being with On The Hill Theatre Company, Alice in Wonderland and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Tara is incredibly excited about being involved with the Puffs production with such amazing people! Tara has demonstrated a dedication to her craft, lines and never ending props!

Lizzy Neunhoffer

CEDAR / SNAKE #3 / SOUL SUCKING GUARD 5 / BATH

Lizzy’s started in 2022 working backstage for Cats (Tribe) and now steps to the stage with Puffs. Lizzy has been a welcoming member of the props making team as well as her stage roles. Her blue hair making her instantly recognisable as a smarty through and through.

Chloe Osbourne

HERMEOONE #1 / AMARLIA / SNAKE #7 / RITA SCOOTER

/ DEATH BUDDY 8 / BIPPY

Chloe comes to the Puffs production with 7 years of Props Theatre classes to her name. As her first production with Tribe Youth Theatre Chloe is excited and grateful for the new friends, new experiences, and the opportunity to die on stage for the great amusement of her audience.

Aimee Parry

CRABBE / SNAKE #1 / ROWENA / BATH / SOUL SUCKING GUARD 3 / DRAGON #3

Aimee took to the stage for her first production with Spamalot (CMC, 2022) but considers Puffs as her first community theatre production. Aimee studies dancing and will always be her first love but has thrown herself into the “snake” house with all efforts available. Aimee is a dedicated Snake.

Angus Pink

HARRY

Angus joined Props Theatre in 2018 and this led to Academy of Creative Arts with his school BSE. This is Angus’s first Tribe Youth Theatre Production and he is incredibly excited to bring you this story! Angus has been involved in the prop and set building teams for the production and shown great dedication to his role within the Puffs production and cast team.

Benjamin Reid

A VERY TALL MAN / MASON / SNAKE # 5 /BATH / SOUL SUCKING GUARD 1 / DRAGON #1

Ben has been doing theatre for over 11 years, starting with classes with Helen O’Grady (now Props Theatre) achieving 200 lessons! Ben has been involved with The Witches (2018) and Alice in Wonderland (2018) outside of Bendigo. Ben’s favourite parts of the Puffs production are the people, music, and character moments. If Ben appears to be having fun on stage it is because he truly is! Ben shares that Puffs is the best show he has worked on and hopes you enjoy it as much as he has making it.

Milly Robertson

XAVIA JONES / MS BABBLE / FRENCHY

Milly started with Props Theatre 5 years ago and since then has a long list of proud productions to her rap sheet. Milly has recently worked with Nexus BYT with Oliver (2021) and Shrek The Musical (2022). Milly is excited to present her character along side her friends and fellow performers for your amusement! Just look at her!

Erin Tinker

SALLY PERKS

Erin’s love of performing started with Helen O’Grady Drama Academy (now Props Theatre) When BTC Tribe began Erin jumped at the chance to be in the musical Barnum (2018) because of a love of singing. Since then, Erin has performed as Brigitta in Sound of Music (Nexus, BYT) Grease (Tribe), Blood Brothers (Tribe), Cats (Tribe), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (BTC) and several school productions with CMC and Girton. Erin is excited to play Sally Perks as it is a fun character filled role and has loved working with the Puffs cast.

Amy Tomic

HANNAH

Amy has been involved in theatre since 2014 enjoying her experiences with The Muppets (Maiden Gully Primary School) Alice in Wonderland (East Loddon P-12 College) and Props Theatre. Amy is a valuable Puffs member as her character development extended each week in rehearsals making her performance a true joy to watch unfold. Puffs is Amy’s first Tribe Youth Theatre production.

OLIVER RIVERS

Blake steps on to the stage for his second Tribe Youth Theatre show having played the role of Alonzo in Cats earlier this year. Blake is excited to bring his skills to the Puffs team. Blake has been performing for the Bendigo Chinese Association as a Lion Dancer and Performer since 2016. Blake has a love for all things in the creative arts and further develops his skills with singing lesson/vocal coach with Kristie Woodward.

Matilda Wilby

FAT FRIAR / GHOST HISTORY TEACHER / MR. NICK

/ SWING

Matilda started with Props Theatre in Grade 2 and has been doing drama ever since, also leading her to Academy of Creative Arts (BSE). Puffs is her first Tribe Youth Theatre production and she is loving the experience. Matilda describes the production as, “so welcoming and positive it is hard to pinpoint my favourite part.” Matilda has been a production dream as a swing and outstanding puppeteer!

Blake Walden-Dickie

15 Montsters you may encounter Cocktrices Vilas a certain purple singing dinosaur Trolls Balrogs Giant Snakes Get malfoy'd we are a threat Whoa! weird glowing rock

What can't we do?

teachers with cool hats

The coolest teachers

Sup losers

ASPIRE • TO • STAR!

Girton Grammar School is a proud supporter of BTC’s Tribe Youth Theatre and would like to congratulate them on their production of Puffs

WITH BENDIGO’S LARGEST PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAM

With one of the largest Performing Arts programs in Regional Australia, Girton Grammar School currently has recent graduates studying Music, Drama and Film tertiary education courses at prestigious institutions including

the Victorian College of the Arts, NIDA and WAAPA. It all starts by providing opportunities, and with 35 musical ensemble groups and 3 major theatrical productions every year, there are endless ways that students can follow

their passions in Music, Drama and Dance both on stage and behind the scenes with our Backstage, Make-up and Theatre Techs co-curricular programs.

If you’d like to find out what opportunities Girton’s Performing Arts Program and scholarships could offer your child, please contact our Registrar on 5441 3114 or email: registry@girton.vic.edu.au

ASPIRE TO STAR

LM

Hair Creative Our Hair Team comprises of specially selected students through BENDIGO TAFE who are currently studying a Cert 3 Hairdressing full-time at our local college. Lauren Mcllrath will oversee the hair and wigs for this production, PUFFS, and lead the team of excited students. With 25 years in the industry, with backstage work in runway and hair shows, you will see these characters come to life! Feel free to look on her socials for more Information at @lmhaircreative Lauren can be contacted at anytime on, Email: lmhaircreative@outlook.com Phone: 0409967481

Production Team

Production Manager

Kristen Beever

Director Kerry Turpie

Assistant Director Alise Amarant Stage Manager Andrew Dyer

Assistant Stage Manager Danica Byrne

Deputy Stage Manager Jakoby Appleby

BackStage Crew Mary Bignoux, Mason Hingston, Katie Holdaway

Props Coordinator Beth Prestney

Props Maker

Meagan Adams, Andrew Dyer, Bek Honey, Nadine Speirs

Puppet Maker Pam Cumming Set helper Noah Blier

Costume Coordinator Elizabeth Young Costume Designers Thomas Bellagia, Erin Tinker

Costume Assistants Vanessa Bleier, Isla Devers, Gemma Graham, Bek Honey, Lauren Mitchell, Elizabeth Prestney

Makeup Design Kurtis Godfrey

Makeup Artists

Kaitlyn Allan, Mary Bignoux, Zoe Cuthbertson, Morgan O’Meara, Ashlee Taylor

Hair & Wigs Lauren McIlrath

Lighting Designer Ian Scott - ISLX

Lighting Operator Oliver Sexton

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Vern Wall

Vice President Keva Lloyd Secretary Jenni Clohesy Treasurer Maureen Fleiner

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Colin Brown, Conor Cunningham, Grant Finlay, Sam Lempio-Franklin, Thomas Moore, Jeremiah Steen, Steve Tinker, Stania Tresize

Patron Cr. Rod Fyffe

LIFE MEMBERS

Anne Ball, Mrs Ball (dec.), Colin Brown, Grace Cox, Gael Emond, Maureen Fleiner, Greg Harris, Patricia Lyon (dec.), Jack Paynting (dec.), Annie Smith, Ray Smith, John Trainor, Selina Trainor, Stania Tresize, Vern Wall, Abe Watson, Ken Wells, Madge Welsh (dec.)