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BREAKING THE ICE Frozen The Musical star, Courtney Monsma, credits her coastal upbringing for theatre success.
FOR THE FIRST TIME in forever, the sunshine state will welcome icy peaks and a blanket of snow when the much-anticipated Brisbane season of Disney’s Frozen the Musical opens in February 2022, with the Gold Coast’s Courtney Monsma at the helm. When she’s not stand-up paddle boarding at Tally Beach or enjoying an ice-cold acai bowl at Cardamom Pod, Courtney is busy melting hearts on-stage as Princess Anna. And while the sunny Gold Coast may be a far cry from Frozen’s Arendelle, it’s her relaxed coastal upbringing that she credits for providing her with the ability to flourish as a theatre performer and guide her path to the bright lights of the theatre. “I was blessed with such wonderful teachers,” says Courtney, who took part in performing arts programs at Tallebudgera Primary School and Palm Beach Currumbin State High School while also training at National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA).
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“In particular Trent Ivett and Madonna Hall from Palm Beach Currumbin, and at NAPA Kim Reynolds and Lynn Dyer, really helped me get to where I am today. “The Gold Coast has an incredible community theatre circuit for performers,” she adds. “I got to be involved in many productions growing up which taught me so much. “This was a huge advantage as I got to work with people from a young age, learn on the job and do what I love.” While encouraging an attitude to always be learning and upskilling, Courtney’s number one piece of advice for aspiring young performers is to have faith in themselves. “For auditions, put the work into the preparation, but once in the room you need trust in your skill,” she says. “Learning to be proud of who you are helps you perform and be connected. “When I’m nervous, which is a lot actually, I always say to myself ‘trust your gift’ … it helps.”
As a young adult, Courtney undertook a Bachelor of Musical Theatre from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University under the guidance of Professor Paul Sabey, which proved to be a pivotal moment in helping to launch her career. “Queenslanders are so lucky to have such an incredible theatre program like The Con,” Courtney says. “I learned so much during my time there, and it was an incredible step up into the professional musical theatre industry.” Cour tney starred in the Queensland Conservatorium’s 2017 production of West Side Story, and just two years after graduating landed her breakout role as Princess Anna in Frozen the Musical in 2019. The Brisbane season opens at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC in February and Courtney can’t wait to perform in her home state. “Guests can expect to be wowed, with so much more than you can imagine,” she says.
