Catherine Grace Bransdon Glee Club Tour LA

supporter thanks

Dear Supporter,

I am writing to thank you for helping Catherine Grace Bransdon to travel to America as a part of the Australian Institute for Performing Arts Glee Club Tour of Los Angeles in December, 2010.

Without your support this would have been a very difficult challenge for our family and we do not underestimate the value of your support.

The Institute provides development opportunities for young performers across a range of disciplines and introduces students to industry professionals that they may not otherwise have access to. The Institute is founded on providing educational goals and outcomes for their students as well as teaching them the practical elements of working in the highly-competitive performance industry.

Following Catherine’s Dubbo audition in mid-2010, Catherine was given the thumbs up by the director of the movies Step Up 1, 2 and 3 Richard Mento, Charles Bartley from So You Think You Can Dance and the Institute’s Creative Director of International Programs Marg Haynes. To tell you the truth, I just thought that I would provide her with the opportunity to experience a professional audition, never expecting the outcome that followed.

Prior to her LA departure, Catherine attended a number of compulsory intensive training sessions at the Institute’s headquarters in Sydney with some of Australia’s best choreographers, casting agents and vocal coaches to glean an insight into the life of performers who work at an international standard.  It was the costs leading up to the official tour that placed pressure on the family budget and without your support, we would have really struggled to provide her with this opportunity.

In Los Angeles, the intensive three-week program included acting workshops, auditions, interview preparation and boot camps, under the auspices of some of the industry’s most notable directors and coaches including representatives from Disney, Glee, Hannah Montana, Nickelodeon and Mattel Worldwide.

Performances at Disneyland, Hollywood Boulevard, Universal Studios and Knotts Berry Farm and the recording of an original song for the charity Youth Off The Streets at West Lakes Studio (where Michael Jackson recorded Thriller) consolidated her learning and provided Catherine with a very solid foundation for a future in the industry.

Catherine has returned to Broken Hill with a more mature attitude, focussed on completing her schooling with goals to become a child psychologist and open her own dance school. She is working with the Future Australia Program Max Potential this year – the director Wayne Deeth supported Catherine through her preparation for L.A. by sharing skills and knowledge with her on how she can reach her potential. Catherine has also been awarded an opportunity to work with the Silver City Dance Academy as an assistant teacher. This will provide her with a significant opportunity to share her learning with the young performers of Broken Hill and region.

Catherine will also provide a briefing at the March 2, at the meeting of Broken Hill City Council about her journey. Shannon Swart who was also on the tour will also provide an overview of her experiences. We would love to see you there.

Once again, THANK YOU.

Kind regards,

Anne Bransdon.

Week Three Updates

Gleeclub Australia ‎'s cast one and three performed at Disneyland today - they were outstanding. Everyone took workshops. Tomorrow cast two (Catheirne) and four perform and more workshops for everyone.

Gleeclub Australia casts gave their Christmas gifts to the Good Shepherd charity, met the lead singer of Skunkhour and then Darren Chriss from the GLEE cast. A good day. Today is Disneyland workshops and cast one and three performances.

Gleeclub Australia had a huge day at Universal Studios. The four shows keep getting better, the entertainment manager said that GLEEClub Australia was hands down the best guest peformers in the park in 2010. Great job everyone!Gleeclub Australia casts had another great day. Cast one (Shannon) and two (Catherine) went to Universal Studios for a day off. Cast three and four recorded their original song "Are you OK?" which is destined for chart success! Tomorrow we are performing at UNIVERSAL Studios.

What girls are up 2

Gleeclub Australia

casts had another great day. Cast one and two went to Universal Studios for a day off. Cast three and four recorded their original song "Are you OK?" which is destined for chart success! Tomorrow we are performing at UNIVERSAL Studios. Tonight was a Turkey dinner with stuffing and vegies, that should make them sleep!

 

Halfway through - girls having a great time

 

LA UPDATE

SAT DEC 4, 2010: Broken Hill Christmas Pageant Day

Today Girls are in classes, rehearsals and workshops. They are also in studio working on the original song. Yesterday at Kodak Theatre for grading sessions and a H'wood sight seeing tour including H'Wood Walk of Fame

Girls are on plane

Girls are now on plane to LA. Will arrive about 3am Aus time.

On their way

Girls are on their way ... flew out of Broken Hill today 2.5 hours late ... got held up at Dubbo and finally made it in to Sydney just after 8pm. They will be back at the airport tomorrow morning - nice and early - tohead out to LA!