Performing Arts

Cecilia Hutchinson

How did you get started with music and performing?

Disney was my main inspiration, I learned to love music by dancing around the loungeroom singing along with Ariel, Belle and Mulan. Also, my older sister was an amazing performer, I used to go see her musicals and I instantly knew that there was nothing I wanted more than to be up on that stage.

How long have you been singing?

I sang at Exitleft for most of my childhood and have been at Musical Theatre Crew since 2013. I started solo lessons when I was about 10, and I’ve now been singing with Jane Edwards for three and a half years. 

What’s your all-time favourite song and why?  

If I had to choose a couple, the Phantom of the Opera theme instantly comes to mind, that was the first musical I saw, so it has a special place in my heart. I also absolutely love the whole Jekyll and Hyde soundtrack and am a huge fan of ABBA!

How do you see yourself as a performer? How do you feel when you perform/how would you describe it?

For me, performing is all about the excitement and thrill of being up there on the stage. You’re suddenly a completely different person and it’s the only time you can completely let go of everything else that’s happening in your life. I can show every emotion for the audience to see and I’m taking them on a journey with me, which is basically telling a story in the most dramatic, beautiful way, which is very special.

What is your ultimate performance or musical goal?

Well, who doesn’t want to be on Broadway, right? I do have a couple of roles I’ve always dreamed of playing though: Sophie (Mamma Mia!), Anastasia (Anastasia), Lucy (Jekyll and Hyde), and I so desperately want to perform Little Women and the Sound of Music.

How do you prepare for going out in front of a large crowd?

Well, I do actually get quite nervous if I have a big singing role which is challenging for me. I mainly need to focus on staying relaxed and positive. It’s also very important for me to think about my character before I go on stage and get into the energy and emotion of the role, that works by blocking out all other distractions by listening to my songs and warming up.

What is your music mantra?

Tainted Love and Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) are two of my all-time favourite songs! They both get stuck in my head and pump me up for a performance.

Who is your musical idol?

Oh wow, there are too many to name! Sutton Foster, Sierra Boggess, Lea Salonga, Julie Andrews, Amy Adams, Laura Osnes, Taylor Swift, Adam Lambert, David Bowie. They’re just a few.

What is your pre-performance go-to snack?

I actually have this weird thing where I won’t eat before I have to sing, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with food before a performance! Just be sure to keep drinking water and steer clear from dairy.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome as a performer?

There is always the possibility that I won’t get the role I go for, and on a number of occasions I’ve been cast in a part which specifically challenges me, either vocally or physically. These roles were quite demanding and pushed me, which at the time was scary, but definitely helped me improve and grow as a performer.

What advice would you give to other aspiring performing arts students?

Always warm up and learn your lines as soon as possible. In the end you’re doing it because you love it and that passion should outweigh the feelings of negativity or stress you experience. Just have fun with it, let yourself be wrapped up in the role you’re playing and really become your character, because there’s no better feeling than being up on stage!