Rocket Boy Theatre Ensemble will be making its theatrical debut on the Sunshine Coast tonight at the Buderim Uniting Church Hall.
In an attempt to engage younger audiences with classic theatre delivered in a contemporary setting, the new Coast ensemble will perform Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. “We feel that the main exposure to Shakespeare is in schools and is often used as reading material rather than performance”, said Rocket Boy Director Ms. Carney. “Shakespeare was written to be performed and we wanted to provide an opportunity for young people to see the play performed in a way that they can engage with. The ensemble will be offering a unique experience for Coast theatre goers as the performance has been produced entirely by young performers, many being graduates of The Buderim Youth Theatre of Excellence (BYTE).
Rocket Boy will attempt to challenge the traditionally classic approach to theatre on the Coast by bringing a more experimental style to the stage. “I want Sunshine Coast theatre to take more risks,” Ms. Carney said. “We wanted to provide an opportunity for younger performers to stage a production. We have an opinion and a vision and are excited to share it”. The Cast ranges in age from 17-23 and all are passionate about their involvement in the industry.
Rocket Boy believes that the themes of the play are universal, which is why audiences continue to engage in the classic tale of love. “I love theatre that takes traditional techniques and puts a new spin on them”. “The young lovers think love can conquer all and they can overcome what is happening. It’s beautiful, naive but beautiful”, Ms. Carney said.
Opening tonight, the play will run for three nights, through to Sunday February 12.
Watch Rocket Boy Ensemble’s Romeo and Juliet trailer here. Book tix by emailing rocketboybooking@gmail.com
Read about the removal from print media, of Queensland Theatre Company’s controversial image to promote their production of Romeo and Juliet.
Listen to Fiona Jolley and Melanie Zanetti’s comments, in conversation with ABC Radio National
XS Entertainment 
1 Response to “Rocket Boy Ensemble: Romeo & Juliet opens tonight”