SA's first musical theatre company brings talent home in debut stage

South Australia is witnessing a transformative moment in its performing arts landscape with the establishment of Full Circle, the state's first professional musical theatre company. This initiative aims to retain and showcase local talent that historically has sought opportunities primarily on Australia’s east coast.

For years, aspiring musical theatre performers from Adelaide have felt compelled to relocate to cities like Melbourne or Sydney to advance their careers. The lack of local professional companies and limited casting opportunities meant that many graduates had no choice but to leave their home state. Adelaide-trained artists such as Joey Haenen and Jazz Garcia exemplify this trend, having initially moved east to pursue their ambitions in the competitive theatrical scene.

Jo Casson, an arts veteran, recognized this recurring talent drain and spearheaded the creation of Full Circle to reverse it. Her discovery that every other major Australian city boasts a professional musical theatre company, except Adelaide, underscored the gap that needed to be filled. The new company not only offers local artists a platform at home but also exemplifies a commitment to cultivating a sustainable arts ecosystem within South Australia.

Bringing significant industry experience, choreographer Zoe Komazec-Kermond returned from a successful career on the east coast, including performances in high-profile productions such as Cats and Matilda, to join Full Circle. She and others involved highlight the wealth of untapped talent within South Australia and the importance of providing opportunities that allow performers to thrive without relocating.

Full Circle’s inaugural production is the stage adaptation of Catch Me If You Can, a musical inspired by the real-life story popularized in the Leonardo DiCaprio film. The company’s debut attracted over 100 auditionees vying for just 25 roles, reflecting a robust local enthusiasm and depth of talent. Notably, Haenen secured the coveted lead role of Frank Abagnale Jr. despite being unable to attend the traditional auditions in person, submitting a video audition that showcased his capabilities.

Jazz Garcia, who joined the ensemble, described the audition process as rigorous and demanding, especially in the dance segment, underscoring the high standards set by the company. The final cast includes both returning South Australians and local performers, chosen from a pool where all candidates demonstrated strong singing, dancing, and acting skills.

The project benefits from the support of prominent arts patron Pamela Wall AO, though further funding and sponsorship are being sought to ensure the company’s viability. Unlike larger touring productions that face significant logistical and financial burdens traveling across Australia’s vast distances, Full Circle’s local focus aims to establish a more sustainable model for musical theatre within the state.

Looking ahead, Full Circle plans to stage two musicals annually over the next two years, with ambitions to increase production frequency to three shows per year thereafter. There is also an expressed interest in expanding performances to regional areas, making professional musical theatre more accessible statewide.

The company carries the responsibility of demonstrating that professional musical theatre can thrive in Adelaide, fostering a vibrant cultural scene and offering artists the possibility to build lasting careers without leaving South Australia. The debut run of Catch Me If You Can is scheduled for early November at Futures Theatre in Paradise, marking a significant milestone for the state’s performing arts community.