Oliver!: Spotlight on the Shannans

Next up in our Oliver! blog series, we have parent of Sophie Shannan, Yvonne Shannan!

Sophie’s experience with YAF was way more than I ever imagined or expected. The friendly atmosphere was incredible. They way they all became so close - such a tight night unit. Almost like a big family. The children greeted each other by name, a big warm smile and a hug. (Lindsey insists they all learn to hug properly at the first rehearsal and they always give Lindsey a big hug when they greet her and before they leave after every rehearsal).

The level of professionalism for the YAF show surpassed my imagination. I have seen my friend's children perform with YAF, so knew that it was always a high standard, but I have to say I was even more blown away with the level of talent the Oliver! cast had. The dancing was insane on the stage (thanks to Jun and Giselle and the talented dancers)!

Lindsey runs a tight ship, is extremely strict, but at the same time is warm and caring. She has massive expectations... but she achieves everything she is looking for on every level from each and every one of the students. She expects the best from each student - and somehow she manages to get it!

An absolutely wonderful experience for any child who is lucky enough to get chosen for one of these fabulous productions!!

Yvonne, what was the main reason for Sophie getting involved?
My child is passionate about dance and was showing an interest for performing, so we thought she should 'give it a go' to audition to see what it was like and see if she had the courage to pursue this. When I saw how excited she was when she found out she was chosen for Oliver!, it was great as I could see this is what she really wants to do. (As a parent we all hope that our children find something that lights them up from inside.) Initially singing was not something she was thinking about, but with joining YAF for Oliver!, that has now become another aspect she really enjoys along with dance and performing.

What did she get out of the experience?
Confidence, Enjoyment, Passion, Hunger for more, Friendships, Fun, Self esteem .... to name a few!!!

How did you support her through the process?
Taking her to the many rehearsals. Reorganising our family to ensure she made it to all rehearsals. Watching her practise at home. Listening to the songs in the car over and over and over again! Forever checking the emails from Kerry, Maria and Lindsey to update my calendar to make sure we had the right times and dates. Calling another mum of the cast to double check we had the correct schedule. Spending lots of money in Tai Koo Shing while she was at rehearsals!!! (Managed to get all my Christmas presents organised way ahead of time - never before have I managed this - so that was a HUGE bonus!) YAF should have shares in the shops in Tai Koo Shing!

How did you help her balance school and rehearsals?
With much nagging about doing any homework faster in the car on the way to rehearsals - nagging to eat her dinner faster so she could make it in time for the 6pm rehearsal. Time management was an issue before, but was much improved once she realised that it needed to be done. I spoke to her teachers to forewarn them about late nights twice a week - teachers were very supportive. 

The biggest challenge was to try and get her into bed before 10pm on Monday and Wednesday nights. I was worried she would get sick as she was getting 2-3 hours less sleep on these nights. (She is only 9 years old.)