Sayaka completed their BMus in Classical Violin Performance in 2021, and have explored a few different areas of performance since. This is Sayaka’s second show involved with Footlights, having played violin for the production of 35mm: a Musical Exhibition earlier this year. 

In order to prepare for playing bluegrass fiddle they researched through friendly connections in the trad folk-playing community and numerous YouTube videos on how to play fiddle “chops” - a technique in which the bow is drawn sharply along the string rather than across it. They haven’t quite mastered it fully yet, but hope you enjoy the show and their attempts at improvisational riffs and train emulations nonetheless.

This is Shawn’s fifth show with Footlights, previously music directing Speakeasy, Soho Cinders, and Company, and playing keys for 35mm. His past music directing credits include Seussical!, Guys & Dolls, 42nd Street, Curtains, Grease, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Pageant, Once Upon a Mattress, Peter Pan, Gypsy, and many more. 

He’d like to thank his co-music director, the production team, cast and crew for their energy, kindness, and always being good for a laugh. What a lovely bunch of people to work with! 

Stephen is a pianist, violist and composer who has extensive experience working across the orchestral, choral, chamber music, and musical theatre spheres. As a composer, he has had works performed or recorded by a diverse array of groups and performers including the NZSO, APO, Stroma, SMP Ensemble, violin virtuosi Barbara Lüneburg and Mark Menzies, and the AKTO Ensemble in Athens. He holds degrees in composition, English literature and film from VUW, and currently works as a library specialist in Wellington.

After graduating the Christchurch jazz school in the early 2000's, Steven spent a number of years travelling the world as a cruise ship musician.

Working more recently as a secondary teacher he still enjoys playing the drums whenever he can.

Tomos began learning the cello when he was eight years old, with Brenton Veitch, and has now completed the first year of a Bachelor of Music at the New Zealand School of Music in Wellington, studying with Inbal Megiddo.  He is involved in various orchestras, including the Wellington Youth Orchestra and NZSM Orchestra, and performs regularly with local ensembles featuring everything from authentic baroque works, through smaller chamber music, to recent New Zealand music.  As both a performer and a composer, it's great to have the opportunity to play in a variety of styles and contexts.  Bright Star is the first musical he's been a part of, and it's been fantastic to work alongside such a brilliant band and cast.

Wayne Robinson Aka ‘The Banjoman’

Took up banjo at age 16. Plays & teaches Bluegrass and Clawhammer styles; Play Dixieland.

Self-produced NZ’s only self-teach Bluegrass banjo tutor /companion audio package.

Repairs and restores banjos. It’s not an obsession!