Crew

Stanford has loved theatre from a young age, making his onstage debut with a stunning rendition of the Tin Lion from Badjelly the Witch at the age of eight (roar roar, squeak squeak). 

Stanford studied English Literature, Theatre, and Teaching at VUW, then lived in Japan teaching English as a second language. Since coming back to New Zealand in 2018, Stanford has performed in shows with groups all over Wellington. Highlights include Ophelia Thinks Harder with Stagecraft, Avenue Q with Welly Rep, and three Footlights shows (Guys and Dolls, Soho Cinders and Speakeasy). He has also filled a variety of backstage roles, including co-directing Captain Corelli's Mandolin for Wellington Repertory Theatre, and directing The Normal Heart for Stagecraft.

Bright Star is the biggest project that Stanford has taken on, and he has immensely appreciated the generosity, creativity, and work ethic of his Footlights whānau, whose efforts have brought the show off the page and made rehearsals so much fun.

Stanford loves Japanese curry, cats, karaoke, and Dungeons & Dragons.

Having dipped his toes in folky waters in Red Scare Theatre's Three Nights At The Green Barrow in late 2019, Michael is excited to be bringing another folk show to the stage. The genre's innate narrative style, with songs that can just as easily tug on the heart strings as get your feet stamping make it a perfect blend with musical theatre, and it has been a joy to bring the soaring melodies to life.

Although Steve Martin's comedy is well known, less widely acknowledged is his phenomenal banjo-playing skills. The banjo is central to the music he and Edie Brickell have written for Bright Star, and thanks to his extreme virtuousity, the banjo writing is extremely challenging. Michael is grateful for the support and hard work of all the band, but in particular that of our own banjo-virtuouso Wayne Robinson, who not only tackled all Steve's fiendish licks, but did so by ear!

When not waving his hands around and asking for clearer diction, Michael can be found in the classroom teaching music and singing in the Hutt Valley. Or rolling dice with half of Footlights, or looping lengths of yarn together with a funny little stick with a hook on the end. He hopes you enjoy the show, and then tell all your friends about it so that Steve Martin's reputation for great comedy can be eclipsed by that of his masterful music.

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! 

Mel is delighted to be choregraphing for Wellington Footlights for the third time, after Guys and Dolls, and Speakeasy.  She lives in hope of one day getting the perfect step-pivot-step out of them all!

Laura has been a member of Footlights since its marvellous creation in 2014. She has loved producing countless shows with her Footlights family ever since, both on and off stage. For Bright Star she has taken on the role lead cat herder (Production Manager) and has loved supporting her Council of Lads during the process. Thank you to the aforementioned lads, Ed, Stan, Michael and Shawn for always keeping a smile on her face through the ups and downs of staging a show. Bright Star is an absolute bop, and Laura is once again so proud of Footlights for what they’ve created.

Ed has been a member of Wellington Footlights since 2015 but this is his first foray into the world of stage management. He is incredibly thankful to both the super talented cast and the wonderful production team for their support and guidance during this show. It’s been great to know that the skills he picked up as a teacher (including constantly shushing people and taking the roll) can be used outside the classroom. He is very much ready to have these songs stuck in his head for the next few weeks. 

India has been involved in the Wellington performing arts scene, both on-stage and off, for over nine years. She has earned the titles of Performer, Choreographer, Master of Ceremonies, Lighting Operator, and managed publicity, front of house, and props departments for several musicals, a few plays, a couple operas and one Kathak & Bollywood dance showcase.

India has worked with the Wellington Footlights Society since 2017, and hopes you enjoy its performance of Bright Star, as much as she has enjoyed bringing together the props you will see on-stage.

Me make costumes. Cast not naked. Audience happy. 

A member of the Wellington Footlights since 2017, Letitia has performed in a number of their productions, including Company, My Fair Lady, Silver Linings, The Rising Sun, Guys and Dolls and Soho Cinders. She made her Footlights directing debut with the fabulous Speakeasy last year.

As well as acting as Publicity Manager for Bright Star, Letitia has spent the last 9 months on a special production of her very own.