Who are we?

History

Billy Lids Theatre Company opened in 2011 as an extension to the popular Musical Theatre classes taught by Billy-Jo Royle on the Mornington Peninsula. The students of Billy Lids have been involved in many productions within the school and many of our pupils have gone on to perform in amateur musicals, TV commercials and films.

In 2015, Billy-Jo handed the reigns to Annette Precht who aims to continue to foster an environment where children can grow  and learn and be free to use their imagination.

Teaching Faculty

It is with great excitement that I’m stepping into the role as Artistic director at Billy Lids Theatre company for 2015.
 

I'm a fully qualified ballet teacher and have only renewed my qualification recently in 2011 with ATOD (Australian Teachers of Dance). Prior to this my first Teachers Certificate was obtained in 1985 with ‘The Australian Federation of Dance”, as Junior Teacher of Dance syllabus.

In that time I  have instructed in both the Gippsland and Mornington Peninsula regions, including Classical, Jazz, Song and Tap techniques. Drama, song and Dance have played a large role in my life, with participating in both large and small productions.

My experience as wardrobe coordinator and assistant in such productions as “SHINE” at the Palais Theatre 2014, Alice in Wonderland, CATS and Tangled just to name a few..

I look forward to the times ahead with such wonderfully talented youth and I can't wait to hop, skip, sing, dance and pirouette with you all!

Jane has been singing for over 20 years, performing in bands, choirs and musicals. She is a mother of four children who are heavily involved in musical theatre. She has a Certificate III in Children's Services and a Diploma in the Arts. She currently works as a kindergarten co-educator.

She hopes to have fun whilst getting the most out of your performers' voice, teaching them correct technique and having them sound amazing in their performances.

"I am 23 years old and am currently studying nursing at university and would love to go into Pediatrics where I can work with kids. I have been singing since I was a little girl, and have always loved music. The first time I performed was when I was 5 years old for my church and I loved it so much I knew I just had to do more. When I started school at Flinders Christian Community College, I joined the choir as soon as I could. I loved singing in a group with other kids. In grade 4 I began formal singing lessons at the school and in grade 6 I was asked to be the choir captain.
 

When I moved  up to the senior school I continued choir in voices of Flinders, the Chamber choir and Southern Harmony, also making the choir captain in my final year. We sung all over the Peninsula, made CD recordings yearly, and I went on music tour in grade 9 for three weeks up the East Coast. In year 7 I changed singing teachers to Martiene Pavey whom I was with for three years, where I learnt jazz, classical, musical theater and modern repertoire.
 

In year 9 I decided classical and musical theatre were more suited to my voice and I continued my studies with Margaret Brown, where I also continued my AMEB exams, completing up to level 7, with high distinctions. I was also involved with Mrs Brown's female choir Bel Canto for two years.
 

In 2014-2015 I took a break from singing lessons, but at the end of last year resumed my studies. I am currently learning with John Carlo Belotti, who was trained at the London Symposium of Music, and who is a professional opera and classical performer. I am currently focusing on my classical singing. I still continue to regularly perform at church and am involved with the church choir.
 

I love singing and learning different techniques, performing, choral singing, and I love singing in different languages (Italian is my favourite!) I am looking forward to meeting you all and can't wait to sing with you!"

Matthew is currently a 2nd year full time Ballet student at Ballet Theatre Australia, based in South Melbourne, Victoria. Matthew is a student of Leeanne Rutherford and Oleg Timursin, these wonderful teachers support Matthew in his first year of teaching and with their guidance they have enabled Matthew to offer a Full rounded program.

Leeanne Rutherford-Leeanne has had a long and distinguished career in both Australia and abroad. As an internationally acclaimed ballerina

Oleg was born in Bashkirien, Russia and attended the famous Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg We are very excited to welcome Matthew Precht to the teaching staff at Billy Lids we know he will bring a wonderful collection of

Alice Stinchcombe is studying year 10 at Balcombe Grammar School. Alice has been taking

private singing lessons since she was 8 and has been taught by Louise Barton, Cal Wardel and

Justine Beach.

Alice loves Billy Lids Theatre Company and has been attending since she was in

Year 3. At Balcombe Grammar, Alice is currently studying VCE Theatre Studies Units 1&2. Alice has

been in over 25 musicals and plays. Some of her most recent performances were Millie in Billy Lids

Theatre Companies 'Thoroughly Modern Millie', Lumiere in Sprout Theatre Companies 'Beauty and

the Beast' and Annie in Panorama Theatre Companies 'Annie'.

Alice loves singing and is super excited about teaching the intermediate vocal class.

Miss Liv is so excited to join the Billy Lids team and can't wait to get to know everyone. She has been dancing and acting for years and loves it more than anything. Liv joins the team in a Dance Assistant role with the intermediate age group. Liv has completed all Cecchetti Classical Ballet exams up to Intermediate and is currently studying Advanced 1 and Southern Federation of Dance Jazz Level 9.

Liv is super enthusiastic and can't wait for this year.

Anisha will be working with the Tuesday Tinies program.

Anisha has loved performing for just about as long as she’s loved breathing. Anisha first started ballet as a tiny tot at the age of three in Far North Queensland. Since then she has performed in countless productions including Thoroughly Modern Milly (Miss Dorothy), Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Cats and the Nutcracker (Billy Lids Theatre Company) as well as Seussical and Beauty and the Beast (Sprouts Theatre Company). Anisha studies singing under the nationally renowned Jackie Sannia, as well as receiving vocal training with the Billy Lids ensemble. she plays piano, French Horn and Clarinet. Anisha has made an enormous contribution to the Billy Lids Theatre Company and the Creations and En Pointe Schools’ of Dance, winning many awards along the way.

She loves her role at Billy Lids helping young performers achieve their dreams!

Madison has been performing in musical theater since the age of 7, performing in Beauty and the beast, Wizard of Oz (x3) & calamity Jane. With Billy lids Madison has played Clara in the nut cracker, King Julian in Madagascar, and Dragon in Shrek Jr the Musical. Madison has been teaching Vocal lessons since 2015. In 2016 Madison won the Voice of Frankston and wrote and recorded her own song. Madison is the ambassador for the Attitude Foundation inc. striving to help build happy resilient children. Madison loves to perform and is often seen busking around the peninsula, and solving Rubik’s cubes. Madison Plays Guitar, Ukulele and Piano and of course vocal. Madison is looking forward to a fun and exciting year assisting with Billy lids tiny’s class.

Bryce is excited to be assisting the 'Boys Can Do It' class. He loves all aspects of music and drama and hopes he can pass on some of his passion to other boys.

Bryce began his path in the dramatic arts only 3 years ago. After karaoke at the local pub, it was noted he had natural talent. So, once he commenced Year 7 at Woodleigh, Bryce undertook private singing lessons. Later that year, Bryce joined Billy Lids. Under Miss Annette's tutorage Bryce has flourished & continues to learn and expand his talents.

He has performed in Madagascar meets Australia Zoo as Marty, Modern Millie Jr as Jimmy, Musical in a Week's Shrek Jr as Lord Farquaad & Peter Pan Jr as John. Last year, Bryce entered an Eisteddfod placing second in song & dance. He now takes Jazz & Tap lessons at Peninsula School of Dance in Rosebud and private singing lessons with Dawn Shore of Diva Talents. He will be singing as a finalist in The Peninsula Voice 2017.

Bryce has fun with his mates performing as a vocalist in his school's rock band 'The Mammals' at many functions. He also learns the trumpet, guitar & piano. Bryce dreams to one day perform in a musical on Broadway.

Kayla is currently enrolled as a Student at Dwan-A-Dance in Dromana and Transit dance in Kensington, Melbourne.

Kayla is currently working towards her Advanced 1 Cecchetti Classical ballet exam,  completing units 3 and 4 in VCE Dance and her Certificate IV in Dance Management as well as an ATOD ( Australian Teachers of Dance) tap exam. Kayla is currently enrolled in Yr. 11 for 2015 at Padua College in Mornington, where she has been involved in two productions; the Wedding Singer and Little Shop of Horrors.

Kayla had achieved many awards over the years, recently achieving a Highly Commended in her Intermediate Cecchetti Exam and a 34/35 for her Units 1 and 2 VCE Dance solo (Year 11).  Kayla also was awarded the 2014 winner of the Aggregate Trophy for Classical improvisation at the Latrobe Valley Dance Eisteddfod, runner up for Neo-Classical Championship 2014 at the Moe Festival of Dance, winner of the Trophy for Adjudicators Choice for Best Solo at the 2014 Moe Festival of Dance and Adjudicators Encouragement award at the Victorian Cecchetti Choreographic competition in 2014.

Kayla is looking forward to her busy years ahead with her studies, dancing and performing as well as assisting with Billy Lids when required.

Kayla’s future goal is to complete her VCE and then continue to study at Melbourne University in a double degree in Visual Arts/ Drama.

Jade has studied dance since the age of 4 at Miss Anita’s School of Dance, now Dwan-A-Dance, and has been an assistant teacher for the past 9 years. She has worked with the younger dancers from kinder through to Grade 3. Most recently, Jade has been in the reception on a Saturday morning at Dwan-A-Dance.

Jade, among other Cecchetti exams, completed her Grade 6 Cecchetti exam in 2012 receiving 97 - Honours, and hasn’t further completed her exams due to an injury. She passed VCE Dance Units 3 and 4 in 2014.

She had a a lead role, as Clara, in the Nutcracker in 2012 at Dwan-A-Dance and enjoys ballet as her preferred genre of dance.

Jade has just completed her year 12 studies at Padua College, whilst planning to go to university, she has decided to have a gap year and broaden her horizons whilst becoming involved in projects within the performing arts community.