Billy Elliot The Musical

- Hodgson, Tom

Title
Billy Elliot The Musical
Creator
Hodgson, Tom
Date
2007
Type
Text; Visual art work
Identifier
http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/57993
Identifier
vital:4421
Abstract
Tom Hodgson was resident Choreographer in the production of 'Billy Elliot the Musical', Capitol Theatre, Sydney, Australia and Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne, Australia, November 2007 - June 2009; LG Arts Centre, Seoul, Korea, August 2010 - March 2011; and Imperial Theatre, New York, USA, November 2009 - March 2010. 'Billy Elliot Australia' was the first attempt at a remount of the show since it's opening in the UK. Due to the show's specific geographic and cultural themes, it needed to be adjusted to suit an Australian audience. Research contribution: 18 months of research and preparation to format and cast the show prior to the start of rehearsals. Development of individual training regimes for the children and adult performers. Extensive workshops and rehearsals prior and during rehearsals to create new choreography and develop existing material. Creation of the first 'show Bible' documenting the staging and choreography of the entire show. This led to the creation of a new Australian show and the creation of a template for all further productions. The significance of the research is the creation of a first class, multi award winning Australian production. Its value is attested by the following indicators: critical and box office success in Australia; the creation of a template, both artistic and financial. for all further productions; the showcasing of Australian talent leading to high demand overseas for numerous performers from the show; and the use of the show bibles for mounting all further productions of the show. 'Billy Elliot Korea' was the first and to date only foreign language version of the show. The show is very geographic and culturally specific and had already been altered to suit differences in language and culture between the British, Australian and American versions. Research contribution: 18 months of research and preparation to format the show for a Korean audiance before rehearsals. Research into the Korean dance scene, its forms, training, history, culture and structure. Understanding the hierarchy and rehearsal practice of Korean performers. Researching of Korean Labor laws and the creation of working schedules to enable the extensive rehearsal timetable to be created. Preparation of new show Bibles for the Korean production. Developing efficient techniques for demonstrating and explaining choreography through an interpreter. This had led to preparation of templates for future foreign language versions of the show. The significance of the research is that it overcomes the cultural barriers and challenges faced when mounting a large-scale production in a foreign language for the first time. Research for 'Billy Elliot New York' is related to investigating and improving training schedules, fitness programs and rehearsal practice of the Broadway production. Research contribution: Investigating and understanding the existing methods, training hours, diet, rehabilitation, and Labor laws of the American production. Researching a safer, more efficient timetable and work load for the cast and in particular the children. Working with a nutritionist to design a diet meeting the nutritional needs of the lead boys playing Billy. The significance of this research is that it led to a more efficient, healthier cast and crew working on the Broadway production. The creation of a new timetable to facilitate adequate resting periods for the children. A new diet for the boys playing Billy to cover their high nutritional requirements.
Rights
Open Access
Rights
This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
Subject
1904 Performing Arts and Creative Writing
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