More than 200 secondary school students and community singers and dancers will perform at the second annual TO GLEE OR NOT TO GLEE on 17 October. Part of the 2012 USQ Shakespeare in the Park Festival, the event will see groups from Toowoomba, Oakey and Dalby come together in a one-night extravaganza of song and dance.

Project co-ordinator, Alison Riethmuller has been working with the groups to bring the individual performances together into a one-night spectacular which will be presented to the public on Wednesday 17 October.
“The Glee night presents a wonderful opportunity for people to share their creativity with like-minded people from across the region,” said Alison.
Oakey State High, St Ursula’s College, Downlands College, The GRID, Toowoomba State High, Dalby State High, St Saviour’s College, Toowoomba Junior Choral Society and the USQ Contemporary Singers will be represented.

“Each of the ten groups will bring something very exciting and different to the mix; some with dramatic movement and dance style pieces, and others with full vocal harmonies and dance.”

The Glee phenomenon has swept the world, reigniting a passion for performance and finding a little bit of Gleek in everyone – even Alison. “I’m a compulsive harmoniser and while I have two left feet when it comes to dancing, I love watching other people who can! Even people who might not have considered themselves especially musical, find singing together in a group a really uplifting and joyful experience; it’s hard not to smile and sing along when there are lots of voices joined together with harmonies and great rhythm and movement”.

“Glee brings people together who might be too scared to get up on a stage by themselves or who find traditional choirs and competitions intimidating” she said. “This year’s Glee will bring together people ranging from 13 years of age right through to more mature performers”.

TO GLEE OR NOT TO GLEE will be presented on Wednesday 17 th October at 6.30pm on the Festival main stage at USQ’s Toowoomba campus. Gates open from 5.30pm and audiences are encouraged to bring along a blanket or chair and a picnic to enjoy during the show or choose from a range of food, hot drinks and treats from the on-site vendors.

Tickets are $5 and available through the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 07 4631 1111 or at the gate. For more information about the Festival visit www.usq.edu.au/shakespeare

Submitted By:
Michelle Fox
Marketing Manager
USQ Artsworx
University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba
E: foxm@usq.edu.au