At AIM, the stage is set for a double dose of musical magic as students gear up to present two sensational productions: Urinetown in Melbourne, and The World Goes ‘Round in Sydney. Guiding our aspiring performers in Melbourne through the theatrical journey of “Urinetown” is none other than Derek Taylor, a seasoned director with a passion for nurturing talent and bringing stories to life.
“What initially drew me to a career in musical theatre was having trained as a classical singer but also having an interest in acting and dance,” Derek shares. “Musical theatre gave me an opportunity to work on all 3 genres.” The allure of performing night after night, sharing stories with audiences far and wide, fueled Derek’s passion further. But it was the transition from performer to director that truly ignited his creative spirit.
“After playing several characters where all I had to do was tell my character’s story, the thought of working with a whole cast of singer/actors and helping them to tell a common story was the next challenge for me,” Derek reflects. The opportunity to craft a vision and inspire performers to bring it to fruition proved to be both complex and deeply satisfying.
“It is very different,” Derek explains when asked about directing student productions compared to professional ones. “There is a lot of ‘teaching’ how the components and requirements of being in a show work.” Unlike seasoned professionals, students may not yet possess the same level of preparation and commitment expected in the industry. Derek’s role extends beyond mere direction, it’s all about nurturing emerging talent from AIM students and instilling in them a true love for the craft.
“It is fantastic to be working with teaching colleagues at AIM who have all had wonderful performing/musical directing careers”. From auditions to curtain call, students delve into every aspect of production, gaining insights into the rigours of musical theatre. “It is truly putting everything that they learn through academic study into a practical learning experience of what is truly required for a career in the musical theatre industry,” Derek affirms.
In Urinetown, Derek’s directorial prowess shines as he guides students through the intricate details of putting together a high-quality production. “Watching the students start to realise the incredible detail required to put on a musical of a high standard, is incredibly satisfying seeing them understand the greater satisfaction from striving for more detail in their performances.”
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Derek shares his top three roles, each leaving an indelible mark on his theatrical journey:
1. ‘Tobias Ragg’ in ‘Sweeney Todd’ for the Queensland Theatre Company.
2. ‘Mary Sunshine’ in the 1998 Australian production of ‘CHICAGO’, including a memorable stint at the Adelphi Theatre on the West End.
3. ‘Monsieur Andre’ in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ Australian Tour 2007-2009.
As the curtains rise on ‘Urinetown‘ and ‘The World Goes ‘Round‘, Derek’s passion for musical theatre and dedication to nurturing talent continue to inspire the next generation of performers at AIM. Join the celebration of life, laughter, and all that jazz as students take centre stage in our upcoming captivating productions! And tickets are already on sale, so don’t forget to book!
