ZENOBIA FROST chats with ERICA SUNNEX, an emerging talent taking centre stage in new musical film SIDESHOW VALLEY, created by students from Brisbane’s Music Industry College.

ZENOBIA FROST: How did Music Industry College staff and students work together to devise Sideshow Valley?

ERICA SUNNEX: A lot of the students wanted to make a musical. Charlie Thomson, our arts and English teacher – and the show’s director – came up with a basic idea and then students added on their ideas. Andrew Kennedy, our music teacher, composed most of the music alongside Charlie and, again, the students helped with editing.

ZF: Music is your focus at school. What led you to acting?

ES: I used to do drama at my old school. At first, it was just for the fun of it, but eventually I got really into it and joined theatre companies outside of school. I plan to pursue the music side of the industry, but I hope this acting experience will help me become more of a well-rounded performer.

ZF: Do you have a favourite musical to inspire you?

ES: I love Grease! It is my absolute favourite musical/movie of all time. In Sideshow Valley, there is a reference back to the scene in Grease when Sandy and Danny are dancing to You’re The One That I Want – it’s great.

ZF: What’s Sideshow Valley all about?

ES: Sideshow Valley is about a young band of musicians who just want to make a living out of their passion. The story reveals a lot of things that could potentially go wrong for young people in the music industry. It’s quite different to an actual musical as it is very contemporary and all of it is filmed. It’s like a musical turned into a movie.

ZF: Tell me about your character, Bel.

ES: Bel is the lead singer and bassist of a band called Trash Massacre. She is really laid back, but can sometimes be stubborn. She doesn’t like to change her look and she won’t accept anything other than what she wants. She is the one that makes most of the final decisions on the band’s journey, except when the record label decides to have input.

ZF: What has been your greatest thrill and, conversely, your greatest challenge in your role?

ES: The best part of making Sideshow Valley was definitely when we were able to see our progress. It was incredible to see how well it was coming along and that students like us were able to make something of such high quality. My greatest challenge was adapting to Bel’s character. She is slightly gothic and punk, which isn’t how I would usually style myself, but it was a lot of fun!

ZF: What messages would you like the audience to take home with them?

ES: Stick with your friends and band members through thick and thin. Really think about whether you’re ready to take the next step in your career, always be wary, and don’t say yes to everything. Also, never underestimate yourself. I know that the students and teachers have done an outstanding job and I hope that others will see that you can do whatever you put your mind to.

SIDESHOW VALLEY screens for one night only at Metro Arts Theatre on Friday Nov 11. Sessions at 6.30, 8.00 and 9.30pm. Tickets and information via 3852 3074 and .

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