FROM vintage infused burlesque to alternative drag acts – the cabaret scene has boomed over the past two decades and has increasingly found its way into the mainstream.
Soon to stand centre stage amidst the glitz and glamour of theatrical entertainment is a star in the making – Tashi Freer – who was recently awarded the highly regarded Nathaniel O’Brien Class of Cabaret Scholarship.
The 17-year-old Beachport resident will participate in the Class of Cabaret program, which culminates in a group performance during next year’s Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
Tashi said she was excited to be chosen from a long list of hopeful entrants across the state, adding it was a step forward to help her achieve her dreams.
“I hope to pursue a career in performing and music when I finish school,” she said.
“I have been playing the piano since I was in Year 6 and as far as singing, I always liked to think I was good at it, but looking back I think I was pretty bad.
“I really only started writing proper songs a few years ago and more recently have learnt how to produce them.
“I have been working on the audition by myself for sometime.
“I take private lessons with my piano teacher and also online lessons.”
Tashi’s scholarship application involved two three-minute videos which featured songs she had written.
In the submission, she introduced each song and explained how it was relevant to her.
“People mainly enter covers, I did not see anyone else enter original (songs),” Tashi said.
“I have written so many songs I cannot actually remember which ones I entered.
“I find inspiration for my songs mainly through relationship issues.
“They are generally sad and have a melodic kind of feel, which is unfortunate for some.”
Tashi said while she could not pinpoint a favourite genre of music or artist, she was not a big fan of country and “screamo”.
“I like a lot of alternative artists, people usually do not know them,” she said.
“A mixture of all genres appeal to me from jazz right through to pop and a lot of old stuff.”
The Nathaniel O’Brien Class of Cabaret Scholarship is valued up to $5000 and covers costs associated with travel, accommodation and private vocal tuition to participate in the Adelaide-based program.
In addition, Adelaide Festival Centre’s CentrED program will provide a SACE teacher to guide each student through assessments to achieve SACE Creative Arts Course stage one or two accreditation.
The scholarship was created in memory of Class of Cabaret graduate Nathaniel O’Brien, who died in 2015 as the result of a car crash north of Adelaide while on his way to perform.
