By Jessica Micallef
Sharni Page recently performed in the Melbourne Fringe Festival. The Newham resident speaks about her life as a performer and her show A Day In The Life Of You.
What is your connection to the Macedon Ranges?
I moved with my husband and three children to a 20 acre property in the Macedon Ranges two years ago. We wanted a more balanced and grounded lifestyle where kids could really be kids, I could nurture my creativity and inner Maggie Beer that could not be satisfied on a 300 square metre block, and my hubby could learn new skills on the land. We have never regretted it.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about raising happy kids, singing at the top of my lungs, good food, my chickens, and creativity in all its forms because I believe that embracing a creative practice is the foundation for holistic wellbeing.
Tell me about how you got involved in the Melbourne Fringe Festival?
I am in a professional theatre group called Musical Sprouts. We are three mums who have performed professionally for 20 years. We came together to create quality music and theatre for kids about the challenges they face in their young lives that is entertaining and engaging for both kids and adults. It is a natural progression to perform at the Fringe Festival after doing smaller tours around Melbourne.
Tell me about the show you performed in during the festival – what was your role?
I am one of the creatives and one of the three characters in our show
A Day In The Life of You. I play Reddy. Yella is little with big energy. Blueno is equal parts grumpy and silly. Reddy has a secret past. Reddy and Blueno help Yella through the challenges of breakfast, brushing teeth, going to the toilet without falling in, and cleaning up. This show is full of themes of independence, caring for others and finding a sense of belonging, and has catchy songs, fun-filled audience participation, live instruments, dance, gorgeous artistry and a take home album of songs.
Where else have you performed?
We have performed all over Melbourne and have also been supported by the city of Moonee Valley and the city of Stonnington. Our most recent season was at Chapel off Chapel. We are also about to head to the Sydney Fringe festival.
What challenges do you come across as a performer?
Working professionally in the arts requires constant self motivation to hone in on skills and stay positive. It is an inconsistent industry and the only person you can rely on is yourself. When I had kids I realised that I had another passion and that was raising my little kids. I decided to focus my attention on voiceovers which was a smaller time commitment and then I began training as a psycho dramatist.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
When I was in my early days of performing, the only reason I wanted to become a celebrity was so that I could drive in the celebrity grand prix.
