Local artist profile: Claudia Scott

THIS week we chat with our fourth and final performer from SMACS Performing Arts Group, Claudia Scott, who said in a decade’s time she’d love to be running her own production company and developing original projects for both stage and screen.

What initially motivated you to become a performer?

I was initially motivated by the magic of live performance, that feeling when a story comes alive in front of an audience.

I work across acting, dance, and movement-based performance.

I’ve completed exams in the Cecchetti Ballet syllabus and Royal Academy of Dance syllabus in Melbourne and Bendigo, which gave me a strong technical foundation.

How would you describe your multiple skills and how did you develop them?

I’d describe my skill set as multi-disciplinary and collaborative.

My Cecchetti and RAD ballet training in Melbourne and Bendigo helped build my discipline and technique while working across performance, choreography, assistant directing and technical roles, giving me a holistic understanding of how a production comes together.

Which other performers inspire you?

I’m inspired by Lin-Manuel Miranda for his innovation and ability to reshape musical theatre, and Steven Spielberg for his storytelling scope and cinematic vision.

I’m drawn to creators who build worlds and move audiences on a large scale.

Have you had any mentors over your career so far?

I’ve been fortunate to have mentors in both performance and production who encouraged me to take risks and trust my instincts.

Their guidance, particularly through my formal ballet training and creative projects, has been incredibly grounding and motivating.

What are some highlights you have from your time as a performer so far?

Some of my favourite memories include the electric opening nights where all the hard work pays off.

I also cherish the quiet backstage moments just before the curtain rises – that shared breath before stepping into the light.

How can people check out your work online?

People can check out my work through my social media and any upcoming production announcements.

I’m currently developing more original work and expanding my creative portfolio across performance and production.

Where do you see yourself in a couple of years? What about in ten years?

In a couple of years I see myself deepening my experience in performing, directing and creating new work.

In ten years, I’d love to be running my own production company and developing original projects for both stage and screen.

What would you say to young regional aspiring performers who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Don’t let geography define your potential.

Seek out training, build your network, stay curious, and keep creating your own opportunities.

The creative life takes resilience, but if you love it, it’s absolutely worth pursuing.

*If you’d like to see SMACS Performing Arts Group in action, they’ll be popping up at various sites and events throughout the Bendigo Easter Festival (3 April to 6 April). Highlights include several performances of their Easter Bunny Stage Show on the main stage in Rosalind Park at 10.20am and 1.40pm on Friday 3 April, and 10.10am and 1.55pm on Saturday 4 April.They’ll also be starring in the Torchlight Procession from 7.30pm on Easter Saturday and the Gala Parade from 12.30pm on Easter Sunday.

The diversely gifted group is also available for hire for themed shows and activations including seasonal productions such as Christmas pantomimes and Halloween specials, cultural celebrations, children’s theatre and puppet shows.

You can contact SMACS’ founder and director Anita Scott via 0439 352 595 or [email protected]