Finding the right note for music academy

Helping children find a sense of belonging while building confidence is important to Stars in Your Eyes performer Natalie Joubert.

The keen mimic, who grew up imitating Britney Spears and Celine Dion with her cousin, is getting set to transform into Welsh singer Duffy for the charity fundraiser.

And she’s chosen to support a cause close to heart to help children fulfil their dream of performing.

“I've chosen Marlborough Academy of Music as the organisation I'd like to support - whether that be through sponsoring fees for children who otherwise couldn't have lessons, or places on their Summer Intensive programme, as they see fit.”

Natalie says she always wanted to sing and act, however she worried she wouldn’t be as good as her talented family and friends. “I guess I was intimidated by their amazingness and only psyched myself up to get on stage in high school.”

She worked up the nerve to audition for Downtown with Blenheim Musical Theatre last year and was given the thrill of playing "The Yellow Girl.”

She’s been hooked ever since, she laughs.

“It's such a buzz, performing. You get this near-death experience, extreme-sports level adrenaline hit, but without the actual physical risk of dying.”

Stars in Your Eyes will be held at the ASB Theatre on 24 August. The show is the main fundraiser for the Creative Kids Trust and the Fulton Foundation Marlborough.

Ten acts have made it through auditions for the show, each choosing a charity to support if they win.

Natalie says the Marlborough Academy of Music has helped her own children, who have been in everyone of their shows to date.

“My children, particularly my eldest, have benefitted massively from Summer Intensive productions and thrived under Alison Dight's directorship and tutoring. I would love to see that continue and be made available to others.

“Witnessing that joy in the kids as they get to perform for audiences - it's practically palpable.

“I believe that the benefit of stage experience to rangatahi (young people) is immense.

“They find community, build confidence, express themselves, learn to be part of a team, have a lot of fun, are challenged, learn a lot in a short space of time, are extended in their skills, and experience success and reward through bringing joy to others by performing.”

“Wanting to support the level of generosity, passion, commitment, and outstanding results that MAoM staff bring is an easy decision.”