The sky is the limit for Zchané
Not every girl dreams of being a princess, but it was a dream come true for Zchané Zietsman, when she got a casting call for “Shrek The Musical”.
At just 12 years old, the Farrarmere resident is cast as young princess Fiona and Baby Bear, in the hit Broadway show, which launched in the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City on June 26.
Shrek The Musical has become a global phenomenon, with productions staged internationally, including on the West End and Broadway.
The local 28-strong cast of Shrek The Musical expertly brings instantly recognisable movie characters such as Sherk, Fiona and Donkey to life in a fun and entertaining way.
The Shanan Christian School pupil knew, from a very young age, that she was destined to be a performer.
Her mother, Celia Zietsman, said her daughter came into the world singing.
“She could dance before she started walking,” said Celia with a slight laugh.
“I think the theatre bug has bitten her.”
Celia added that whenever Zchané is on stage, she gets nervous for her, despite her daughter being a natural actress.
Zchané comes from a musical background.
“My mom’s family sings and on my dad’s side they are actors,” she said.
“I started dancing at the age of four, at Pam’s School of Dancing, and early this year I joined the June Kraus Academy for Performing Arts. That’s how I got to be part of Shrek The Musical.
“This was my first audition and I got the role, I couldn’t believe it – it still feels like a dream.
“When I’m on stage, I feel like I’m out of this world.
“But it has been an experience of a lifetime, I have learned so much about theatre discipline during this time.”
“I enjoy theatre because it combines both singing and dancing.
Asked how she balances her busy schedule, she said: “I do one thing at a time. I’m grateful that my teachers allow me to stay at school for extra lessons, especially when I had to go for pre-theatrical practises.
Zchané added that her sister, Michelle Daniel, and teacher, Sharon Fall, have been a huge influence on her.
She enjoys playing the piano, playing with animals and checking out the latest fashion when she’s not dancing or acting.
Zchané wants to be a famous singer or do Broadway theatre when she matriculates.
The last performance of Shrek will be on July 17.
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