Non-professional performers take centre stage in this 40 Under 40 alumni’s heartfelt musical
Boasting two gargantuan choirs, 11 lead characters, a live band and nine new original songs (plus one reprise), Emma Dean’s new full-length musical isn’t a small undertaking. But the musician and founder of Cheep Trill isn’t going it alone. When Community Choir: The Musical takes the stage this September, it’ll feature hundreds of non-professional performers. We spoke to Emma about the heartfelt production and redefining the meaning of success.
Emma Dean has got stories – approximately ten years’ worth. They’re not all her own, though. Many belong to the choristers that have participated in Emma’s Brisbane-based community choir, Cheep Trill, over the years. The stories vary – some are hilarious, others heartbreaking. But for the longest time, the creative – a 2023 Queensland 40 Under 40 Awards alum – had no avenue to share them in a way that captured their heartfelt magic.
That changed last year when, amidst the wonderful chaos of parenting infant twins, Emma decided to put these stories to song, penning a musical that was inspired by one of the things she loves most – community choir.
“The idea for writing a show about a community group started when I was about 18 years old when I was in a local community mandolin orchestra with my dad, Christopher, who played classical guitar,” recalls Emma. “Even back then, I remember thinking how fascinating the dynamics were in this particular group – the quirky characters, the politics, the romance, the drama – and couldn’t help but wonder if it could be the premise for some kind of performance piece.”
Well, as it turns out, the world of community choirs and orchestras proved to be incredibly fertile ground for inspiration. Emma’s full-length musical, Community Choir: The Musical, is set to debut this September at The Thomas Dixon Centre in West End. The show, set in Brisbane, follows a quirky community choir after it is accidentally invited to compete in Sydney’s prestigious National Choral Competition. Hijinks ensue, with the group forced to find harmony both on and off the stage in order to seize the moment.
Filled with humour, drama and a touch of fantastical wonder, Community Choir: The Musical is already shaping up to be a winner. But its charms aren’t limited to a playlist of catchy original tunes – it’s big on heart and soul, thanks to two casts of non-professional performers who will be taking centre stage. For Emma, the decision to work with the Brisbane community – and point the spotlight at those who don’t usually score opportunities to star – was a no brainer.
“I have found my home working as a community music facilitator – I find it incredibly rewarding, inspiring and always interesting,” Emma tells us. “I grew up thinking that to be a ‘successful’ musician I needed to find my spotlight. In fact, I find it utterly thrilling to shine a spotlight on others – particularly those who might not always get the opportunity to shine in such a way. Founding Cheep Trill and working with such awesome people has been the greatest ‘success’ of my career.”
For the past few months, Emma has been wrangling her sizeable ensemble into a performance powerhouse. Though the scale of the undertaking isn’t lost on her, the self-described ‘choir mama and maker-of-magical-things’ believes the challenges of getting Community Choir: The Musical off the ground has been immensely rewarding.
“The greatest challenge so far has been the logistics of putting on a large-scale musical with limited budget and resources,” says Emma. “Cheep Trill (a charity organisation) is run off the smell of an oily rag. But despite this, we always endeavour to offer the most professional and uplifting experience for our community.”
As Community Choir: The Musical approaches its debut, the team is putting the call out for volunteers to assist with fundraising, prop-making, hair and makeup and backstage crew. Those keen to participate are encouraged to get in touch, while those eager to contribute to the fundraising effort can donate any amount, big or small, here.
Community Choir: The Musical will be performed from September 3–6 at The Thomas Dixon Centre in West End. Tickets go on sale soon – keep your eyes peeled for more info!
The search is on for the state’s high achieving young business leaders and entrepreneurs, with nominations now open for InDaily Queensland’s 40 Under 40 Awards program for 2025.
Now in its third year, the prestigious awards have become a valuable platform for showcasing the state’s talent. The 40 Under 40 Awards is celebrating the passion, vision and achievements of Queensland’s young entrepreneurs and leaders, who will grow and shape the future of our state.
If you know a great leader, trailblazer or innovator that is deserving of recognition, nominate them for this year’s awards. Nominations close on Monday June 2 – click here for more information.
