Echoes of Broadway
A new concert series produced by Kauri theatre for Wellington based singers to show us what you've got without the restriction of a director
Welcome to Echoes of Broadway!
Echoes of Broadway is a one night only “open mic” concert series for musical theatre singers around the region to show off their favourite songs with no strings attached. Sign ups are open to the public and singers are selected on a “first in first served” basis. Singers chose their own material and will not be given any performance direction by Kauri, this is all about YOU.
Each performance will have an MC to run the evening and introduce each singer, Kauri aim to provide an accompanist for each of these performances, though based on availability we may have backing track nights too. Singers will be given one rehearsal session with the accompanist - this is not a lesson, it is purely to familiarise each other and discuss timing or any other musical notations. If backing tracks are being used, you will have time in the venue to check sound levels and timing.
Saturday 18 July, 7.30pm
Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba St, Te Aro
Singers
Gayle Hammersley
Ethan Guest
Anna Bebbington
Amelie Snell
Emily Brown
Sonya Li-McHenry
Sadie Lynch
Jane Birdling
Tia is a versatile entertainer with an extensive performance background. Singing and dancing since age 5, she had carved out her slice of the Wellington music scene when fronting as a vocalist for top funk, jazz and tribute bands over two decades.
She has a long list of theatre credits, often taking on demanding lead roles. Her recent appearances include portraying the formidable Killer Queen in Capital Theatre Trust’s We will Rock You at St James Theatre, the self-absorbed and comically cynical Broadway star Dee Dee Allen in The Prom (Upper Hutt Musical Theatre), twice played Dusty Springfield in Dusty, the Original Pop Diva (UHMT 2014), (Kauri Theatre 2023).
Tia continues to be involved in various music projects; sometimes as a vocal coach or musical director. She loves to stay involved in the theatre community by mentoring and championing new talent, while occasionally taking on new roles to refine her craft. Additionally, Tia is a registered celebrant and MC, so she is excited to introduce each performer bringing ‘le panache’ to the Echoes of Broadway evening.
Accompanist: Sue Windsor
MC: Tia Minnoch
Followers of Kauri may recognise Sue as the Musical Director for recent Kauri productions Shortland Street the Musical (2021), Dusty the Musical (2023), and The Toxic Avenger (2025).
Sue strongly advocates for the growth of musical theatre and uses her skills to enhance performance for others. She has played for us in fundraiser concerts, mentored younger musicians in an assistant MD role, and has been a stand-in rehearsal pianist when needed.
Outside of Kauri, Sue has played and musically directed for companies across the region, and is a founding member of Capital Theatre Trust. Due to her many years of experience, Sue is known to bring together an abundance of musical talent to produce high quality sound in the productions she is a part of.
Want to participate?
Singers
Once the date for the next Echoes of Broadway is announced a sign up form will be put up on our website. Singers can't register in advance so keep an eye out on our social media pages for the announcement or sign up to our newsletter to hear about it first!
Singers will have the opportunity to perform two songs on the night. Please be aware that once the sign up sheet goes live you'll need to know what songs you plan on singing (plus a third back up option). You will also need sheet music to provide to our accompanist or backing track to share with us a few weeks in advance.
Accompanists and MC's
Before we can get any singers on board we need to know who will holding the show together!
As an accompanist we need someone who can pick up music quickly and knows how to follow the lead of the singer. Kauri will work with you for any requirements or requests, like how far in advance you want sheet music.
Our MC needs to have a great stage presence, know how to keep the audience engaged, and be happy to chat to and introduce our singers.
Either of these roles sound like you? Complete the form below to throw your hat in the ring!
FAQ's
Have a question that doesn't seem to be answered below? Flick us an email or social media message and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
When will I be able to register as a singer?
The sign up form will be available around 8 weeks before the concert is scheduled. Kauri will make an announcement of when the sign up form will be going live via social media and our monthly newsletter so make sure you're following us!
When can I register interest as an accompanist or MC?
This form will be available all year round, we will then contact people once our dates are secured to see who is available.
How are singers selected?
Singers for Echoes of Broadway will be selected on a "first in first served" basis. There's always so much talent hiding in the ensemble and we want to make this experience accessible for everyone.
How do I find music?
It is the singers' job to find their own sheet music/backing track for their performance. Sheet music can be found online from websites such as musicnotes.com, libraries, or you can ask around your friends/teachers if you can borrow a copy that they have.
Why do I have to choose a back up song?
The Kauri team will review all songs selected by our performers and then curate the set list very slightly. This may be because too many people have listed songs from the same show or the same song all together, the accompanist will also have the power to veto certain songs/composers if they think they cannot learn that music in the short time frame.
How does the rehearsal session work?
Accompanist:
Each singer will be given a 15 minute timeslot to rehearse their material with the accompanist. The rehearsal will likely take place within a week of performance but the time and date of this will be made clear before signing up. Please be aware that this is not a lesson, performers must already know the material before this session. What you are expected to discuss is tempo, musical notations, style etc.
Backing Tracks:
Rehearsal for a backing track concert will likely take place the day of performance during sound check. Please be aware you may not have the time to sing each song in full at this time as you have had time to practice with the track at home.
Can I use my own accompanist?
Yes! If you have a trusted musician friend you would like to use for the concert you are welcome to bring them along.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Kauri will endeavour to fill the spot from others who completed the sign up form if there is enough time to do so. Where we can we will look to offer you a spot at the next concert instead.
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