For Caitlyn Cameron, who is making her Taree Arts Council debut as Cosette in Les Misérables, the rehearsal process has been a whole different ball game to the high school musicals she’s done before.

“For this one it is spot on and we have a role to play, with Gayle Cameron being the director. There’s more discipline, it’s really knuckle down and get it done.”

And while it might be an amateur production, an expectation is on the cast is to deliver a professional level of performance, something the 20-year-old is enjoying.

“For me, I sing better when there is that ‘we’ve got to get this done’, to have that little push.”

She said the work ethic of some of the cast members has motivated her to work even harder.

“Some people put so much work and effort in. You think you’re doing 100 per cent and they’re putting in 130 per cent and you think if they can do that then I can do that.

“You have to put in the same amount of effort as everyone else. A scene won’t work if one person is putting in their all and one person isn’t.”

Caitlyn said there is a great camaraderie among the cast. “Everyone gets along and is there for each other.”

Singing consistently at rehearsals has also benefited the soprano, who said her range has extended as well.

“I remember going to auditions and thought how am I ever going to hit those high notes, and now when I’m warmed up I can hit it comfortably and confidently. I think my confidence in my own abilities has boosted too.”

Caitlyn admits she almost didn’t audition.

Even though she had been encouraged by a few people who said she would make a great Cosette, she didn’t think she was up for a lead role so, after a final push from her mum, went along to the ensemble auditions instead.

“I wasn’t going to audition until my mum said I had a good chance. I went for it and she was right, and I got a call back for Cosette.

“I wouldn’t do half the things in life if it wasn’t for mum and dad. Their support is everything.”

Caitlyn is enjoying the role, describing Cosette as an introvert, who is quiet and doesn’t have any friends, except for her dad.

“She’s very elegant in my opinion. She’s never unladylike and that’s something Caitlyn Cameron is not,” she laughed.

“It’s quite fun to get into character as we’re so different. I love her, she’s a good character and I’m glad to be playing her.”

Caitlyn started music lessons with Alan Clarke in Wingham when she was nine, first for piano and guitar and later singing. Four years ago she started singing lessons with Helen Monckton.

She’s competed in the Taree and District Eisteddfod since she was 14 and her strong point was always the musical theatre section, winning multiple times over the years.

She has been part of Bravissimo, a showcase of the best HSC music students from the Mid North and Tablelands regions, and performed in a number of musicals at Wingham High School during her time there.

Caitlyn has also sung at the Sydney Opera House as part of an international Honours Performance Choir, and in that year was the only Australian picked for the choir of 60 to 70 people.

Currently working at Raw Sugar, in recent weeks she has completed her community services diploma at Taree TAFE.

Les Misérables is on at the Manning Entertainment Centre from November 2 to 18. Tickets from www.themec.com.au, phone 6592 5466 or at the customer service desk at Stockland Forster.

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