News
Ballroom Dancing Fame
June 25, 2022
This month Bernay Studio student Sasha Browne played the leading lady ‘Fran’ with Maddie Kelly playing ‘Scott’ in St. Hilda’s smashing production of the music adaption of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom.
Fremantle Eisteddfod 2022 Successes!
May 31, 2022
Congratulations to these Bernay Studio Singers for doing so well in the 2022 Fremantle Eisteddfod! Bravo!
Kaira Van Ket Kaar 15 and Under Contemporary 1st Place
(watch here.)
Vocal Age 13 and under (Folk Song) 2nd Place (watch here)
Vocal Age 13 and under (Classical) 2nd Place (watch here)
Vocal Age 15 and under Modern/Theatre 1st Place (watch here)
Ethan Koekemoer
Vocal Age 13 and under (Folk Song) 1st Place (watch here)
Vocal Age 13 and Under (Modern/Music Theatre) Credit
(watch here)
Jessica-Monique Bojanjac
Vocal Age 18 and under (Modern/Theatre) 1st Place (watch here)
Vocal Age 18 and under (Classical) 2nd Place (watch here)
Ethan and Priscilla
January 21, 2022
Bernay Studio student Ethan Koekemoer (age 10) plays the role of Benji in this fabulous musical. After a successful run at Crown in 2021, PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT ‘parked’ in Subiaco for a run at the Regal Theatre. The show is proudly run by a WA based team, and the energy and humour of the show, driven by some big performances, make it a fun and entertaining night out.
Making ATAR Recital Songs Fun
December 28, 2021
“I began my voice journey with Laura in 2020 when I began ATAR music, and from day one have loved every second that I have spent under Laura’s guidance. Laura has become a close friend of mine; her warmth, compassion, and encouragement make it easy to open up and feel safe and welcome in her studio. Laura’s expertise, professionalism, and care made the demanding work of the ATAR music curriculum, enjoyable and fun; and many lessons were spent fine
tuning my program for ATAR music. In the past two years, my vocal ability has improved drastically, which is a testament to Laura’s dynamic and engaging teaching methods. Laura makes sure lessons are a safe space to make mistakes and step out of one’s comfort zone, whilst always promoting a love and passion for music. Laura is an incredible vocalist, musician, and performer and I am constantly in awe of her hard work and dedication to her voice! She has allowed me to be authentically ‘me’ in lessons, always offering amazing wisdom-related and unrelated to music, which reflects her deep care for her students.
Whilst for my ATAR music I sang in the genre of music theatre- Laura also introduced me to the world of classical art song (music set to poetry from all cultures and languages) which has greatly expanded my vocal versatility and range. I am really excited to be accepted into the Diploma of Music for Classical Voice at WAAPA and can’t wait to study this course next year! Laura has taught me many things and has provided incredible guidance to help me develop my voice, but most importantly Laura has sparked my passion for performing and encouraged me to pursue my dreams, however wild they are!
Thank you Laura!!”
Isabella Pether (age 17)
ATAR Music Theatre Student 2021
WAAPA Diploma of Classical Voice 2022
Little Women
December 8, 2021
Hurry and get tickets! It’s almost all sold out!
Kate Sisley 2020 WAAPA Diploma of Music Theatre Graduate is starring.
Starring Role 2022
December 7, 2021
Elina Ito (Year 9 in 2022) will be playing a lead role (Jo Jo) in the John Curtain musical Seussical in 2022.
Footloose and Fancy-Free!
June 21, 2021
Kate Sisley as ‘Rusty’ and Michael Carroll playing ‘Willard’ in “Footloose”
By Dean Pitchford, Walter Bobbie, Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford. Art in Motion. Directed by Lys Tickner. City of Gosnells, Don Russell Performing Arts Centre, Thornlie, WA. June 11-19, 2021
“Particularly impressive is Kate Sisley as Rusty, in a very strong performance. She works beautifully with Michael Carroll,
absolutely delightful as the gorgeously awkward Willard Hewitt.”
Kimberly Shaw Stage Whispers
Fond Memories and a Disney Princess
June 16, 2021
Fond memories with two dear Bernay Studio students Amy Manford in her Disney Show December 2020 and Stephie Adamson who one day wants to be where Amy is :). Miss you both! xx
A Role in “Kinky Boots” at The Regal!
March 1, 2021
Young Ethan Koekemoer (age 10) who played young Peter in “The Boy from Oz” at Burswood Theatre in 2020 now has the role of young Charlie in “Kinky Boots” playing at The Regal Theatre end of May 2021. Ethan also took out the Music Award at ChristChurch Grammar.
Congratulations Ethan, you are going to be a busy boy this year!
2020 End of Year Recital
December 13, 2020
at
The Orangery in Shenton Park with pianist Tim Chapman
Watch some of the PERFORMANCES
Matilda!
December 13, 2020
Congratulations to Aria Natta Year 8 (2021) who has just been given the lead role in the wonderful musical “Matilda” by Tim Minchin for the John Curtin High School of Performing Arts production in October 2021!
Manford Sisters Singing On
December 1, 2020
Here’s a gorgeous clip of ex Bernay Studio sisters Amy and Chloe Manford, both voice graduates of WAAPA. Two angelic, divine voices!
WATCH
WAAPA Music Theatre Diploma Students 2020
October 29, 2020
Sunday/Wednesday Serenades in Studio D at WAAPA October 28, 2020.
(L-R) Josie, Laura, Darcy, Sophie, Carolyn and Ashley
Elina at Gondwana 2020
March 14, 2020
“Gondwana national choral school 2020 was really fun and it definitely improved my singing and sight singing a lot. The performances were all very nice and the combined song we did composed by Lisa Young was really enjoyable and challenging at the same time. I would definitely recommend Gondwana choirs for anyone that loves singing.”
Elina Ito (age 12)
Highlights at Gondwana Sydney 2020
January 19, 2020
Here is Josephine Ellis (age 12 in yellow) having a great time with Gondwana Choirs rehearsing excerpts from “Peter Pan” in Sydney. January 2020.
A Lead Role in “We Will Rock You” 2020
December 19, 2019
Tahlia Hanikeri (age 17 Year 12 PLC) will be playing the role of “Oz” in the Scotch 2020 production of “We Will Rock You”!
2020 Audition Success
December 17, 2019
Congratulations to Gabriela Golestani for a successful audition into the Bachelor of Music program at UWA! (2020-2023)
Bernay Studio End of Year Recital 2019
December 9, 2019
My favourite moment of all when I get to see the fruits of all our labour, students’, parents’ and mine! Our End of Year Recital for 2019 was held at The Orangery Gallery in Shenton Park, it is now my favourite venue! And so handy too 🙂
Latest News Flash!
December 9, 2019
Congratulations! to Maddy Betts and Lily Jones, 2019 WAAPA Diploma of Music Theatre Graduates for successfully auditioning for the WAAPA Bachelor of Music Theatre 2020-2022. Onwards and upwards!
WAAPA Classical Voice Success
December 8, 2019
Congratulations to Sian Bussanich, 2019 Diploma of Music Theatre (WAAPA) Graduate for successfully auditioning for the 4-year Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice performance. Onwards and upwards!
Bernay Studio Finalists The French Voice!
November 19, 2019
Congratulations to all our finalists in the 2019 Bonjour Perth Festival French Voice!
Sienna Woods (L) Years 1-4 Winner
Jessica-Monique (runner up) Sasha (Winner Years 7-9), Josephine (Winner Years 5-7)
Stephie (runner up)
(Laura), Kaira (runner up) and Scarlett (finalist Years 10-12)
(not pictured)
Sasha Sings again for the Wildcats!
October 19, 2019
It’s becoming an annual special event to hear Sasha singing up a storm for the WildCats game. Hear her Saturday October 26th!
Josephine goes for greater heights with Gondies!
October 18, 2019
Josephine Ellis (age 12) Year 6 at Subiaco Primary is going to spend her summer singing for the third time with the prestigious Gondwana Choirs. She is thrilled to have moved up from Gondwana Junior Voices to Gondwana Voices. Another great summer in Sydney on the horizon for Jo Jo!
North Perth Music Festival People’s Award 2019
October 18, 2019
Congratulations to Aimee Chong for not only winning First Prize in her U10 Solo section but taking out the People’s Choice Award at the Winner’s Concert October 2019. Well done Aimee!!
2019 North Perth Music Festival Successes!
September 15, 2019
1st Prize Winner U11 Voice
Young Star
September 15, 2019
Aimee Chong (Right centre stage) (age 7) singing in the Perth Youth Theatre’s production of the Wizard of Oz in the 2019 July school holidays.
French Voice 2019!
May 27, 2019
THE FRENCH VOICE COMPETITION 2019
After the great success of The French Voice 2018, we are very happy to announce that this competition is back this year at Bonjour Perth Festival!
The aim of this competition is to discover the BEST French Voice of Western Australia.
There is no entry fee to be part of this competition. Competitors may enter through their schools (primary and secondary school students), through a private music studio or submit their own entry.
Registrations for school closes on 31/05/2019.
Private entries registrations closes on 31/07/2019.
Once registered, we will send you the song list & more practical information about the competition. You can withdraw from the competition at any time.
Fremantle Eisteddfod 2019 Successes
May 27, 2019
Fremantle Eisteddfod 2019
Congratulations to the following singers from Bernay Studio!
Stephie (age 10) awarded Credit prizes in both the U13 Classical and U13 Music Theatre sections.
Jessica-Monique (age14) was awarded 1st Prize in the U15 Music Theatre section and Credit in the U15 Classical section.
Kaira (age 10) was awarded 1st Prize in the U10 Solos.
WAAPA Successes for 2019!
December 7, 2018
Congratulations to Amber Scates and Zoe Crisp for their successful auditions into the prestigious Bachelor of Music Theatre Course at WAAPA! 2019-2021
After graduating the Diploma of Music Theatre at WAAPA Zoe and Amber will now get into the really, really serious show bizz 🙂 Well done girls, so proud of you!
WAAPA Successes 2019
December 6, 2018
Congratulations to Sian Bussanich 2018 Year 12 Graduate. Sian was accepted into the prestigious new Diploma of Music Theatre Course at WAAPA for 2019. Well done Sian!
Playing the lead role in “Avenue Q”
AMEB Successes
November 12, 2018
AMEB Singing Exams 2018 Successes
Jessica-Monique (age 14) Grade 6 Singing Classical
and Grade 5 Flute
Elina Ito (age 11) Grade 2 Classical and Winner Under 12 North Perth Eisteddfod
Electra Goodwin (age 17) Grade 5 Singing Classical
Velvet Goodwin (age 13) Grade 3 Singing Classical (photo coming…)
Scarlett Kimberly (age 15) Grade 5 Singing Classical (photo coming…)
Kaira Van Het Kaar (age 10) Grade 1 Singing Classical
Sasha Browne (age 13) Music Theatre Grade 3 and winner U13 Fremantle Eisteddfod Classical
Stephanie Adamson (age 10) Grade 2 Music Theatre
Winner U13 Classical;
2nd Prize Music Theatre U10
Winner St. Hilda’s Music Festival
November 4, 2018
Congratulations to Sasha Browne (age 13) for taking out First Place in Musical Theatre Solo Voice, Years 7-12 St. Hilda’s Music Festival
on Sunday November 4th.
(with adjudicator Stephanie Gootch)
COMEDY TONIGHT!
November 3, 2018
October 26 and 27, 2018 7:30 pm
An exciting show of singers from Bernay studio and WAAPA to raise funds for ZONTA to go towards education awards for women and girls. A great success! Two SOLD OUT shows!
Bernay Studio “Friendship” Show
June 18, 2018
We had a great time yesterday! June 17th 2018 Bernay Studio Junior and Intermediate singers with special guests from WAAPA. Songs from the shows based on the theme of friendship.
Fremantle Eisteddfod 2018 Winners
May 23, 2018
Sasha Browne (age 12) was awarded 1st Prize in the U13 Music Theatre Section singing “Part of Your World” by Alan Menken
Stephie Adamson (age 9) was awarded 1st Prize in the U13 Classical section and 2nd Prize in the U10
WAAPA Diploma Music Theatre Production
May 19, 2018
Bernay Studio WAAPA Diploma Music Theatre students 
Amber Scates (L) and 
Ellie Orr (R) have been selected to share the lead role of Natasha in the upcoming production of Natasha Pierre at WAAPA.
Avenue Q
May 19, 2018
Tahlia Hanikeri and Sian Bussanich played in Redfoot Theatre Companie’s “Avenue Q” production. May 2018
AMEB Exam Results
May 18, 2018
Josephine Ellis (age 10) was awarded ‘A’ Grade in her Grade 3 Classical Voice AMEB Singing exam! Congratulations Jo Jo!
February 15, 2018
Tahlia Hanikeri (Year 10 2018)
will play the following roles: Christmas Eve in Avenue Q (Redfoot Theatre-performances start May 2018) and Linda in The Wedding Singer.
In 2017 Tahlia played the role of Auntie Pie in The Book of Everything and Cinderella in Sondheim’s Into the Woods. She also represented acting and singing solo for year 9 in the PLC Arts Showcase.
2018 Bernay Studio Singers Audition Successes
January 8, 2018
Courteney Cooper
(Music Theatre Cert IV WAAPA 2017)
2018-2020
Bachelor Performing Arts WAAPA
Courteney Cooper (age 20) is an actor, singer and dancer. She has had a passion for performing from a young age, having lead and chorus roles in school productions, including The Lost Thing, Grease and The Lorax. Since 2011, she has also been a part of the South West Opera Company singing and performing in numerous stage shows, including The Wizard of Oz and Frozen in Time. In 2013 she was shortlisted for Bell Shakespeare’s Regional Scholarship and received the 2015 Senior Drama Aggregate Award for the WA Performing Arts Eisteddfod, which she has taken part in since 2013. In 2016 she spent time training and performing at The Actor’s Hub in Labs and in the production How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found. In 2017 she studied with Laura Bernay and completed the Music Theatre Certificate IV course at WAAPA. Courteney was accepted into the Bachelor of Performing Arts WAAPA 2018-2020.
Grace Arangio (Diploma of Classical Music (Voice) and Music Theatre Cert IV WAAPA 2017)
2018 Foundation Course VCA (Melbourne)
Grace is 20 and started taking singing lessons at high school (Penrhos College) when she was 13 years old. Since then, her love for music and performance has blossomed. At school, she threw herself into every opportunity to perform and was involved in a number of musicals including Oliver! Beauty & The Beast, Guys & Dolls and Hairspray. In 2017 Grace studied two courses concurrently at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) – the Diploma of Classical Music (Voice) and the Certificate IV in Music Theatre, studying singing with Laura Bernay. Grace is off to Melbourne in 2018 to complete the Foundation Course at the VCA in Melbourne.
Bachelor of Music in Voice
Melbourne Conservatorium
University of Melbourne 2018-2021
Helen Steicke (age 20) was a Classical Voice student at WAAPA in 2017 studying with Laura Bernay. Before returning to Perth last year, she spent two years training in classical ballet at the Central School of Ballet in London. On coming home to Perth she has been able to develop her passion for singing taking lessons with Laura. Helen has performed character roles in musicals such as Les Miserables and The Sound of Music as well as dance in the full length ballets The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. Her dream is to one day return to Europe and “tread the boards” combining both her passions, dancing and singing and turn them into a life-long performance career. Next year Helen is heading to Melbourne after successfully auditioning for the Melbourne Conservatorium and will commence a Bachelor of Music in Singing 2018-2021.
“Laura is amazing. There is no better way of describing the wonderful vocal teacher I had since I was six years old until last year! In those past 16 years, I have gone from being an untrained little girl with a big set of lungs to being accepted for a place in the UWA Conservatorium of Music this year. I cannot thank Laura enough for the wonderful years of skilled and patient training, the extensive knowledge imparted, the passion for music and all things pertaining to the voice that she has shared with me! Of all the things I have in the world, of all the things that give me pleasure and joy, of all the things I value the most, my voice is to me the most precious. Thank you, Laura, for giving me this happiness.”
Claire Lane (UWA Conservatorium of Music 2018-2021)
Euan MacMillan (Year 12 2017)
WAAPA Bachelor of Music Classical Voice 2018-2021
Grace Fermanis (Year 12 2017)
WAAPA Bachelor of Music Classical Voice 2018-2021
Zoe Crisp (Year 12 2017)
Diploma Music Theatre WAAPA 2018
Amber Scates
(Year 12 2017)
Diploma Music Theatre WAAPA 2018
Ellie Orr (age 19)
Diploma Music Theatre WAAPA 2018
Trinity Ellis Diploma of Acting WAAPA 2018
(photo coming…)
Busy Young Singers!
January 7, 2018
Amy Cornel (Year 12) played the lead role of Danielle in Black Box Production revival of “Bring it On” The Musical. Review
Ella Hagon has been busy in 2017 and will be even busier in 2018!
She has been selected for the youth chorus in WA Opera’s Carmen at His Majesty’s Theatre in mid 2018 https://www.waopera.asn.au/ She has been cast as Teen Gaga in We Will Rock You at His Majesty’s Theatre in March 2018 https://www.wewillrockyouperth.com.au/
Charlotte’s Web – Ella is playing her first lead in the role of ‘Fern’ at Stirling Theatre in February 2018 (tickets on sale in December) Thumbelina December 2017 – International Life sized puppet show – Riverside Theatre, Perth Convention Centre – Ella is singing live during the show. http://www.thumbelina.com.au/
Tahlia Hanikeri Year 10 2018
In 2017 Tahlia played the role of Auntie Pie in The Book of Everything and Cinderella in Sondheim’s Into the Woods. She also represented acting and singing solo for year 9 in the PLC Arts Showcase.
Tahlia will play the following roles next year in 2018:
Christmas Eve in Avenue Q (Redfoot Theatre-performances start May 2018) and Linda in The Wedding Singer.
Jessica-Monique (age 13) had a great Year with AMEB exams:
- AMEB Grade 4 Flute A
- AMEB Grade 5 Classical Voice A
- AMEB Grade 5 Musical Theatre A
- Numerous prizes in the Fremantle and North of Perth Eisteddfods
Sian Bussanich (Year 12 in 2018) will be playing the role of Lucy in Avenue Q (Redfoot Theatre-performances start May 2018)
Sasha Browne (age 11) pictured here at her performance for the Bernay Studio French Recital August 2017.
Sasha also sang for the Wild Cats game in 2017 and wowed them!
Gondwana Success!
October 21, 2017
Josephine Ellis (age 10) has successfully auditioned for Gondwana Choirs and was accepted into the Junior Gondwana Choir and will be heading to Sydney in January 2018 for 2 weeks of workshops and a finale concert at the Sydney Opera House! Congratulations Jo Jo!
AMEB Exams Success
September 20, 2017
Congratulations to Stephie Adamson (age 8) for receiving an ‘A’ grade in Grade 1 Music Theatre Exam. Bravo!
And here is Stephie again with her second exam for the year-Grade 1 Classical Singing AMEB ‘A’, jumping for joy!
Congratulations to Elina Ito (age 9) for an ‘A’ in her Preliminary Classical Voice, Well done Elina!
North Perth Music Eisteddfod Winners
September 12, 2017
Emily O’Neill (age 17) was the Under 18 Music Theatre 1st Prize Winner this year and will be singing in the winner’s concert along with another Bernay Studio singer Jessica-Monique Bojanjac who won 1st Prize in the Under 13 Contemporary Voice. Well done!
Emily O’Neill (below)
Zonta Benefit Concert
August 21, 2017
August 19th A fabulous show “With a Smile and a Song” sold out! Proceeds went to Zonta Club of Perth to raise money for birthing kits that help save lives. Brilliant night of fun with Bernay Studio singers studying at WAAPA in Classical Voice, Music Theatre Cert IV, Year 12s John Curtin Senior High, Carey Baptiste College and St. Hilda’s.
With a Smile and a Song
August 20, 2017
August 19, 7.30 pm at the Shenton Park Community Theatre,
Cnr. Onslow Rd. and Herbert Sts. Shenton Park.
A fundraising concert for the Zonta Club of Perth. WAAPA singers in classical voice and music theatre Cert IV from Bernay Studio performed songs of courage and inspiration. Proceeds went towards funds for birthing kits that save lives by providing a clean and safe birthing environment for women in developing countries.
Fremantle Eisteddfod 2017
May 20, 2017
Sasha Browne (age 11) 1st Prize in the U13 Music Theatre Vocal section
Well done!
Josephine Ellis (age 9) 1st Prize U10 Well done!
Stephanie Adamson (R) (age 7) 2nd Prize U10 Vocal Solo
Congratulations for your first eisteddfod!
Lead Role Shared by Best Friends!
May 19, 2017
Follow the yellow brick road girls! Amber Scates and Zoe Crisp (ages 17) have both landed the lead role of Dorothy in John Curtin’s 2017 musical “The Wizard of Oz”. Performances in late June. Time to brush up on ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’!!
AMEB Awards Recipient
March 20, 2017
In March 2017 Jessica-Monique (age 12) receiving her Award of Excellence for 3rd Grade Flute and 2nd Grade Drama & Performance. She also received an Award of Excellence for 2nd Grade Theory of Music, 3rd Grade Theory of Music and 1st Grade Musical Theatre Voice. The required grade for receiving these awards is A+. Congratulations Jessica-Monique!
2017 WAAPA Auditions Successes
January 3, 2017
Congratulations to Bernay Studio Students successful auditions into WAAPA 2017!
Grace Arangio-Music Theatre Certificate & Classical Voice Diploma; Keaton Stazewski-Hose-Bachelor of Music Classical Voice (age 19); Rama Nicholson (age 16) Diploma of Music Classical Voice
Gondwana Success 2017
January 3, 2017
Laura (age 10) (L) and Sasha (age 10) (R) are going to Sydney in January 2017 to sing with the Gondwana Choir after their successful auditions. Well done girls!