10 minutes with Ebbeny Williams-Cherry
May 22, 2025
10 minutes with Ebbeny Williams-Cherry, 2025 Fairholme College Prefect for the Arts and lead character in Midnight: The Cinderella Musical.
What is your role in Midnight: The Cinderella Musical?
I have the honour of playing the lead role – Cinderella. I’m really excited to bring this character to life on stage.
Describe your character - how different/similar is she from you?
Cinderella is very head strong and always looking to make the world a better place, not necessarily for her own gain, but for those around her. I admire that quality, and she’s definitely someone I aspire to be more like as I move through life.
How do you get into your character?
To step into character, I try to fully imagine the situation my character is facing and try to picture myself in their shoes. Understanding how they would feel in those moments.
Have you had a lot of previous experience in theatre?
Yes, a lot of experience. I’ve been fortunate enough to perform in at least one musical every year for the past 13 years. Performing has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember.
How have you found the co-production experience with Toowoomba Grammar School?
It’s been a great way to make new friends with people who share a love for the performing arts. It’s also fun to work with a different group of people who you wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to work with.
What has been your favourite part of the experience so far?
My favourite part of the experience has been watching my fellow cast members grow into their characters. Seeing everyone gain confidence and get more comfortable with themselves and their roles has been really rewarding. Watching them come alive makes it all more fun.
Is singing and acting something you would like to pursue in the future?
Music is definitely a passion of mine, particularly singing, and I’d love to continue with it in the future. While acting isn’t my focus, I’ve grown to enjoy it through my theatre experiences.
What is the best part about being involved in The Arts at Fairholme?
Being part of The Arts at Fairholme means being part of a close-knit, supportive community you can rely on. No matter what’s happening in your school or home life, you know you have people around you who understand and uplift you.
Catch Ebbeny and the talented cast of Midnight: The Cinderella Musical on stage at The Empire Theatre 5-6 June. Tickets on sale now from the Empire Theatre Box Office.
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From the moment she could walk, Grace Andersen was dancing. At just two years old, she took her first ballet class, not quite knowing that her tiny feet were stepping onto the path of a lifelong passion. ‘I didn’t always love it,’ she admits, ‘but I did it anyway.’ It wasn’t until a change of schools in Year 1, moving to JE Dance , that Grace fell in love with dance in a whole new way. She thought ballet was the only style out there, until she discovered contemporary, jazz, and more. But ballet always held her heart. ‘There’s just something about it,’ Grace says. ‘I like the structure. With ballet, you need the right technique, it’s disciplined. That’s what I love.’ Now, ballet is more than a hobby; it’s a central part of Grace’s daily life. She trains nearly every day. Monday through Friday at JE, and on Thursdays she leaves school early to travel to Brisbane for coaching with Classical Coaching Australia. ‘It started this year,’ she says, ‘and I’ve already learned so much.’ This dedication recently led Grace to one of the most exciting moments of her young career - being cast in Queensland Ballet’s Coppélia during its regional performance in Toowoomba. ‘At first, Mum and I thought it would be like any other show,’ Grace recalls. ‘But then we had to fill out forms with bank account details, that’s when we realised it was something more.’ And it was. Grace was cast in not one, but two roles: the opening dancer as Little Coppélia, and a Smith sister in the village scene. ‘It was such a big surprise. When the curtain went up, I was the first dancer on stage. It was amazing.’ Performing with Queensland Ballet offered Grace more than just a moment in the spotlight, it gave her a glimpse into the world she dreams of joining. ‘Just seeing everyone there… it showed me what it would be like to be a professional dancer, which is what I’ve wanted since I was really little.’ Her ultimate dream? To dance with the Paris Opera Ballet, and one day become a ballet mistress, coaching and mentoring future dancers in a top company. ‘But first, I want to get into a good ballet school or academy,’ she says. ‘It takes a lot of practice. On weekends, I bring my ballet ball out to the living room and stretch or do rises while watching TV.’ Grace doesn’t just talk about hard work, she lives it. Her weeks are full, her schedule demanding, but her love for ballet never wavers. ‘You definitely have to be strong and fit and flexible, but most of all, you have to love it.’ While she doesn’t have a famous ballerina idol, she finds inspiration closer to home. ‘My mum was a dancer. She went on pointe and everything. She didn’t perform in shows like I do, but she helps me, and I really look up to her.’ Up next, Grace is preparing for her role in The Fairy Queen with Brisbane City Youth Ballet this winter. It’s her third time with the company, and she’s already setting her sights on what comes next. Because for Grace, ballet isn’t just a series of steps, it’s the rhythm of her future.
School mates cast in lead roles for the Empire Theatre’s 2025 Junior Impact Production When Phoebe Hohn and Sammy Cheetham auditioned for this year’s Junior Impact Production, Soul Trading, they had no idea they’d be cast opposite each other in two of the show’s leading roles. Set in the year 2079, Soul Trading is a futuristic play that explores a world where every child’s future is shaped by their personal learning robot – except for one. Phoebe plays Geri, a quirky and fiercely independent girl who refuses to follow the AI-dominated path everyone else is on. ‘Geri doesn’t have a bot like the others. She’s different, and she’s proud of it,’ says Phoebe. ‘I love playing someone who questions everything and isn’t afraid to go her own way.’ Her co-star, Sammy, takes on the complex role of Neutron, a clever and rebellious robot who doesn’t quite fit the mould. ‘Neutron is actually an illegal robot that Geri secretly 3D printed,’ Sammy explains. ‘She’s bright, ambitious, and wants to live a free life – but Geri tricks her into thinking she’ll die if she leaves.’ Throughout the show, Neutron cleverly manipulates both humans and bots to bend the rules and follow her lead. For Sammy, this is her second year involved in the Junior Impact Ensemble. ‘Last year, I was part of Our Egg Named Larry, and I absolutely fell in love with the program,’ she says. ‘That experience made me want to audition again this year, and I was thrilled to receive one of the main roles.’ Phoebe and Sammy, who are also speech and drama partners, supported each other through the audition process and have relished the opportunity to bring this fast-paced, futuristic story to life together. Their characters’ dynamic is central to the narrative, and their real-life friendship brings depth and energy to every rehearsal. With the production set to hit the Armitage Centre stage this July, both students say the experience has pushed them creatively and helped them grow in confidence. ‘Performing in a space like the Armitage is a dream,’ Phoebe says. ‘It’s exciting and a little bit surreal.’ We can’t wait to see Phoebe and Sammy shine on stage as Geri and Neutron – two bold characters in a brave new world.
What an extraordinary joy and privilege it is to write to you as the 14th Principal of this exceptional school. From the moment I stepped onto the campus, I have been welcomed with warmth, grace, and an unmistakable sense of belonging. The smiles of the students, the genuine conversations with parents, and the deep care shown by staff all speak to a school community that is not only thriving but grounded in something truly special. Moving to the Darling Downs has, in many ways, felt like coming home. I was brought up in the country and the values I learned as a child – authenticity, resilience, kindness, and a strong sense of responsibility to one another – are the same values I see woven through the tartan of this College. They are lived daily through the actions of our students and staff, especially our boarders whose strength of character and sense of connection enrich the whole school. Celebrating National Boarders Week recently was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the significant place boarding holds in our history and in our hearts. The stories, spirit and laughter that filled the week were a beautiful reminder of the importance of community and belonging. In just a short time, I’ve been privilege to witness the heart of this school in action. The recent FACETS Art Show was a perfect example – a celebration of creativity, courage, and excellence. To walk through the gallery and see the work of the artists, including our students, was to be inspired by their talent and joy. Excellence here is not simply about achievement, but about growth, engagement, and the pursuit of God-given potential. This is a school that understands the importance of enjoyment in learning – and in life. Our Christian-centred faith is the foundation upon which everything stands. It informs our approach to care, character, and community. It reminds us of the worth of every individual, the hope we carry into each day and the call to live our lives with purpose and service. I see this in the way our students support one another and in the respectful and nurturing relationships that define our school culture. Faith here is not an add-on, it is the lens through which we view education, leadership, and life. I have been deeply moved by the commitment and passion of our staff. It is evident that this is more than a workplace – it is a vocation. The love they have for the school, for their students and for their craft is palpable. It is the careful planning lessons, the words of encouragement, the coaching in the early (or late!) hours and the quiet presence beside a student in need. Their collaboration and tireless dedication make this a place where young women are empowered, supported, and celebrated. As I look towards the future, I am filled with optimism and hope. This is a school grounded in strong traditions and clear values, yet one that is not afraid to embrace innovation in how we teach, care, and grow. With a rich sense of purpose and a commitment to excellence, collaboration, respect, and joy, we will continue to nurture a community where every student can thrive. As John Steinbeck is attributed to writing, “A great teacher is a great artist… teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.” I believe the same can be said of leadership in schools. It is both a privilege and responsibility to walk alongside young people as they discover who they are and who they are becoming. I look forward to sharing in that journey with you and building upon the remarkable legacy of this community, together. Dr Leigh Hobart | Principal
