Spotlight On: Our Wonderful & Curious Production Assistants, Tahlia and Sienna
3-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, April 2025
Written by: Chelsea Willis
Pictured: Tahlia Budden and Sienna Hawes on the set of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR.
For each of our YPT productions, YPT engages students to join the creative team as Production Assistants. This is a role on the creative team, where the students get to work along side the adult members of the creative team to lead the students through the production process. Tahlia Budden and Sienna Hawes are the Production Assistants on Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR, and they have been exceptional members of the team. From leading fun and effective warm-ups, to helping with singing and chorey and helping backstage, they have been such an important part of the team.

Tahlia and Sienna are both Think Beyond Students at YPT and have both graced our stage many times themselves, which is such valueable knowledge on the team. You will catch them both on stage later in the year in Animal Farm Find out more about their experience on Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. below.
Tell us what a Production Assistant is?
Tahlia: Being a Production Assistant means getting a behind the scenes look at how a show is brought to life. I’ve had the chance to help teach choreography, lead warm-ups, and even help come up with choreography. It’s been an amazing opportunity to learn from everyone and how much work and creativity goes into making a show.
Sienna: Productions Assistants help with all sorts of things throughout the production. We’ve helped with choreography (even helping choreograph some dances!), teaching the cast parts of the blocking/choreo, helping backstage, leading warm ups and revision.
What has been most rewarding about being involved in Alice in Wonderland?
Tahlia: The most rewarding part has been watching the production grow from the very beginning. As well as getting to see the cast develop their characters and grow as an ensemble. While also getting to work close with such talented directing team and seeing their ideas come to life.
Sienna: I have absolutely loved being a part of a production team for the first time! I’ve learnt so much about directing and staging productions in a way that engages the audience and cast. The most rewarding part so far has been either teaching the cast dances/leading the revising process or helping backstage and seeing the magic come to life!

What have you learned from this experience that will help you with your own performance?
Tahlia: This was my first time being a Production Assistant, and I’ve absolutely loved it. I’ve learned so much from everyone involved from the directing team to the cast. By being apart of the audition process and witnessing the cast grow, I’ve been inspired by the commitment and growth of acting throughout the production which i can inspire from for my own performance.
Sienna: I’ve learnt that performing isn’t always about how much talent you have, it can be more about the energy and life you bring to the character, as well as your commitment to the production and your character’s intentions. It was also really beneficial to see the audition process from the other perspective, as you see the director’s put their trust in the role they truly believe you will excel at.
Alice in Wonderland is such a classic and fun story. Are there any moments people should look out for?
Tahlia: Definitely! The directors have come up with some really creative concepts that will keep the audience engaged in the magical world. They’ve added little details that ranges from the set to characters swapping items throughout the show. So make sure to be on the look out those.
Sienna: Look out for all the objects switching between characters and the hints to Alice’s bedroom through the set pieces! The show is designed for the audience to take their own perspective of Alice’s story.
Why should people come and see Alice in Wonderland?
Tahlia: People should come and see the show because the cast and directing team have poured so much hard work, passion, and creativity into it. It’s a performance full of energy, and imagination, as Alice dives into her world of imagination. Perfect for families and friends to come see.
Sienna: The directors have such a fun take on the story, plus the set is absolutely awesome (we have a slide!). The cast is super talented and have brought so much of their own character, making it so different to other productions of Alice.
Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. runs until 24 May at YPT Theatre. Tickets from $25 – book at ypt.org.au
