TWELVE-YEAR old Jasper O’Keefe has a work ethic second to none.
As reported by News Of The Area, in April Jasper travelled with his sister, Remi, to Orlando where he competed in the International Cheer Union World Championships as part of Team Australia Youth Pom, and The Summit Championships held in early May.
They were accompanied by their mother, Sophie, and grandmother, Kelly Boyer.
Both competitions were held at the ESPN sports complex within Walt Disney World Resort.
Though up against fierce competition, Team Australia Youth Pom placed a very creditable fourth.
Arriving back in Newcastle Jasper had to balance his Year 7 studies at The Broadmeadow School of Performing Arts with rehearsals for the Singleton Theatrical Society ‘s production of ‘The Boy from Oz’ where he played the role of the young Peter Allen.
“I first learnt about Peter Allen when I performed in ‘Not the Boy Next Door’, which he wrote,” Jasper said.
“To get the role in the ‘Boy From Oz’, I was required to sing, dance and act.
“I think the most important aspect of the role was the acting side of it.
“I performed in six performances overall.
“From the experience, I learnt that I really like to perform in musicals.
“I would like to perform in more musicals.
“I would especially like to perform in ‘Wicked’.”
Proving he is a true trouper, Jasper had to quickly adjust his singing style because at the beginning of the performances his voice broke.
In the last fortnight, Jasper and his sister have been rehearsing daily with cheer and dance studio MCPD in preparation for Icebreaker, a cheer competition event to be held at Blacktown Leisure Centre across the first weekend in July.
“I don’t know how I balance out school and dance, but I do get so much help from my parents,” Jasper said.
Reflecting on his future Jasper told NOTA, ‘While I am interested in studying architecture I will probably stick with performing arts for a time, while I’m young.”
By Marilyn SANDERSON
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