Bailey Shultz said performing in the NSW State Drama Festival at the Seymour Centre last week was an “incredible” experience.

The 17-year-old from Bulahdelah was selected to take part in the two-day event after his dramatic flair was noticed at the State Drama Camp he attended earlier this year.
Bailey said the highlight of the festival was the incredible atmosphere in the theatre.

“Performing in front of over 600 people was amazing, you walked out onto the stage and the whole audience cheered and screamed to acknowledge you, and then they went dead quiet,” Bailey said.

“That’s when it set in that you were about to perform, it was a real adrenaline rush,” he added.

The annual event showcases the best dramatic talents from public schools across NSW and was hosted this year by actor Jay Laga’aia who is well-known for his on-screen roles in Playschool, Home and Away and Star Wars.

Jay commented that the performances this year were “such a high standard” and reminded the young rising stars to “dream big and to always find the joy in your performances.”

Bailey told News Of The Area having the opportunity to perform in a group play alongside the best drama students in the state was fantastic.

“We worked with a professional technical crew during rehearsals which was an excellent learning experience,” Bailey said.

“And I got to perform with an amazing talented bunch of people, it was such a fun experience,” he added.

This year’s festival was also streamed live on YouTube.