Theat.R Journey: Passion, Growth and The Greatest Showman

“The show is truly next level: circus, stunts, vocals, heart and soul.” My Anh, founder and former President of Theat.R - RMIT Musical Theatre Club Hanoi, and her successor Bao Tran, shared enthusiastically about their club's feature production of the school year - The Greatest Showman.

The much-anticipated, one-night-only performance of The Greatest Showman would finally unveil itself on 12 October 2024. This student rendition of the famous musical show was organised by Theat.R (RMIT Musical Theatre Club Hanoi), in collaboration with RATED R. (RMIT Hanoi Dance Club).

With 21 actors and actresses who are university and high school students, the production was set out to dazzle the audience. We have a chance to interview My Anh and Bao Tran – the two prominent leaders of Theat.R on their experience of running a student club and organising a musical show as non-professional artists.

Bringing visions to life

My Anh, founder of Theat.R, - RMIT Musical Theatre Club Hanoi (Photo courtesy: Theat.R Club)

Founded by My Anh, whose love for musicals began in high school, TheatR was born out of a desire to create a community for fellow enthusiasts and to bring musical theatre closer to Vietnamese audiences. For My Anh, musicals are the ultimate way to express emotions one would not normally speak aloud, and she really wants to spread that joy to other people.

“I wanted a space where students could express their love for musicals,” My Anh shares. Now, with Bao Tran at the helm as the club’s president, Theat.R is on a bold and inspiring journey. All of their productions have taught them that teamwork and connection are the heart and soul of a successful event of spectacles.

Their latest production is not just another performance. It’s a testament to the growth of a club that, in a little over a year, has made waves on the local theatre scene. Their second production, Bonnie and Clyde, staged at the Vietnam National Opera & Ballet (Nhà Hát Nhạc Vũ Kịch Việt Nam), garnered attention from locals and foreigners alike. The production ultimately won them the Project Leader of the Year awarded by RMIT Vietnam Student Life. But beyond the accolades, it’s the emotional connection that keeps the team going. “After the show, when the cast and crew came on stage for the final bow, we knew all the hard work was worth it,” Bao Tran recalls. “The applause, the recognition—it was a moment we’ll never forget.”

Bringing the circus to life: A new challenge

Bao Tran, president of Theat.R - RMIT Musical Theatre Club Hanoi (Photo courtesy: Theat.R Club)

In the upcoming musical showcase, The Greatest Showman, apart from all the songs, Theat.R will also incorporate circus elements, performed by professional performers just like in the big hit movie. The show will be performed at the Central Circus (Rạp Xiếc Trung Ương), creating the ideal ambience and increasing the realness for the audience.

This venue was not TheatR’s initial choice. Bao Tran suggested scouting the circus as that was the setting of the movie and fell in love with the atmosphere. However, this “small” change posed a new, significant challenge: the audience size would be scaled up from 200 to 500 people, putting the extra weight on the director My Anh to ensure the quality of the show and to match the standard of a professional performing crew. Hence, the cast was pushed to practice every day. Despite all the challenges, TheatR took a leap of faith and is the first ever student club to collaborate with the circus.

Most of the student actors are amateurs, and through constant effort, they were able to see improvement in synchronized dancing, emotional acting, and expressive singing. A common challenge of RMIT clubs during semester 3-2024 is motivating and communicating with members. Theat.R is no different, the long off time between the two productions caused the executive board difficulties in inspiring and pushing members for The Greatest Showman.

“We’re still overcoming it”, – Bao Tran and My Anh laughed while talking about how they get through the challenges - “but with the help of many entities, including the circus and RMIT, it became so much easier. We’re immensely grateful for all the support”.

TheatR’s rehearsals (Photo courtesy: Theat.R Club)

Dreams and determination: The heart of Theat.R

The dedication that Theat.R’s members pour into their work is evident, not just in their rehearsals but in their dreams for the future. For My Anh, the lyrics of “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman resonate deeply. '“Every night I lie in bed, the brightest colours fill my head, a million dreams are keeping me awake,” she quotes. “That is how I feel about theatre. I want the audience to leave feeling inspired by our passion.”

“I'm not scared to be seen.

I make no apologies, this is me.”

Bao Tran finds a personal connection to the song “This Is Me,” an anthem for outcasts, which speaks to the heart of the production. “It’s about proving that we’re talented and free from judgment,” Bao Tran explains. “It captures the spirit of our cast—a vibrant, diverse group that wants to leave it all on stage.”

Through this production, TheatR aims to redefine perceptions of the Central Circus, showing that it is not just a place for children’s shows but a venue capable of hosting something truly extravagant.

Their last production, Bonnie and Clyde, was a great success (Photo courtesy: The Theat.R Club)

Looking ahead

From sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes, all of the challenges have motivated TheatR to continuously create lasting art and inspire the audience. Next semester, Theat.R is planning to have a one-of-a-kind musical exhibition at RMIT. In semester 1-2025 maybe we will see them conquer bigger audiences and, of course, bigger stages like Youth Theatre of Vietnam, for instance.

“We would like to give a heartfelt gratitude towards our cast and crew who have worked tirelessly for this production, the circus ensemble with their amazing stunt work, the Central Circus for allowing us to perform at such a spectacular venue, RMIT HN Dance Club with the incredible support and, lastly, our sponsors - without you the show could not have been the same”.

This article is written by Trang Luu, a Bachelor of Business student at RMIT Vietnam.

The Greatest Showman is a student-led production by Theat.R—RMIT Vietnam's Musical Theatre Club. This performance is an independent initiative by the students and is not officially affiliated with or endorsed by RMIT Vietnam University as an institution.

10 October 2024