Euan Doidge: Rob Guest Endowment Finalist 2013

The much lauded Rob Guest Endowment annual concert will take place on Monday 25 November 25, where six finalists — emerging stars of Australian musical theatre — will take the stage to show their skills and compete for  a prize package that, this year, is worth around $25,000.

AussieTheatre’s Cassie Tongue asked ten questions of each finalist, in the lead-up to the concert, to find out about their lives, careers, and how they’re preparing for the high-calibre event.

Today we chat to Euan Doidge. A finalist for the Rob Guest Endowment in 2012, he has been seen in some of the highest profile shows of the past two years –  A Chorus Line (for which he was Helpmann award nominated), Legally Blonde, Grease – and has just been cast as Marius in 2014s Les Miserables.

When did you know you wanted to become a performer?

I knew since a young boy when I did my first performance at the age of 10.

What made you apply for the Rob Guest Endowment again?

It was so much fun. I had such an amazing time last year, the experience is what I loved the most. Having the opportunity to showcase my talent in front of Australia’s most well renowned directors/Music directors/choreographers/performers etc was the highlight for me, and being able to choose material that I enjoyed performing. That is why I entered again, Ive got nothing to loose, only everything to gain!

What would being the recipient of the endowment mean to you?

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! Just singing and working on the material daily to become confident and feel connected with the material.

What was the first thing you did when you found out you had been cast as Marius in next year’s Les Miserables?

I cried. Literally on the streets of Brisbane, I was out for breakfast when I got the call and as soon as I heard and I lost it completely.

If you could play any role in the musical theatre canon, regardless of age or gender, what would it be?

Elphaba hands down! But for a boy, Elder Price from Book of Mormon!

You’ve worked with some of Australia’s best. Which of your colleagues have been your biggest inspiration?

I have been very lucky to work with some incredibly not only talented but beautiful people. I would have to say Christie Whelan-Browne, she is so talented and so good at what she does. She works hard and always delivers plus is hysterically funny. And also a gorgeous person.

You’ve toured with A Chorus Line, Legally Blonde, and now Grease. What’s your suitcase must-have for the touring life?

Candles, absolutely! Gotta have my scented candles to relax me at the end of the day.

This is a tough industry. What keeps you going?

My love for it. Yes it’s very tough, but I never stop believing and the more I experience, the more I love it!

What do you think makes the Australian theatre community thrive?

Australians love to be entertained and I think the more we bring to them the more it grows.