News
3 September, 2025
Jazz hands and sunscreen dreams
TWO Moreton Bay performers are preparing to take their talents overseas, with Zara Zoghbi, 14, and Lola McLoughlin, 15, representing Australia at the Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) in Atlanta, USA, this coming January.
Both girls train at Red Music and Dance, which is based in Rothwell but runs programs at Morayfield East State School and Caboolture Special School, giving local students a platform to develop their performing skills.
“JTF is a festival where thousands of young people come together to celebrate musical theatre through workshops, pilot musicals, and lots of jazz hands,” Zara and Lola said. “It’s basically like a giant party for theatre kids, where we get to perform, watch other groups, and learn from really amazing professionals.”
The duo will join 28 other young Australians aged 10–18, performing a 15-minute version of a Music Theatre International (MTI) junior musical. MTI junior musicals, part of MTI’s Broadway Junior Collection, are author-approved, condensed versions of famous stage musicals specifically created for elementary and middle school students. The girls and their group will only find out what musical they will be performing in October, and then just have one week to rehearse it in New York before travelling to Atlanta.
“It’s a little nerve-wracking, but super exciting — all the singing, dancing, and acting will come together really quickly, and we can’t wait to hit the stage,” they said. “It feels a little unreal — like, how many teenagers get the chance to perform on an international stage? We feel really proud, and we want to give it our absolute best because it’s not just about us, it’s about showing the world what young Aussie performers can do.”
To make their dream a reality, Zara and Lola are fundraising and have set a goal of $22,000 for flights, accommodation, and festival costs. So far, they’ve raised $4,500 through BBQs, busking, and market stalls, and are now partnering with local businesses. As part of their fundraising, the girls are selling natural mineral clear zinc sunscreen, and are encouraging businesses to contact them directly to buy in bulk, in order to help protect their staff and clients from the summer sun, as well as support their fundraising.
“We’re looking for local companies to partner with by purchasing our sunscreen for their staff, especially for teams that spend a lot of time outside in the sun,” Zara and Lola said. “It’s a great way for businesses to support us while keeping their employees protected.”
“We’re hoping the community can help by coming along to our fundraising events, buying from our market stalls, grabbing some sunscreen, or even just cheering us on,” they said. “Every little bit of support helps us get closer to our goal and shows us that people believe in what we’re doing.”
Locals can find Zara and Lola at Newport Markets on September 6 and the Brendale 4WD Supacentre on September 13. More information on their Facebook page: Zara & Lola Take on the USA JTF Aussie All Stars 2026. Email victoria@bakerstreetmarketing.com.au to arrange a bulk buy or sponsorship of the girls.
