Angela Scundi: Rob Guest Endowment Finalist 2014

The Rob Guest Endowment annual concert will take place on Monday October 13, where six finalists — emerging stars of Australian musical theatre — will take the stage to show their skills and compete for a prize package that includes a cash prize of $20,000 for the winner’s personal development, as well as a headshot package from Blueprint Studios.

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.

Angela Scundi
Angela Scundi

Today we chat to Angela Scundi, who recently wowed audiences in Rocky Horror.

When did you know you wanted to become a performer?
This is a really tough question to answer. I watched ALOT of MGM musicals growing up…I just thought everyone at some stage in their life would burst out into song. Honestly, it was a rude awakening when I realised this wasn’t the case.

What made you apply for the Rob Guest Endowment?
It is the only competition of its kind (that I know of). Having been to 3 of the Gala Concerts over the years, I believe it delivers on what it promises and offers tremendous opportunity for growth and exposure within the industry.

What would becoming the recipient of the endowment mean to you?
I can only equate it to having a piece of the most decadent chocolate fondant with a side of hazelnut ice cream delivered to my table, on the house… it would be SUCH a treat! Such a delicious surprise that fills you with joy even though it’s a one off and you would have been happy without it because you had already enjoyed a wonderful night, but the fact it arrived is just the BEST. Does that make any sense? Maybe if you could hear me saying it and see my hands gesturing it would make more sense?

How long did it take you to decide what to sing at the gala?
I’m still deciding….it’s hard!

What has been the best moment so far from your time in Rocky Horror?

There are so many! A standout would have to be working with Richard O’Brien. It is not very often you can say you performed with the creator of the show! He is a true legend. Each night when he walked out on stage to deliver the first Narrator monologue, the audience were beside themselves. He was so incredibly generous and supportive and always had a fabulous story to share…as you could probably  imagine!

If you could play any role, regardless of age or gender constraints, what would it be?
Can I be greedy and say Sally Bowles and Mama Rose ?

What has been your best/worst onstage mishap?
Oo…I’m not sure how good this will be for my career…I was performing in a particular show on tour (which shall remain nameless) in a production number the entire cast was involved in, but 3 particular individuals (who shall remain nameless) were directly involved in the incident. We had managed to find ourselves in absolute hysterics after a game of‘stacks on’ behind a piece of set. This was leading up to a particular moment where we had a spotlight on us and were the only ones singing­ whilst the remaining cast members looked on. Needless to say, the hilarity managed to bleed onstage and we were all ‘corpsing’ in the most horrible and hilarious way. Under a spotlight. When we were meant to be singing. We just COULD NOT stop laughing and COULD NOT sing. It was the WORST (and the best) thing, there was just no recovering from it. Epic fail.

Do you have any pre-­performance rituals?
The Melbourne leg of the latest Rocky Tour, I would go to the Spring Street Grocer and get a ginger shot, long black and raw chocolate truffle before every show, religiously. I just had to have them before I sang. I also have to have a mint before I go on stage.

Tell us about your most memorable moment in the theatre – as an audience member or performer.
So hard! ok, I’ve spoken about this a lot in the lead up to the RGE. Chicago 2008, when Caroline O’Connor entered the stage for All That Jazz. When I think about it I can still picture it.

What’s your current belt-­it­-out­-in­-the­-shower song?
There are a few on rotation…

Cassie Tongue

Cassie is a theatre critic and arts writer in Sydney, and was the deputy editor of AussieTheatre. She has written for The Guardian, Time Out Sydney, Daily Review, and BroadwayWorld Australia. She is a voter for the Sydney Theatre Awards.

Cassie Tongue

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *