Perth musical to star Denmark high school graduate Terence Smith

Denmark Senior High School graduate Terence Smith will be kicking off his Sunday shoes this month as the blossoming theatre star continues to make a name for himself.

The theatre buff is set to star in a production of the musical Footloose in Perth this month.

The musical, based on the hit 1984 film, is being directed by Lys Tickner for the Art in Motion Theatre Company.

Set in the US, Footloose follows the story of a city teenager who moves to a small town where music and dancing have been banned.

Smith plays Chuck Cranston, a character he describes as the epitome of toxic masculinity.

“He’s hot-headed and is yet to lose a fight but, on the flipside, he’s as charismatic as they come,” he said.

“I have to sing solo in Footloose, which is something I haven’t done for a few years in public.”

Graduating from Denmark High School in 2012, Smith has always been involved in the arts.

It was no surprise the 25-year-old went on to complete a bachelor’s degree and honours in theatre at Curtin University.

Smith is also paving his own path in the industry with his independent theatre company Beyond the Yard.

The company has already staged four shows that have been performed at the Subiaco Arts Centre, The Blue Room Theatre, and in the country in Harvey and Ravensthorpe including his home town.

Most notably, Smith wrote and directed 52 Hertz, which scored nominations in 2018 for a best theatre Fringe World award and best new work at the Performing Arts WA Awards.

He also regularly performs in the street theatre ensemble Hairball at events such as the Fairbridge and Nannup Festivals.

“I haven’t performed in a musical for quite some time and I’m really excited at the prospect of getting to take on a different role than I’m used to,” Smith said.

Footloose is showing at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre in Perth from June 11-19.