When the lights rose at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre for Creative Generation – State Schools Onstage 2025 (CGEN 2025), audiences witnessed more than just music and movement.
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They experienced the hard work and passion of more than 2,000 students from across Queensland. Among them were standout participants from Kelvin Grove State College, each bringing their own flair and determination to the stage.
Archie Loveland
As a Year 8 solo featured instrumentalist, Archie Loveland took on one of the most visible roles in the production. Playing in front of a full orchestra and a sea of cast members had been daunting at first, but he found his rhythm by focusing on the music and tuning out the nerves. One of the highlights for him was working alongside industry professionals, an experience he found both fun and inspiring. He also came away with a new appreciation for the technical crews, particularly the sound team whose efforts helped power the show behind the scenes.
Layla Todd
Also in Year 8, Layla Todd performed as a senior feature dancer with enthusiasm and resilience. After missing a rehearsal, she caught up quickly by studying choreography videos, determined to be in sync with her peers for the next session. For her, one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience was the sense of community she discovered within her dance class. Making new friends from other schools and collaborating closely on stage left a lasting impression.
Hannah and Zara Todd
Although not yet at Kelvin Grove, Layla’s younger sisters Zara and Hannah Todd, from Marshall Road State School, also took part in this year’s show as featured junior dancers. For the Todd siblings, performing together was both exciting and meaningful. They shared moments on stage and off, working around a large car prop in their “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” segment and enjoying the fun of meeting new friends from across the state. Their involvement added a heartwarming family dynamic to the production, creating memories that would stay with them long after the curtain fell.
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Whether playing a solo, dancing in the spotlight, or supporting each other backstage, the students from Kelvin Grove State College left their mark on CGEN 2025. Through intensive rehearsals, creative challenges and moments of growth, they embodied this year’s theme, “The Next Chapter,” a tribute to the rising stars shaping the future of the performing arts in Queensland.
Published 6-August-2025
