WHEN Paul and Rudo Banya made the decision to move to Australia last year, they did so with one goal in mind – giving their daughter AvaLyn every opportunity to pursue her dream of a career in musical theatre.
It did not take long for the family to settle on Sheldon College, believing it offered the ideal combination of academic excellence and performing arts opportunities for their talented 13-year-old daughter.
This year, AvaLyn will take to the stage as Anna in the junior school production of Frozen, continuing a remarkable rise that has already seen her perform at some of Queensland’s biggest venues.
But while AvaLyn’s talent was already apparent, her mother never expected she would soon be sharing the spotlight.
The turning point came during auditions for the Queensland Musical Theatre Company’s production of Hairspray last year.
“We were at the audition, and I was asked if I wanted to audition for Miss Motormouth Mabelle,” Ms Banya said.
“It was my first audition, and it was my first role.”
AvaLyn secured the role of little Inez, while her mother discovered a passion for musical theatre she never knew she had.
Now the 43-year-old Mount Cotton resident is preparing for her second stage production, playing Deloris Van Cartier in Savoyards Musical Comedy Society’s latest production of Sister Act, running until July 11 at the Iona Performing Arts Centre in Lindum.
“I enjoyed Hairspray so much, I thought I’d have another go,” Ms Banya said.
“It’s been a lot to learn but great fun. It’s a bit of a dream role for me.”
Ms Banya said she connected strongly with Deloris’s determination and drive.
“Doloris’ resilience, ambition, strength and push to get ahead are qualities I can identify with,” she said.
“I guess I am not afraid – quite bold actually.”
That same determination is evident in the support she and husband Paul provide for AvaLyn.
“She is our only child,” she said.
“She is lovely, kind, polite.
“She’s humble and we are able to pour everything into her and take her where she needs to be taken.
“We do everything we can to support her.”
AvaLyn’s schedule reflects that commitment, balancing school with private vocal, piano and acting lessons.
The young performer has already appeared as young Alline in the Tina Turner Musical at QPAC and, in May, won first place in voice, musical theatre and solo performance categories at the Wynnum Eisteddfod.
“She works hard and appreciates what we are investing in her,” Ms Banya said.
“I believe she will be a big star one day.
“She is very talented and with our support, she can go wherever it takes.
“Look out Redlands, AvaLyn is a star in the making.”
