The big wig: Angela Cascarino is directing Hairspray. Picture: Jeff de Pasquale
WHAT does it take to bring together and motivate the cast of a musical?
Campbelltown Theatre Group's 2013 production of Hairspray has introduced a blog designed to answer questions just like that over the coming months.
The first post on Baltimorestar.blogspot.com.au will feature show director Angela Cascarino of Narellan.
Mrs Cascarino is a veteran of more than 60 stage productions, a teacher of the entertainment program at John Therry Catholic High School, a wife and a mother of four.
She also has a passion for the theatre.
At 10, Mrs Cascarino was cast as the Wicked Witch in a local production.
Forty years on her resume includes shows she has acted in, directed, produced, designed or written, from large scale musicals to small intimate plays.
Mrs Cascarino directed two shows in 2012, and her last major on-stage role was in the powerful play, Blackrock.
"That piece will always be a special moment as this was a raw piece where all actors had to find depths far beyond our experiences," she said.
Naming a favourite is difficult.
"It's the memory of the show, rather than the role, that makes a performance special," she said.
"My whole family has been in Oliver! so it holds a place in my heart.
"Working with my husband on The Day They Kidnapped the Pope was great for us."
Mrs Cascarino is also the matriarch of a talented family.
"My husband David and I met at 19 working on a variety show, "she said. "We owned a theatre company and drama school for many years.
"All of my children are involved in the entertainment industry.
"Jacqui (21) is a comic talent, who loves costume and design.
"Hayley (16) is a beautiful singer and guitarist and has worked in television and film since she was young.
"My eldest daughter Emily (23) and son Brendan (19) are working professionally in entertainment."
Opening night for Hairspray is March 1, 2013. Online ticket bookings are available now at www.ctgi.org.au/.