Jacqueline Dark grew up in Ballarat, Victoria - a precinct that fosters participation in the arts and hosts a collection of community theatre companies, choirs and orchestras - all with the intent to practice excellence and provide opportunity and experience to the enthusiastic novice.

A youth spent performing in amateur musicals, theatre restaurant and operetta afforded Jacqui an opportunity to play - and discover the power of performance. Standing out as a dynamic talent, it seemed imperative that she would be called to a career in vocal performance and the stage.

Roles in musical theatre and opera followed - along with a swag of awards - all confirming Dark as a practitioner of note.

After completing a Bachelor of Physics degree, she gave the classroom a brief stint. But the urge to perform professionally propelled her to the Opera Studio at the Victorian College of The Arts, where she graduated with First Class Honours.

Her performance experience also encompasses cabaret, and the concert platform - all handled with aplomb and easy calibration.

But perhaps her most significant role is that of Mother; a role she

pursued in her early 40s. Incidentally, another role as Mother, came along shortly after by way of a revival of The Sound of Music.

I've known Jacqui for several decades - there is always a lot to catch up on! It is a great joy to be in her company. She radiates warmth and wisdom. We commenced our chat - in a galaxy not so far away - at the beginning.