Even if you don’t know Anna and Laura Maurer-Stroh personally, you are likely to have heard them before – they are the singing sisters who not only perform at important occasions in GESS, but also landed roles in musicals in Singapore. We speak with them and find out how they keep their passion for singing alive, and what roles their parents play.
We have been seeing (or rather, hearing) the two of you sisters at school events, presenting your lovely vocals for our school song and more. How did this get started, and how does it feel to be “The Voices” of GESS?
Anna: To be honest, I can’t even how all these started, but it feels really good to sort of “represent GESS”, even though I must admit I haven’t been doing it for long.
Laura: It’s truly an honour to be recognised as Voices of GESS. Like Anna, I can’t quite specify when it started in GESS, but it’s nice to be able to share the stage with my little sister.
We have been seeing (or rather, hearing) the two of you sisters at school events, presenting your lovely vocals for our school song and more. How did this get started, and how does it feel to be “The Voices” of GESS?
Anna: I consider myself a newbie, as I have only been to one audition so far. That experience was very nerve-wrecking but I am thankful it got better with the support of my family and friends. It is an honour to be cast as Brigitta von Trapp in The Sound of Music 2022 musical.
Laura: I found my love for music and theatre relatively early on, and if I may say, I believe I could have played a crucial role in exposing my sister to the musical theatre industry. Back in 2015 or 2016, I performed in the touring production of “Cinderella a Fairly True Story” by Music Hall as a young Cinderella. It was my very first professional production and set the foundation for me to become the performer I am today.
I was also in ChildAid 2016, 2017 and 2018. Each year, over S$2million dollars were raised for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and Business Times Budding Artists Fund. It was a great experience that exposed me to many local artists here in Singapore.
Then in 2019, I performed in Wild Rice’s first pantomime in their new FUNAN theatre, “Peter Pan in Serangoon Gardens”. Soon after, COVID-19 hit, and despite live performances being put on hold for a few years, I was still able to be a part of SingTheatre’s “365 Days of Music” charity livestream Singathon. More recently, this year I performed in Pangdemonium’s “Triple Threats Workshop” showcase.
I participated in these productions on top of school, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the support my teachers and classmates have shown me. They’ve helped me stay on top of my schoolwork and provided me the material needed to catch up during rehearsal breaks.
What motivates you ladies to try out for singing/musical opportunities out of GESS? What have been some of your most memorable moments?
Anna: I do get a sense of excitement trying to imagine how the entire experience will be for me, and the incredible feeling I got when I was told I landed the role in the one audition so far in my life. I am definitely going to try for more.
Laura: The adrenaline rush and pure joy I feel while being on stage motivate me to continue performing and auditioning for such opportunities. There have definitely been many auditions that didn’t work out for me but I see them as helping to build my self-confidence and a push to become better. Rejection helped me become stronger (especially in a very demanding and challenging industry) while landing roles have given me new experiences, friends and skills.
Are you aiming for a professional singing career or do you see it more as a hobby?
Anna: For me, probably more as a hobby. Most of the time, I still focus on my passion in art.
Laura: Although I’ve done theatre professionally growing up, I’m not sure if it will evolve into a career, as GESS has opened up possibilities for other career paths. For example, I am thinking of entering the marketing industry after my graduation in 2024 – still pondering on my options, I’ve got a year and a half to make that decision!
We believe you must have had a lot of encouragement from your parents. What role have they played in cultivating and encouraging your passion in singing? (Do they have a passion for singing themselves?)
Anna: I do have a lot of encouragement from my parents but the person who inspired me the most is my sister : )
Laura: Yes, I’ve received a lot of encouragement from my parents throughout the years. They helped me find my passion for musical arts, by allowing me to experiment with different extra-curriculars and classes since young. When the demanding rehearsal hours start, they drive me to rehearsals every single day, help me memorise lines, and hear me practise at home. My mom especially would spend time trying to help me learn dancing (I wasn’t the most coordinated person when it came to dance). She danced a lot growing up and she’s a big inspiration for me to become a better dancer on top of my singing. I’m grateful for the support my parents have given us.
How has GESS created opportunities for you to explore and pursue singing? Any particular teacher(s) who helped train you?
Anna: In addition to performing at my primary school assembly, it was quite an experience when we were invited to perform at GESS’ 50th Anniversary Gala Night in mid 2022.
Laura: GESS has really helped motivate me to audition for shows outside of school. The environment here gives me a safe space to perform and grow. I loved performing in our 2018 show called GESS Cabaret with teachers and other students (who are now alumni). I specifically remember singing “There’s No Business Like Show Business” with Frau Schips and coming back on stage for the finale with schoolmates, teachers and even the principal to all sing together. There are also events like our annual Christmas Bazaar, night lantern festival and VIP Gold Concert to perform at and find my passion in the musical arts.
Mr Terry Moran has also always encouraged me to sing and perform – he’s a teacher who has motivated me since the very beginning, from primary school to high school. I’m very grateful for the support he has shown me these many years.
Another teacher I’ll like to mention is Ms Stacy Billingslea, who joined GESS as drama teacher and has opened up new possibilities for musical productions at GESS. I’m certain she will improve and change the theatre culture here at GESS, and provide the students with more opportunities.
How do you manage your school work alongside your performances? What did you find challenging or encouraging?
Anna: When I have to miss some class for rehearsals, I ask my teacher to give me work that I can do in my spare time to make it up. My teachers have been very understanding and helpful to help me stay on track.
Laura: Managing school work alongside professional theatre gets harder and harder as you get older. The pressure to do well in school and increasing workload make it more tough to find a balance. You need a strong work ethic and good time management skills. During full day rehearsals when I had to miss some weeks of class, I would do my schoolwork during my lunch breaks and always make sure to contact teachers on the work I missed, in order for me to stay on top of my studies.
Lastly, for any young person who wants to pursue their dreams, passion and talents, what would you say to them?
Anna: I would say to them: “Follow them! Who knows what other chances you’ll have!”
Laura: Go for it! It’s never too late to start following your dream or finding a passion. It may take some time to find but if it’s something you truly want, you will put in the time, energy and resources to reach it. Have faith in yourself, and don’t listen to people who constantly put you down. Be true to yourself and don’t ever force yourself to like something you don’t. Everyone starts with a dream; they don’t materialise overnight – don’t be afraid to start dreaming.
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