“We had to do a speaking and singing audition and I had to sing part of Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” the grade five pupil said.

Laura won the part of Dorothy and is looking forward to the September 1 and 2 performances of The Wizard of Oz Young Performers Edition at the Wendouree Centre for the Performing Arts.

“I just like being able to go on stage and act and dance and sing.”

Miners Rest performing arts teacher Megan Manson said the play involved about 280 students, with only kinder and foundation students not taking part.

“Not only are they building confidence but it’s also about resilience, well-being and persistence. Script reading helps with literacy, sound effects with music and it really improves their public speaking,” Ms Manson said.

“Some of the students have chosen not to perform but to do makeup or backstage instead. Everyone has a responsibility.”