Concordia graduate Josh Lambert shines behind the scenes of Anastasia
Before the curtain rises, Josh Lambert is firmly focused on centre stage. However, the former Concordia student is not under the glare of the spotlight but tucked away in the wings with notes in hand as he constantly refines Concordia Lutheran College’s 2025 production of Anastasia ahead of opening night.
“I love seeing it coming together,” he says. “It’s so different being on the other side because as students you are only told so much. When you are practicing suddenly big sets just appear. As a student you don’t understand the massive amount of work that goes on behind the scenes.”
Josh first fell for theatre as a young actor.
“I remember when I did Bugsy Malone with Concordia Lutheran College, and I finished my last scene as one of the leads. I just walked off stage and just started crying,” he recalls. “That show introduced me to the world of performing arts. I didn’t have much of an interest before I was involved.”
Now years later as a graduate in 2023 and enrolled in a Bachelor of Education at the University of Southern Queensland, Josh has taken on the challenge of Assistant Director of Anastasia with the same energy that he had when he was belting out notes as a lead in Concordia’s 2023 production, We Will Rock You.
He is one of a small team that spends countless hours completing prop lists, costume lists, helping create scenes and supporting the students at rehearsals.
“The hardest part? I am challenged in a good way all the time,” Josh admits. “But it has pushed me to learn more every day.”
He thrives on the show’s process. “It is such a well-oiled machine,” he said. “In Term 4 of 2024 we start sit-down readings. In Term 1 of this year, we are learning the scenes, dance moves and the songs and then in Term 2 we are running the full show.”
“It’s been a natural progression to Assistant Director,” he says. “I miss school at Concordia. I love structure and now I have to make so many choices on my own,” he laughed.
He’s drawn to the story of Anastasia because of its blend of fantasy and history. “I love the fact that it’s intertwined with real history, and I love the songs. My favourite song is Everything to Win,’” he smiles.
Josh hopes to return to Concordia full time one day as a teacher and mentor.
“I’d love to come back to Concordia to teach and help with drama. I started at Concordia Lutheran College in Year 2 and I’m still here two years after I graduated,” he said.
He’s most proud of the students finding their spark in the process.
“The kids are fantastic. They genuinely are crushing the performance. There are some kids who I had no idea were even into drama and they are absolutely crushing it.
“This is a Disney movie on stage, what more do you need?”
