Jacqui Rayment has been a busy second-year Bachelor of Music Theatre (BMT) student in her final semester of study for 2006.

Not only is she putting her directing and performing skills to the test in a practical way but she is helping soon-to-be ‘schoolies’ consider consequences of their choices during the week-long celebrations in mid-November.

Jacqui has re-written the 7-year-old script for a Queensland Health-sponsored event called 'Choices'.

'Choices' was originally composed by the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) in collaboration with Queensland Health and other community groups. The entertaining program speaks to year 12 high school students as they prepare to embark on ‘schoolies’ celebrations.

Jacqui participated in the performance last year as a first-year student and at the beginning of second term began the creative and timely task of re-creating the characters in the script to make it more appealing to this year’s audience.

“I had the head role in the production last year and was approached to re-write and direct my fellow BMT students in the 50-minute presentation,” said Jacqui.

Jacqui’s production emphasises relevant topics for schoolies revellers including drinking laws, drink spiking, effects of alcohol and seeking help.

Characters appealing to the year 12 audience include Rove and Peter Helliar from Rove Live, Kath and Kim and Natalie Basingthwaite from the rock band Rogue Traders. The characters are played by Jacqui and her colleagues from CQCM.

The show also brings local police and ambulance officers onto the stage, to hit home the message of making the right choices at ‘schoolies’.

Jacqui believes the experience has provided a great return for her in terms of experience as a performer.

“I still want to pursue a career as a performer but now I also have the added perspective of having been a director and this will help me in my career,” said Jacqui.

The 'Choices' crew are on the road and touring throughout Mackay district in the next few weeks and are confident their message will create a greater schoolies experience for 2006.