Youth in Performing Arts
Thu, 9 June 2005, 04:08 amWalter Plinge1 post in thread
Youth in Performing Arts
Thu, 9 June 2005, 04:08 amAs I've mentioned before, the Central Coast of NSW is a hub of performing arts activity. One of the reasons for this is the annual "Youth in Performing Arts" festival, now in its 14th year. It showcases performers under the age of 20, in variety shows which include (but are not limited to!) instrumental music, rock bands, comedy, dance, drama, speech and singing. Each of the 5 concerts features 25 acts, which have been selected during a long process of auditioning over 300 acts.
The standard of performance varies from very good to "let's book 'em for Vegas".
For the performers, there is a chance to work in a real theatre (Laycock Street) with a real audience, to make an impression, and to have some positive feedback from the audition process, with a few helpful hints along the way. Many performers return from year to year and it's gratifying to see the improvement over that period of time. Of course, it also allows networking and a chance for the youngsters to gauge themselves against their competition (away from the more competitive atmosphere of eisteddfods).
For the audience, what a great bunch of shows! Better than watching the goggle box.
Big ups to those who give their time, energy, encouragement and expertise to the youngsters. It must be exciting for them to see many of their alumni graduating to show business careers.
Other areas may have similar programmes ; if not, it's well worth the effort to get one going.
The standard of performance varies from very good to "let's book 'em for Vegas".
For the performers, there is a chance to work in a real theatre (Laycock Street) with a real audience, to make an impression, and to have some positive feedback from the audition process, with a few helpful hints along the way. Many performers return from year to year and it's gratifying to see the improvement over that period of time. Of course, it also allows networking and a chance for the youngsters to gauge themselves against their competition (away from the more competitive atmosphere of eisteddfods).
For the audience, what a great bunch of shows! Better than watching the goggle box.
Big ups to those who give their time, energy, encouragement and expertise to the youngsters. It must be exciting for them to see many of their alumni graduating to show business careers.
Other areas may have similar programmes ; if not, it's well worth the effort to get one going.