New Rockingham theatre group gives young performers a safe space

Rockingham Theatre Company’s call to start a youth theatre group this year has drawn sell-out attention.

Despite operating only since February, the bi-weekly sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays have already been filled by more than 50 young performers aged 7-17, with plenty of extras on a waitlist.

Rockingham Theatre Company president Alison Gibson said with a production of The Wizard of Oz on the horizon later this year, the demand to join had been large but expected.

“There’s not a lot of opportunity for children to pursue drama in the area,” Ms Gibson said.

“I think sports just takes a much more prominent role, so the arts are so often an afterthought.”

As a not-for-profit amateur theatre group, Ms Gibson hoped the youth classes would be the future for the company.

“It’s really an aim of mine to get youth back into theatre because without them the future of our organisation is left in doubt,” she said.

“We need to have young people to keep us going, otherwise who will be here to continue it.”

Dylan Elliot, 13, and Lauren O’Brien, 15, said the classes were an incredible opportunity to develop their passion for the arts.

“Not only that but I’ve always loved meeting new people and I’ve made great friends here so far,” Dylan said.

“I’m really grateful to have a creatively encouraging and judgment free space to perform,” Lauren said.

“There wasn’t a lot available for us a few years ago when it came to the arts but I can see now that opportunity is definitely growing in the area.”

Ms Gibson said she was proud to have created such a special environment in the existing Rockingham Theatre Company.

“I think what makes it so special is how nurturing, inclusive and safety driven all our volunteers are,” she said.

“They’ve also got many years of theatre experience to pass on to these kids.”

Alongside rehearsals for the youth production of the Wizard of Oz, the theatre group’s adults are reading to present their next production, Nana’s Naughty Knickers, in late June and early July.

For more information on coming shows or the youth theatre group, visit rtcrockingham.com.