THE Gippsland Youth Drama Workshop (GYDW) is encouraging young performers to help celebrate its 30th anniversary with the launch of a new season and show in June.
Based in Traralgon, the theatre group will soon begin writing and rehearsing for the new show, and is inviting new members to become involved.
Director Phillip A Mayer says the main aim of the group is to enhance the young performer’s natural talents, and provide a positive educational theatre experience in a supportive environment.
“Drama helps build resilience, well-being, self esteem and engagement, and participation exposes young people to essential skills which help them cope with challenges,” Mayer said.
“There is nothing but positives, and it’s a privilege being a part of instilling an appreciation for the performing arts in regional youth.
“It’s a real positive for the community and the kids love it.”
Established in 1993, the theatre program is unique in that every production is original and conceived by the participants.
Since its establishment, GYDW has produced more than 100 original shows involving over 2200 regional performers from right across Gippsland, including Sale and Maffra.
The workshop sessions focus on building performance skills, as well as confidence, team work, vocabulary, communication, responsibility and many other attributes transferable to life.
“Taking part in the dramatic arts is one of the best ways to develop the imagination and support creative expression, especially for young people,” Mayer said.
“Collaborating with peers, discussing big ideas and learning the skills of live performance can help prepare kids for real-world challenges.”
As part of the Workshop, young performers build plot, characters, themes and humorous scenes which they find interesting and valuable in expressing their ideas.
“We incorporate improvisations, theatre sports games, writer’s workshop sessions, the rehearsal process, stage craft, voice projection and a final production open to family, friends and the general public,” Mayer explained.
“All the participants are given good-sized roles commensurate with their experience and ability, and they buzz with excitement at performing in front of a large audience.”
The group is further enhanced by members of the award-winning Here There and Everywhere Theatre Company, also run by Mayer.
“We have an amazing team helping to produce theatre with wonderfully talented and dedicated young people from across Latrobe,” he said.
“Our curriculum is designed and delivered by experienced performers with a passion for making a difference in young people’s lives.”
Rehearsals for the Gippsland Youth Drama Workshop are held on Wednesdays in the VRI Hall, Traralgon from 5.15pm to 6.45pm.
Openings are available for young participants from upper-primary school age through to 17 years.
Final applications for the new show close soon; bookings are essential as places are extremely limited.
GYDW’s show is scheduled for June 24, and will be performed at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre.
For further information, contact the director on 0409 878 688.
