A Launceston theatre company encouraging people of all abilities to enjoy the arts has received a helping hand.
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Faced with a theatre hiring fee of about $6000, the Studio Space Theatre Company turned to fundraising until it received a financial boost from a new program.
Company artistic director and drama teacher Gerard Lane said the funding would hire the Princess Theatre for their showcase in November.
“It’s a huge leg up for us as a theatre company in its infancy,” Lane said.
The organisation offers theatrical training to people of all abilities. By encouraging people of all abilities to perform together, it enabled people to connect through the arts, Lane said.
The company started last year after a therapist and StGiles workers came up with the idea.
Lane said he had already received feedback from parents, who noticed a difference after their children, some of whom have stutters, low confidence, or difficulties communicating, underwent theatre training.
The showcase would celebrate all the hard work during the year and would include people of all abilities, he said.
Launceston’s Finn Hilder, 15, said he would feel proud walking onto the stage at the showcase.
“I love it when people look at me and say hello,” Hilder said.
Sarah Squires, of Beaconsfield, joined the company about a month ago and was already looking forward to singing in the showcase.
“It’s been really good so far,” Squires said.
“I like being on stage when the spotlight is just on myself.”
Colby Withers and Liam Connolly, both of Launceston, have been in the company since the beginning.
Withers said she felt happy when she was singing.
It’s a huge leg up for us, as a theatre company in its infancy.
- Studio Space Theatre Company artistic director Gerard Lane
Connolly has been working on a television script, which Lane said he arranged for him to meet with local filmmakers to “bring the idea to life”.
Making new friends was one of Launceston’s Bella Street’s highlights.
“It’s been amazing, I’m glad we found it,” she said.