Festivals provide creative platform
THERE is much being done to inspire the next generation to tread the boards and perform on the stage.
Locally, we have the annual Geelong Schools Music and Movement Festival, which wrapped up its 71st edition this week.
The time-honoured event, which allows kids to shine in a variety of performances, saw more than 40 schools show off their wares at Costa Hall.
Wakakirri Arts Festival, Australia’s largest performing arts events for schools, shares similar goals of giving kids a potentially lifechanging opportunity.
Involving over 20,000 students across every state and territory, it attracts more than one million patrons to watch its performances each year.
“The most exciting thing about Wakakirri is seeing the kids so positively engaged and witnessing all of their hard work creating amazing stories,” festival director Adam Loxley said.
“Performing at a professional theatre is something they may only experience once in their lives and is … a highlight for many kids when they reflect on their time at school.”
GPAC’s The Playhouse is one of three Victorian theatres hosting a preliminary Wakakirri event this year.
The Geelong show, held this Monday, will feature a raft of local schools.
Geelong Lutheran College will be in the primary category, while Belmont High School and Geelong Baptist College will feature in the secondary division.
Wakakirri demands a three to seven-minute performance that theatrically tells a story, using a combination of dancing, acting and creative movement to pre-recorded music.
Entrants can use any combination of dance, creative movement, acting, music, props, costumes and sets.
This year’s themes deal with some weighty subjects — among the topics are mental health, bullying and the price of fame.
Success at Monday’s performance provides schools with the opportunity to progress to the awards night, which would see them perform in front of a panel of industry professionals.
The industry pros include Justine Clarke, Rachael Beck, Todd McKenney, Jason Coleman and Mark Wilson.
The awards event will be held at the Melbourne Recital Centre on September 20.