Theatre boot camp for young actors

Thirty-four young actors, 50 scenes, 100 roles … participants in this year’s Theatrecraft Youth Unlimited drama camp will face some unique challenges.

Together they will work with well-known Gippsland theatre artists Steve Wiegerink, Sharryn Marshall, Todd Miller, Teigan Bliss and Andrew Davies and other leaders on a fascinating play Love and Information by one of Britain’s best known playwrights, Caryl Churchill.

A modern look at contemporary life, Love and Information was performed in mid 2015 at Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne.

With 50 scenes and more than 100 roles, it’s a great challenge to prepare and present this piece of contemporary theatre which the cast and crew feel as though they’re on a roller coaster.

The 34 young actors, ranging from 13-21, come from all parts of Gippsland and as far as Portland, Echuca, Ballarat, Mansfield, Yarrawonga, Mildura and even Tasmania.

They will be based at Allambee Camp and spend the week rehearsing at Trafalgar Public Hall before three performances of their play, with the supported of Trafalgar and District Community Bank and The Trafalgar and District Youth Foundation.

Project co-ordinator Joanne Watt says Love and Information is filled with poignant moments balanced by laugh-aloud surprises.

“This project bridges the gap between entertainment for young children and families and adult theatre for these keen actors.

“If it were a film, Love and Information would probably rate PG or maybe M … definitely adult themes and great opportunities to showcase actors.”

Love and Information will be performed at the Trafalgar Public Hall, Contingent Street, at 8pm on Friday, January 13, and 2pm and 8pm on Saturday, January 14.

Given the distances they have travelled to get here, this group of young actors would love to have a hearty Gippsland audience to spur them on to further theatrical work.

Tickets are $10 available through trybooking.com/ NZSD

To find out more, contact Joanne Watt on 0408 366 481.