When the doors officially and sadly closed on Full Throttle Theatre Company earlier this year, budding thespians felt strongly about maintaining a theatrical outlet for the younger generation.
In April, Props Youth Theatre was reborn and has kept the flame burning from some two dozen budding thespians and volunteers making haste to produce 39 Steps in July.
This month they are bringing to the Townsville stage Snow White and the Santa Clause a creation of their very own making with volunteers writing the script in conjunction with scripting workshops held with the kids in August.
The production, directed by Sonia Zabala, will be staged at William Ross State High School on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15. Following these public performances, the team will hit the road to showcase their production at aged care and outside school hours care facilities across Townsville.
“We’re really excited to get back out there and get the name back out there,” Props President Teena Holthouse said.
When Full Throttle started to wind up operations it signalled the end of an era involving James Cook University’s drama school and Tropic Sun Theatre founded by the late visionary Jean-Pierre Voos.
Ms Holthouse said so many kids in Townsville love the theatre and don’t ordinarily get the chance to be involved in productions.
“With Props, it’s not just to get on stage but for everyone and all abilities – they can act or work behind the scenes on sound and lighting,” she said.
“We make it so all kids have a chance to have a moment in the spotlight.”
Ms Holthouse and her team of volunteers have worked hard to keep costs low and come up with inventive ways to not only keep things affordable but make it a level playing field for all involved.
“Eventually we want to build towards running a drop-in drama club,” she said.
With Ms Holthouse’s daughter in the wings providing support and a team of dedicated volunteers, the future is looking very bright for Props Youth Theatre.
Snow White and the Santa Claus will be staged at William Ross State High School on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15 2024. Tickets cost $5 for Props members and $10 for the general public.
To book tickets to Snow White and the Santa Clause go to:
TIMELINE
- Script workshop – Sunday, August 25
- Auditions – Sunday, September 8
- Christmas show performed Saturday, December 14 to Wednesday, December 18.
To become part of Props Youth Theatre email propsyouththeatre@gmail.com
