Youth theatre closes amid production debt

After 14 years, the curtain has closed on Creative Works Youth Theatre.

Director Paula Wilkinson announced the program would be shut down after the group’s performance of The Jungle Book on September 24, with the financial strain of producing a lavish production proving too much.

Despite 350 people heading down to Queens Park Theatre to see the performance, Mrs Wilkinson said it wasn’t enough to cover costs.

“When I put a production on at the Queens Park Theatre it costs me so much money,” she said.

“I need to get big name shows, which requires big royalties. I knew I was going to end up with a big debt so I had to make a choice, I had to make the call to let it go.”

Although the City of Greater Geraldton was able to lower the fees for hiring Queens Park Theatre, Mrs Wilkinson said she still ended up in debt, only receiving funding through ticket sales and term fees.

Creative Works Youth Theatre was made up of more than 30 students from eight local schools, ranging in age from six to 18 years old.

The students rehearsed twice a week, performing a major show each year.

However Mrs Wilkinson said students’ other commitments often got in the way of drama.

“Kids are so fabulously busy these days,” she said.

“If they have netball training, and don’t show up to training they don’t play the game. If you don’t show up for drama, I don’t have a character and people don’t know the lines.”

Programs, activities and events do have the chance to apply once a year for a community grant from the City, however Mrs Wilkinson believed this was only open to non-profit organisations.

Mayor Shane Van Styn said the grants allowed children to experience a variety of art activities and programs.

“We consider it very important for our youth to have access to art programs,” he said.

“In the latest school holiday program we had activities from music workshops, to improv-comedy for kids and art days.”

Loren Healy, the parent of one child involved in the program, said it was “heart-breaking” to see the students upset about the group’s closure.

“The students are from all different schools and ages, and they all embrace each other,” she said.

“They’re such a nice little family.

“For some kids, drama’s the only thing they have.

“Some kids aren’t sporty or into dance. It gives them an outlet for their personality.”

Mrs Wilkinson is hoping to relaunch the program next year.