A successful Youth Theatre production relies on talented and dedicated children bringing stories to life on the stage.
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Often, the unseen heroes of these productions are the parents and adult helpers, from driving children to and from rehearsals several times a week, to lending a hand with set building, painting, costume making, prop gathering, green room supervising and front of house volunteering.
They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to youth theatre productions.
This year, two parents have stepped up in a whole new capacity by joining the cast of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe in supporting roles, working alongside their children.
Lyn Sterling from the production team said: "Encouraging their mutual learning and responsive engagement is adding a new dimension that will only enhance the experience."
For some of the adult cast, this is the first time they have stepped onto the playhouse stage as performers.
Others are seasoned players from past Bay Theatre Players productions and have joined The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe to support the youth members.
"My character Mrs Macready is 'not that fond of children', the polar opposite to myself," Cast member Lyn Benn explained.
"It's uplifting working with the young people in this cast, their energy is infectious," she said.
"I just want to soak up anything on offer, whether it be expertise or comradeship.
"It's a joyous experience for me."
Bernie Dufield who plays the Professor said: "One of the highlights for me is watching the timid children develop into confident young adults.
"The kids at theatre are all positive and supportive of each other," he said.
"It's very infectious this acting business," Lee Mugridge added.
"We see the kids having so much fun and just want to join in and be a part of it all.
"I'm usually building sets behind the scenes but given the chance to play Father Christmas, well who could pass that up." says
Cathy West said it had been a "long time between appearances on stage for me".
"The anticipation and excitement is still similar many years on."
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is on stage from November 22 to December 7, for 10 performances only.
Tickets are on sale, online, from October 1, 2019 at www.baytheatreplayers.org.au.
Youth Theatre is an active part of our Bay Theatre Players, and workshops are held regularly for children and young adults aged 8 to 18 years.
