Ready for show: Creating Drama in Concert cast members (from back left) Helen Janke, Denise Newman; (front) Jonathon Skinner. Melita Tremellen, Ben Richards, Ella Kerrins, Joel McLennan, Lucy Sullivan, Nikky Grogan, Leon Ahmet, Daniel Skinner, Jessica Bentley, Erin Mohi, Eliza Adams, Sam Harmes and Sam Cook.
Photo by
Stay Focused Photography
Cast members of the theatre group Creating Drama will enter the spotlight on WestSide Performing Arts Centre’s stage in Mooroopna on Wednesday, February 8, to dazzle the audience with tap dancing, singing and endless smiles.
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Creating Drama is a Shepparton-based theatre group for adults with disabilities, run by Helen Janke, who, following the curtains mostly closing on youth theatre group Initial Stages, has used her passion for the arts to bring together a group of performers.
“I want to share the joy I get from this group, for the audience to experience what I get to experience every week,” Mrs Janke said.
With a variety of songs, from Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley to Wannabe by the Spice Girls, the show will have the audience humming their way home.
Cast members will perform a solo number each, with group numbers interspersed throughout.
For some members, it will be their first time performing, but others are Creating Drama regulars, having worked with the company for four years.
Rehearsal: Creating Drama member Leon Ahmed hard at work for Wednesday’s performance.
Photo by
Stay Focused Photography
“They’re unafraid to show themselves,” Mrs Janke said.
“Every time they perform, it’s like they’re saying ‘this is me.’
“I think we have all a lot we can learn from them.
“Every time they walk through the door, it’s like a full-on reunion, as if they haven’t seen each other in years.
“It’s a tight-knit family here at Creating Drama.”
Although Mrs Janke said the lead up to this performance had been a “crazy journey”, the cast had remained optimistic, embracing every set back as an opportunity to practise more and enjoy time together.
From government restrictions to floods, the group has been through it all, resulting in a 14-month wait to hit the stage.
Cast member Eliza Adams said Creating Drama was the “best place in the world”, enjoying both the dancing and seeing her friends every week while Mathilda Paul described taking the stage as her “dream”.
Mrs Janke said group members gave 100 per cent every week and celebrated each other’s successes with their endless joy.
Ready to shine: Creating Drama’s Eliza Adams preparing to dazzle the audience.
Photo by
Stay Focused Photography
The concert is directed by Mrs Janke and choreographed by Denise Keen and Moara Smith.
Mrs Janke said the team worked together closely to ensure all cast members enjoyed time under the lights.
The show is on at 7pm on Wednesday, February 8, at Riverlinks WestSide, 141-179 Echuca Rd, Mooroopna.
Ticket prices range from $15 to $20 and are available online or through the Riverlinks box office, phone 5832 9511.
