The group started in 1980 and produced its first production at the old Pumpkin Theatre in Richmond. Because of the size of the group, the following year we performed at the Renaissance Theatre in Kew, (at Kew High School) and have been there ever since.

The group aims to help children, not just with the development of theatrical skills, but with more valuable life skills such as self-esteem, respect for others, self-confidence in front of groups, etc. Children are not auditioned. Anyone is eligible to join regardless of ability.

We operate two separate workshops for juniors and teenagers. Juniors are aged 9 to 13, and teenagers 14 to 16. The juniors operate from 6.30 to 8.00 and the teenagers from 8.00 to 9.30, both on Monday nights. Around mid-May, the Monday nights stop, and the two groups come together for rehearsals on Sunday afternoons (1.00 to 5.00). Workshops and rehearsals are held at our hall in Saxby Rd., Glen Iris. The production is usually the last week in August.

Currently around $200 per child per year. This low cost is due to the large input from volunteers. If a child drops out in the first 6 weeks, the money is refunded. The fee, along with the ticket money from the production, goes towards costs of theatre hire, scenery storage, costumes, sets, props, scripts, postage, etc.

The workshops are an opportunity to learn basic stagecraft and acting skills. Both groups enjoy instruction, exercise and improvisation. In addition, the children's group play games, which are designed partly to increase the bonding between the children.

The show is always a musical, with singing and dancing. Generally there is a fair amount of humour in the scripts. Every child has at least one line of script. The children's group form the chorus (and take some minor roles) while the teenagers play the lead roles. Children go through the audition process to secure a role, with roles allocated on ability and suitability.

Children must be 9 years old by the 1^st July of the year in which they start. Teenagers must be 14 years old by the 1^st July of the year in which they start. Usually teenagers drop out at year 11.

We typically have 40 to 50 children, with about 30 in the children's group and 15 in the teenage group. Current Distribution by sex is normally from 35% to 50% boys. Most come from the city of Boroondara.

The waiting list varies from year to year. Sometimes we take everyone on the list, sometimes up to 20 have had to wait for the following year. To book in, simply phone Ed (numbers above in letterhead) with details of your child. In January you will receive a formal application form. Once those forms are all in, places are offered. Offers are strictly in order of original booking (first come, first served). However preference is given to families who already have a child in the group.