Coast theatre group showcases young performers
Thu 31 August 2006
Jenny Hammer, Journalism
Live theatre has always boomed on the Sunshine Coast and now, with the arrival of an exciting new drama group, it’s set to explode.
Turkish Delight Theatre Box is a new theatre company comprising of an incredible mix of talented Sunshine Coast youth ranging in age from 14 to 19 years.
The brainchild of young Sunshine Coast woman, Samantha Turk, Turkish Delight Theatre Box aims to deliver a platform for young performers, something severely lacking here on the Coast.
“There are some amazingly talented kids in this area, but once they leave school we lose them to the bigger cities. I want to provide a vehicle for these guys to show the Sunshine Coast that there is a wealth of talent here that needs to be nurtured,” Miss Turk said.
The company’s first production, the musical Fame begins its 10 night run on September 7, 2006. It showcases the talent of 14-year-old singing powerhouse, Kirby Lunn in the lead role of Carmen Diaz.
Watching the young actors in rehearsal, it is clear the Sunshine Coast is home to some amazing young people who are extremely talented. These performers are clearly anything but a bunch of young people fooling around.
Their dedication is obvious as they perform their songs with a strong sense of professionalism that is often only seen in experienced stage actors.
Miss Turk says she has had difficulty in getting support for her theatre company, as many people are too quick to write-off the efforts of young people.
“But there is a line in one of the songs in Fame, ‘baby remember my name’, that’s what I want people to do when they walk away from the show. Remember these kids’ names,” Miss Turk said.
Miss Turk, who is only 22-years-old, is funding the entire production herself as she has been unable to gain sponsorship from companies she has approached.
“I have been told that it’s a bit of a joke and that I’m wasting my time. But I believe in the talent here on the Coast and I want to provide a place for them to perform.”
Performing arts schools such as the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) and the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) offer advanced courses to young performers. This is where most young actors aspire to study their craft.
“But we need a vehicle here for them and that is what I aim to achieve with Turkish Delight,” Miss Turk said.
Image(s) designed by Jenny Hammer
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Submitted Comments
I have recently seen Kirby Lunn perform in "Rent". She has a tremendous vocal range and I am really looking forward to seeing the show tonight especially after having caught the show in London.
John Hammond
Great article, it is good to hear about a production showcasing the talent of young people on the Sunshine Coast.
Katrina Scott