Youth perform at Laycock St

Some of the Peninsula's youth are set to perform in this year's Youth In Performing Arts concert series at Laycock St Theatre from June 3 to 7.

Performers from the Peninsula area will include Jessica Games of Umina (solo vocal), Ashley Knight of Woy Woy (vocal with guitar), Sophie Stratton of Umina (Drama), 5 Car Pileup (a rock band of boys from Woy Woy including Bryce Gleeson performing "Are You Gonna Be My Girl", Amanda Bruce of Umina (Dance), Cara Cerulli of Umina (Dance), Kayley Paul and Henry Nelson of Umina (Drama), Kimberly Kelly of Empire Bay (Drama), Kirstie McGlone of Umina (Solo Vocal), Lara Low of Umina (Solo Vocal), Jade McCudden of Kariong (Solo Vocal), Jessica Hind of Umina (Song and Dance), Joshua Keane of Umina (Band called No Pressure performing "Punk Princess"), Kirsty McGlone of Umina (monologue), Green Point Christian College (a 17 piece rock band and a cappella vocal), and Liam Scarratt of Phegans Bay (a rock band called Mind Priorities performing "Waiting On a Riot").

After the concert series, 15 scholarships will be awarded to successful applicants totalling a value of $10,785.

"The Youth In Performing Arts is now produced by Laycock Street Theatre and showcases the cream of Central Coast youth aged 12 to 21 in a series of concerts held at the theatre each June," said Laycock Street Theatre marketing coordinator Ms Lisa Kelly.

"The concert series is unique in that it is non-competitive and it affords young people from all walks of life the opportunity to participate in and apply for scholarships.

"The aim of YIPA is to provide an opportunity for youth to perform and participate in a quality program featuring all aspects of the performing arts."

The Central Coast YIPA concerts began in June, 1992, as a joint initiative of Gosford West Rotary Club and Laycock Street Theatre, supported by Gosford Council.

Over 450 auditions were held at Laycock Street Theatre in February this year and out of those acts auditioned, 140 were chosen for the concert series.

The concerts will open each night from 8pm with a big band or choir, and follow with solo vocalists, drama pieces, dancing, guitarists, rock bands, drumming, the Peninsula Highland Dancing Association and musical theatre to name a few.

Each night is a unique performance of around 30 acts.

Press release, 20 May 2008 Lisa Kelly, Laycock Street and Peninsula Theatre