Young people perform

Twenty-two young performers from the Peninsula will showcase their talent in the upcoming Central Coast Youth in Performing Arts concert series.

The concert series will take place at Laycock St Theatre in North Gosford from June 2 to 6.

The Peninsula students will join 150 other performers from across the Central Coast to entertain audiences across five nights.

Concert director Mr Chris Cox said the Youth in Performing Arts auditions saw more than 400 acts tryout for a spot in the final concert series.

"The quantity and quality of talent we saw across the four weekends of auditions was just outstanding," Mr Cox said.

"We saw an amazing number of dancers, vocalists, instrumentalists, drama performers and even a juggler tryout for a final place in the concert."

Youth in Performing Arts commenced in the early 1990s with the dream of presenting to the finest performing arts available from young people - high school age to 21 years of age.

Mr Cox said the Youth in Performing Arts provided the youth of the Central Coast with a passion for performing arts to show-off their talent in a professional manner.

"This is a great opportunity to get the kids up on stage performing in a professional atmosphere where they can be guided and mentored throughout the whole concert process," Mr Cox said.

"Since its inception Youth in Performing Arts has unearthed some wonderful talent.

"The current production of Wicked in Melbourne features two former Youth in Performing Arts performers, Ryan Sheppard and Gemma Stephenson.

"Nathan Foley of Hi-5 fame appeared in the first concert while Shannon Jolliff, who appeared in the Sydney production of Billy Elliott, will appear in the year's concert.

"Each concert is unique, the quality is outstanding and the performers sensational."

For tickets and more information about the event, phone 4323 3233.

Clare Graham, 27 May 2009 Interviewee: Chris Cox, Youth in Performing Arts Press release, 21 May 2009 Terri Graham, Gosford Council