More of the Central Coast’s young theatre talent will be honoured in a special presentation on stage at Laycock Street Community Theatre on Friday 15 June.

The 2018 Youth In Performing Arts (YIPA) series saw more auditions than ever before with more schools, dance studios and music studios taking part. For the first time, the presentation night is open to the general public to come along and support young performers on the Coast.

YIPA is a project heavily supported by Central Coast Council and presented by Laycock Street Community Theatre. Each year, the concerts attract large and enthusiastic audiences from the local community and provide opportunities for young people with outstanding emerging talent to perform in a professional venue.

Council Unit Manager Leisure & Lifestyle, Phil Cantillon, said projects like YIPA are inclusive and help develop a sense of community among the youth of the Central Coast.

“YIPA is not a competition and there is no comparison between performances, individuals or schools. Young people have the opportunity to do what they love and do it well for the pleasure of performing in a high quality variety concert.” Mr Cantillon said.

“The concerts assist young people on the Coast to develop confidence in themselves and their ability to contribute to a team. It further provides a key opportunity for the wider community to appreciate and support the outstanding talent of the region’s young performers.

“The presentation night at Laycock Street Community Theatre honours the 2018 performers. The community are encouraged to come along, be entertained and show your support for our local talented youth.”

YIPA is open to any performer in any style of entertainment who has reached the age of attending High School and is no older than 21. Performers must reside within the Central Coast LGA or attend a school within that area on a fulltime basis.

YIPA Director, Karen Morrow, said the project began 27 years ago by visionaries Graham Morris, Don Craig, previous manager of Laycock St Theatre, and the late Alf Taylor OAM, who went on to be YIPA director for the first 9 years.

“Due to the tenacity and energy of YIPA’s founders, a lifelong passion for the arts has been ignited in our Coast’s youth and many young people have found their niche and their place of belonging – some have even pursued careers as professional performers, not only in Australia, but also abroad.” Mrs Morrow said.

“Today YIPA is part of Laycock Street Community Theatre’s Love Laycock Season. The concerts are produced in a unique partnership with theatre staff, and volunteers from broad backgrounds who invest a multitude of hours communicating, administrating, auditioning, mentoring, organising and supporting the young entertainers.

“This year we were very excited by the standard achieved across all genres of the arts. We saw a superb ballet troupe from Premiere Elite Studios, an outstanding ‘rock-the-house’ performance by Green Point Christian College band and lead vocalist, a stunning vocal and piano medley arrangement and even a moving, masterful drama piece by Laycock Street Dance/Drama studios.

“The committee appreciate the Council’s sustained support and belief in our young people. We look forward to honouring them at this special presentation night guaranteed to entertain with new performances by those who make YIPA the success that it is – our youth.”

Tickets for the YIPA presentation night on Friday 15 June are on sale now and open to the general public. For more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/theatres