Musical raises $1600

The Pearl Beach Youth Theatre's recent musical production has raised $1600 for the Central Coast School for Children with Autism and the Save the Pearl Beach Rock Pool Restoration Fund.

Held in the Pearl Beach Memorial Hall over the weekend of January 8 to 10, audiences of full-capacity enjoyed the performance of local children aged from five to 16 years.

Local resident and father of two young performers Mr Peter Talty said he was proud at what his daughters had achieved.

"Our girls have benefited in many ways by being involved in the production," Mr Talty said.

"Their self confidence and self esteem has improved immensely over the past six months. "Being involved in a team, having to listen to and act upon instructions made them feel that they made a contribution to the overall performance.

"It was a unique way to give the children a sense of responsibility and maturity, and will have a positive effect on their future personal development.

"Little kids look up to big kids and are influenced by their actions.

"We were very fortunate to have had a group of excellent 'big kids' that were role models for the little kids."

Another parent, whose son is the youngest member of the theatre group, Ms Mirella Atherton said she was amazed at how much her son Austin had learnt through his involvement.

"I honestly think that of all the children, Austin benefited by far the most being the youngest performer," Ms Atherton said.

"We saw his confidence growing throughout the year.

"He was able to mix with children of all ages and to see how they responded to the challenges of the production.

"He taught the family songs and we are still singing them even now that the show has ended. "We were privileged to witness the long journey that many of the children experienced and we are immensely grateful to all members of the Pearl Beach community that came together to make the show a magnificent success."

Musical director Ms Diane Orton said she was delighted with the outcome of the production and the positive reaction from parents and the young performers themselves.

This production was presented under the auspices of the Pearl Beach Progress Association.

Press release, 19 Jan 2010 Lynne Lillico, Pearl Beach Progress Association