PETER Farrell has “trod the boards” all over the world as a theatrical performer, and has invested many years in training and developing young people’s talent.
Now he’s bringing his experience to bear in Port Stephens.
“This is such a beautiful place to live, but it doesn’t provide much opportunity for theatre, or performing arts,” he said during a conversation at the Soldiers Point Community Hall.
“This is such a perfect little building that will be the perfect home for that kind of thing.”
Peter has provisionally established the Port Stephens Theatre Company, offering “Introduction to the Arts” workshops for young people with a burgeoning interest in musical theatre.
He also hosts a weekly line-dancing “roundup” on Saturday evenings, though he admits with a gleeful grin that is something he started “simply because I enjoy it”.
Growing up in Sydney, Peter has been a theatrical performer in professional productions of shows like Chicago and A Chorus Line.
But some of his proudest achievements have been in establishing academies where he can pass on his knowledge and skills to young people, and offer some guidance in how they can pursue their own passions.
“My sister and I taught young people in Sydney for about 12 years,” he said.
“Some of those who came through our program went on to professional careers of their own.
“One of them took over from us when we decided to move on.
“There is so much reward in fostering that love for the arts, and watching young people thrive when they find a new purpose.”
Equal parts performer, teacher, mentor and philosopher, Peter is starting small in Port Stephens with his initial workshops and holiday programs, but has a mind to develop a thriving theatre company to create new opportunities for performers of all ages.
In addition to producing shows at the Soldiers Point Community Hall, he hopes to develop a “Young Talent Team” – a group of young people enthusiastic about singing and dancing who can travel and participate in events across the state to help promote the Port Stephens area.
“I think that there’s a great opportunity to provide this sort of experience for tourists and holidaymakers every bit as much as locals.”
“Out in the world there is a lot of chaos; art is the only balance to that.”
By Lindsay HALL
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