Ararat Youth Theatre recently celebrated its first anniversary as it continues to thrive despite all the challenges posed by the pandemic in its opening 12 months.
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The group was founded by Marian College student Zafirah Davies-Harrison.
Zafirah is part of both Ararat Musical and Comedy Society and Ararat Theatre Company but felt the younger people in the region would benefit from expressing themselves within their peer group.
"I just wanted to have an outlet for the youth to do something, and my mum was like, 'just start a youth theatre,' and so I did," she said.
"I knew some of my friends from other theatre companies would like it but I don't know if anyone else will be interested in joining."
Yet other people were. Even with interruptions from numerous bouts of lockdown, Ararat Youth Theatre has enjoyed a consistent turnout.
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"COVID's played a big part that's for sure," Zafirah said.
"It set us back a lot: we weren't able to hold proper rehearsals or fundraise. But pretty much everyone who was part of the theatre has returned (after lockdown)."
The members aged between eight and 21 have met online when restrictions have not permitted meeting in person.
They are presently rehearsing a play, Mystery at Mo's, to perform later in the year.
Zafirah wrote the play at about the time the theatre was starting.
"It's set in an Australian diner where one of the waitresses goes missing, and here friends and a detective have to go and find her," she said.
"I wrote it so that it would be easy for the characters to be portrayed by younger or older people.
"The idea of a mystery sounded really fun. I was in the car with my eight-year-old brother and he suggested that in the story there should be a waitress that went missing, and I was like 'well, that's the story'."
From coordinating rehearsals to directing the play, Zafirah is central to all Ararat Youth Theatre does.
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She said the process has been challenging but rewarding.
"Sometimes it's been very stressful but everyone in the theatre and their families are very supportive and help make it work," she said
"At first I found directing hard because I didn't want to boss people around but it's gotten easier as we've gotten more into it."
In April 2021, the youth theatre held a concert to help raise funds.
There was a good turnout.
In April 2021, Ararat Youth Theatre held a concert to help raise funds. Zafirah said she was delighted with how the concert was received, as it enjoyed a great turnout from the community.
People interested in being involved in the theatre can head to www.facebook.com/araratyouththeatre.
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