CHILDREN TAKE THE STAGE AT QUEENSLAND’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS VENUE

Talented Year 3 students from three south east Queensland state schools have joined forces to present an extraordinary performance, Yonder, at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) today.

Education, Training and Arts Minister Rod Welford said the children were the creators and the stars of the show.

“Yonder was the result of a two-month collaboration between the State Government’s KITE Arts Education Program and more than 70 students from Leichhardt State School, Durack State School and Watson Road State School,” Mr Welford said.

“Their performances and short films explored their experiences of journeys, growth, change, feelings, courage and hope.

“This project has been an inspiring example of the positive impact the arts has on the emotional and educational development of children.

“The KITE Arts Education Program provides state schools with quality creative arts activities and experiences both in the classroom and in the theatre to encourage literacy and learning through the arts.”

Mr Welford said students aged four to eight years at 16 south east Queensland state schools had also helped to develop KITE’s first public performance work for the year, Boat, which opens at QPAC on Tuesday 23 October.

“Boat is an interactive theatre work which gives primary school students a hands-on creative experience by putting them at the centre of a performance – they will be part of a moving sculpture,” he said.

“Developed by nationally acclaimed artists, director Wesley Enoch, writer Janis Balodis, designer Jonathon Oxlade and lighting designer David Walters, Boat takes students on an inspirational, exciting and emotional journey through life.

Boat is on from 23 - 27 October at 10.30am and 1pm daily. Tickets are $14 and bookings are through qtix, on 136 246 or www.qtix.com.au.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000