August 17, 2026

Taking On Theatre

Marley and friends at the theatre bootcamp in 2025. Photo supplied

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With 15-year-old Hinchinbrook Local Marley Abeleven.

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Ever felt like you don’t fit in anywhere? Well, try Theatre. You really get to meet a wonderful kind of people. It feels like stepping out of a world of feeling misunderstood and into a world full of understanding and creatives who share the same passions as you do.

Recently, I attended a theatre bootcamp in Townsville. It was a fun program that gave high school students from all over the region the opportunity to have hands-on theatre experience. Everyone was split into two groups, and each group got to train with experienced theatre professionals.

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Each day I got to practise my acting skills, build my confidence and learn new techniques that will stick with me for a lifetime.

Day by day, each group worked towards putting together a performance. By the final day, both groups got to perform their own performance in front of their families. It truly was an extraordinary experience.

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I attended the bootcamp last year and had the time of my life. I made so many new friends, and the hands-on experience I gained has stuck with me ever since. After attending last year, I was counting down the days until I could do it again!

Theatre is one of my greatest passions, so I absolutely did not want to miss out. It has given me so many opportunities to meet people, build my confidence and do something I genuinely love.

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There are also opportunities right here at home for anyone wanting to give theatre a go. Ingham Theatre Group is a great local place to start, whether you want to perform, get involved behind the scenes or simply see what local theatre is allabout.

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I’m sure there are many aspiring actors and actresses out there who are being told to pick a safer option. I want you all to remember something. It’s good to have a back-up plan, sure, but don’t give up on your dreams just because they might feel impossible.

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Nothing is impossible with a lot of hard work and passion. The first step to being on the stage or screen could be joining your local theatre group or giving a theatre bootcamp a go.

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