Place for young actors

By Dion Teasdale
THE Healesville branch of Yarra Valley Youth Theatre, known as H’ARTS, will stage its latest theatrical production next week.
The play, An Alien Stole My Skate Board, was written by Randall Lewton and is a comic story of intergalactic mistaken identity and sorcery.
H’ARTS artist director Michele Fawdon said the production was an energetic and humorous tale filled with lively and dynamic characters.
“The story is about the forces of good and evil, the courage of the suppressed and the bravery of individuals who wish for a peaceful world,” she said.
“It takes place in the fictional Tolkien planet of Wuldor and our planet Earth, where two look-a-like young men, Prince Ertha and an earthling, Brin, are transposed by the sorceress Dwimor and the fun begins.”
Ms Fawdon said the show, which features a cast of 20 young performers, was a comedy with serious subtexts, but was about the young actors having fun on stage.
An Alien Stole My Skate Board is Ms Fawdon’s final production with H’ARTS, after guiding the group for the past two years as artistic director and tutor.
“At the beginning of next term, there will be a change to the structure of the group.
“Howard Proctor, who established the Warburton branch of the group, will now guide the Healesville group,” she said.
“There will be no more fees, just a $2 a week donation for access to the two three-hour sessions which are held on a Monday and Wednesday evening from 6pm to 9pm.”
Ms Fawdon said all new members between the ages of 13 and 24 are welcome to join and should contact Howard Proctor on 5966 9412 for more information.
Performances of An Alien Stole My Skate Board will be staged in the Healesville Memorial Hall on Friday, 3 and Saturday, 4 March at 7.30pm.
Tickets are available at the door from 6.45pm and are $12 for adults, $7 for children and concessions, or there is a $25 family ticket available for two adults and two children.