While Ulladulla Public School students star on centre stage for their latest production Cinderella Cellar Dweller two crew members have again proved invaluable behind the scenes.
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Playwright, costume designer, prop builder and director Kevin Richards, of Lake Conjola, and pianist Anne Foster, of Ulladulla, are two volunteers that support the school’s production.
Cinderella Cellar Dweller is Mr Richards’s 14th play he has composed for Ulladulla. He said theatre was simply “just a hobby”.
“It’s something I enjoy doing,” he said.
The former Batemans Bay Public School teacher said Ulladulla teacher Gai Morton had asked he share his performing arts talents with Ulladulla students.
“Gai said, ‘You ought to come up and do this in Ulladulla’,” Mr Richards said.
“I retired and said, ‘Right, I’m a free agent, let’s go’.”
Mrs Foster, who has performed with The Milton-Ulladulla Entertainers in the past, has played the shows’ score for the past three years after she was invited by teacher Georgia Sadler.
She was pleased to volunteer because it was fun, enjoyable and satisfying to children’s skills develop.
“Just seeing the development from the beginning, their confidence, the skills, and when it comes to production they perform exquisitely,” she said.
“It’s satisfying to see their creativity and the growth in the kids.”
Mr Richards could not pick his favourite play, but appreciated the generous support from the crowd.
“From the first play in Batemans Bay, someone has said that it was the best play you have put on.”
However, both agreed performing arts offered students benefits in the classroom.
“There has been research that kids involved in drama or performing arts do better in the classroom,” Mr Richards said.
“It develops other interests and helps their school life.”
Catch the evening show of Cinderella Cellar Dweller at Ulladulla Public School’s hall from 7pm on Thursday, September 27.