Director finds inner child

Young theatre goers are in for a treat next week (9-15 May), when USQ’s annual Children’s Festival returns with another production especially for children.

Now in its third decade, the annual Festival has not only introduced many generations to the joys of live theatre, but also provided the stepping stone for many emerging theatre professionals.

The year’s production of Ivy Shambitt and the Sound Machine will be directed by USQ alumnus, Amy Ingram (pictured) who herself was a cast member in the Children’s Festival a decade ago.

Having completed a Bachelor in Theatre Arts at USQ in 2004, Amy was especially pleased to be invited back to direct the 2011 Children’s Festival.

'I was thrilled to be invited back to teach and direct the first-year student production,' Amy said. 'There is a lot to be said about the chance to come full circle and pass on some of the knowledge that you yourself have learnt, and even more special when it is in the same town, the same university, the same rooms and the same theatre!

'At high school, I had a fantastic drama teacher whose love and passion for the arts inspired me and in turn fuelled my love for theatre and stories, and now I have the chance to inspire others - whether they are children visiting the theatre for the very first time or young actors with stars in their eyes.'

Since graduating for USQ, Amy has worked on numerous projects in and around the arts including starting her own theatre company, ‘The Good Room’; directed the National Young Writers Festival; appearing in Queensland Theatre Company’s production of Fat Pig and has also teaching drama to adults, high school and primary school children.

'Ivy Shambitt is a fantastic story; funny, mysterious, surprising and offers a unique theatre experience for children (five years of age and up). Too many children's plays pander to the notion that kids need everything to be simple but children's imaginations are far from that; they understand a whole lot more than we give them credit for.

'This story is about not forgetting the voice of those who are often ignored and a subtle reminder that, regardless of age, we all have something important to say. Ivy is an intriguing character; a wise little girl with a silent strength and beauty.

'Children will find her fascinating and, although strange, still find her familiar and I hope the adults in the audience are reminded of their childhood and perhaps some of the things they still carry with them today.'

Ivy Shambitt and the Sound Machine will be presented in the USQ Arts Theatre at 10am on 9-13 May, 1pm on 9, 12, 14 and 15 May, and 6pm 11, 13 and 14 May.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $8 children, $6 for groups of twenty or more and can be purchased through the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 07 4631 1111.