Stage and screen stars step out for big festival

The Kimberley will play host to national stars of television and the stage in an upcoming festival of the performing arts.

The Perform Act Dance WA Kimberley Festival of Arts will be making its return to Broome and Kununurra this May, following the success of its inaugural event last year.

Star of stage and screen Rachael Beck (Home & Away, Hey Dad, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) and dancer and choreographer Yukino McHugh (So You Think You Can Dance Australia) will be returning to the Kimberley to hold workshops in acting, singing and dance.

They will be joined by actor and film producer Myles Pollard (McLeod’s Daughters), international dance teacher Rebecca Davies and Perth-based dancer Faith Ward.

Festival organiser Beej Francis said the feedback from last year’s event was great and this year’s festival would be bigger and better.

“This year, we are extending the festival to include both dance, education, music, singing and any performing arts schools plus gymnastics clubs,” she said.

“The festival involves age-specific workshops with each of the artists, so individuals can learn to sing, act or dance and perform.

“The weekend will finish off with a performance by each of the celebrity artists and the students perform on stage at the Broome Civic Centre.

“We also hope to hold exhibitions of local products and services which support the arts.”

Ms Francis also said she intended to make the festival an annual event, saying it was crucially important to bring opportunities to regional areas.

“Quite often, remote places miss out on what city kids get to experience,” she said.

“This way, all students can be inspired by successful Australian artists and see that anything is possible if you stay positive and work hard.”