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Children around Whyalla have a special opportunity to “Be A Munchkin For A Day” when Youngstars2.com’s production of The Wizard of Oz Interactive Show comes to the Middleback Arts Centre in Whyalla during the October school holidays.
With more than 4600 performances internationally, Australia’s thriller kids interactive show sees kids join in the adventures of Dorothy, Shakey the Scarecrow and friends down the yellow brick road in this exciting, new re-telling of one of the most magical children’s stories of all time.
“There’s nothing as exciting for a child than to be singing and dancing with his favourite story book characters”, said Brian Laul, the show’s director. “It’s almost like his dream has come true."
As part of the show’s initiative to take drama workshops to regional Australia, the Oz cast will conduct a Drama Workshop before the show on Thursday, October 11 from 9 to 10am, introducing children to elements of tableaux, expression and voice.
These children will then get to show off what they’ve learned as they appear on stage as the wacky, colourful inhabitants of Munchkinland.
“It’s about making live theatre exciting for children and being able to share our knowledge in a way that they will remember”, Laul said.
The Workshop costs $12.20 per child and you need to book your place in advance by calling the theatre.
In Whyalla, the show will also feature local students from Hip Hop Bounce while the audience is invited to bring along a toy or book to go towards the show's Hospital Toy Appeal.
More details at www.thewizardofozshow.com
Performance: Thursday October 11 at 10.30am Middleback Arts Centre, 141A Nicolson Ave, Whyalla Norrie. Tickets $15-$19.
Pre-show Drama Workshop: 9-10am. Cost $12.20.
Bookings: 8644 7300. More information: https://www.countryarts.org.au/venues/middleback-arts-centre/
CINEMA
While we're talking Middleback Arts Centre, why not catch a film at the cinema during the school holidays?
The cinema at the arts centre will be open on Sunday for school holidays with G-rated moves like Smallfoot, Christopher Robin and the PG-rated Teen Titans Go! To The Movies and The Housewith a clock in its Walls screening during the holidays. There's also a school holiday combo deal which includes popcorn, drink and an ice cream.
There's also Sensory Friendly Screenings on Wednesday, Thursday (October 3-4) and Friday (October 12) where the lights go up, the sound down and kids are free to move around.
MT LAURA HOMESTEAD MUSEUM
If you're looking for something free and interesting, the Mt Laura Homestead Museum will have free entry for children accompanied by an adult during the school holidays.
The museum is a complex of buildings including 1922 sheep station homestead telling the story of the early days of Whyalla, an original BHP workman’s cottage of 1914, an engine shed and the Telecommunications Museum with a range of historic items from the overland telegraph era to modern satellite communications.
It is open Monday to Friday 10am - 3pm. Sunday 1pm to 4 pm or by appointment.
Where: Ekblom Street (off Nicolson Ave, behind Westland Shopping Centre). Phone: (08) 8645 4213, 0417 861 705
HERE'S THE OTHER STUFF WE'VE UNEARTHED
D'FACES
Thanks to D'faces we've added another couple of events to our Ultimate School Holiday Guide.
The crew at D'faces are running a Life Lessons youth art project while the hugely popular Cirkidz Circus Workshops are back at the D'faces Hall at 14 Viscount Slim Avenue.
Running from October 2-12, the Life Lessons youth arts project involves Whyalla Aged Care residents, the Whyalla Writers Group and two visiting Adelaide artists. Participants will explore history and how much has changed across generations to put on a preformance/art display for the community at a facility BBQ on Friday October 12 at Annie Lockwood Court at 12 noon.
The Cirkidz Circus Workshops are on October 8 and 9 at the D'faces Hall. Participants will be focussing on developing a variety of fundamentals in various circus disciplines including tumbling, juggling, trampoline, acrobatics, balance and more! Improve coordination, strength and flexibility via games, activities, structured play and group work.
Bookings for either event with D'faces can be made by emailing admin@dfaces.net or ringing 8645 1265.
MARITIME MUSEUM
The Maritime Museum is holding a cool “X-Marks the Spot” activity every day of the holidays.
X-Marks the spot is a swashbuckler school holiday program that young Pirates can enjoy. Get your boots on and make your way under Scallywag’s Staircase and go through Skeletons Closet or Black Beards Boardwalk. Venture to Captain Puffy-pants Cave or the Eye Patch Theatre.
If you can find the eight hidden Treasure Bottles throughout the maze to unravel the code you’ll claim a prize?
While you’re there, you can book a tour of the HMAS Whyalla Pirate Ship. It will run every day of the school holidays at 11.30am and 1.30pm. All pirate children in family groups are FREE during the school holidays. Call the Whyalla Visitor Centre on 8645 7900 for more information.
WHYALLA PUBLIC LIBRARY
At the library there’s a full schedule of activities for the kids too.
Starting on Tuesday, October 2 there is Sassy Science with Jacqueline from the University of Adelaide. Then there’s Amazing Astronomy presented by the Children’s University on Wednesday October 3.
On Thursday October 4 there will be Spectacular Craft with Bike and Scooter Maintenance on Friday, October 5.
"We now want to hear from any group in Whyalla holding a non-for-profit event during the school holidays"
Email jon.ortlieb@whyalla.sa.gov.au with details of your school holiday event"The following week, kids will get to enjoy The Amazing Building Mallee Fowl session with Barb from Natural Resources Management Eyre Peninsula and it finishes up with Christmas Puzzling Craft on Thursday, October 11.
Numbers are restricted to the library events and some require booking. Ring the library on 8645 7891 for more information.
We now want to hear from any group in Whyalla holding a non-for-profit event during the school holidays. Email jon.ortlieb@whyalla.sa.gov.au with details of your school holiday event.
