WHAT was once an old nightclub on Bray Street has been transformed into one of the city’s important cultural hubs.
The Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium, known locally as “The Con”, began in 1984 as the Coffs Harbour Community Education Centre, when a small group of music lovers started teaching in a rented cottage.
Today, it’s an important part of live performance in the region with programs ranging from early childhood music through to youth orchestras, choirs, and adult ensembles.
Along with other passionate local theatre companies, The Con is helping to ensure that live performance not only survives, but thrives, on the Coffs Coast.
Emily Coles from the Conservatorium believes the value of live theatre cannot be overstated.
“Live music is such an important part of community engagement,” she said.
“Nothing puts you through the motions quite like live theatre.”
That sentiment is shared by two of the city’s active young theatre makers, Jade Naidu and Lewis Hackfath, who have both staged productions at The Con.
Naidu, Artistic Director of Naidu Theatre Company, described this as “an inspiring time” for live theatre in Coffs Harbour.
“That shared breath between artist and audience is what makes theatre electric.”
She believes the Conservatorium is fast becoming the heart of original and unique theatrical projects.
“What truly excites me is when musical theatre gives voice to stories that are often overlooked – regional, cultural, environmental and diasporic narratives,” she said.
Naidu’s next work, “Threads – A New Australian Eco Musical”, has a very local focus and will bring to life quirky flora and fauna characters along Waterfall Way.
She noted however that “at times it is a fight” to attract audiences and cover costs.
“Ticket sales are challenging now more than ever,” she said.
“There is a huge gap between the costs of making theatre in regional areas and what our communities can afford to pay as well as visibility.”
Hackfath echoed the challenges around ticket sales but said audience response keeps him motivated.
“Musical theatre has a profound way of bringing people together,” he said.
“Friendships you make on stage last a lifetime.”
He praised the Conservatorium as a professional, welcoming venue and said he hopes to see it continue to evolve as a performance hub.
“I highly encourage everyone to support any local theatre projects they can.
“Audience numbers are what keep local theatre alive,” he urged.
Together with other local and regional theatre offerings, the Conservatorium is playing a strong role in ensuring live performance continues to flourish on the Coffs Coast.
By Leigh WATSON
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