Stirling Players bringing 50 years of theatre magic to the community

FOR almost 50 years, the Stirling Players have been bringing the magic of community theatre to audiences.

Founding member Carryn McLean said the group originally formed in July 1970 when two local theatre groups amalgamated.

“I love this group and I love the theatre, that is what has kept me coming back. I’ve worked in other theatres but there is very much a community feeling here,” she said.

“Community theatre gives people so much confidence; it is amazing the number of young people we have here who haven’t been on stage before. They do their first show and then they are hooked.

“It is the magic when the curtain finally opens on the opening night.”

Run entirely by volunteers, the group has dedicated many hours to set building, costume making and general maintenance at its Innaloo Community Centre premises.

However, the group needed a new set of stage lights and recently received a $3000 grant from the Iconic Scarborough Community Chest initiative.

Stirling Players treasurer Carole Wilson said many of the lights were so old that globes and fittings for them were no longer available.

Ms McLean said the group was looking to the future with the establishment of a youth theatre group.

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