What began as a parent’s concern has grown into a community where young performers feel safe, seen and celebrated.
Western Theatrics was founded in 2023 after its founder watched their child’s passion for musical theatre grow while realising there was no safe and inclusive space for them to perform at a high level.
“As a parent, watching my child’s passion for musical theatre grow while realising there was no safe, inclusive space for them to perform at a high level was heartbreaking,” they said. “That gap became the driving force behind the creation of Western Theatrics.”
The organisation was built to ensure every young performer has a place to belong, particularly those from LGBTQ+, disabled and neurodivergent communities.
“We wanted to build a community where every young performer could feel safe, celebrated, and empowered to shine,” the founder said.
Since then, Western Theatrics has become more than a theatre group. It has been a safe haven where young people build confidence, find belonging and express their creativity in an environment that values authenticity.
“At Western Theatrics, we believe theatre is more than performance. It’s a community where young people discover belonging, build confidence, and learn that their differences are their strengths.”
That philosophy is reflected in how the group works. The organisation balances skill development with encouragement, respects names and identities, adapts to different needs, and celebrates diversity both on stage and behind the scenes.
Family involvement has also played a major role in the group’s success.
Parents have stepped forward to volunteer, support productions and create what the organisation fondly calls a parent army.
“Western Theatrics isn’t just about performances. It’s about building a village where young people are supported, celebrated, and empowered by the whole community,” the committee said.
Last week, that sense of community was on full display when Western Theatrics staged Frozen Jr at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre in Gosnells.
Opening night was filled with nerves that turned into excitement as the cast stepped onto the stage.
“Nerves quickly gave way to excitement as they stepped onto the stage, and the energy in the room from the audience lifted them higher with every scene,” a spokesperson said.
The night was full of memorable moments from the cast’s perspective,
“We nailed the costume changes and made it on stage everytime,” one cast member said.
“To have the audience laugh and respond to the performance just made every moment brighter,” another shared.
“The energy of the audience to the puppets was amazing,” said a third.
After the show, many performers reflected on how much the experience meant to them.
“Performing in Western Theatrics’ Frozen was such a special experience for me,” said Emily Sweeney. “Being part of the cast helped me grow in confidence and really pushed me to improve my acting, singing, and stage presence.”
She said being part of the group felt like being part of a family, and stepping on stage was exciting and unforgettable.
Felicity Sully, who was performing with Western Theatrics for the first time, said, “This is my first production with Western Theatrics and I’m so impressed with the professionalism, they have truly created a beautiful community and I am so grateful to have been a part of that in Frozen Jnr.”
For Naomi Prince, one moment stood out. “Opening night was so much fun. My favourite part was when the audience saw my Sven puppet for the first time, the reaction was amazing and everyone could feel the energy.”
Braydee Audrain described the experience as rewarding.
“Throughout Frozen Jr., being cast as the Queen and also being asked to assist with choreography has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” she said. “While navigating ongoing health challenges, being part of this production provided a positive and much-needed distraction, reminding me of the joy, community, and purpose that theatre brings.”
Alex Webb said the production was a highlight. “I’ve been with Western Theatrics since its founding, and Frozen Jr. has been my favourite production to be part of,” he said. “From performing at the Junior Theatre Festival to opening night, every step of the process was an absolute joy.”
The Frozen Jr production followed an already significant year for Western Theatrics, after cast members represented Western Australia at the Junior Theatre Festival, where they received the Outstanding Production Award.
The award boosted confidence and brought the cast even closer together.
“It validated the hard work, creativity, and inclusivity that they put into every rehearsal,” the spokesperson said.
Performers also carried lessons from the festival into their Frozen Jr performances.
“I learnt it’s not just about saying the lines, it’s about being the character with your whole body,” said Ayla Dean.
“I learnt how much we truly rely on one another and how close our team is,” Emily Sweeney said. “That sense of trust carried us all the way from JTF to our first performance.”
Western Theatrics has been invited to take part in an artistic showcase in February, marking another major step forward.
“This opportunity positions Western Theatrics as a globally connected, inclusive theatre company moving into 2026,” the spokesperson said.
The showcase will involve collaboration with an international Chinese performance arts group and aims to broaden performers’ skills, perspectives and cultural understanding.
“Most importantly, it inspires our young people to see themselves as part of a global creative community,” they said.
