Loss of founder inspires renewed focus at Stage Left Theatre Troupe

The death of Stage Left Theatre Troupe’s founder has inspired a renewed focus on community engagement.

The club recently had a Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser, raising $500 for the Cancer Council. President Kyle Callaghan said it marked the start of Stage Left re-embracing the community-focused vision founder Kevin Blair, who died earlier this year, had for the troupe.

“We got a lot of feedback at that event where people said they thought we were closed and only ever put on shows and didn’t really do community events,” he said.

“We reflected on it and realised the community was right, all we ever did was stuff for ourselves.

“When Kev passed we . . . were going through the list of things he did for the community and we looked at ourselves and said ‘we are really not doing enough’ — it was a big wake-up call.

“We are ready to commit wholeheartedly and anything we can throw our hands in to help with, we will.”

Callaghan said he hoped to bring back professional theatre workshops with other companies, as well as other skill-building workshops for the community.

“We are happy to host events, help out, work in partnership with people,” he said.

Admitting the recent Biggest Morning Tea event was a “12th-hour thing”, Callaghan said he was determined to make that event bigger and better for next year.

He also encouraged community members who had ideas they wished to share to consider joining the committee.

To find out more, email admin@stageleft.org.au.