Studio ARTES presents a wildly fun annual performance

A wild world of creativity, talent, ideas and humour will come to life in Hornsby next week for Studio ARTES’ annual showcase.

Performers from Studio ARTES who have written and cheoregraphed their own song for the annual showcase. Pictures: Julian Andrews

A wild world of creativity, talent, ideas and humour will come to life in Hornsby this week.

WILD!, a showcase of dance, drama, song, theatre, cinema and comedy put together by the members of disability service provider Studio ARTES, takes to the stage on Friday.

The annual performance has been more than six months in the planning with members creating costumes, sets songs, dances and films.

The concept of WILD! was based on the inner strength and courage needed in the jungle that is life.

The showcase will feature 86 performers and 24 songs.

The song Wild Forest features an array of fantasy characters played by members of Studio ARTES’ performing arts groups.

Of those, four will be originals — including jungle-themed track Wild Forest — created by Studio ARTES participants who worked with staff to write lyrics and create choreography.

For dancer Cassie, this year will be her first performance and she said she was feeling half excited and half nervous.

“I’m a bit nervous because I’ve never done anything like this before,” she said.

Luckily veteran performer Diane, who has been dancing ever since she can remember, will be on hand to help Cassie with any stage nerves.

Diane said being part of live performances was “great”.

“When I get off stage, I love it,” she said.

Cassie during rehearsals for her first showcase.

Performing arts manager Rebecca Canty said one of the best parts of the showcase was that “all the content was created by our members”.

“I guess the best moment for me as a manager is sitting up in the box and watching it all unfold, and then having parents come up to me in tears afterwards and saying, ‘I didn’t know my son could do that’,” she said.

Canty said the performance would “smash those preconceived ideas” about what people with a disability can do.

The vibrant costumes have been made by the Studio ARTES textiles groups with help from staff.

“ … They are just artists who happen to have a disability,” she said.

Performances will be held at 11am and 7.30pm on Friday, June 22, at Hornsby RSL, 4 High St, Hornsby.

Tickets: $15-$30 and can be booked online at studioartes.org.au