BJ Anyos has spent the past 20 years giving every child their moment under the bright theatre lights – and she has no intention of slowing down soon. Photo: Supplied.
A 20-year adventure started when BJ Anyos’ 10-year-old son came to her, asking to learn about lighting.
“We [my mother and I] looked around, and there was nowhere at that point, 20 years ago, where children could learn backstage skills [for theatre],” she said.
“We thought, ‘let’s start our own program’.
“I had the on-stage and directing skills; my mum had all the backstage production managing skills, so it was the perfect team.”
Together, the two women founded Child Players ACT, a theatre company for children and teenagers.
In 2005, the women started with one keen pupil – Ms Anyos’ son – and put out a call for any other kids looking to get involved.
“My passions are theatre, children and education, and this gives me an opportunity to combine all three,” Ms Anyos said.
“I love teaching, I love mentoring the next generation of directors as well.”
The amateur theatre company now runs productions, classes and workshops for kids and teenagers, giving them the chance to learn all the skills that go into planning, staging and performing a show.
“Every show is imprinted on my mind,” Ms Anyos said.
“One of our big things is creating an environment where kids are confident to get up and try new things and everyone is supportive.
“You physically see these kids grow in confidence and it’s beautiful to watch.”
Despite the theatre company’s small beginnings, Ms Anyos believes it has left its mark on Canberra’s creative scene.
“What I’m proudest of is the opportunity to teach kids the joy of theatre and pass on our love of theatre to the next generation,” she said.
“But it’s not just theatre skills, it’s all the other stuff that kids learn through theatre.
“[They learn] co-operation, working towards a common goal, working to a tight schedule, resilience – all those beautiful things.”
Ms Anyos said kids have grown with Child Players ACT – some even coming back for several years or going on to creative careers of their own.
“You think that all theatre kids are big and loud and some of them are, but some are actually really quiet off stage,” she said.
“It’s only on stage where they find that confidence and they feel like they can do anything.”
In February, Ms Anyos was also honoured with the Silver CAT Award at the Combined Area Theatre Awards.
The awards honour those working in the theatre industry across the Territory and south-east NSW.
“That was quite unexpected, but it was lovely to be recognised by the CAT Award people for the work that I’ve done with children in Canberra theatre,” she said.
Her focus is now on the next production – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – which is set to take to the stage this month.
“We’re so proud of the fact that we have continued performing for the past 20 years. We only missed one year and that was during COVID when nobody performed,” she said.
“It started as a family theatre company, and our family’s just grown.
“Every new kid, every family that joins us is part of the Child Players family. It’s really lovely.”
More information on Child Players ACT can be found on the company’s website. Its next production will be The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe between 4 October and 12 October at the Belconnen Community Theatre, with tickets available via TryBooking.
Loading ...
