The idea of ‘Let's Shine' series was conceived over 20 years ago by the current director/coordinator Janet McArtney and then Director Margaret Evans as both had a connection with people living with disabilities is via either: work, volunteering and has a family member... understood how therapeutic music is so to people living with barriers in their life. Janet teamed up with the experience of long-time director Margaret Evans (4 productions) and with the full support of the committee, co-directed the first production in ‘Let’s Shine’ in October 1998. When the final curtain fell, it was realised that the production had resulted in a huge personal reward for all involved.
Being a part of these wonderful productions, we have all developed a greater appreciation and understanding of living life with a disability and we have been so impressed by the hidden talents that have been discovered and by the guest stars’ enthusiasm.
Since then, ALOTCo have had:
- 2009 - ‘Let’s Shine Again'
- 2014 - ‘Let’s Shine Forever’, which won the ‘City of Albany Australia Day Event of the Year.’
- 2017 - ‘Let’s Shine Together’
- 2019 - ‘Let’s Shine Brightly’ with a new co-director Jill Larsen (as Margaret has moved to Perth)
- 'Lets Shine' continued to be involved in other projects outside the theatre with Carers WA (2019/20 video and book).
- 2021 - Breaksea Festival 'View from the Magpies Nest' a collaboration with Breaksea.org whereby 'Lets Shine' members wrote, choreographed, danced and acted this production on the main stage at the Albany Entertainment Centre.
- 2022 - Breaksea Festival 'Seachange’ another collaboration with Breaksea.org whereby 'Lets Shine' members choreographed and danced (4 workshops) for an Open Day at the Albany Entertainment Centre.
- 2022 - Performed at the ‘Great Southern Ability Festival’ and ‘Albany Ability Festival’
- 2023 - Breaksea & Maritime Festival a dance collaboration 'The Magical Weedy Seadragon' with 3 performances at the Albany Entertainment Centre.
- 2023 - Performed at the ‘Great Southern Ability Festival’ & ‘Binalup Australia Day Festival’
- 2024 - Breaksea - ‘Side by Side’, a dance collaboration 'Constellations' a 4 min dance as part of’ Thunderstorm (Malkar) ‘with performances on the main stage at the Albany Entertainment Centre.
- 2025 - Breaksea - New Years Eve film collaboration with line dancing to a song written by past member Evan Ayres.
Let’s Shine Director Janet McArtney (involved since 1998)
Assistant Jodie James
www.facebook.com/LetsShineALOTCo
www.facebook.com/breaksea.org