18/06/2026
With mixed emotions, The 1812 Theatre is announcing the closure of Centrestage - 1812 Youth Theatre. For fifteen vibrant years, Centrestage Youth Theatre has been an integral part of the 1812 Theatre community, nurturing young performers, elevating youth-led storytelling, and enriching the cultural life of our region. As Centrestage closes its operations, we pause to recognise the extraordinary contribution it has made to local theatre and to the many young people whose artistic journeys began on its stage.
Conceived and brought to life by Becky Lee in 2011, Centrestage created a space where emerging performers could grow in confidence, skill, and imagination. Many alumni went on to join the 1812 Theatre’s main stage productions, a testament to the quality of training, mentorship, and creative opportunity that Centrestage provided. Its legacy lives on in the talent it fostered and the community it helped shape.
For the last decade, Centrestage has thrived under the leadership and creative direction of Danielle Payet, who is herself a Centrestage alumnus. Under Danielle’s guidance, Centrestage has brought to the stage some of the finest literary works ever written, including The Crucible, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Outsiders, and its Lyrebird Award-winning production of Lord of the Flies. Centrestage also fostered young and local writers through its annual production of the Short Shorts one-act play festival, which also gave young people the chance to try their hands at directing, stage managing, and operating light and sound for theatre. The Board and community of The 1812 Theatre extend our deepest gratitude to Danielle, whose selfless leadership and unwavering commitment as President of Centrestage were central to its success. In her own words, it was always “for the kids”.
While we’re sad to see the Centrestage chapter end, we reflect on its accomplishments with pride and gratitude. To Danielle, the surviving committee members (Molly Simons, Nick Cauchi, and Thomas O’Hare) all of the Centrestage team, volunteers, families, and, most importantly, the young people who brought these productions to life: thank you. Your contribution has been profound, and your impact will continue to resonate for years to come.
