The program, funded by Regional Arts NSW, was created to build future theatre audiences from a young age. 

Kathy Cameron started the program 20 years ago and brought it back to community in 2016.

It has become a weekly staple for many families that participated this year. 

“We had a successful Term 1 with a regular audience and we’ve also been taking our show to pre-schools,” Ms Cameron said.

“We’re finding that grandparents like to bring their grandchildren; it’s a weekly outing for them.”

Fun Theatre follows a similar format each week.

It starts with Fun Band, where kids get to play with percussion instruments and sing songs, before moving onto a short story narrated by Ms Cameron and acted out by her colleague.

Kids are invited on stage to hold props and be part of the story.

Sometimes they also have to help find a solution for a problem one of the characters is facing. 

“We devise our shows specifically for these very young children,” Ms Cameron said. 

“It is a bit Play School, but it works.”

Fun Theatre for the Very Young is open to all children, from babies to preschoolers.

Parents or carers don’t need to commit to a weekly program and can bring their children along as frequently or sporadically as they like. 

The program is held for 30 minutes every Wednesday from 11.30am in the Country Women’s Association hall on Russell Street. 

It costs $5 per child and is free for the accompanying adult to attend. 

Children who participate in the theatre program are able to gain confidence, learn how to problem solve and develop their creativity.

“We give these children the opportunity to learn how to be an audience and also how to be part of a play,” Ms Cameron said.

She added that the program will also give children the confidence to go to the theatre in the future.