LEAP was developed to give young, up-and-coming musicians an opportunity to perform around town and at the Inland Sea of Sound.

Five years on – and with the assistance of Bathurst RSL Club - the program now embraces young musicians as well as other young  artists with an interest in drama and Aboriginal dance.

These programs provide young artists with opportunities to perform, to make theatre and dance and to be mentored by local professional musicians.

This program builds confidence in these young people, as well as inspires them to continue with their performing arts.

This year more 30 young people between the ages of 13-25 auditioned for the program, and they have ben showcasing their talents across Bathurst over the last week.

The program will continue over this weekend at Mad Season Café, Webb & Co and a special afternoon performance picnic at Tremain’s Mill. 

Eleven of those who auditioned will perform in the line-up at the Inland Sea of Sound at Mount Panorama on November 3-4.

The program also has workshop opportunities in music, drama and dance.

In January we hope to bring music and drama together in a workshop to begin to the develop an original performance work with live music made by these talented young people.

In 2016/17 through a BMEC partnership with Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) a new work was created, 17 Things the Government Doesn’t Want You to Know About the Internet.

This was a great success and this has partly inspired this program.

If you would like more information about Local Emerging Artists Program  please contact Kylie Shead at BMEC on kylie.shead@bathurst.nsw.gov.au.