GENERAL INFORMATION
PP Information Hub: An information hub will be maintained on our website; accessibility to this hub is via https://pp.lighthousetheatre.com.au.
This online hub, which is regularly updated, will contain all the relevant information, links, and schedules. We will also send out regular information updates via email and SMS.
Contact Information: If you need to contact us, please use the following contacts:
General Enquiries (including parent roster queries): Amanda or Liana Lighthouse Theatre 5559 4999 or email lighthouse@warrnambool.vic.gov.au
EXPECTATIONS
Child Safety:
Warrnambool City Council & Lighthouse Theatre are committed to the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards and the safety of all children participating in the Primary Performers program. Council & Lighthouse Theatre have developed a set of Child Safety Policies, Compliance Guidelines and Conduct Guidelines that all staff, volunteers and PP participants must abide by during the program. The Child Safe policy documents are available on the Lighthouse Theatre website. By signing up your children for the program, all parents/guardians are considered to have agreed to abide by these guidelines. Queries regarding the Child Safe policies can be directed to Lighthouse Theatre staff.
Rehearsals and Expected Participation Levels:
Rehearsals are held each Wednesday from 3.45pm to 5.15pm and Sunday from 10am to 12.00pm (excluding school holidays). We ask that each child attend a minimum of 80% of rehearsals; otherwise they may not be able to fully participate in the show. A rehearsal schedule is available via the online hub. Occasionally, there may be some rehearsals where children will not be required to attend, however this is the exception rather than a rule and will be clearly communicated to parents via email.
Parent/Guardian Volunteering Commitment:
We ask that each family has at least one parent/guardian volunteer in one aspect of the program. All families will be expected to volunteer as a rehearsal assistant at a minimum, a roster for this will be developed in the first 2-3 weeks of the program. We also ask that parents/guardians consider how they can assist in other production aspects - each production team will have a team leader that can be contacted to discuss how you might be able to be involved in this area.
Pickup & Drop Off of Children:
Regardless of where the rehearsal is taking place within the venue (Main Auditorium or in the upstairs studio), all children MUST be dropped off and picked up from the Lighthouse Theatre Main Entry (Foyer). This is to ensure each child is signed in and out as stated below. As per our child safety guidelines, an adult parent/guardian must sign their child in and out on drop off and pickup. Children are not permitted to sign themselves in or out.
Children’s Behaviour during Rehearsals:
We expect all children in the program to be well behaved when at the theatre and treat the venue with respect. Therefore, there is no running allowed in the venue and definitely no jumping off the stage. We ask that they always use their best manners when talking to each other, as well as the organisers, staff & volunteers, and parents. While other children are rehearsing & reading lines, all other children are asked to please remain quiet. We ask that you do not bring any electronic devices (inc. iPads, iPhones, computers or toys) to the rehearsal to prevent distractions and also to prevent damage to personal belongings. Children will be required to listen to any directions from the Directors or Supervisors in pink vests during rehearsals.
Food & Drink:
Food and drink can be consumed in the Green Room only and we ask that children bring a healthy snack and capped water bottles to prevent mess. Our theatre is a ‘chewing gum’ free zone.
Lost Property:
If you do happen to leave something behind, please contact the Box Office on 5559 4999. The Lighthouse Theatre takes no responsibility for any lost or broken personal items that have been brought to the venue during rehearsals. Expensive or delicate items must not be brought to rehearsals.
REGISTRATION PROCESS & COSTS
This program uses an Expression of Interest process for children who wish to take part. Due to overwhelming popularity for participating, and restrictions on the maximum cast size we can accommodate, this is the best way to ensure a fair and balanced cast for the performance. It will not be a first in-best dressed selection. Only children in Grades 1 to 6 in 2025 will be accepted.
Expressions of Interest will open on the PP Info Hub at https://pp.warrnambool.vic.gov.au from 12pm Sunday 16th February and close at 12pm on Wednesday 19th February. If you wish for your child or children to take part in the program, they must be registered for the EOI prior to the closing time. Late EOI’s will not be accepted, and the EOI period is not competitive. The form is device-friendly and Lighthouse Theatre staff can assist if you are having technical difficulties.
Following the close of the EOI, the Directors & Program Leaders will review the expressions and confirm a cast of children based on the available registrations. We want to ensure an even spread of ages across the program.
All parents/guardians will be notified via email of the outcome of the EOI by no later than 5pm Friday 21st February. If you have been selected for the program, the email will contain a link to register your child, where you can then pay the registration fee of $70.
Registration & payment must be completed prior to the first rehearsal. If you have difficulty receiving emails or paying the registration fee, please contact the Lighthouse Theatre for assistance, we are more than happy to discuss your situation and assist where possible.
Working with Children Check: We require all parents/guardians who are volunteering with the program to hold a current Working with Children Check card, to ensure compliance with Council’s Child Safety Policy & the Child Safe Standards. If you hold a WWCC or VIT (Victorian Institute of Teaching) card, please upload it online during the registration process or bring the original card to the Box Office for sighting and copying, or you can provide an authorised copy to the theatre. If you do not have a WWCC, Volunteer Cards are free to apply for at Working with Children Check. Assistance can be provided if required. Volunteers working must sign in at the start and end of each rehearsal at the sign in table, so we are aware who is working with the group during the program.
Illness: If you are feeling unwell or sick we ask you to not attend rehearsals, this safe guards everyone in the programs. If you are unable to attend rehearsal for any reasons – please contact the lighthouse theatre.
OTHER QUESTIONS OR INFORMATION
If you have any other queries or require further information, please contact the Lighthouse Theatre on 5559 4999 or at primaryperformers@warrnambool.vic.gov.au