Peninsula youth perform at Laycock

Around 20 young people from the Peninsula will perform in this year's Youth In Performing Arts concert series at Laycock St Theatre from May 31.

The show will feature some of the best young Central Coast dancers, actors, bands, vocalists and instrumentalists aged 12 to 21 years, according to event coordinator Mr Chris Cox.

Mr Cox said with more than 400 auditions for a place in the concert, 168 performers were selected, making it one of the toughest years of competition in the show's history.

Six scholarships will also be awarded to eligible performers participating this year.

"This year saw a vast number of quality performers and the strongest level of competition for positions we had seen for a very long time," Mr Cox said.

"The Brisbane Water Secondary College Woy Woy Campus are performing a great acrobatic act along with other individuals including Naomie Jones and Elissa Koppen from the Peninsula.

"Since its inception in 1992, YIPA has sought to provide an opportunity for the best young performers on the Central Coast to showcase their talent in a professional venue.

"Former Australian Idol top 12 performers Ashleigh Toole and Ben Mackenzie will be performing amongst a host of other talented Central Coast youngsters.

"In previous years, the show has been the platform for performers to move onto bigger things on both a national and international stage, with Amy Edwards and Joshua Horner performing on London's West End and Nathan Foley featuring in popular children's band Hi-5."

Press release, 14 Jun 2010 Chris Cox, YIPA