COMMUNITY T h e I m p o r t a n c e o f G i v i n g B a c k Words: Tegan Atkins No matter how tough life gets for one person, there’s always someone else fighting a bigger battle. Children need to be taught this lesson early so they learn to appreciate the goodness in their lives and will use their personal skills to give back to others. This generosity of spirit is important for personal growth and development for us as humans, and is simply about doing something to help someone else simply because you can, and expecting nothing in return. It’s a life philosophy that the Queensland Theatre of Puppetry (QTOP) take great pleasure in bringing to the masses. More than 40 years ago, the Queensland Theatre of Puppetry (QTOP) began with a mission to perform affordable live theatre for young children living on the Gold Coast. From humble beginnings, QTOP started out by raising about $100 for charities on the Gold Coast. Fast forward 32 years and new president of QTOP Phil Bell says he has “ramped up the productions” and as a result draws better crowds to the puppet shows every school holidays. And better shows mean more money to give back to those who need it. In the past three years the puppet theatre has raised $50,000 from their shows and donated it all. Phil says, “we’re thrilled to bits” with the results. QTOP began as a simple idea to introduce the magic of puppet theatre to children. The puppeteers once paid to perform are now all volunteers who want to have fun, experience the joy of theatre and give back to the community. Phil says a lot of the puppets operated by kids who “are so enthralled” by puppet theatre and eager to return year after year. “The puppets are dressed so beautifully and our sets are terrific so it’s pretty exciting for the kids,” Phil says. He says the best part about child involvement in the shows is teaching the kids discipline. Putting on a live 40-minute show that is “action-packed all the way through” with thirty set changes is no easy task, and the children learn how much focus, commitment and dedication is required to deliver a successful show. “It’s like an ants’ nest out the back,” Phil says. “The kids get used to that discipline and I think it’s so good for them.” Phil says the kids also gain a better insight into giving back to the community. “If they learn to give early, that means our community works better,” Phil says. The cast give back to the community by putting on fantastic shows, introducing others to puppet theatre and donating all proceeds to the Gold Coast community. Tickets to the puppet shows are just $6 per person and from these sales, QTOP has donated $10,000 towards a local music therapy program, run for kids who require constant medical treatment that is often painful. “Music therapy is good to calm them down,” Phil says. By donating to the program, the kids in Phil’s shows learn and appreciate how much goodness is in their own lives, and understand there other kids fighting bigger battles. “We don’t take any money ourselves, it is all donated,” Phil says. “So the money people spend to see the shows goes straight back into the community.” Phil says the puppet shows, while directed at kids, also feature “some anecdotal funny bits” for the adults. “I think the adults appreciate that we don’t leave them out.” It’s incredible to think that what began as a small puppet theatre more 40 years ago has now changed the Gold Coast community for the better. So how can others give back to the community? Phil laughs. “It’s not rocket science! I think if people keep it simple it works.” Furthermore, if parents really want their children to have a good introduction to theatre, Phil says “this is the place to come”. “Children will want to come back and see it again. It’s a really good way of getting your kids into enjoying live theatre.” And to giving back to those who really need it. 80 Pindara Magazine 2016
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Seven
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