Her Excellency, A C, Governor of Western and Vice-Regal Patron of MYTC, The Honourable A C, David Templeman, Minister for Culture & the Arts, John Cowdell A M, Principal Alan Jones, Patrons and supporters.

It is a great honour to be part of The Midnite Youth Theatre Company at this point in its history. 30 years is a long time for any organization, let alone a theatre company. So we have paused today to celebrate this milestone and it’s fitting that we reflect on the past, toast the present, and look to the future.

We owe our success to the outpouring of love and generosity from you our community and we are so grateful for your loyal support over the years.

Things have come a long way since that first production of Midnite: Over 200 productions later and 12 international tours, Midnite epitomises Perths journey from culturally challenged to a thriving national arts environment.

A really good theatre company actually mirrors and reflects the kind of community that it serves. So when we look at Midnite over the past 30 years what we actually see the maturing of and Western Australia.

Mr Tony Howes sought the company to be so entangled with the community that We can no longer imagine a world without it. Midnite is a West Australian institution For that Tony - we thank you for your vision.

(If the past was about touring and the WA local community, will the next 30 years be about the global community and human connection? Will we reach to all corners of the globe - televising our work live across the world for millions to enjoy? Maybe…)

It’s an enormous responsibility and privelage to lead Midnite into its next 30 years. With a history built on the strength of young people, our mission remains the same today as it was 30 years ago – we are about transforming young people’s lives.

My first theatre production outside of school, was in fact a Midnite Youth theatre company production of The Birds in 1994. I was 18 looking for an opportunity to perform on stage and meet other young people who were passionate about theatre and the arts. I had seen Wind in the Willows at the Maj the previous year and knew that I had to be apart of it. I was desperate!

Today, young people are still desperate to be involved in a live event that is dynamic, real, creative and meaningful. We know the social benefits of this engagement: Personal development, social acceptance, community regeneration, health and well being and of course transferable life long skills.

The young people come and go, and yet we all continue to learn and grow through the transformation that takes place through this shared experience. That is learning that provides the stimulus for people to make significant changes in their understanding of themselves and the worlds in which they live.

We will continue to innovate to keep pace with disruptors and our technology empowered youth. We look forward to the future with the development and production of new works by established and emerging writers; educational initiatives that enrich the lives of young people; and community support that cultivate and engages authentic relationships.

Thank you.