{"id":131694,"date":"2026-06-03T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/geelongtimes\/?p=131694"},"modified":"2026-06-03T04:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T18:00:00","slug":"an-original-musical-leading-the-way-for-accessibility-in-theatre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/geelongtimes\/news\/an-original-musical-leading-the-way-for-accessibility-in-theatre\/","title":{"rendered":"An original musical leading the way for accessibility in theatre"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new all-abilities dance and musical theatre program is giving participants the chance to step into the spotlight, with a homegrown production already taking shape.<\/p>\n

The initiative, led by Surf Coast Dance Company’s Melinda Hickey in collaboration with No Limits Geelong’s Luke Massey, grew from a simple conversation about creating more opportunities for people with disability to participate in the performing arts.<\/p>\n

What began as weekly musical theatre classes quickly evolved into plans for a full-scale production.<\/p>\n

“They really wanted to do a full production with all of their favourite songs,” Hickey said.<\/p>\n

With licensing costs proving prohibitive, Hickey has taken a different approach, writing an original script and building a musical around it.<\/p>\n

“I really wanted this group to feel like they had something that was just theirs,” she said. “It’s just already ready-made for them \u2013 no changes needed.”<\/p>\n

The weekly sessions combine acting, singing and dance, with a consistent structure designed to help participants feel comfortable and confident.<\/p>\n

“Something that I’m quite aware of is making sure that everyone knows what to expect when they arrive,” Hickey said.<\/p>\n

The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants quickly embracing the chance to perform.<\/p>\n

“They’ve all said it’s one of their favourite programs that they do,” Hickey said.<\/p>\n

She believes the program fills a significant gap in the region’s arts landscape.<\/p>\n

“There are accessible sports,” she said. “But when it comes to the arts, I really feel like it’s something that is definitely lacking in our region.<\/p>\n

“I don’t think that this group should have to miss out.<\/p>\n

“Everybody should be given the same opportunities.”<\/p>\n

With rehearsals underway and enthusiasm building, the group is now inviting others to get involved.<\/p>\n

“We’re still taking people on,” Hickey said. “We have got plenty of ensemble roles available.”<\/p>\n

Hickey is optimistic about the future of the program and encouraged anyone interested in performing or supporting the production behind the scenes to get involved.<\/p>\n

“We’re just really looking forward to how much better it’s going to get every time we have a crack at it,” she said.<\/p>\n

To get involved, email No Limits Geelong at nolimitsgeelong@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A new all-abilities dance and musical theatre program is giving participants the chance to step into the spotlight, with a homegrown production already taking shape. The initiative, led by Surf Coast Dance Company’s Melinda Hickey in collaboration with No Limits Geelong’s Luke Massey, grew from a simple conversation about creating more opportunities for people with […]<\/p>\n

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