Whether it’s concerts from the region’s dance schools, school productions or the Horsham Arts Council, the community’s passion for creating amazing shows is evident through the high-quality performances staged.

Horsham Arts Council has been an integral part of the region’s performing arts scene for more than 50 years. The council traditionally stages two productions each year.

Its major production for 2018 – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – was showcased in May. Now members are gearing up for its October production of Little Shop of Horrors.

Council member and Little Shop of Horrors director Deb Boutcher said she had been involved with the arts council for 50 years.

“It’s the people who make it what is and make it special,” she said.

“People dedicate a lot of volunteer hours to something that they love. Not everyone is into sport, so this is a creative outlet for kids who are interested in something different.

Related: News Focus | Art blooms in the Wimmera

“It gives people a bond similar to that of a footy or netball club, so it’s really like a family.”

She said rehearsals were on track for Little Shop of Horrors.

“Everything is going really well; the band is really great and the cast is fabulous – now it’s just a matter of revision,” she said. 

“The show was picked because it is one that we’ve always wanted to do. The music is absolutely incredible and it’s a lot of fun. All four Audrey 2 puppets are currently being made from scratch by Beau Ladlow and Milly Henley.”

Horsham is home to three dance schools – The Dancers Zone, Avenue Dance and Horsham School of Dance.

The Dancers Zone principal dance instructor Lynne McKenzie said dance was popular in the Wimmera because it was a social activity.

“Dance enables students to be active and be social; sometimes it leads on to other things like gymnastics, while others dedicate their life to dance,” she said.

“Our students go on to perform in their school musicals or become members of the Horsham Arts Council, so it all flows into one another.

“It’s so much more than just dancing – it’s about children developing lifelong social skills and having fun.”

Horsham School of Dance principal dance instructor Karen Booker said there was definitely demand for Horsham to have three dance schools.

“We all do different things, so there is definitely a market for it,” she said.

“We have 130 students at the moment and see them all like a family. Dance helps children mix with different people outside their school circle of friends.

“They learn to express themselves and work together as a team.”