​Gemco proudly runs a successful youth program firmly believing in the benefits of theatre to young people. 

• Gemco has had over 1900 young people involved in its Youth/Children’s programs

• All leaders and committee give their time voluntarily

• The youth theatre has grown in the last 20 years from 15 young people, to over 100 young people each week. 

• Many young people have completed all youth programs and are still involved in Gemco to this day. 

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 Aside from all of the productions that Gemco has put on over the past few decades, we have also been involved in the following:

• Acapella Singing workshops by local singer Suzann Frisk called “Vocal Nosh”

• Further acoustic music nights in an informal setting giving local performers the chance to perform in an excellently acoustic environment, run by Carol McCoy and friends.

• Cockatoo’s celebration of the International Year of the Volunteer,

• Senior Citizens week closing concert at Cardinia Cultural Centre,

• Emerald Winterfest street entertainment.

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Gemco proudly hosts:

• The Dandenong Ranges One Act Play Festival. A competitive event between groups from all over the state, this one being known as “the friendly festival” and also one of the few that offers Youth prizes. This event is held each year in August having started in the local community hall to now hosted in our beautiful theatre. 

• Take Ten Writers Festival as a play writing competition for play writers. The top 10 plays are performed and published. 

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Gemco has raised over $35,000 for groups within the community and beyond. Fundraising for others has included:

• A concert in aid of the “Bali Appeal” and

• A special fundraiser for the Tenderfoot Kindergarten in Nairobi, Kenya.

• During this period funds were raised for the local Palliative Care group.

• Over $3000 was raised in 2005 for the victims of the Tsunami disaster via an outdoor music day.

• A massive concert in 2020 that raised over $7000 for the victims of the Feb bushfires. 

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Other groups who have booked and used the Gemco Hall include:

• The Phoenix Recorder Consort, Emerald Primary School, Emerald Performing Arts Company, The Dandenong Ranges Orchestra, Beaconhills College’s Year 9 Productions, Sixth Sense Theatre Company (UK), TheatreBox and also the Flinders Quartet who performed prior to their entry into the London and Melbourne International String Quartet competitions.