Lived Here - Voices from the past

This project uncovers the hidden stories of our local cemetery, revealing the lives of those who shaped our community over the past century. It’s a unique journey into forgotten histories, brought to light through research and storytelling.

Introducing 'Lived here - Voices from the past' — a unique and captivating community theatre project right here in Coffs Harbour.

Lived Here – Voices from the Past is a unique community project that brings Coffs Harbour’s history to life through theatre. Local writers will create monologues based on real lives, performed by actors at the actual gravesites of those who once shaped our town.

Imagine walking through the cemetery as powerful stories unfold around you — intimate, moving, and deeply tied to our heritage. This is more than theatre; it’s a celebration of local history through art.

We invite writers, historians, actors, and the curious to help create this living memory. This project begin July 2025 — stay tuned for details.

More Information

We’re excited to launch a unique creative community project that brings local history to life through storytelling and performance. Its a busy time for us as we get set up. Keep checking back for more information soon. We expect this project to ramp up in early September with performances in line with the end of year school holidays. You can be involved any way you like - write, direct or perform - do one or do them all. We will team you up with the best of all each category.

Write

Local writers will turn research into powerful monologues, capturing the voice and spirit of each person through creative storytelling grounded in real history.

Direct

Direct the performer to bring the story to life. Haven't directed before? This is the best way to start. Work with the writer to understand the text and explore with the performer how to tell the story.

Perform

Community performers will rehearse and workshop the monologues, developing skills and building emotional connections to the stories they bring to life.

Lived Here: Voices from the past

We have explored the archives, newspapers, and family stories to uncover the lives of people buried in our local cemeteries over the past 100 years. This ensures the stories are accurate, respectful, and deeply personal. Here are the stories collected so far for this project—powerful character monologues that bring Coffs Harbour’s history to life. Each voice offers a window into a different era, weaving a vibrant tapestry of triumph, tragedy, resilience, and the deeply human moments that shaped our region. Through the words of pioneers, everyday heroes, and forgotten figures, these stories celebrate the spirit and soul of our community across time.

Join Snow, a local footballer from Coffs Harbour, reflects on his brief but full life—his love for footy, mateship, and quiet love. Though his life was cut short by injury, he finds peace at home. His story celebrates the impact of ordinary lives lived with heart and honesty.

Snow - Francis Joseph Cunningham (1953)

Thespian Throwdown

Get ready for the most hilarious, fast-paced, and downright outrageous Community Theatre Games Night — where your acting chops meet pure chaos!

Whether you’re masters of mayhem or just here for the laughs, this is your chance to shine on stage and battle it out in a series of madcap theatre games. Expect lightning-fast scenes, crazy props, wild characters, and epic laughs.Do you have what it takes to be crowned the Kings and Queens of Community Theatre Games? Form your team, bring your A-game, and join us for a night of fun, frenzy, and fabulous theatre madness! October 2025.

October 2025

Thespian Throwdown – Let the Games Begin! - New. Wild. Ridiculously Fun.

All the world’s a game, they say,
And all the players come to play.

Get ready for a night of drama, laughter, and all-out theatrical chaos! Thespian Throwdown is the ultimate theatre games showdown for our local stage-loving community. Whether you're a seasoned performer, a backstage wizard, or just love a good laugh, this is your time to shine (or spectacularly fail—either way, it's entertaining)!

Expect high-energy improv battles, fast-paced team challenges, and a few surprise twists that will test your wit, creativity, and stage presence. No scripts. No pressure. Just pure, unscripted fun with fellow theatre lovers.

Bring your A-game (or your best dramatic death scene) and join us for a night that celebrates the joy, madness, and magic of theatre. More details are coming soon!

Teams wanted! Grab your crew (6 —10) and come prepared with:

🟥 A Team Colour Because every legend needs a signature shade!
🦄 A Mascot — Something fierce, funny, or just plain weird to rally your spirits!
✨ A Fancy Team Name — Something bold, quirky, or totally unforgettable. (Yes, puns encouraged!)

More Information

We are excited to launch this brand-new event for our local theatre community – Thespian Throwdown! It’s part improv night, part game show, and all-out hilarious. Its a busy time for us as we get set up. Keep checking back for more information soon. We expect the event to be held in late October 2025.

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Form your team

Grab your fellow drama queens, improv kings, backstage legends, and comedy sidekicks! Teams should be made up of 6 to 10 players, so rally your theatre crew and get ready to compete. Don’t have a full team? No problem – we’ll match you with other lone wolves!

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Register Your Team

Once your lineup is locked in, head to our registration page to sign up. Come up with a fabulous team name, choose your mascot (optional but encouraged!), and let us know you're in. Spaces are limited, so don’t delay! Registration form coming soon - July 2025

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Show Up & Bring the Drama

Turn up on game night ready to play, laugh, and go all-in. Costumes, props, and dramatic entrances are welcome – it’s your time to shine! We’ll guide you through the games, score the chaos, and crown the ultimate Thespian Throwdown champs.