Arts & culture

'It’s our home': Arcadians’ kids join fight to save their theatre

The Arcadians are calling for funding support, with heartfelt, hand-written messages from children who love the Miner's Lamp Theatre

by Jeremy Lasek

Published July 29, 2026

Facing an uncertain future, the Arcadians Theatre Group has enlisted the support of its youngest members in the battle to save their much-loved home.

“I love the Miner’s Lamp Theatre. The theatre has so much love and memories,” says Ruby Ford in a heartfelt letter that is an important part of the fight to keep the lights on at the Miner’s Lamp on the Princes Highway at Corrimal.

Ruby and dozens more members of the Arcadian’s Children’s Theatre (ACT) took a brief break from their Saturday rehearsals to share their concerns with us. This is, after all, the future of theatre in this region.

Ruby told us her dream is to carve out a career on Broadway. Right now though, her more immediate dream is to see her beloved theatre survive the next 12 months and beyond.

“ACT is my home. Everyone is so welcoming and the Arcadians’ productions in general are so incredible. A place where you can love and be yourself. Arcadians is so old and the Miner’s Lamp Theatre is so important to us,” Ruby said.

Under threat: the ageing theatre on the Princes Highway in Corrimal. At right: Ruby hopes Arcadian’s Children’s Theatre will one day help her fulfil her Broadway ambitions.

Greatest challenge

The Arcadians' dilemma is the greatest challenge the theatre group has faced in its long, proud history.

As reported in The Illawarra Flame earlier this year, the region’s oldest-surviving theatre group has a mountain to climb. To meet modern-day health and safety requirements, major renovations will be required at the Miner’s Lamp Theatre. That requires a massive fundraising effort and to help the cause a GoFundMe page has been established, giving the public a chance to contribute.

Arcadians performer and producer Katie Pearce said losing the theatre “would leave such a big hole. It’s awful to think about it.”

Katie Pearce and Steve Sanders appreciate the support, but more is still needed.

Arcadians' president and life member Steve Sanders said there has been “wonderful generous support” from local businesses, including Corrimal RSL, the local chamber of commerce and the new Corrimal Works housing development.

“The fundraising has been spasmodic," Steve said. "One week we received several large donations, raising $8000 in a couple of days. Then, out of the blue came a $10,000 donation from an Australian ladies theatrical group. Apparently one of their members was one of the original Arcadians."

A long way to go

While that’s making inroads into the $2 million target, the campaign is still a long way short.

The Arcadians are hoping their submission for a grant of $915,000 from a NSW Government regional infrastructure fund will bear fruit.

While their funding application has been boosted with letters of support from local politicians, the Arcadians are hoping persuasive hand-written letters by their youngest performers will get the application across the line.

A heartfelt letter from Arcadians Children’s Theatre member Ruby Ford.

Ruby Ford’s letter was one of many. “ACT is an amazing place for anyone to thrive in musical theatre.”

Madison’s letter writes about the fun she has at Arcadians Children’s Theatre.

Madison also joined the letter-writing campaign: “I love Miner’s Lamp Theatre because I love singing, dancing and ACT. So I love all of it. I love meeting new people and being on stage.”

At Saturday's afternoon rehearsals, the young and enthusiastic Arcadians Children’s Theatre members queued up to share their concerns. For most, losing their beloved theatre is beyond comprehension.

Jasper says ACT is like family. At right: Wynnie has made good friends.

“I love that it’s like a community, and its own little family together,” said Jasper.

Wynnie joined ACT four and a half years ago, and hasn’t looked back. “I love it here so much; I’ve made so many good friends. It’s just been one of the best things in my life. I really found myself here. I found my confidence and I’ve grown so much over the years.”

Ash is a second-generation Arcadian. At right: Billie finds it a safe space.

Ash is a seven-year ‘veteran’ performing with Arcadian’s Childrens Theatre. “My family’s been here for two generations and it would be really hard to see it go. If it wasn’t here, I don’t know what I’d do.”

Finding a community

Almost all the young people mentioned how inclusive and welcoming ACT has been. A true home away from home.

“ACT was an amazing place for me when I moved from Bega,” said Billie, who’s in her fourth year with the company. “It was the first place where I really found a community, and my family found lots of friends to fit in with. It was really just a good way to help adjust to living in a new place because we met so many amazing people.”

Billie said she and her ACT friends were struggling to come to grips with the fallout should the Arcadians fail to save their theatre.

“One hundred per cent. I think it would be heartbreaking to lose this place because it’s been such a safe space for so many people. Together we’ve made some amazing memories, some really have to fight to keep it alive.”

Shay is another long-time ACT member and struggles to contemplate the lights going out in the place she’s had so much fun. “It would be terrible. I’ve had such a great time here, and I want people to be able to continue to have the great experiences that I’ve had going into the future.”

Lucille says it's a big part of her life. At right: Sophia worries about the theatre’s future.

From Lucille: “I feel like we really need to spread awareness, so everyone can know and help out, because it’s such an amazing community and I can’t imagine my life without it.”

Similar sentiments from Sophia: “I’ve made my best friends here and it worries me a lot. I could not imagine a world without this theatre.”

Vivi knows more money is needed. At right: Belle hopes for a bright future.

Vivi understands the the size of the challenge ahead and the potential consequences. “If we don’t fix it, we simply won’t be able to continue putting on shows. So, we just need to keep raising money so we’re able to fix our beautiful theatre and continue to put on our wonderful performances.”

Looking ahead

Showing maturity beyond her years, Belle isn’t just thinking about the here and now.

“When I’m older I want my kids to come here and be part of ACT as well, and yes, I’m really worried we’re not raising enough money to save our theatre,” Belle said.

The Arcadians’ grant application is under review and it’s hoped a positive outcome may come in the next few weeks. Certainly, the compelling case raised by the ACT members should make it difficult to refuse.

The Arcadians are continuing their fundraising efforts this weekend and on Saturday night at Corrimal RSL there will be a Girls’ Night Out all-women disco party starting at 7pm. Tickets will be available at the door.