Sydney, October 2026 — Shopfront Arts Co-op, Australia’s only youth-owned and led arts company, marks half a century of championing young artists with a dynamic 50-hour Act-a-thon and a Youth-Led Conference at Sydney Opera House.
Starting on October 10 and running through to the 12th, the 50-hour Act-a-thon will take place at Shopfront’s home in Carlton, south-west Sydney, culminating in a powerful celebration at the Opera House on the conference morning. The marathon honours the relentless spirit of past young activists from the late 70s and 80s, whose non-stop performances raised crucial funds and awareness to preserve the company’s existence amid funding threats. Now, today’s youth performers continue that legacy of endurance and creativity, seeking to raise $50,000 to support inclusive programs that empower young people aged 8 to 26 to build confidence, explore creativity, and find community.
The Act-a-thon features a mix of family-friendly and late-night performances by current members, alumni, and distinguished supporters including performance collective POST (Nat Rose, Zoe Coombs Marr and Mish Grigor) and dancer-choreographer Martin Del Amo.
On Monday, October 12, the Youth-Led Conference at Sydney Opera House will explore the theme “How do we define success?” Curated entirely by Shopfront’s young members, the day-long event invites emerging and established performers, such as ARIA award-winning artists grentperez and DOBBY, Logie and AACTA award-winning actor-playwright Thomas Weatherall, and actor Sofia Nolan, to challenge conventional success models and imagine new ones. Attendees can also experience workshops, panels, a silent disco, a sensory room, and a dedicated snack space.
Founded in 1976 as St George Theatre for Young People by theatre directors Errol Bray and Garry Fry, Shopfront has remained dedicated to the radical belief that young people’s ideas matter. Its co-op structure uniquely empowers young people to own and operate the company, shaping their art and leadership.
Shopfront CEO and Creative Director Natalie Rose reflected: “The young people Shopfront works with are powerhouses. I want to ensure that young people for another 50 years find community at Shopfront and can be who they are, whoever that is.”
Young Leader Liv Tsigaropoulos added: “Shopfront is not just about making art. You learn to communicate, collaborate, trust your ideas, solve problems, and take up space.”
Alumnus Paul Capsis said, “Shopfront changed my life … The lessons, confidence and the communicative strength that you gain from making theatre is something I find difficult to surpass.”
With ongoing workshops in drama, film, visual arts, and more, Shopfront continues to be a vital creative hub where young people devise original work together, advancing Sydney’s arts landscape for generations to come.
They absolutely deserve our support – let’s see them get enough for at least another 50 years.
KEY EVENTS:
Youth-Led Conference Monday 12 October: 9am-6.30pm – this is a FREE event
Sydney Opera House: Studio and Centre for Creativity | Free to attend. Register online.
50-hour Act-A-Thon
Saturday 10 October 9am to Monday 12 October 11am | Register online | Livestream
Starting at Shopfront, 86-88 Carlton Pde Carlton; ending at Sydney Opera House
Donate: Support Shopfront’s Act-a-thon Matching Fund
