WHEN LEXI Aivaliotis was a child, she enjoyed making the people around her happy and considered herself 'a bit of a comedian' at times.
"I loved the classic Disney movies and watched them on repeat until I could recite entire scenes and songs word for word and then I would perform them at home to entertain my family," Lexi said.
She was involved with a local dance group and performed in concerts and competitions and in her teens, Lexi decided to further embrace her passionate theatrical side and joined the Wangaratta Players.
"I performed on stage and was part of a puppetry theatre group while in high school, which I loved being part of, and when I joined the Players I was involved in their junior shows and Youthies performances.
"I also had roles in their advanced shows which contributed to my appreciation for the craft and encouraged me to push and believe in myself."
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Lexi received a Zonta Encouragement award for her performance in Seven Little Australians in 2009 and had the honour of assisting Andrew Grant direct 12 Angry Jurors which gave her a new appreciation of what goes into making a show come together.
"Andrew was like a mentor to me and I have been extremely lucky to be surrounded by people who were passionate about theatre and harnessing their creativity in many ways within the theatre world," Lexi said.
"I was in awe of the older kids and adults who ran it and/or performed in the shows because they were all so incredible to watch, and they were so unapologetically themselves.
"They were my heroes; they made me feel like I was in a place I belonged and made me feel at home."
When Lexi turned 18, she decided to pursue an independent life in the big city.
While she never lost the enthusiasm or passion for theatre, she didn't join another theatre group in Melbourne.
"While living in Melbourne the closest I got to performing was spending some time as an extra for Neighbours, which was a lot of fun," Lexi said.
Lexi's return to Wangaratta came about thanks to one of Melbourne's many lockdowns when she and her partner Eddie (also a country boy) re–assessed their values and what was important to them.
"We decided to give it a go and see if the lifestyle suited us and we are so happy with the life we're making here and have embraced the slower pace of the country," she said.
"Returning to Wangaratta has given me the opportunity to get back into theatre and 'come home' to the Wangaratta Players.
"I have become a member of the committee, just in time to be part of the Youthies re–launch so it really was meant to be."
Lexi has been adding to her theatre experience tool belt, carrying out front of house duties and being part of the crew for the upcoming show The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.
"I am so thrilled to be involved with the new show and to have the opportunity to learn more which will help contribute to our workshops for the Youthies."
Drawing on the positive experiences she had, Lexi is hoping to spark joy, passion and appreciation with the next generation of members.
"I believe it is divine timing that I get to be part of the group again and I want to make my predecessors proud of what we are doing to breathe new life into the structure of our workshops.
"Those mentors inspired me to do better, push myself, take things to the next level and go further in my involvement in theatre.
Lexi admits that she may not have years of experience as an adult in theatre, nor does she know the lyrics to all the songs from Phantom of the Opera, but she does have a drive to encourage young people to believe in themselves and find their voice.
"I believe being involved in the arts will help them to do this and I am surrounded by so many talented people who have so much to offer the group.
"We want to create a place the next generation can embrace their creative side, discover unknown talents, build confidence and embrace their inner theatre nerd.
"I am extremely proud to be part of a group that will help young people to learn and pursue their passions and personally I hope Youthies will be a home away from home – because that's what it was for me."
Youthies will commence for term three at the Yarrunga Scout Hall in Vincent Road on Thursday, July 28 with the eight to 12 year olds meeting between 4pm and 5pm and 13 to 17 year olds from 5.30pm to 7pm.
