When the performance begins on stage, the audience sees the lighting and scenery and hears the music and the actors’ voices. Behind these few hours on stage are weeks of rehearsals, the work of teachers, the excitement of the children and the support of parents. For the participants of the children's musical theater in Khorosheve, such work has become a part of life that unites families from different settlements of the Bezliudivka community.
In January 2025, a musical performed by Yelyzaveta Avocharova’s children’s musical theatre was held in the local House of Culture. Among the spectators were children from the families of internally displaced persons, children whose parents serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and residents of nearby villages. After the performance, the audience applauded the young actors for a long time. The following week, adult theater participants took to the stage, including the children's parents and their friends.
For small settlements, cultural spaces are of particular importance. Here, children find friends, develop abilities, learn to work together and feel confident in front of the audience. For parents and residents of the community, performances are an opportunity to meet, support children and join in a common cultural life.
However, the regular operation of the theater depends on the conditions in the room. Due to a power outage, the stage may be left without lighting and sound equipment. In the cold period, the problem of temperature in the hall is added. Rehearsals have to be reduced or postponed, and performances become more difficult for children, teachers and spectators.
For the theater team, such breaks mean a loss of time for preparation, violation of the usual schedule of classes and additional difficulties for families who come from different settlements of the community.
That is why the initiative group of the community “Stage Light” proposed to equip the stage of the House of Culture with equipment for autonomous operation during power outages. The aim of the project is to enable children and adults to continue theatrical and musical activities, to prepare performances and to hold cultural events even in the absence of centralized power supply.
What will change for the theater
The stage of the House of Culture measures 6 by 4 meters. It hosts concerts, performances, musical and theatrical events with the participation of children and adults. For full-fledged work, lighting, sound, microphones and comfortable conditions for participants are required.
The basis of the technical solution will be two portable power stations. They are planned to be used as a backup power source during planned and emergency outages. The load distribution between the two stations will make it possible to simultaneously maintain the operation of stage equipment and local heating.
Six LED spotlights will be purchased to light the stage. They consume less electricity compared to traditional stage appliances, so they will help provide the necessary light while operating from backup power.
Particular attention will be paid to the temperature in the room. Two infrared heaters will be used to locally heat the stage and the places where the participants are staying. This approach will make it possible to maintain acceptable conditions for children and artists during rehearsals and performances during the cold season.
The purchase list also includes extension reels with thermal protection and surge protectors. They are needed to securely connect and distribute power between stage spotlights, sound equipment, microphones and other equipment.
Two more purchases directly relate to the creative work of the team. The digital piano will be used for music lessons, accompaniment to vocalists and preparation of theatrical productions. The battery-powered speaker system will provide playback of musical accompaniment, phonograms and announcements during rehearsals and events.
Together, the equipment will help keep the stage running during outages and use it for cultural, artistic, educational and children's events for years to come.
Opportunities for children and families from different localities
The direct participants of the project will be about 80 children aged 4 to 18 years. Among them are children from large families and internally displaced families. The application also states that families from 11 settlements of Bezliudivka community were involved in theatre activities, and 11 internally displaced persons were among the participants.
Parents, guardians, teachers and spectators will also benefit from upgrading the stage. During the year, several hundred residents of the community will be able to attend theatrical performances and concerts.
Theater classes help children develop their stage speech, musical and acting abilities, overcome shyness, express their own opinions and work in a team. Regular rehearsals create a sense of engagement and allow children to have their own space for creativity and communication.
For children growing up in a full-scale war, such opportunities are of particular value. They maintain the usual rhythm of life, give the opportunity to meet with peers, prepare for performances and see the result of their own work.
A parent initiative that will work for the community
The initiative group “Stage Light” was formed by parents of children engaged in musical theater. They know directly how power outages affect rehearsals and performances, and understand what equipment is needed to keep the team working.
The members of the group will be involved in the clarification of needs, selection of equipment, analysis of supplier proposals, organization of procurement, acceptance and delivery of equipment. Facilities for installation and further use of equipment are provided by the community. Representatives of the initiative group and theater staff will also help with the placement of equipment and its preparation for work.
After completion of procurement and installation of equipment, it is planned to check the operation of the backup power system, prepare participants to use the equipment and organize cultural events using it.
The implementation of the initiative will be discussed on the pages of the musical theater, on social networks and information resources of the community. The initiative group also plans to publish photos and videos of rehearsals and performances, to inform about the purchased equipment and the results of its use.
The Stage Light project will help preserve the opportunity for children and adults to create, learn and go on stage despite power outages. After all, behind each performance are people, their work, support for each other and the desire to continue the common cause.
The visualisation illustrates the project’s concept and planned activities; it does not show the completed project.
The project is implemented by the NGO “Agency of Local Initiatives”, at the initiative of community residents and with the support of local authorities. The mini-grants are implemented as part of the project “Strengthening Community Resilience through Support for Community Initiatives”, with financial support from NCA (Norwegian Church Aid).
