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FUNDRAISER TO HELP PERFORMING

ARTS STUDIO RISE FROM THE ASHES

By On With the Show’s SHIRLEY BROUN

A DEVASTATING fire earlier this year has left a popular performing arts studio in Sydney in ashes. 

The majority of the studio could not be salvaged.

On August 30, a special fundraising concert will be held at Blacktown Workers Club to help in efforts to rebuild the PAC Studio in Sydney’s Seven Hills.

The Revamp Fundraiser Spectacular will feature the great talents of the Oz Blues Brothers, Jason Jackson, Trickstar, Donna Campbell, Johnny V, Christine Spurr and the centre’s performing arts students.

Performing Arts teacher Christine Tyrrell, who is helping to organise the event, said the fire was a cruel blow for its owner Maeve Holt, who had lost her husband Mick after several years as his full time carer, in November.

Maeve and Mick are well-known within the entertainment industry having run their own talent agency for many years.

Ms Tyrrell said after the loss of Mick, Maeve had thrown her time and money into upgrading the studio.

“Maeve knocked out walls, peeled up carpet, stained floors, painted walls and stairs and put up amazing new designs in the studios. It was a great fresh start to 2019,” she said.

However, in February she received an early morning call to advise her that a fire had ripped through the premises and reduced it to ashes.

“Unfortunately the majority of the studio could not be salvaged,” said Ms Tyrrell.

“After all of Maeve’s hard work we lost our biggest studio, props, costumes and sound equipment.”

Not wanting to let students down Maeve quickly found a local spot for PAC to continue lessons in nearby Toongabbie.

“Since the fire we have been using the squash courts but it is far from ideal as the kids aren’t able to wear tap shoes, space is limited and the atmosphere is noisy.”

Despite everything, Ms Tyrrell said everyone was trying to rebuild and stay strong throughout a period of great adversity.

“We are holding our half-yearly concert as normal to keep students positive and uplifted, and are hoping to have the studio back on its feet in August.”

Ms Tyrrell, Maeve and the performing arts students would love to see as many people as possible at their REVAMP Fundraiser Spectacular at Blacktown Workers Club on August 30.

In addition to the great entertainment line-up, there will also be raffles and a silent auction.

Tickets are available through trybooking.com

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