The youth organisation is also borrowing $100,000 worth of sound and lighting by Inphase Audiovisual for the production, to give the show a true rock’n’roll feel.

Musical director Brendon Comber said despite the show being rife with hits of the ‘80s (well before the cast and crew were even born) he didn’t need to explain who any of the musicians were.

“It’s the stuff all their parents grew up with – all the big stuff like Foreigner, Journey and Bon Jovi,” Comber said.

Read More: Shellharbour school musical a love story of ‘magic and wonder’

IYAP was formed six years ago and is the only theatre company in the region which creates opportunities solely for young people aged 12 to 25.

Director and founding member Adam Fisher their aim has been to bring young creatives into a space where they could express themselves.

“We’re also very excited about visual arts and photography, so we like to bring people from all the different facets of the arts,” Fisher said.

Later this year the organisation will host an “arts festival” which will include an exhibition to coincide with a musical production.

Rock of Ages, presented by Illawarra Youth Arts Project, at The Pavilion, Kiama. Thursday July 12 until Sunday July 15. Tickets via www.trybooking.com

Read More: New Oz rock festival comes to the South Coast in January