THE cast of Nexus Bendigo Youth Theatre's Oliver are determined to put on a great show.
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About 60 young performers began rehearsals this week with a number of health procedures in place amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Director Julie Lovell said it was important to give young students an outlet given the many changes that have been bought in due to COVID-19.
"Some prents have thanked me because it's the only normal thing in (their kids) are able to do," she said.
"We walk in the door, talk about the safe practices and get straight into show and (the cast) loves it. They want to be doing anything but coronavirus.
"There are a lot of air hugs and elbow bumps. They just want to have fun and be with their friends. As long as we follow the safe practices, we will do Oliver and care for another."
Lovell said she is expecting more challenges to arise before the show gets to its performances week at the end of July.
It was originally slated to be at The Capital but the city's theatres are currently closed due to coronavirus.
"We are monitoring everything we can and will continue to be in contact with The Capital," she said. "We're still plowing ahead with our new procedures in place.
"One of plans we're still talking about is, if everything is shut down, looking at ways of being able to run the show if we can.
"The whole world is shifting. Churches are shutting down and (putting more) online. The mental health of young people is vital to keep them well.
"Even if (restrictions) suggest we can't meet, we will think of ways of staying connected."
Lovell selected Oliver for Nexus BYT's 2020 show due to it's upbeat vibe.
It is a classic and Oliver has a vibrancy to it. It has a youthy feel and the songs are very upbeat and have a fun finesse to them," she said.
"Half our cast is brand new, which is fun. (Oliver) was a great way to involve a large cast once again, we involve a great number of young people.
"We wanted to bring in a new, young group. After doing Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera.
"We wanted to bring more year 7 and 8 kids into the mix.
Jay Thomas and Melyce Cook will share the role of Oliver for the production.
"All our leads are brand new and we're excited about that," Lovell said.
Nexus BYT's Oliver rehearsals will continue with Lovell hoping to have an audience to impress later in the year.
"I will be trying my hardest to avoid (live streaming the show) whether that means we do the show later in the year or at a different venue," she said.