The Mackay-based Mighty Foods children's theatre project has won CQUniversity's annual Opal Award for 'Excellence in Engaged Learning & Teaching'.

Lecturers Kim Kirkman and Ian Gaskell shared the award* for their annual educational production which promotes healthy eating.

Action from a 'Mighty Foods' theatre show for kids. This year's production has won an Opal Award

The duo worked with Theatre students at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music to present this year's version of the production, Mighty Foods Save the Day, to hundreds of children aged between four and six.  They already planning to tour Mighty Foods Versus The Pirates to audiences through the Mackay, Rockhampton and Gladstone regions in March, 2012.

Participating students gain practical experiences, from script development through to lighting design, and are rewarded with the knowledge that they have instilled a positive message to a receptive young audience. Participating staff are able to develop and refine teaching approaches, learn how to create a business report and experience mentoring students in multimedia and presentation skills.  

The CQUniversity Children's Theatre Workshop provides a valuable service to the community, educating young people about healthy eating through applied theatre.

Lecturer Kim Kirkman (right) accepts the Opal Award on behalf of himself and Dr Ian Gaskell

Other finalists in the Opal Awards Engaged Learning & Teaching category included a Disaster Resilience Education Project in Gladstone (Julianne Impiccini, Dr Alison Black, Lynnette Hughes, Kyle Stein and the ALC Management Team) and this year's Romp in the Park in Rockhampton (Dr Gillian Busch and Dr Emma Killion).

* The Mighty Foods duo also won Dean and Faculty awards for Excellence in Learning and Teaching.

LINK for more CQUni staff awards

Participants in the Disaster Resilience Education Project
Participants in this year's Romp in the Park