Students and a lecturer from CQUniversity's Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music have mixed the goals of entrepreneurism and performing arts.

They've joined the Students in Free Enterprise network with the aim of changing the world by making a difference in their community.

The students and lecturer Kim Kirkman attended a training workshop in Brisbane in January and took out a 'hypothetical grant' with their concept for Mighty Foods: The Musical, inspired by Karen Fischer's bestseller Don't Tell Them it's Healthy.  

They have now taken the idea from concept to reality, with the show about to open at the Conservatorium Theatre in Mackay.

The show presents a positive theme by demonstrating how eating 'mighty foods' can make children smarter, stronger and faster.

SIFE challenges students to take what they learn in the classroom and apply their knowledge in real working situations for the benefit for all concerned. It also challenges business and industry to become involved in partnerships, to mentor students and to judge their projects at national championships.

CQUniversity lecturer Kim Kirkman said that junk food manufacturers "market their products in very clever ways, preying upon young people's need to be accepted and have fun".

"We are marketing good foods by showing children that eating them will make them more successful," he said.

"The issues surrounding children's eating habits in Australia have been cause for concern.  Recent data shows that one in four children in Australia are either overweight or obese."

Other facts include:
. Children under the age of 19 are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes;  a condition predominantly seen in adults
. More and more children are being prescribed ADHD drugs to control hyperactive and unfocused behavior   
. Four-year olds are getting acne.

Mighty foods: The Musical is 45-minutes of acting, dancing and singing written by CQCM students and their lecturer Kim Kirkman. As an indicator of their entrepreneurialism, the show has already sold 2200 tickets. Show times are: May 11-13, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10am, 11.30am and 1pm at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Boundary Road, Planlands, Mackay. Bookings via 4940 7800.