If anybody knows just how much can be achieved over 15 years with the ), it is South Australian State Manager Caitlin Sullivan.

NIYPAA comprises The Australian Youth Choir (AYC) and The Australian Youth Dance Theatre (AYDT), and encompasses over 3000 students, 120 staff, and 33 rehearsal centres across five states.

Caitlin graduated from the Australian Youth Choir in 2001 and has maintained a connection with the organisation ever since. After six years singing with the AYC, Catlin returned to NIYPAA initially as a casual staff member taking on administrative tasks, including stage and rehearsal management, while she was completing her degree in Education. With her continuing love of music, education and performance, Caitlin embraced the opportunity in 2010 to take on the role of State Manager, overseeing the operations and organisation of NIYPAA in Adelaide.

“I have been involved with NIYPAA ever since I left the Australian Youth Choir, doing casual work in different roles, and the passion just grew from there,” says the Adelaide Hills resident.

As a chorister with the AYC, Caitlin experienced many unforgettable performances, her most notable being at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre alongside rock legends Alice Cooper and Paul Rodgers in 2000.

“I will always remember that performance. To be up on stage with the massive crowd cheering and screaming with excitement, it was amazing! The atmosphere at a performance like that is so powerful that you can’t help but sing with all your heart and soul with your friends to keep up with the exuberant energy.

“I can still feel the atmosphere pulsating in me each time I think about that night”

From all of her experiences with NIYPAA, both as a chorister and now as a State Manager, Caitlin brings an intricate understanding of the issues that young performers face, as well as strategies for overcoming any obstacles that may arise.

“During my time at AYC, singing in a group helped build confidence as well as the ability to work as a team. I see both of these elements as a big part of my personality,” says Caitlin.

In executing her role as State Manager, Caitlin’s duties involve everything from liaising with parents and facilitating rehearsals and concerts, to organising school visits. It also provided her with the opportunity to travel to Europe for NIYPAA’s annual International Tour in 2010. She reveals that working in such a role ‘behind the scenes’ makes for a truly high-pressure atmosphere – at times even more so than performance. However, Caitlin thrives under the pressure of managing multiple tasks, and takes each challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow in her role.

"It’s a lot of work! Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but it is also thrilling and you get a sense of achievement once it’s all over.

“I love seeing all the hard work the students have put in pay off, and to see how much fun they have."

Caitlin’s enthusiasm for the Performing Arts and her love of working with young performers perfectly complements her role at NIYPAA, which gives her great satisfaction in a job that she’s also ardent about:

“I am inspired by my teachers, who are now my colleagues, as well as our students, to achieve my dreams within this environment. The atmosphere is great and it is wonderful being around like-minded people who are all passionate about the same thing.”