The performance will include a little of everything, from a monologue by young actor Eliza Pirie to dance solos and power ballads.

“For my advanced class, I’ve turned them into triple threats so they sing, dance and act all at the same time,” said Stepping Out leader Tyrolin Puxty.

Ms Puxty started the group in the second half of 2013, realising a long-term dream of encouraging singing dancing youngsters.

The group has been working towards the concert since then, with new members joining as time went on and some learning the routines in just the last few weeks.

Ms Puxty said parents had told her how their children had blossomed and become happier and more confident, while some who had problems at school had improved their marks and become more focused.

“I think when kids find something they love and have an ‘escape’, more mundane tasks feel easier to them,” she said.

She had seen one girl start out crying and shaking the first time she sang at glee, but over time develop into a lead singer and a friend.

“I think not only are they doing what they love, but they’re in an environment with like-minded people,” she said.

“I try to create a space that is free of judgement. If their voice cracks during practice, we laugh and start again.

“There’s no putting one another down and no competition – we only inspire one another to be the best we can be.”

The group gives the students a chance to sing the contemporary songs they love, as well as discover classic tunes – one number in August’s concert combines the 2007 song Umbrella with Singing in the Rain along with a set of colourful umbrellas.

Ms Puxty said part of the glee club’s mission was to create something that made the students “feel cool” and that their friends would appreciate.

“That’s why I have professional photoshoots and make posters like movies or album covers for them and give them songs to learn and teach them not so much to sing, but to perform,” she said.

“Anyone can sing – but very few people can entertain.”

August’s performance will not only be a new experience for the students, but also for Ms Puxty, as she organises a concert for the first time.

“I’m nervous because this is my first time putting on anything like this, but I have confidence in my kids and they have confidence in themselves,” she said.

“For most of them, it will be their first time performing in front of an audience ever, and that’s a huge thing to do.”

The Stepping Out in Mudgee concert will have two sessions, at 1pm and 6pm on August 17 at the Town Hall Theatre. To get tickets, visit www.facebook.com/SteppingOutInMudgee or email tyrolinpuxty@gmail.com.