Ohayo Gozaimasu!

It’s nice to be home. I’ve just got back from the Okinawa International Children’s Festival where I was devising a show with a team of Japanese artists. While I was there I got to participate in industry discussions including as a panelist on an International symposium about the ‘relationship and possibilities between theatre for young audiences and society’. It’s fascinating looking at our programs in comparison to those of other companies around the world. While there is astonishing work being created with young people, or supporting new playwriting, or delivering empowering programs within schools, or engaging with communities to address social issues; no companies integrate these various activities like ATYP. I had many conversations with companies from South East Asia who were fascinated by our work and philosophy. I’ve returned home very inspired and suspect ATYP’s reputation and influence will continue to expand as our programs continue to grow at home.

If you want to see why there is so much interest in ATYP’s productions, then head along to the next show in our main stage season, Dignity Of Risk. This beautiful and thoughtful piece has been developed in partnership with Shopfront Arts Co-op. The show explores the significance of risk in discovering who we are as we grow up and grow older. Equal parts art and inspiration, the show has been directed by Natalie Rose who many Australian audiences know from iconic performance trio Post.

I should let you know tickets are already being snapped up for this year’s Celebrity Play Reading. Each year we invite some of our best-known alumni, parents and friends to come and read a script written for 10 to 13 year-old actors. This year it’s Wonder Fly by Nick Atkins. If you want to see some utterly charming Aussie celebs up close and a little out of their comfort zone, then join us for a night of spontaneous mayhem. You can see who will be rocking the stage here. Everyone is welcome, get in early to get your tickets.

Our weekly workshops are up and running for this semester, though some classes still have spaces available. If you have a young person that wants a touch of drama in their life check-out the website for details. For young adults our Professional Series will be landing online for the second half of this year very soon. I am up next in the series and will be sharing techniques for actors interested in Australian scene work. We have some amazing names lined up for the rest of the year, so check back soon!

As always there is plenty to get involved in. Hopefully we’ll see you here at The Wharf or at one of our programs around the country soon.

Until next month.