A MILLION REASONS TO LOVE REBEL
We would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of ATYP alumna Rebel Wilson, our Theatre’s namesake, who generously donated 1 million dollars towards our new home.
The Rebel Theatre will place young people centre stage and Australia’s future leading actors, playwrights, and theatre-makers will walk its boards.
Rebel started with ATYP as a workshop participant in the late nineties and was swiftly cast in ATYP productions. An ATYP staff member from 2000 – 2002, Rebel was the winner of the Lendlease 2000 Scholarship launched by Nicole Kidman in 2002, which allowed her to enroll at the New York Film Academy and the Second City Training Centre. Her time overseas during this scholarship inspired her to make her name as a comedic actress. To give back, and to provide similar opportunities to others, Rebel became an ATYP ambassador and in 2016 created the Rebel Wilson Scholarship, and then the Rebel Comedy Commission from 2019.
“In ATYP I found a community of like-minded people. I was inspired by them. I was helped by their friendship. I was encouraged by all the directors, tutors, staff, peers – everyone. I want more people to experience that. It’s no secret ATYP as a not-for-profit company struggles, especially during this pandemic. These are passionate people who are helping young people all across Australia and they deserve the support … I hope [The Rebel Theatre is] a place where the new generations of Aussie talent get to shine. They’ll get to write and create and perform for audiences. And I hope they crush it.”
— Rebel Wilson, ATYP Ambassador
“The opening of The Rebel Theatre heralds a new era for ATYP. This is the first time in the company’s 59 year history that we have our own theatre. Up until now, the company has had to rely on the support and favours of our friends in the industry. Now we have the capacity to stage our own professional productions in the heart of Sydney. We have an opportunity to establish a home for the very best in Australian youth theatre, launching productions to travel across the country and bringing the best in the world to Sydney. The Rebel Theatre is an extraordinary gift to all young Australians.”
— Fraser Corfield, Artistic Director/CEO
