We’re starting fresh in 2021
Welcome to 2021! As we shake ourselves off from a Christmas that didn’t behave remotely as planned, we’re strapping in for the year ahead. Our seatbelts have been tightened, airbags have been fitted, we’ve upgraded the sound system, revolutionised the suspension and put our helmets on. We’re ready to take ATYP wherever this year wants to go.
We’ve started in the rehearsal room with director Jenevieve Chan and an exceptional professional cast for the presentation of the script selected for Writers OnStage, Wǒ Shì Zhōngguó Rén, by Angel Edmonds. The Writers On Stage program is an initiative of the NSW Education Standards Authority and is presented in partnership with ATYP and The Arts Unit. It showcases some of the very best work created for the Higher Schools Certificate. This year the rehearsed reading is being filmed so that it can be accessed by high school students throughout NSW.
Of course, January at ATYP is all about workshops. Deputy Workshops Manager Claudene has over 300 young performers coming through our COVID-safe doors over three weeks for experiences in comedy, film, drama and creative play. Some spaces are still available in the final week of school holidays so if you are looking for a little more action these holidays get in quick. Check out the Workshops page to see what is on.
Now that the theatres are open again, we are thrilled to be welcoming young actors to auditions again. Our epic production at Riverside Theatres in Parramatta, I’ve Been Meaning to Ask You, delivered in partnership with The Good Room from Brisbane and touring specialists Critical Stages, is entering its final call-backs. The creative team has whittled it down to 60 exceptional young performers who will participate in a weekend workshop to determine which 18 performers will light up the huge Riverside Theatre stage.
Meanwhile, in Penrith, we are calling for young actors from Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains aged between 13 and 18 for the world premiere of the award-winning Lights in the Park by Alexander Lee-Rekers. Directed by Lucy Clements, this is a unique opportunity for teenage actors to participate in the first production of a show that will be published by Currency Press and go on to be performed by schools around the country for years to come. Anyone interested should make sure they are registered on the ATYP audition database.
There is going to be a lot on offer at ATYP throughout 2021 – to participate, to see live, to watch online and to get involved with. We look forward to riding the unexpected twists and turns of this year with you.
Stay safe.
Fraser