What’s on August 2024
I’m back! After four months of long-service leave, it’s a joy to be walking down the wharf and into ATYP. A lot has happened since I stepped out the door.
My break began after the International Youth Encounter that took place in Forli, Italy in April. I was given the challenge of creating a performance that could entertain 400 students from an Italian high school that doesn’t get access to the arts. We had seven days to build a show involving 48 teenagers, aged between 12 and 19 from eleven different countries, led by a team of eight professional artists. It was a reflection of ATYP’s international standing that we were asked to lead this extraordinary event. I travelled over with Danielle O’Keefe, from The House That Dan Built, who was our Musical Director, along with four talented young Australians; Nick Annas, Maliyan Blair, Aurielle Smith and Alexia Umin Skipper. It was a great start to a long break, and an experience none of us will ever forget.
In the time I was away, there has been something of a transformation at ATYP. After an intense four years of challenge and change, it is not surprising that there were a number of the team that were ready for something new. But it did seem to happen all upon a sudden. Over the past four months, many of the staff moved on to other roles, stepping into the next chapter of their careers.
It’s always sad to say goodbye to colleagues that we work with so closely in this industry. We build our relationships with people, not companies. So when people leave, we feel the company will never be the same. But after 15 years with this particular company, it’s been my experience that the joy and passion that drives the work we do remains constant even though the faces change. The warmth and kindness that makes ATYP so fulfilling carry on. So while there was a definite sense of loss as people we were so close to left, it’s now moving inevitably forward into the joy and excitement of meeting a new team and discovering new opportunities. Over the coming months, you will meet a range of new faces at ATYP.
Melanie (Mel) Raveendran has come across from the renowned data analysts at Patternmakers to be our Digital Communications Coordinator. Kate Murphy joined the team, bringing her 15 years of workshop facilitation experience and love of youth arts to the role of Workshop Manager. Fresh from Adelaide, Stephen Moylan is overseeing all things technical for the next few months as our Operations Manager, while the ever-charming Tom Hughes steps out of the workshop room and into the office for the same period as Venue Coordinator. Last week, we welcomed Shane Sutton to the executive team as General Manager. Shane brings a wealth of leadership experience from the media and communications industry, working his way from a journalist to a change-management specialist and strategic consultant.
At the same time, some of our familiar faces have stepped up into new roles. George Kemp has taken the reins as our Education Manager, overseeing the company’s relationship with schools across the country. We are also pleased to announce that Hayden Tonazzi has taken on the responsibilities of Associate Director and Creative Producer in recognition of the leadership role he plays within the company.
So, while some members of the team have changed, our programs continue at the same pace as ever. The last weeks have seen the Fresh Ink play readings held in Hobart, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney. 16 outstanding young writers mentored by 4 industry professionals have been honing their skills, crafting short works for young adult actors. These readings were close on the heels of the National Studio, held at the picturesque Riversdale arts centre on the Hawkesbury River, part of the Bundanon Trust. Once again the National Studio brought together writers from across the country to spend a week of professional development with inspiring playwrights. Jane FitzGerald (our Resident Dramaturg) and I had a particular joy reserved for senior artists when two past participants of the program, Lewis Treston and Hannah Belanszky, returned as industry mentors this year, following their stunning success over recent years.
The rehearsals for the national tour of Past the Shallows began in Hobart. This multi-award-winning production directed by Ben Winspear will open at the Theatre Royal in Hobart before embarking on a national tour. 6 of the Sydney performances have already sold out so get online quickly to secure your seats for this poetic Australian story.
We’re also very pleased to be launching the Spring school holiday workshop program this week. If you have young actors in your life, this is the perfect school holiday activity for anyone aged between 4-18. You can see what’s on offer by logging onto the ATYP website or clicking the link here.
There’s plenty to get involved in at ATYP in August. We look forward to introducing you to the new members of the team.
Fraser Corfield
Artistic Director & CEO