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Stories from the Heart

A Queer Storytelling Development Program

Program Overview:
Stories from the Heart is a transformative program for LGBTQIA+ teens (ages 15-19) to develop and perform their unique stories. Participants collaborate with queer mentors, including writers, directors, and artists, to craft authentic performances that celebrate their identities and experiences.

This initiative highlights storytelling as a tool for empowerment, connection, and social change. The program culminates in a live showcase at Sydney’s Mardi Gras, offering participants the chance to share their stories with an audience of peers, allies, and industry professionals.

Program History:
Launched in 2023 in collaboration with Sydney WorldPride and the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP), Stories from the Heart was envisioned as a space for queer teens to express themselves and connect with their community. The inaugural program was a resounding success, inspiring a new generation of queer storytellers. Building on this foundation, the 2025 iteration promises to be even more impactful, with a focus on deepening mentorship and performance opportunities.

Timeline:

  • Applications Open: 12th December 2024
  • Applications Close: 9th January 2025
  • Shortlist Notified: 19th January 2025
  • Interviews: 19th–24th January 2025
  • Top 8 Selected: 30th January 2025
  • Workshop Weekends:
    • 8th–9th February 2025
    • 22nd–23rd February 2025
  • Mardi Gras Parade (Optional): 1st March 2025
  • Tech/Dress Rehearsal: 8th March 2025
  • Performance Day: 9th March 2025

VENUE

The Rebel Theatre
Pier 2/3, 13A Hickson Road, Dawes Point, NSW 2000, Eora Country

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are open to LGBTQIA+SB young people aged 15-19. To learn more and apply, visit Stories from the Heart Application Page.

ABOUT TRANSMEDIUM

TRANSMEDIUM is a trans-led, youth-centered arts organization co-founded by Claud Bailey and Aud Mason-Hyde. The organization uplifts queer youth by creating opportunities for storytelling, connection, and authentic self-expression. Through programs like Stories from the Heart, TRANSMEDIUM continues to foster community and celebrate diverse narratives in the arts.

For questions or additional information, email [email protected].

KEY ARTISTS AND PRACTITIONERS

LANEIKKA DENNE - Mentor

LANEIKKA DENNE

MENTOR | (She/her)

Laneikka is an actor and writer from Western Sydney. Laneikka’s debut play DEAD SKIN, written at age 17, was awarded the State Theatre Company Young Playwright’s Award and premiered at Kings Cross Theatre in 2021, published by Australian Plays. Laneikka is the recipient of the Diversity Entertainment Creative Mentorship 2022, her play will be performed in LA and Off-broadway in New York while she works on a feature film adaption of the play at Diversity Entertainment, LLC. Laneikka is producing a program called THE MONOLOGUE COLLECTIVE where teenagers write monologues for teenagers to perform for the HSC, supported by Create NSW, the Rodney Seaborn Foundation, Australian Plays Transform, CWA NSW, PYT Fairfield, and KXT.

TOMMY MISA - Mentor

TOMMY MISA

MENTOR | (He/they)

​​Tommy Misa is a Samoan (Toamua)/Australian writer and performer. Tommy’s work crosses different forms in theatre, screen, live performance and community gatherings. Tommy tells stories of Queer and Samoan lives that are celebratory, historically driven and, at times, confronting.

CLAUDIA BAILEY - Program Producer

CLAUDIA BAILEY

PROGRAM PRODUCER |

Claud Bailey is an award-winning non-binary filmmaker and community organizer. They make work that celebrates queerness and aim to tell stories that can facilitate change and create tangible impact, to better the lives of LGTBQIA+ young folk. They were awarded the inaugural Wear it Purple Arts and Culture Fellowship for 2023, where they will produce all of WIP’s arts and culture program, including a new yearly grant FOR and BY LGBTQIA+ young people. Claud has made five short films that have screened all over the world and picked up awards such as Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year. Their latest short, RIGHT HERE, which they wrote, directed and produced had its Australian Premiere at Sydney Film Festival as a Dendy Finalist. As part of their fellowship, they received a grant to bring RIGHT HERE to schools all around Australia.

IMBI - Mentor

IMBI

MENTOR | (They/them/he/him)

Imbi is a multidisciplinary artist and mystic currently residing on Gadigal Land. Imbi’s practice spans mediums from voice work, to performance art, to poetry, and beyond. Regardless of what form their art takes, Imbi always creates with intention and emphasis on divine connection. Everything Imbi does is ritual. Imbi’s recent creative achievements include contributing a poem to the recently published Nothing To Hide: A Trans Anthology (2022) and being selected for the Queer Nu Werk Development program hosted by PSpace and PACT.

ZOE TERAKES - Mentor

ZOE TERAKES

MENTOR | (They/he)

Actor and transgender activist best known for roles in Marvel’s Ironheart, Nine Perfect Strangers, Wentworth, Janet King and Ellie and Abbie, Zoe is a vocal advocate for trans and non-binary communities in the arts and in the world. His work is both a reflection of his own journey and a reference point for others. Zoe is forever indebted to the work of his predecessors, the trans people, namely the trans people of colour, who fought for the community’s freedom today.

RIGHT HERE – STORIES FROM THE HEART is brought to you by the Australian Theatre for Young People – a company that has been empowering young people and centring their stories for nearly 60 years – and produced by Claudia Bailey, a nonbinary Filmmaker and Writer. Proudly supported by Wear it Purple – a youth-led organisation that strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people.

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