2023 Education Program

2023 EDUCATION PROGRAM

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the ACT, the Ngunnawal people. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE

CREATIVE LEARNING TEAM education@canberratheatrecentre.com.au

ADMINISTRATION admin@canberratheatrecentre.com.au canberratheatrecentre.com.au

CANBERRA TICKETING Phone 02 6275 2700 canberraticketing.com.au

CULTURAL FACILITIES CORPORATION

www.culturalfacilities.act.gov.au

Chair Helen O’Neil

Chief Executive Officer Gordon Ramsay

Canberra Theatre Centre Director Alex Budd

All information correct at time of printing. Designed by Greer Versteeg.

Canberra Theatre Centre is administered by the Cultural Facilities Corporation, which receives funding assistance through the ACT Government's Minister for the Arts.

Message from the Arts Minister 2

Welcome from Canberra Theatre Centre 3 2023 Season – ELC & Primary 5 How to Book 18 Planning Your Visit 19 Term Planner 20 2023 Season – Secondary 23 Workshops & Professional Development 37

IMMERSE YOURSELF

MESSAGE from the ARTS MINISTER

TARA CHEYNE MLA

Canberra Theatre Centre’s Education program in 2023 is unmissable. After a pause on excursions in recent years, this is the perfect time to welcome your students back into the world of theatre for some inspiration.

We have an ambition for Canberra to be recognised as Australia’s arts capital, and key within this goal is the creation of programs that ensure that the next generation can experience the unique joy of attending live performance.

The importance of arts education has never been more apparent, with Australian and international research1 revealing that students who engage in quality arts experiences are more likely to achieve better grades, have higher-order thinking skills and increased motivation than those who do not.

Canberra’s arts, culture and creative industries are strong, and this is reflected in the quality and diversity of offerings at Canberra Theatre Centre this coming year. The 2023 program at Canberra Theatre Centre welcomes the return of students to the theatre, with 11 productions from across Australia, including beloved classic Australian stories, live music, physical theatre, and political dramas.

Canberra Theatre Centre’s Creative Learning team continues to be a leader in Arts Education through their numerous opportunities for further learning, including Work Experience, the Vocational Education and Training program for Certificate III in Live Production & Services (CUA30415), and the return of the beloved ACT UP! Festival for its ninth year.

I am proud to support this program that ensures creative experiences for Canberrans at all levels and fosters a love for the arts that will last a lifetime, and I hope you and your students can make the most of it in 2023.

1(Fiske, 1999; Deasy, 2022; Ewing, 2010; Bryce, 2004; Caldwell et al., 2011; Martin et al., 2013)

As educators, you know that theatre brings joy, curiosity, and valuable learning opportunities to young audiences.

DAN CLARKE, HEAD OF PROGRAMMING AND ABOVE RIGHT: GILLIAN SCHWAB, MANAGER, PROGRAM AND PRESENTER SERVICES

At Canberra Theatre Centre we know that young people are not just the audiences of tomorrow; they are the audiences of right now. We are proud to have programmed a season that reflects the importance and value young people have in our society.

This year we are bringing productions from around the country and overseas that will not only delight and inspire our young audiences, but also challenge them. We hope to spark conversations that last for many days after you and your students leave our theatre.

For ELC and Primary School audiences, we open with two innovative works from The Last Great Hunt that combine leading technology with magical storytelling. Other season highlights include adaptations from beloved Australian writers, Alison Lester and Mem Fox; and you can expect a healthy dose of musical and puppetry fun throughout.

For all ages we are excited to bring the internationally acclaimed 360 ALLSTARS – a circus-music-sportbreakdancing theatrical extravaganza that will have you on the edge of your seat.

For our Secondary School audiences, we have programmed productions that have a particular urgency and resonance for young people right now. The works on our stages explore many relevant and important themes including equality in contemporary politics, consent and healthy relationships, the search for identity, and truth-telling in history.

Our entire season is closely aligned with the Australian Curriculum, and caters to many Learning Areas including The Arts, English, HASS and Health and Physical Education to name a few. Each production will be accompanied by resources to enhance your students’ experience both before and after visiting the venue. As always, you are welcome to reach out to our Creative Learning team at any time throughout for more information or help – we love hearing questions and feedback from our local education experts.

WELCOME

2023 EDUCATION SEASON

We hope this season excites and engages you and your students and we look forward to seeing you at Canberra Theatre Centre soon!

to our

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE PRESENTS THE LAST GREAT HUNT’S

The Adventures of ALVIN SPUTNIK: Deep Sea Explorer

BY TIM WATTS

The seas have risen, billions have died and those who are left live on farms atop skyscrapers and mountains. The scientists tried everything. Floating islands sank, space probes found nothing, and efforts to refreeze the icecaps failed. Now, science and humanity are turning to the oceans themselves. A last-ditch effort to save the human race requires a journey down through the mysterious depths of the deep blue sea to find a new place for us to live..

Alvin Sputnik, who has just lost his wife, accepts this perilous mission so that he may follow her soul down to the underworld to be together once more.

SUSTAINABILITY, SCIENCE, RESILIENCE

This exquisite one-man show is a unique and charming performance, which is emotional, uplifting, touching and funny – a pocket masterpiece of theatre.

Direct from sellout seasons in New York, Sydney and Auckland, this multi award-winning piece of heartwarming “theatrical magic” (Sunday Mail ) is a one-man micro-epic about enduring love and the end of the world “...akin to a theatrical Wall-E” (New York Times)

Catch both of The Last Great Hunt’s mini masterpieces Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer and New Owner together at Canberra Theatre Centre in March.

This production was originally supported by The Blue Room Theatre and Perth Theatre Company.

This show contains strobe lighting and may contain fog/haze effects.

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE PRESENTS THE LAST GREAT HUNT’S

NEW OWNER

BY ARIELLE GRAY AND TIM WATTS

From the creators of The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer comes a sensitive new show for all ages about loss, friendship and new beginnings.

Bart is a boisterous puppy waiting to be chosen from the animal shelter. Mabel is a lonely widow, trying to fill the hole in her heart. The day they find each other is the beginning of a profound friendship – but Mabel is old, and Bart is young – and suddenly alone.

Combining puppetry, live action and animation, New Owner takes us on a world of adventure through a dog’s eyes.

RESILIENCE, PUPPETRY, FRIENDSHIP

Nominated for Best Presentation for Children at the 2017 Helpmann Awards (Australia).

Winner of the 2019 Dora Award in the division of Theatre for Young Audiences –Outstanding Production (Canada).

Catch both of The Last Great Hunt’s mini masterpieces New Owner and Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer together at Canberra Theatre Centre in March.

New Owner was originally supported by the AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things, and the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA)’s new performance model.

This show contains scenes of sadness and loss, strobe lighting and may contain fog/haze effects.

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE PRESENTS AN ONYX PRODUCTION

360 ALLSTARS

A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 ALLSTARS connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Boasting a stellar cast of World Champion and World Record holding artists and athletes, 360 ALLSTARS is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture.

With a stunning live soundtrack delivered by award-winning musicians and spectacular video projections, 360 ALLSTARS is an astounding audio-visual experience.

A magnificent, colourful and astonishing reinvention of circus for a new generation, 360 ALLSTARS is a revolutionary production that will leave you dizzy with excitement!

MOVEMENT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, CREATIVITY, SELF-EXPRESSION

This show may contain strobe lighting and fog/haze effects.

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE PRESENTS A CDP KIDS PRODUCTION

ARE WE THERE YET?

A PLAY BY FINEGAN KRUCKEMEYER | BASED ON THE BOOK BY ALISON LESTER

Join 8 year old Grace and her family on their adventurous and often funny expedition around Australia!

Following CDP’s successful national tour of Magic Beach, Alison Lester AM’s classic book comes to life on stage, with songs, fun, (and quokkas!) for children aged 3-10.

From the team behind The Gruffalo and The 13- , 26- , 52- , 78- and 91-Storey Treehouses, this new adaptation from multi-award winning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer is a celebration of family, love, and the diversity and beauty of Australia.

“The year I turned eight, Mum and Dad took us on a trip around Australia. Luke, Billy and I missed school for the whole winter term.”

AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHY, LITERACY, PEOPLE AND PLACES

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE PRESENTS A WINDMILL THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION

HICCUP!

BY JUDE HENSHALL AND ELLEN STEELE

A rocking, outback adventure to find

It’s a perfect, balmy night in the outback. A sleep-deprived camper, a cheeky quokka and an emu with a penchant for creating wild inventions, awake to discover that a koala has come down with a stubborn and ear-shatteringly loud case of the hiccups.

The three embark on an epic journey through the night that sees them frantically eat, sing and invent their way towards a cure before the sun comes up.

Hiccup is a hilarious, rocking musical extravaganza about working together, finding friendship and how to, once and for all, stop the hiccups.

★★★★★ “Hiccup is truly an ensemble piece, with stellar actors and production team. It is a welcome and joyous return to theatre for Australian children and their families.” – Glam Adelaide

PROBLEM SOLVING, FRIENDSHIP, COMMUNITY

A Windmill Theatre Company Production. Windmill Theatre Co is supported by the Government of South Australia and the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

Contains haze and strobe lighting effects.

the great hiccup cure.

POSSUM MAGIC

Mem Fox and Julie Vivas’ beloved picture book Possum Magic has enchanted children for decades and Monkey Baa Theatre Company brings the paper and ink to life on stage once again.

Using a clever, nuanced palette of live action, stage magic, an original soundscape, elements of puppetry and projected animation, Monkey Baa’s award-winning creative team have translated the whimsical world of the book to a live experience for audiences 3-8 years (and their families).

Grandma Poss loves making magic. She makes wombats blue and kookaburras pink.

She makes dingoes smile and emus shrink. But one day, when danger arrives in the form of a snake, Grandma uses her most magical spell to make Hush invisible. Hush has many wonderful adventures. But being invisible isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and Hush longs to see herself again. One problem. Grandma Poss can’t find the spell to make Hush visible again. And then she remembers... this particular magic requires something more, something special, something to do with food... people food. Possum Magic takes us on a whimsical journey to cities around Australia to find the food that makes Hush visible again.

This show may contain strobe lighting and fog/haze effects.

The magical stage adaptation of the beloved Australian story is back to celebrate its 40th birthday!

CANBERRA

BASED ON THE BOOK BY MEM FOX AND JULIE VIVAS. ADAPTED BY EVA DI CESARE AND SANDRA ELDRIDGE. DIRECTED BY SANDRA ELDRIDGE.

LITERACY, ANIMALS, AUSTRALIAN CULTURE

Canberra Theatre Centre Creative Learning team education@canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Access

Canberra Theatre Centre is proud to offer a range of options to help guide audience members with sensory or additional needs safely through the theatre experience.

Relaxed Performance Wheelchair Access

Hearing System Audio Description* Tactile Tours* Breakout Space *Available by request (8 weeks notice required)

Parking

Coaches and buses can park at the front of Civic Square, between the Legislative Assembly and the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG). Smaller buses, vans and private cars can use public metered parking on either side of the theatre.

Arrive Early

We recommend you arrive at least half an hour before the advertised performance start time in order to locate your seats and make use of the venue’s facilities. Schools will be seated in order of arrival. Latecomers should call the Box Office on 6275 2700. We will endeavour to admit your group into the auditorium at a suitable break in the performance but in some cases this may not be an option.

Lunch

Food and drink are permitted in the foyers but cannot be consumed in the auditorium. Packed lunches can be eaten on the steps leading up to the theatre, in Civic Square, or at Glebe Park.

Performance Warnings

CTC makes every effort to communicate performance warnings through marketing, website information and at the time of booking at the Box Office. Unlike movies, theatrical performances do not have imposed age limits for adult content. It is up to the teacher to make judgements about age appropriateness. If you have any concerns, please ask at the time of booking.

Risk Assessment

School Bags

School bags are not permitted in the auditorium. A free cloaking service is provided to look after your items, but it is much easier if large items such as school bags are left on the bus.

A risk management document will be emailed to you upon booking and can also be accessed on the School Bookings page at canberratheatrecentre.com.au/education Sign up

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

ASCENT

Ascent – School Matinee Performance.

Sydney Dance Company's School Matinee performance of Ascent features two works from this exhilarating triple bill, including a world premiere by Sydney Dance Company's Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela and the Helpmann Award-winning Forever and Ever by Antony Hamilton.

In this two hour exploration of contemporary dance students will experience; a pre-show discussion about the stimulus of the works;

demonstrations of creative processes, and two contemporary dance works, followed by a post-show Q&A with the dancers and creatives of the works.

Teachers will receive a comprehensive resource pack to accompany the works, providing insight into the creative process as well as composition and appreciation tasks to extend their students' learning.

Co-Commissioned by Sydney Dance Company and Canberra Theatre Centre

DANCE, MUSIC, FASHION

This show may contain strobe lighting and fog/haze effects

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE AND SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY PRESENT

This is a performance not to be missed.

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE AND SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY PRESENT

JULIA

BY JOANNA MURRAY-SMITH DIRECTED BY SARAH GOODES WITH JUSTINE CLARKE

Not now, not ever.

In 2012 Julia Gillard, Australia’s first female prime minister, gave a speech that sent shockwaves around the world.

Now, ten years later, one of Australia’s most esteemed and celebrated playwrights, Joanna Murray-Smith, brings the human story behind that speech to the stage.

Julia is an extraordinary new play that will see the glorious Justine Clarke (Children of the Sun) embody the life and career that led to the ‘misogyny speech’, in a phenomenal performance directed by Helpmann Award-winning Sarah Goodes (The Children).

This is both an intimate and compelling insight into the person behind the public mask, and a reflection on the experience of women in contemporary politics.

POLITICS, FEMINISM, MODERN HISTORY

Combining excerpts from Gillard’s speech with Murray-Smith’s incredible dramatic imagination, this play is a thrilling coming together of history and art.

Around the world, we are seeing the most profound rollbacks to women’s rights legislation in two generations. At the same time, there have been encouraging strides forward in the representation of women in positions of power, both at home and abroad. In this climate, Julia is a rousing and energising reminder of where we’ve come from and an empowering imagining of the challenges yet to come.

Julia offers students the chance to be among the first in the world to see this outstanding new Australian work premiering at Canberra Theatre Centre.

This performance contains coarse language and may contain strobe lighting and fog/haze effects.

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE PRESENTS

ACTUP! 2023

ACT UP! 2023 is a curated series of original short performances created by students from high schools and colleges across Canberra and the region.

Now in its 9th year, ACT UP! has a long history of impressing Canberran audiences and providing students with the opportunity to perform their work on a professional stage.

Bring your students along to analyse and be inspired by some of the best work our city’s young artists have to offer.

Want to get involved and perform in ACT UP! 2023? You'll find more information on page 40 of this brochure – in the Workshops & Professional Development section.

MAKING

This show may contain strobe lighting and fog/haze effects.

SELF-EXPRESSION, HOME GROWN ARTISTS, THEATRE

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE PRESENTS A BELVOIR ST THEATRE PRODUCTION

MISS PEONY

牡丹小姐

BY MICHELLE LAW DIRECTED BY COURTNEY STEWART

Lily’s grandmother was a beauty queen back in Hong Kong. She doesn’t care that times have changed, that Lily lives in a new country and a new century. She sees a granddaughter caught between worlds. So Poh Poh pushes Lily into entering the highly competitive Miss Peony beauty pageant, and no matter how hard Lily tries to wriggle out of it, her grandma won’t take no for an answer.

And to make matters worse, she’s a ghost.

Glitzy and madcap, Miss Peony is a bold new comedy about our good old need for connection – to family, the past, the future, and each other.

In a Canberra Theatre Centre first, this show is presented in English, Cantonese and Mandarin and is surtitled in all three languages.

Coarse language, may contain strobe lighting and fog/haze effects.

A comedy of beauty pageants, unrealistic expectations, and the business of family.

AUSTRALIAN AND CHINESE CULTURE, INTERGENERATIONAL PERSPECTIVES, IDENTITY

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE PRESENTS

YES YES YES

BY ELEANOR BISHOP & KARIN MCCRACKEN

Theatreview

Jamie and Ari like each other.

Karin and Tom do too. ��

They might be at two separate parties, but their stories are identical.

Until they really aren’t.

Part documentary, part confession, part open conversation, Yes Yes Yes is a theatre show created specifically for young adults. Exploring the tricky and necessary topics of healthy relationships, desire and consent, it blends audience interaction with a captivating solo performance.

CONSENT, ETHICS, HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

Featuring in-depth interviews with teenagers, Yes Yes Yes is empathic, empowering and engaging for youth audiences and carers alike.

Humorous, witty and moving, it sparks conversation where conversation can be difficult.

The result is a funny, generous and innovative piece of contemporary theatre that speaks directly to one of the most pressing issues young people face today, and holds its audience at its heart.

Yes Yes Yes is supported by Creative New Zealand. Originally commissioned by Auckland Live and produced by Zanetti Productions.

Themes and discussion of sexual consent.

“... a profoundly moving and galvanising experience.” –

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE PRESENTS A SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY AND MOOGAHLIN PERFORMING ARTS PRODUCTION

THE VISITORS

BY JANE HARRISON DIRECTED BY WESLEY ENOCH

Visitors leave. Right?

On a sweltering day in January 1788, seven clan leaders gather on a sandstone escarpment overlooking the harbour. The attendees, six of them Elders and one new initiate, catch-up, laugh together, share a meal and compare notes. But beyond the friendly banter, protocols, and hospitality, a momentous decision is waiting to be made.

A mysterious fleet of giant nawi is amassing in the harbour and as they creep closer, these seven representatives must choose unanimously: whether to send these strangers on their way or welcome them?

FIRST NATIONS HISTORIES AND CULTURE

After its Sydney Theatre Award-winning premiere production at the 2020 Sydney Festival, Muruwari playwright Jane Harrison’s The Visitors will be reworked for this brand new production directed by one of Australia’s most celebrated directors, Quandamooka man Wesley Enoch.

Co-produced by Sydney Theatre Company and Moogahlin Performing Arts, The Visitors is at once a riveting, deeply researched insight into one of the most impactful and painful days in Australia’s history, and a hugely entertaining study of how communities respond to change and the unknown.

This production is proudly supported through the Australian Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts program.

Infrequent coarse language, themes of racial violence, and intergenerational trauma

PHOTO:

More information can also be found on our website canberratheatrecentre.com.au/education

Follow the links to access course enrolment, registration forms and further information.

WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

W | PD Are your students interested in a career in performing arts?

Work Experience at Canberra Theatre Centre is a crucial first step to understand the performing arts industry and how it operates.

Canberra Theatre Centre offers students in Year 10 or above with a chance to spend a week in Canberra’s largest professional theatres, learning, developing, observing and participating in various areas of operation. Canberra Theatre Centre is the major presenter for performing arts in the ACT. It comprises three theatre spaces: the Canberra Theatre, The Playhouse and The Courtyard Studio.

Students will spend time working in The Courtyard Studio with a small group of passionate theatre makers, while learning from industry professionals across all areas of theatre, including directing, stage management, lighting, sound, mechanics, performance, design and more. Participants will also be given the opportunity to directly

pursue their passion in theatre or stagecraft and design, direct or produce a pre-selected scene throughout the week.

Students will gain valuable feedback from industry professionals on the strengths and weaknesses of their own work and suggestions and adjustments to improve their processes in theatre production.

The CTC Work Experience Program runs a program in Term 2, Term 3 and Term 4 throughout the school year.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Students need to fit the following criteria:

• Be in Year 10 or above or a tertiary student (if work experience is a mandatory requirement to complete the relevant course)

• Demonstrate an interest in the performing arts

• Be available for work experience at an allocated time

For more information, please visit canberratheatrecentre.com.au/ education/work-experience/

CERTIFICATE III IN LIVE PRODUCTION & SERVICES

Kickstart your backstage career in the entertainment industry by enrolling in the Certificate III in Live Production & Services (CUA30420) to learn a broad range of technical skills that will prepare you for a career in audio, lighting or stage management in theatre in Australia.

Delivered by CIT (RTO 0101) in partnership with Canberra Theatre Centre, the Certificate III in Live Production & Services takes approximately one year of part-time study to complete, and offers a real-world, hands-on approach to live production training that all happens in a world class theatre environment.

Lighting, audio and production skills are key components of the course, making graduates valuable employees in a range of contexts including theatre, live music, venues, festivals and corporate events.

Our teachers are current industry professionals, working in live audio, lighting and stage management, and they train students to work in a variety of settings and scenarios. Students work on genuine live shows and receive first-hand experience in working with professional artists and technicians. Successful completion of the Certificate III in Live Production & Services delivered by CIT in partnership with Canberra Theatre Centre puts students in a great position to start pursuing a real world career in the entertainment industry.

Enrolment and course information is available at canberratheatrecentre.com.au/education/ vocational-education-and-training

Are you looking for a challenging, hands-on career?

Professional Learning for Students and Teachers

Back for its 9th year, ACT UP! is a curated series of original short performances created by student artists from high schools and colleges across Canberra and the region. This student and teacher learning opportunity spans Term 1 and the first half of Term 2, and includes

multiple workshops with professional artists and hands-on industry experience. It culminates with students presenting their work on a professional stage –either in the Canberra Theatre to a student audience, or The Playhouse to a public audience.