Canberra Youth Theatre - Season 2014 by Canberra Youth Theatre

CANBERRA YOUTH THEATRE

SEASON 2014

WELCOME TO CYT Rules. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them... Zipped tight, unbreakable, rules are a fact of existence created and enforced to deter us from risk taking and protect us from harm. But this is where life and art contradict. Art should not be safe, risk-free and sanguine. Art should be dangerous. It should challenge the status quo, fuel ideas that are yet to be imagined, implore us to question the human condition and activate us to make changes necessary to becoming better human beings Art, in itself, is an act of rebellion against the norm. In breaking the rules - we innovate, we create, we deepen our understanding of ourselves, the world and possibilities yet to be discovered. We find new meaning in old stories, a way to unravel the journey from childhood, through adolescence to adulthood. But first we need to understand the rules before we can break them! Our 2014 season is packed full of new Australian plays that explore how we respond to rules placed on us by our parents, schools, peers and society. Johnny Castellano is Mine explores teen relationships - the excitement, the obsession, the ultimate rebellion and the consequences of losing our first love. Worst Band in the Universe sees our young artists pushing the limits of the galaxy, defying centuries of tradition in search of originality, innovation and their own distinct voices. Where in the World is Frank Sparrow? is about freedom - the turf wars we fight and the sacrifices we make for our friends. In addition to a bumper production season CYT is thrilled to welcome ARTHUR, one of Australia’s hottest independent theatre companies, with their multi-award winning production Cut Snake. We are excited our world premiere of Johnny Castellano is Mine will be CYT’s first fully professional work, in partnership with The Street Theatre. We are also pleased to announce Samantha Pickering as Resident Designer and Shatter Theatre as company-in-residence through our revitalised Open House program. We are proud that CYT continues to be nationally recognised as a leading youth theatre company. Come and see why, for yourself! CU @ C Block! Karla Conway Artistic Director

10 10 1212 1414 16 16 20 20

25 25

MAJOR PRODUCTION SEASON Cut Snake - ARTHUR on Tour 6 Johnny Castellano is Mine 8 Worst Band in the Universe 10 Studio Underground 12 Where in the World is Frank Sparrow? 14 EMERGING ARTISTS 16 Associate Artists 18 Actors Ensemble 18 Technical Production 18 Playwrights 18 Open House: Artist-in-Residence 18

WORKSHOPS 20 Semester Workshops 22 Holiday Workshops 22 Drama in Primary Schools 22 By-Design Workshops 22 STAGE DOOR ACCESS 25 Ambassadors Program 26 Schools 26 Volunteers 26 Financial Assistance 26 Tutors and Artists 28 Calendar Dates 30

Gorman House Arts Centre, You Are Here and CYT present

CUT SNAKE 13 to 14

MAR MAR Jumper was conceived during a wild electrical storm. His mum, Pam, had been on a 4-day bender at a bushdoof with a travelling fire twirler named Guy. He shoved a jumper up his t-shirt and suggested they have a baby… 9 months later, Guy had twirled on, and little Jumper was born… CYT partners with Gorman House Arts Centre and You Are Here to proudly present CUT SNAKE - a multi-award winning production by ARTHUR, one of Australia’s most exciting independent theatre companies. Following sell-out seasons at the Melbourne and Sydney Fringe Festivals, Brisbane Festival and Theatreworks St Kilda plus heaps of awards and nominations, CYT’s C-Block Theatre will host the triumphant return of CUT SNAKE, a comic happening that pulls out pretty much every theatrical trick in the book for the audience’s entertainment – think cabaret, slapstick, acrobatics and sock puppets as well as cameo appearances from Jesus and John Lennon. CUT SNAKE - take another look at life and say ‘HELL YES!’ Director/Devisor Paige Rattray Writers Amelia Evans, Dan Giovannoni and Paige Rattray Venue C Block Theatre| Gorman House Arts Centre

TIME OUT

HERALD SUN

ARTS HUB

“CUT SNAKE is mad. Hell mad. I loved it. ARTHUR harnesses a highly physical style to a narrative drenched in comic excess. …It’s a joyous, poignant, and incredibly funny ride.” THE AGE

JOHNNY CASTELLANO IS MINE Unseen I enter the houses of men. Formless I have slipped past The thresholds of homes now gone. Past places. Traceless: I cannot leave a mark. My footprints dissolve. Now only one house. One man. One heart. And here I am nothing.

03 to 12

APR APR

Canberra Youth Theatre and The Street Theatre present this world premiere production by Canberra’s own Emma Gibson. Johnny Castellano is Mine is a tour-de-force solo performance. Follow the poised and perfect Alice transition back and forth through space and time, as she retraces the memories of her lifelong love affair with the enigmatic Johnny Castellano, searching for the missing link to save herself before it’s too late. Innocence. Obsession. Rebellion. Don’t miss CYT’s first professional production, part of the 2014 Solo at the Street series. Playwright Emma Gibson Director Karla Conway Designer Samantha Pickering Cast 18+ Auditions 22 February Venue Street Two | The Street Theatre

WORST BAND IN THE UNIVERSE 17 to 26

JUL JUL How dare you desecrate the Temple of Tunes with your filthy improvisation! You are an INNOVATOR!?! ProdMen, SEIZE THE INNOVATOR!!!

On Planet Blipp, beyond the stars, beyond the sun and moon, the world was ruled by music - but tradition called the tune. The Ancient Songs of ages past were all that could be heard and no one was allowed to change a single note or word... So begins the pan-galactic adventures of Sprocc, a young Splingtwanger-player who leaves his home planet, Blipp, in search of musical freedom.Â Lured by the promise of fame and fortune, Sprocc enters the annual Worst Band in the Universe competition and is launched skywards on an adventure of truly intergalactic proportions. Worst Band in the Universe is a play with music! Combining puppetry, physical theatre, interstellar travel and rock music, the young artists of CYT will bring this pan-galactic musical adventure to life in 2014! Playwright Director

Graeme Base Catherine Roach

Cast 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 13yrs Auditions 3 May Venue C Block Theatre | Gorman House Arts Centre

STUDIO UNDERGROUND 28 30 to

AUG AUG

Sshhhh…Don’t tell! CYT delves into the mysteries of life, encouraging risk-taking, thrill seeking and some good old fashioned spontaneity to spice up your life... If you’re keen, make your way to the Studio Underground. Take the plunge, buy the ticket, see what happens… Studio Underground is a season of secret theatre. The show titles are classified and you don’t have the clearance… Upon buying your ticket you will be given a password, a task and a dress code for the night. Don’t ask questions. Complete the task, adhere to the code and show up on time or you’ll be left behind. You’re either on the train or you’re off, it’s as simple as that. Directors Karen Vickery | Nicola Tyndale-Biscoe Movement Alison Plevy Cast 15 – 25 yrs | Actors Ensembles Auditions 22 February Venue C Block Theatre | Gorman House Arts Centre

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FRANK SPARROW? 23 01 to

For centuries it’s been like this. An ancient promise between below and above to balance the worlds to mix the blood. One is sent up or one is pulled down to the dark and earthy underground. A priceless gift to soothe all civil rifts.

OCT NOV

Where in the World is Frank Sparrow? sees CYT continue its relationship with award winning playwright, Angela Betzien. Set in the shadowy underbelly of Stab City, Frank Sparrow moves through the dark, searching, hiding, barely surviving… until he meets Kira. Kira is a Kelly – gangland royalty of Stab City. Both lone wolves, fierce and protective, they must endure dangers and trials, overcome weakness, find love and face death if they want to survive. Artistic Director, Karla Conway will team up with an exciting young choreographer to create a physical theatre spectacular, combining beat poetry, contemporary dance and a cracking soundtrack. Playwright Angela Betzien Director Karla Conway Designer Samantha Pickering Cast 15 – 25 yrs Auditions 30 August Venue C Block Theatre | Gorman House Arts Centre

EMERGING ARTISTS

ASSOCIATE ARTISTS

ACTORS ENSEMBLE

Six artists are invited to join CYT as Associates in 2014, working alongside professional artists on selected works from concept development to production. Associates engage in industry training as they prepare for professional work in the ACT and beyond.

Senior Ensemble (18+) - actors that have completed secondary school and wish to pursue practical advanced actor training.

This program is for creatives (18+) with some experience in their discipline. Applications open to: Directors, Designers, Stage and Production Managers, Technical Production, Producers, Playwrights and Dramaturgs. Apply @ Emerging Artist Pathways www.cytc.net Applications Close: 21 February

Teen Ensemble (15+) - actors in college or their last year of high school, who wish to pursue intermediate to advanced level practical performance skills. Core skills explored include voice, physical theatre, acting technique, script analysis, improvisation, audition technique and performance making. Ensemble concludes with: Studio Underground â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a season of contemporary works. Apply @ Emerging Artist Pathways www.cytc.net Auditions: 22 February

TECHNICAL PRODUCTION CYT offers specialised practical training, work experience and assistantships in: - Lighting & Sound Design - Production Design - Rigging, Plotting & Focus - Board Programming - Stage Management - Backstage Crewing Artists will be mentored through to independence, working on CYT productions as lighting and sound designer/operators, head mechanics, set and costume designers or stage managers. Email us if you are keen to learn: us@cytc.net

PLAYWRIGHTS

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE

The Seed: Staged Readings provide playwrights with an opportunity to actively engage with artists and audience in the performance of a live reading of their play.

Open House invites an independent artist (18+) or company to create a space for themselves, in which they establish, develop and produce a clear artistic vision for their works and strategic vision for their company over a 12 month period.

2014 company-in-residence, Shatter Theatre, will curate a season of new writing in C-Block for The Seed. Playwrights: CYT is accepting submissions of new work for 2014. Submission details @ Emerging Artists Pathways www.cytc.net

As a resident artist you will be embedded practically in the creative life of CYT throughout the year and will be provided office space, production support and mentoring; as well as opportunities to make meaningful industry connections to assist the next step in your professional journey. Apply @ Emerging Artist Pathways www.cytc.net

SENIOR

STAGE MANAGEMENT

ENSEMBLE

SAMANTHA PICKERING RESIDENT DESIGNER 2014

LIGHTING

DESIGNER

PLAYWRITNG

INDEPENDENT

ENSEMBLE

STUDIO

EMERGING TECH DIRECTOR SOUND ARTISTS DRAMATURGY OPEN HOUSE

SOUND DESIGN

ACTOR

COSTUME SEED STAGED READ PRODUCER

MORGAN LITTLE | SHATTER THEATRE COMPANY-IN-RESIDENCE 2014

WORKSHOP PROGRAMS

ACT

COLLABORATION

BY-DESIGN

PHYSICAL SCRIPTS MOVEMENT

PLAY

HOLIDAYS CREATIVITY

FUN

VOICE

DRAMA

PERFORMANCE

WORKSHOP CONFIDENCE PROGRAMS PRIMARY SCHOOL

SEMESTER WORKSHOPS The Workshop Program is about process. Through engagement in weekly acting workshops, young and emerging artists actively develop fundamental performance skills allowing them to successfully navigate, over time, the demands of a short performance through to a full-length production. Each semester the courses are uniquely tailored to the interests and skills of the actors, as they work collaboratively with their tutor to create a final performance for family and friends at the end of each semester. 7 – 9 yrs 10 – 12 yrs 13 – 17 yrs

HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS The Holiday Program is for young people looking for something fun to do during the school holidays. The programs are 4-5 days long from 9am-3pm everyday. Actors work intensively with their tutors over a week, developing voice, movement and character skills in the morning session, followed by afternoons of devising and rehearsing an original performance. Actors conclude the week with a presentation of their performance for family and friends. A Holiday Intensive focusing on audition preparation will also be offered in April for young artists preparing to audition for Worst Band in the Universe. 7 – 12 yrs

Enrol online @ www.cytc.net Enrol online @ www.cytc.net

DRAMA IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS After School Drama Workshops are coordinated by local schools, P&C or After School Care groups and provide a recreational introduction to drama and theatre making as an extra curricular school program. Participants aged 7-12 have fun learning about drama by playing theatre games and engaging in acting exercises to improvise action, create characters and tell stories in fun and imaginative ways. After School Drama is offered at: Aranda Primary Charnwood Dunlop School Fraser Primary Lyneham Primary North Ainslie Primary Turner School Enrol online @ www.cytc.net

BY-DESIGN WORKSHOPS

By-Design Workshops are individually tailored training and development workshops designed specifically to meet your needs.

Workshops By-Design have been commissioned for corporate training, public libraries, youth groups, National Institutions, team building, early childhood programs, regional communities, schools and other organisations working in a variety of settings. Workshops can be conducted in your venue or at our theatre space at Gorman House Arts Centre. Talk to us about creating a training program designed specifically to your needs. Enquiries: us@cytc.net

STAGE DOOR ACCESS

CYT AMBASSADORS

20 MAR AMBASSADORS WELCOME 20 MAR THE LONG WAY HOME

Canberra Youth Theatre in partnership with the Canberra Theatre Centre (CTC). CYT Ambassadors are a group of motivated senior students representing high schools and colleges across Canberra, who meet regularly to attend an eclectic program of live theatre, sit in on open production rehearsals and take part in workshops led by visiting guest artists. Experience the latest works from Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir St Theatre, Circa, WA Ballet, Sydney Dance Company and more, all for free!

03 APR JOHNNY CASTELLANO IS MINE 10 APR INTERPLAY 29 MAY THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR 24 JUN THE FACTORY 17 JUL PATYEGARANG

In return, Ambassadors simply share their experiences with friends, posting responses to the shows throughout the year on social media and sharing their experiences at school. Ambassadors will take turns to blog about their favourite experiences, which will be published online by CYT and CTC.

24 JUL WORST BAND IN THE UNIVERSE

15 Ambassadors will be selected for 2014. Apply online @ Get Involved: www.cytc.net

23 OCT WHERE IN THE WORLD IS FRANK SPARROW?

Applications close: 7 March 2014

6 NOV

SCHOOLS

07 AUG S 16 OCT LA FILLE MAL GARDE

VOLUNTEERS

Come to the Theatre!

CYT NEEDS YOU!

CYT is excited to grow in partnership with our high school and college Drama teachers by offering:

As a small organisation we are always looking for help in these areas:

- Friday schools matineĂŠs, teacher resource kits and post-show discussions with the artists - Complimentary tickets for teachers - Subsidised ticket prices for students - Navigating the Theatre Industry careers night for parents and students

Sewing Carpentry Set painting Making and sourcing props Front of house Fundraising Archiving and more...

- Tailored workshops for students through By-Design

There are many benefits to volunteering: meet new people, actively support your children, assist CYT to create great art and enjoy the fun atmosphere of working in a theatre!

Bookings & Enquiries: us@cytc.net

Get in touch at: us@cytc.net

- PD opportunities with guest artists - Work Experience placements

AMBASSADORS WRAP UP

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Canberra Youth Theatre offers scholarships to assist artists or parents in financial difficulty to participate. Scholarships can be used to cover fees for Ensembles, Semester, Holiday or After School Drama workshops. All scholarships are by application and are updated on the website throughout the year, so check back each semester for what is available. CYT also offers sibling and friend discounts and term-by-term payment plan options on all semester and primary school workshops. Enquiries: us@cytc.net

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