Milk Crate Theatre 2015 Annual Review by Milk Crate Theatre

ANNUAL REVIEW 2015

CONTENTS About Us

The Ensemble

The Chair Report

Impact 10 The CEO Report 12 Artistic Director Report

Our Artistic Program Stage Door Productions Forum Theatre Schools

16 18 20 24 26

2015 Key Learnings

Partners and Collaborators

Summary of Financial Results

The Milk Crate Theatre Team

The Milky Way

Our Supporters 38 Support Us 39 Accessibility and Acknowledgement to Country

ABOUT US Milk Crate Theatre works with people who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing homelessness. We use a fun and creative approach to build skills, confidence and social connections; to support people to make plans; to explore possibilities for education or employment and to ultimately help people move away from homelessness and make positive changes in their lives. Milk Crate Theatre operates within a Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD) model and our work promotes cultural democracy, self-determination and social justice. Our work embodies the experiences and artistry of the Ensemble to showcase their uniqueness as contemporary storytellers and to create authentic and transformative theatre that challenges audiences and brings communities together. These stories are brutal yet beautiful, savage yet seductive, tenacious yet tender but most of all they are real: born from the experiences of those who create them. The work of Milk Crate Theatre is raw, real and urgent. Our contemporary presentation of real people, telling real stories, about immediate social realities, is compelling and rarely represented on other stages. We provide public platforms for brave individuals who do not often have the opportunity to speak openly about the challenges that affect their lives. We believe that by bringing communities together and sharing the real stories of people who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing homelessness, we can inspire action and work towards an inclusive future where everyone feels valued.

HOMELESSNESS & MILKCRATETHEATRE On any given night in Australia there are 105,237 people that are homeless, which equates to 1 in 200 people. This statistic is on the rise. At last count, 28,190 people were homeless in New South Wales and of those 42% are between 12 and 24 years old. Homelessness is not just “houselessness.” Experiencing homelessness means not having stable or secure housing, or a place to call home. Homelessness comes in many guises and people become homeless for a range of reasons. This makes those experiencing homelessness some of the most disenfranchised and vulnerable individuals in our society. Milk Crate Theatre views homelessness as a transitional but preventable state, and works across sectors towards a socially inclusive community. For us, working towards social inclusion means working with people who are at risk. People at risk include those who have been affected or have a lived experience of any of the following: mental health issues; physical, intellectual or learning disabilities; low income; the criminal justice system; substance misuse and abuse; limited education; domestic violence; refugee or asylum seeker status; or Indigenous Australians. Sadly, with homelessness on the rise in Australia there is an increasing demand and continuing need for services to support our community. Milk Crate Theatre provides opportunities for this population by providing artistic outlets and a public platform to create change in the climate of rising homelessness.

THE ENSEMBLE The Ensemble are people that have participated in one of our program activities and as a result form part of our creative community. The Ensemble self-identify as having experienced or at risk of homelessness. In 2015, 128 Ensemble Artists participated in our programs across workshops, performances, Forum Theatre productions, Social Enterprise and creative developments. They are employees, mentors, students, presenters, representatives, audience members, friends and advocates. They include storytellers, performers, digital artists and explorers of artistic forms. All share in the vision to change the story of homelessness.

Who We Are a poem by Ensemble Artist Pauline Trenerry We are hiders hoarders helpers keepers of knowledge. experts in cheap meals low fares/no fares help from Wayside St Vinnies The Salvos. Our numbers are high but our votes are not courted Centrelink psychiatrists social services own us our boxes are labelled Bludgers disabled The Unemployed. Moved on pissed on pushed out derided Don’t judge criticise moralise, think you’re immune to losing your job house family all your belongings in the car, knocking on charity’s door. We are artists performers Ensemble members special unique and ordinary.

“Milk Crate [has]...enabled me to rebuild and find joy in my life.” - Ensemble Artist “Milk Crate [Theatre] is my soul food.”

- Ensemble Artist

“I have been part of the Milk Crate [Theatre] Ensemble for five years and I am an occasional volunteer at the office. Involvement in the organisation has had a very profound impact on my life. The turning point came with my participation in last year’s Forum Theatre show No Place Like. This was my first experience of acting in a stage play and was a huge personal achievement given my issues with social anxiety and low self esteem. The director and all other staff were endlessly supportive and encouraging and brought out the best in my performance... On a very personal level, my participation in No Place Like was a defining event. By performing in this work, whose themes were so relevant to so many people, I felt a closer connection to disadvantaged people everywhere. And the huge personal achievement of being able to rehearse, successfully learn lines and perform in front of any audience was life changing. This very personal success would have been impossible without the dedicated help for the staff and Ensemble of Milk Crate.” - Tim T, Ensemble Artist “Having structure in my life; something positive to look forward to; being affirmed as a creative person; make friends; recognise the person I am; accepting myself; importance as a creative person; define my own roles and how to express myself, even how I dress; trying costumes; expressing through how I dress.” - Michael G, Ensemble Artist 6

“Validation that I have something to contribute; that I can map out a career path that accommodates my health; I'm going back to postgraduate study.” - Cherie, Ensemble Artist “Milk Crate is such a wonderful opportunity for those of us who may be just a little bit outside of the box. On many different levels it fills a giant void that nothing or no-one else in this world does. I have met great people along the way, and been involved in great classes and theatre as well. Long Live Milk Crate Theatre!!!”

- Owen Gill, Ensemble Artist

“Open my mind to feeling the huge joy inside of myself, it is like I’m born again...!!!” - Flor, Ensemble Artist

The

CHAIR REPORT

2015 has been a year of transition, evolution, artistic achievement and impact.

I was appointed to the Chair in February 2016 and am delighted for the opportunity.

The highlight of the year was our major production, This House Is Mine, written by our talented CEO/Artistic Director, Maree Freeman in collaboration with the Ensemble. It was high energy, life-affirming theatre and received strong reviews. This House Is Mine drew on the talents of a number of our Ensemble Artists and combined live performance with digital work.

2016 will be a year in which Milk Crate Theatre will extend itself. We will undertake our first international artistic exchange, which will share best practice with our American peer organisation, Theatre of the Oppressed New York City.

Our workshop program had a very strong year. For many of the Ensemble members, this is their main access point to the organisation. It provides a structured meeting place where attendees can build confidence and resilience, establish strong social networks and develop theatrical, public speaking and other skills. In 2015, our workshop program operated at six different sites, extending its reach into more diverse communities. As Maree Freeman commenced maternity leave during the year, we brought two strong members to the team: Jessica Hermosilla as interim CEO and Cristabel Sved as interim Artistic Director. Jessica has a background in the performing arts, and a long history in the not-for-profit sector. Cristabel is a theatre director and dramaturg and was one of the founding members of Milk Crate Theatre. We are particularly lucky to have both of their talents and experience.

We will also grow our Ensemble numbers and expand our offerings in order to increase our impact. A big thank you to my fellow directors, our wonderful staff, our terrific Ensemble as well as all the other incredibly creative and talented people who continue to build Milk Crate Theatre. I hope you can join us on the journey.

MICHAEL SIRMAI Chair

Towards the year of the year, we appointed a social worker to the core staff. This augments our welfare capabilities and provides additional support to the Ensemble. Notably, in 2015 arts funding become more challenging as some funders and grant makers changed priorities. This has meant that the company has become, and will need to remain, more resourceful in meeting its funding needs. If you have never previously supported Milk Crate Theatre, I warmly encourage you to consider it. Our work is high impact and we need and truly value your support. John S W Bell served as Chair of the company during 2015. I am grateful for Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong contribution over that time, as our 2015 results were delivered under his leadership.

IN 2015: 128 Ensemble Artists participated in Milk Crate Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Programs.

impact

Milk Crate Theatre leverages the creative process to promote and advocate for social inclusion and a better understanding of people who have experienced and are at risk of homelessness, defining our success in relation to transformation within the Ensemble, community partners, its audiences and the wider community.

1690 unique creative engagements were offered to the Ensemble. 93 new Ensemble Artists joined Milk Crate Theatre. 92 workshop opportunities in which 78% of Ensemble Artists attended more that 50% of the time. Ensemble Artists were offered 25 employment opportunities. 3 scholarships were offered. 3 mentorships were conducted.

2012

2013

2014

2015

Total number of Ensemble Artists involved in the annual Artistic Program

179

123

143

128

Total number of new Ensemble Artists participating in a workshop

127

48% attended more than 50%

66% attended more than 50%

74% attended more than 50%

78% attended more than 50%

total number of LIVE audience members (Approx.)

1505

1604

1406

2110

% of all the audiences who enjoyed the experience

90%

98.9%

96.5%

100%

72%

80%

88%

71%

Average attendance rate over a workshop series

total number of ensemble artists involved in a main stage production

total number of Community partnerships

% of Ensemble who felt they had seen positive changes to connections within the ensemble

The

CEO Report

We live in a time where any one of us is only one poor choice or bad investment away from potentially becoming “homeless.” We all know people who have lost their jobs and it has taken them more time than expected to get a new one. Have you ever wondered what you would do if that happened to you? What hard decisions would you have to make? What if some circumstances were beyond your control? This is the world we live in today.

In the current funding environment, Milk Crate Theatre is fortunate in that we may draw from two specialist area funding pools which provide it with a level of financial stability. However, Milk Crate Theatre will still continue to rely on the support of its individual donors and community providing support. Strong relationships with our partners are integral to the success of our programs, and we consider anyone who donates as a ‘friend’ of Milk Crate Theatre.

I joined Milk Crate Theatre late last year. I see the issue of homelessness not as an issue that affects “others” but as something that affects us all personally. We all need to tackle this issue as a community before it gets worse.

2015 was a year of reflection and re-focusing for Milk Crate Theatre, and I am excited to share with you our direction in 2016. Please think of us when making personal donations or discussing the issues of homelessness with friends. Your generosity in helping Milk Crate Theatre helps us to help many, many others.

And homelessness in Australia is getting a lot worse. Sydney is in a housing crisis. The homelessness statistics are at their highest level, “…the February 2016 numbers of the City of Sydney Street Count at an all-time high…and crisis accommodation services 98% full there has never been a greater demand for an integrated government response to inner city homelessness (Homelessness NSW).” It has never been more critical and important to change the story of homelessness, making Milk Crate Theatre a candle in a dark time.

JESSICA HERMOSILLA Interim CEO

Milk Crate Theatre is a unique candle, because it crosses the boundaries between a social and an artistic organisation. It uses the theatrical form in tackling the issues of homelessness to change not only the individual living the experience but also the general populace’s perception and attitude toward homelessness. Milk Crate Theatre guides individuals on a journey of change through participating in our workshop programs and it drives community change via advocacy within the structures of its production and forum programs. I want to thank our community for their ongoing support of Milk Crate Theatre. This organisation thrives on the collaborative approaches it embraces at both the operational and artistic level. The financial and in-kind support of our community partners allows Milk Crate Theatre to consistently do more with less, and this year we’ve been able to greatly increase our community impact by adding a social worker to the team. Many participants have already expressed the positive effect this change and the subsequent operational changes have had on their personal lives and development.

2015 delivered a diverse and vibrant artistic program, engaging new and existing Ensemble Artists, Associate Artists and audiences. A powerful range of new works were created and presented to the public as well as the introduction of new workshops such as life stories, filmmaking, puppetry, and poetry slam, increasing accessibility and creativity. An exciting extension of the Stage Door workshops was our Spilt Milk program, specifically dedicated and designed for young people at risk of and experiencing homelessness. Off The Cuff, was a community celebration of our Stage Door workshop program, showcasing work in an afternoon of performance presented at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre.

This House Is Mine, our 2015 Company Production, was presented with the Darlinghurst Theatre Company at the Eternity Playhouse in March, employing six Ensemble Artists and receiving strong national media coverage and reviews. The presentation of a new Forum Theatre work, No Place Like, employed four Ensemble Artists and was presented at our community venues and also at the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta. Our Fearless HSC Seminar, presented at Riverside Theatres, provided teachers and students with the unique opportunity to gain insights and information about Milk Crate Theatre’s text Fearless, a drama text for the 2015– 2017 NSW Higher School Certificate. Both these productions further extended our relationship with schools audiences with increased numbers of shows seen by young people. Two new short film works were created as part of our social enterprise program, The Milky Way. What Makes Me Strong, was purchased by St Vincent de Paul Society to be screened at the annual CEO Sleepout. Invisibility was made in collaboration with Metro Screen as part of International Day of People with Disability, which visualised four Ensemble Artists’ lived experiences with mental illness through costume design. It was made available on YouTube, a première screening at the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington and also screened along with the First Times creative development.

First Times was an exciting series of workshops with new artistic partners Force Majeure, Donna Abela, Theatre Kantanka and Branch Nebula who brought their philosophic and artistic processes intersecting community and cultural development and contemporary performance practice. The First Times creative development, in collaboration with Branch Nebula, marked a new approach to the development of our Company Productions. The aim is to further develop and define new artistic processes and forms

that explore more deeply and inclusively the strengths and diversity of the Ensemble. First Times was performed at Carriageworks as part of the IN DEVELOPMENT 2015 and is part of a larger threeyear project with Branch Nebula that will culminate in a 2017 Company Production. The evaluation of prior work and consultation with the Ensemble have been critical processes informing decisions to explore approaches to future Company Productions. An exciting and significant progression of the company has been employing a Social Worker to support the needs of the community, running alongside our Artistic Program. The role has been step forward in contributing to the way in which the company can work with best practice Community and Cultural Development (CACD). Visionary Days, a new and accessible model for Ensemble consultation and an opportunity for Ensemble and staff to “dream big” about the company’s future was introduced in 2015 with positive results. 2015 was a valuable year where Milk Crate Theatre reviewed, reflected and consolidated its artistic and operational processes. The learnings have been a positive step forward for the success and sustainability of the company. By the end of 2015 we had successfully trialled and implemented new systems, approaches to the creation of new work, and policies designed in collaboration with the Ensemble. We will further develop and implement these new approaches in 2016 and document key exercises and activities across the program for the next five years to feed into ‘Milk Crate Theatre’s best practices CACD Methodology’, to be completed by 2020. Thank you to everyone who makes it possible to keep Milk Crate Theatre a vibrant and important voice in the Australian Arts landscape: our community, arts and education partners that support us to deliver our programs and provide public platforms for our new work; our Associate Artists who share with us their expertise and ensure we are delivering best practice CACD outcomes; our staff, for their passion and endless hard work; our Board, who have guided us through challenging times; and our funders and donors without whom we could not continue our important work. And thank you, as always, to our Ensemble Artists for your bravery and artistry; it is a privilege to make work with you and share the Milk Crate Theatre journey together.

CRISTABEL SVED Interim Artistic Director

The

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR REPORT 13

Our

ARTISTIC PROGRAM In 2015 Milk Crate Theatre had 128 Ensemble Artists participate in the annual program. Repeat attendance at Milk Crate Theatre programs in 2015 was strong with 78% of Ensemble attending more than 50% of the time. We had 1,690 individual creative engagements with the Ensemble and 93 new Ensemble Artists participated. We delivered 202 creative opportunities (workshops, rehearsals and performances). We partnered with 17 community partners, 16 arts and cultural partners, seven education partners and three social enterprise customers during the year. We employed 24 Associate Artists and 25 Ensemble Artists. We presented 21 performances to 2,110 audience members. We successfully delivered four artistic program strands: Stage Door, Main Stage, The Milky Way and Schools alongside our organisational priorities of research, evaluation and organisational development.

STAGE DOOR Stage Door is the pillar of Milk Crate Theatre’s programs. The program is designed to teach life skills and expression, social network building, personal development, literacy, communication, self awareness, and well-being. Skills include acting, improvising, writing, devising, film making, and new media. It focuses on nurturing creativity and providing opportunities to the Ensemble for imaginative play and artistic training as a way to connect, question, inspire, and empower. These workshops culminate in an in-house or community showing at the end of each series. Projects in 2015 were our Hub Workshops, Outreach Workshops, community showings, Digital Workshops, Structured Mentorships, Street Salons, Street Library, Masterclasses, Edge of Your Seat and Cuppa Time. Our youth program, Spilt Milk, is aimed at young people aged 16-24 years and addresses a range of issues including homelessness, drug and alcohol issues and mental health. Young people involved in the program were referred through our partner service The Come In Youth Centre, based in Surry Hills and The Wayside Chapel Youth Program.

PRODUCTIONS Main Stage is our performance program. In 2015 the program was open to Ensemble Artists who had shown a commitment and desire to expand upon their creative skills and voice their concerns around issues of homelessness through public performances at community services and in major performing arts venues. Projects in 2015 were This House Is Mine and First Times.

FORUM THEATRE Forum Theatre shows provide a public platform for the Ensemble to speak out about the challenges surrounding homelessness that affect their lives. This form of interactive theatre was pioneered by the activist and theatre practitioner, Augusto Boal, as a political tool for social change. The 2015 new Forum Theatre work was No Place Like.

THE MILKY WAY The Milk Way is Milk Crate Theatre’s social enterprise program, providing direct employment opportunities to an Ensemble of Artists who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing homelessness. We offer a choice of theatre performance or short film works that provide new ways to educate, inspire, learn, or deliver in areas of corporate social responsibility. In 2015, Milk Crate Theatre continued to gain new customers, delivering three activities across the not-for-profit, arts and education sectors.

SCHOOLS Our Schools Program provides a safe and creative space for secondary school students to gain insight into the complex issues surrounding homelessness, while also experiencing high quality theatrical works that link directly to the curriculum. The Schools Program provides a vital insight into the methodologies of Augusto Boal and theatre of the Oppressed. In addition, Milk Crate Theatre’s play Fearless was included in the 2015 -2017 HSC Drama Syllabus. 17

STAGE DOOR WORKSHOPS

STREET SALON

In 2015 Milk Crate Theatre offered 92 Stage Door workshop opportunities at our hubs in Sydney City, Parramatta and Newtown. One round of Outreach Workshops was delivered with identified community groups, including the community Migrant Resource Centre and Settlement Services International, as well as a number of Taster Workshops to give potential new Ensemble Artists the chance to experience what Milk Crate Theatre has to offer.

Milk Crate Theatre’s play-reading program, Street Salon, gives Ensemble Artists the chance to delve into Australian and classic plays, in partnership with Parramatta Library and Surry Hills Library. Four Street Salons were held throughout the year with 30 Ensemble Artists in attendance.

Our comprehensive training modules continued to provide structure to our programs. In 2015, workshops included playwriting, film making, movement, voice, directing, dramaturgy, prop and costume design, poetry, storytelling, character development and more. This wider range of workshop opportunities is in line with Milk Crate Theatre’s goal to continue to increase our overall accessibility and creativity within our programs.

The Edge Of Your Seat program allows Milk Crate Theatre to invite Ensemble Artists to see some of the best theatre Sydney has to offer. 39 Ensemble Artists saw performances from our partners at Griffin Theatre Company, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Rock Surfers Theatre Company, Company of Rouges and Sydney Theatre Company.

We worked with 128 Ensemble Artists in our workshops program, maintaining our strong attendance rate from 2014. Nearly a quarter of the Ensemble went on to be part of our more intensive and immersive Main Stage Program and Social Enterprise Program, The Milky Way. Despite our programs being facilitated as ‘drop in drop out’, 78% of Ensemble Artists attended more than 50% of the time, a 4% increase from 2014.

SPILT MILK WORKSHOPS In addition to the Workshops offerings, Milk Crate Theatre continued its youth program, Spilt Milk, in partnership with The Wayside Chapel in Kings Cross and the Come In Youth Centre in Paddington. In 2015 the Spilt Milk Workshops were attended by 17, 16 to 24-year-olds. The workshops help address a range of issues including homelessness, drug and alcohol issues and mental health.

EDGE OF YOUR SEAT

MENTORSHIPS Milk Crate Theatre offered three in-house structured mentorships through the year in three separate areas, including Assistant Directing, Community Arts and Cultural Development facilitation and Film Making.

SCHOLARSHIPS In 2015, Milk Crate Theatre arranged three scholarships for Ensemble Artists to deepen their artistic practice outside of the company’s own programs. Scholarships were from three separate arts partners and covered three different areas of artistic practice, including dance theatre with Murmuration Integrated Performance Company, Slam Poetry and Writing with Candy Royalle and Directing with NIDA.

“The most significant part apart from gaining this knowledge and experience, was being given the responsibility of instructing the Ensemble group. Watching their rehearsal and giving them directions on how to individually alter or improve on their actions, without apology. Then have the group feel encouraged and motivated!”

-Ensemble Artist, Workshop Facilitation Mentorship

“Milk Crate Theatre is a big blessing, a therapy” - Ensemble Artist

“It’s not courage, it’s my passion, it’s my life, it’s my whole heart.” - Ensemble Artist

“As someone who has never felt the impact of homelessness, mental illness or domestic abuse. I felt the play really opened my eyes to these issues - I feel deeply affected by this work and I am so enriched for having experienced this. Thank You!” - Audience Member (THIM)

“Milk Crate Theatre provides a special kind of shelter… it tells real stories: brutal and beautiful by turn.” - The Guardian Australia

“This House Is Mine peels back the layers of ignorance and prejudice many of us have about mental illness and its too frequent knock-on effects; violence, homelessness and poverty. In doing, if nothing else, it performs a priceless public service, but that’s not it. There is real hope and determination offered by this project and its end result and that hope is for kindness, laughter, love and generosity - all given by the Ensemble in the production and these to be taken by the audience and - finally - understood.” - Diana Simmonds, Stage Noise

productions 2015 saw Milk Crate Theatre continue to integrate new media further into our creative process, as well as create new approaches to developing and showcasing the diversity of work generated. 55 rehearsal sessions were undertaken for performances in partnerships with welfare services and major performing arts venues as part of the Main Stage Program. 20 performances in total were held in partnership with welfare services and arts spaces. 11 creative development workshops were held for the Ensemble that will feed into the development and creation of a new major production in 2017.

“It’s like a big family” “When I act, my depression has not won” “I feel content, I lift a little bit, and I extend my life”

- Ensemble Artists

THIS HOUSE IS MINE This House Is Mine was a Milk Crate Theatre production by playwright Maree Freeman and directed by Paige Rattray. The season ran for 10 performances and was presented at Darlinghurst Theatre Company’s Eternity Playhouse in March. Six actors from the Milk Crate Theatre Ensemble and one Associate Artist were employed as performers on the production: Chris Barwick, Veronica Flynn, John McDonnell, Fabiola Meza, Matthias Nudl, Contessa Treffone and Rach Williams. The project employed 12 Ensemble Artists for the duration of the rehearsal and performance season. Milk Crate Theatre partnered with the St James Ethics Centre for the first time to present a Q&A at the final performance, Breaking The Cycle ‘Why does homelessness still exist?’ Key speakers included CEOs of St Vincent de Paul, The Big Issue, Homelessness NSW, OZ Harvest and the CEO/Artistic Director of Milk Crate Theatre, Maree Freeman . Overall audience attendance reached 1,176. The production generated 56 pieces of media with a media reach of more than 1.7 million, covering print, broadcast and digital media. One third of the performances were evaluated with 100% of the audiences enjoying the show, and 96% stating that they were able to engage with issues of homelessness. 69% of participating Ensemble Artists said the project helped them to develop friendships and social connection with the Ensemble and 66% felt that the project helped them to make positive changes in their lives.

productions FIRST TIMES

OFF THE CUFF

First Times creative development was a collaboration between Milk Crate Theatre and Branch Nebula presented at Carriageworks’ 2015 IN DEVELOPMENT program on 8 December 2015. The First Times creative development was the first phase of a larger artistic project in collaboration with Branch Nebula, which will continue over the next two years.

Off The Cuff was a show for celebrating and showcasing film work, improvisation and storytelling direct from the Milk Crate Theatre Ensemble held at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. Over six weeks, through the workshop program, the Ensemble explored ghost stories, resilience, improvising and poetry slam to create sketches and performance poetry.

First Times marked an approach to working where Milk Crate Theatre is exploring new artistic forms with the aim of being more accessible to and inclusive for all the 150 strong Ensemble, and giving fuller expression of the artistry, strengths and diversity of the Ensemble. Lee Wilson (Branch Nebula) was the lead facilitator and collaborated with Cristabel Sved, interim Artistic Director of Milk Crate Theatre, and nine Ensemble Artists - Anita Canning, Flor Garcia, Fabiola Meza, John McDonnell, Matthias Nudl, Margret, Pauline Trenerry, Rach Williams, and Georgina Wood to create and perform in First Times.

“As a Professor of Psychiatry, I have treated ‘patients’ for years and this showing made me think more about my patients as ‘people’ and to think about their world from their everyday perspective rather than

The methodologies used in the rehearsal process to generate material were: devising; instruction and task-based activities that enabled the Ensemble to perform in a spontaneous but structured way. This is at the heart of the work and its ability to be responsive and inclusive, giving the performers autonomy over the content of the work and how they choose to approach it.

First Times was a success, both on an artistic and social welfare level. The introduction of a social worker to the core team, Tara Maurici, who was present at each rehearsal and the showing, was acknowledged by staff and Ensemble as an integral part of the success of this project.

from a medical perspective. I wish all my staff could have seen the show and would recommend all my students to see and/or be involved with an organisation like Milk Crate Theatre whilst they are studying psychiatry.” - Audience Member

First Times Creative Development (2015)

“Believing I can join in and do things; don’t always hang back; feeling I’m not good enough; just get in and do something; have a go.” - Ensemble Artist

“There is clearly very strong engagement with community members and others who experience Milk Crate shows as audience. The company fosters the development of artists from within their community, and delivers on stage a powerful performance of high quality. The on-stage presence of community members who communicate their lived experience while advocating for social change is a powerful mix that entertains while inspiring action.” - Paul Brown , Peer Review (THIM)

Forum Theatre NO PLACE LIKE No Place Like was inspired by the real-life housing experiences of the Milk Crate Theatre Ensemble, exploring the triumphs and challenges of finding a home. Through interactive Forum Theatre, No Place Like examined issues of safety, discrimination and self-determination. No Place Like was performed at the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre and The Wayside Chapel, on August 31 and September 1 2015. The work was then presented to a schools audience from September 3 to 4 at Riverside Theatre’s Lennox Theatre in Parramatta. The content was developed with and from the Ensemble through a consultation and creative development process prior to rehearsals with playwright Maree Freeman, and five Ensemble Artists - Anita Canning, Eugenia Langley, Matthias Nudl, Pauline Trenerry and Rach Williams. Performers included Ensemble Artists Owen Gill, Tim Tari and Rach Williams and Associate Artist Cat Davies and Graeme Rhodes, with director Cristabel Sved. Beck Ronkson and Milk Crate Theatre’s Artistic Program Coordinator, Goldele Rayment, performed the facilitation/jokering of the Forum section of the show.

“[I’ve developed] confidence in putting forward ideas; planning out alternative scenarios. The importance of conveying the ‘esse’ of each beat; communication to the cast what the director wants...[and the] decision to return to post-grad study in theatre; I intend to apply for many more roles.”

- Cherie Barnes Ensemble Artist,

Assistant Director Mentorship

Four Ensemble Artists were employed as part of our Forum Theatre work, and a further five were given the opportunity to collaboratively write and contribute their experience to the performance for a public platform. No Place Like was also an opportunity for Ensemble Artist Cherie Barnes, to undergo her Assistant Directing Mentorship under interim Artistic Director Cristabel Sved.

“ The reality of the content, the excellence of the actors but I was most impressed by the addition/Forum. I thought the whole performance was fantastic.” - Audience Member (No Place Like)

“I’ve never seen anything like this before! I was partly terrified of being called up. Mostly impressed at the creativity and bravery of the audience. Very engaging and thought-provoking and has a general sense of tremendous good will.” - Audience Member (No Place Like)

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was excellent. What a brilliant and profound way to get the young people thinking about social change, and having a learning experience they will never forget. I love how willing they are to engage and how the insights just flow out of them with relatively little prompting. Also that they leap into the impro and the environment you create minimises their self-consciousness (which can be so crippling). Watching the show and the forum changed my walk back to the station: my eyes were much more open.â&#x20AC;&#x153; - Saskia Smith, Education Manager, Monkey Baa Theatre

Schools Our Schools Program provides a safe and creative space for secondary school students to gain insight into the complex issues surrounding homelessness, while also experiencing high quality theatrical works that link directly to the curriculum. Drama students understaking the NSW HSC have the option of studying Boalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theatrical strategies. The schools program is tied to our vision of creating societal change and social inclusion. The opportunity to influence the hearts and minds of the next generation of decision makers, by engaging them with the issue of homelessness, holds extraordinary potential for Milk Crate Theatre.

NO PLACE LIKE Milk Crate Theatre has been presenting Forum Theatre works at Riverside Theatres in Parramatta with great success since 2013. In 2015, Milk Crate Theatre presented two performances of No Place Like at Riverside Theatres as part of their Secondary Education Program. The School audience at the Lennox Theatre passionately engaged with the issues of the performance, striving to find solutions to some of the problems faced by people who have experience or are at risk of homelessness. Much thinking, laughter and experimentation took place.

FEARLESS: HSC SEMINAR In 2015, Milk Crate Theatre continued to engage New South Wales school students through the publication of Fearless by playwright Mirra Todd and printed by Currency Press. Fearless has been programmed for the New South Wales Higher School Certificate Drama Syllabus from 2015 until 2017, placing the company in a strong position to generate audiences of senior school students. Milk Crate Theatre presented three performances at Riverside Theatres in Parramatta of the Fearless: HSC Seminar by Maree Freeman, with the following cast: Ensemble Artists Owen Gill and Georgina Wood, Musical Director Daryl Walli and Associate Artists Sean Barker and Christa Hughes.

A total of 628 students and teachers took part in our Schools program across a total of 39 New South Wales schools.

“It’s a suit and its got hands on it. When you’re wanting help you look at what’s at the end of your arm....it’s a hand. And that hand can grab a hand and get help.”

- Gordon Broomham, Ensemble Artist (From Invisibility)

“I feel strong when I am around friends. I’m strong when I can be true to myself.” “I feel strong because I made the decision to never go back.” “When I feel loved and encouraged.” “When I’m writing poems or songs.” “I am strong when I have difficulties coping in life.” “Finally I got the courage to take action and I will never go back. I started acting and singing again.” “I am strong.” “I am enough.” - Ensemble Artists, (From What Makes Me Strong)

FILMS In 2015 we made two new short films, What Makes Me Strong and Invisibility, with a total viewing audience of 2,958 as well as the continuation of integrating digital content into our major company production, This House Is Mine. The Ensemble took on more intensive roles on these digital projects as their skills and confidence developed. 2015 saw the continuation of our digital program further integrated into our Stage Door, Main Stage and The Milk Way programs. Digital storytelling has become an increasingly common and accessible medium of communication for many marginalised communities. Working in this format is accessible for Ensemble Artists who find it difficult to engage in extensive text-based rehearsals and performance. Throughout the year 20 Ensemble Artists were employed through The Milk Way program, with 25 paid employment opportunities.

WHAT MAKES ME STRONG What Makes Me Strong was purchased by St Vincent de Paul Society to be screened at their annual CEO Sleepout. The video was seen by a live audience of 300 people, including CEO representatives of major Australian companies that were taking part in the Sleepout fundraising event. It was viewed over 1,400 times through digital play via an online streaming service for the event. The film was also presented at our community showing Off The Cuff to an audience of 43 people.

INVISIBILITY Invisibility is a three minute short film, commissioned for 2015’s International Day of People with Disability on 3 December, by Metro Screen in partnership with Screen NSW and the Department of Familiy and Community Services. The brief was to create a short video work for the web that challenges attitudes and common misconceptions around disability. Invisibility is a social experiment which visualises four Ensemble Artists’ lived experience of Mental Illness through costume design. Invisibility was viewed 844 times on YouTube, premièred to a live audience of over 300 people at the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington and was also screened to 62 audience members before Milk Crate Theatre’s December creative development showing of First Times at Carriageworks.

2015 KEY LEARNINGS

Milk Crate Theatre used an evaluation strategy to provide a responsive, individualised and strengthsbased approach to monitoring, evaluating and making improvements. Throughout the year, individual programs are evaluated and a final annual evaluation across our programs is also conducted to gain feedback from the Ensemble, our Associate Artists, our Community Partners and audiences. In October, we trialled our inaugural Visionary Day workshop with the Ensemble and staff to ‘dream’ about the company’s future and consult with the Ensemble about the artistic program.

SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT To deepen the impact of Milk Crate Theatre’s work while ensuring a safe creative space, the organisation realised it needed more formal support for the social welfare of the Ensemble. Milk Crate Theatre creates works based on lived experiences, which creates an inherently vulnerable environment. Therefore, Milk Crate Theatre hired a social worker with clinical expertise to support the Ensemble and inform future programming. The social worker’s role is to reflect upon the existing programs in order to build structures and processes that increase the social outcomes of Milk Crate Theatre. Both the Ensemble and staff feel that the inclusion of a social worker in the overall program has made the process safer and contributed to the success and artistic vibrancy of recent work.

EXPLORATION OF NEW ARTISTIC PROCESSES Evaluation of previous Milk Crate Theatre productions brought to light the fact that creating traditional text-based plays prohibits some people from participating in the process. The nature of an audition process, pressure of line learning, and extensive rehearsals required for traditional scripted works can be stressful and marginalising. Therefore, Milk Crate Theatre decided to develop and define new artistic processes and forms that more inclusively and deeply explore the strengths and diversity of the Ensemble. The overall goal is to increase the sense of empowerment and confidence among the Ensemble, allowing them to give fuller expression to their interests and concerns in the creation of new work. Milk Crate Theatre is currently exploring the intersection of Community and Cultural Development (CACD) and contemporary theatre practice through forging new partnerships with leading contemporary performance companies such as Branch Nebula. This way of working is responsive and inclusive, allowing the Ensemble autonomy over the content of the work, and placing them confidently in the role of creator and performer. Beyond this, the company decided to formally document key exercises and activities across the program for the next five years to feed into a ‘Milk Crate Theatre Methodology’. By 2020, Milk Crate Theatre aims to have in place a documented artistic CACD methodology specific to Milk Crate Theatre that can be used for future artistic teams and Ensemble Artists, and which would be made available to like-minded organisations and practitioners, both nationally and internationally.

IMPROVED COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PROCESS Research suggests that an experience of homelessness is synonymous with the breakdown of personal and community connections and increased isolation. Social and personal growth outcomes are a key reason people choose to engage with Milk Crate Theatre. In 2015, Milk Crate Theatre learned that it needed to improve consultation with its community to inform programming towards increasing its impact. A new inclusive model was implemented in late 2015. One element of the process is the facilitation of Visionary Days twice a year. On the day the Milk Crate theatre community is given the opportunity to ‘dream big’ about the future and define what is important to them. The information obtained on this day, and throughout the year at other event, informs future programming.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS PR AND MARKETING PARTNERS Milk Crate Theatre works across the City, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and Western Sydney. We engage the Ensemble through the support of a network of community services dedicated to delivering services to those who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. Parramatta Mission, The Wayside Chapel, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, WEAVE, Keys College, Edward Eagar Lodge, St Vincent de Paul Society’s Ozanam Learning Centre (Matthew Talbot Hostel), Mission Australia Centre, Come In Youth Resource Centres, Sisters of Charity, Settlement Services International, Community Migrant Resource Centre, The Big Issue, Parramatta Region Homeless Interagency, St James Ethics Centre, Homeless Connect and Oz Harvest.

ARTS AND CULTURAL PARTNERS The company is committed to artistic excellence and appreciate that this comes through strong creative partnerships. Our 2015 art and cultural partners included: Carriageworks, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Parramatta Riverside Theatres, Branch Nebula, Sydney Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre Company, Currency Press, Parramatta Library, Surry Hills Library, Shopfront Arts Co-op, Connect Studios, Rock Surfers Theatre Company, Company of Rogues, Force Majeure, Theatre Kantanka and Metro Screen.

EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS Milk Crate Theatre partners with leading educational and research institutions to offer opportunities to the Ensemble and to develop and disseminate new research projects. 2015 partners included: NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Arts), Murmuration, Candy Royalle, University of Western Sydney, Australian Catholic University, Drama NSW and the Department of Education and Communities.

Milk Crate Theatre partners with and is supported by passionate companies that promote and extended Milk Crate Theatre’s public reach. In 2015 Milk Crate Theatre worked with PR and Marketing organisations Avisso and Boccalatte to promote Milk Crate Theatre’s Company Production This House Is Mine, and to help bring awareness to the issue of homeless.

ASSOCIATE ARTISTS Associate Artists that work with us are a special kind of creative. They are highly trained professional arts practitioners with a passion for community development. In 2015, these artists played more ‘behind the scenes’ roles as we further positioned the Ensemble as our key company artists. They brought a broad range of expertise including set and costume design directing, sound design, lighting design, workshops facilitation, production management, acting and performance. In 2015 Milk Crate Theatre worked with 24 Associate Artists who contributed to the 2015 Artistic Program including: Graeme Rhodes, Sean Barker, Michael Moebus, Kip Williams, Sean Bacon, Catherine Davies, Christa Hughes, Daryl Wallis, Hanna Strout, Zohab Khan, Donna Abela, Tim Ohl, Tim Spencer, Patrick Boland, Tom Hogan, Hugh O’Conner, Paige Rattray, Fraser Orford, Lee Wilson, Mirabelle Wouters, Kevin Ng, Carlos Gomez, Contessa Treffone and Cindy Rodriguez.

PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS

Milk Crate Theatre owes its success largely to strong partnerships within the community where we deliver the majority of our programs. Vital to program delivery is maintaining relationships with our partners that are naturally beneficial and working towards common goals. Partnerships with the community continue to be at the heart of Milk Crate Theatre and in 2015 we both continued partnerships with current community services and developed new ones.

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS In 2015, total revenue for Milk Crate Theatre was $546,969 and total expenses were $669,490.

WHERE DO OUR FUNDS COME FROM ? INCOME

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Philanthropic

$474,304

$280,611

$250,132

$210,289

$206,055

Government

$138,227

$232,674

$270,386

$315,100

$291,260

Other Income

$11,696

$30,161

$23,578

$53,641

$49,260

$624,227

$543,446

$544,096

$579,030

$546,969

TOTAL INCOME

WHERE DO OUR FUNDS GO? Milk Crate Theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spending focused on the delivery of its Artistic Program with a majority of costs attributed to salaries and wages including the payment of artists, arts workers, core artistic staff and the Ensemble. Funds specifically allocated to program delivery totalled $605,126 with $64,364 provided to core organisational overheads, office rent and administration costs.

REVENUE SOURCE Philanthropic $206,055 38% Government $291,260 53% Other Income $49,654 9%

EXPENSE TYPES Salaries and Fees: Contracted Artists including Ensemble $104,936 15.7% Salaries and Fees: Artistic (Program Delivery) Staff $203,929 30.5% Salaries and Fees: Management and Administrative Staff $255,415 38.2% Marketing $30,565 4.6% Production $10,280 1.5% Office Rent and Overheads $21,260 3.2% Administration $43,105 6.4% 35

the milk crate theatre BOARD

STAFF

VOLUNTEERS

Michael Sirmai (Chair)

Jessica Hermosilla Interim CEO

Fiona Brell

Judith Bowtell Richard Levine (Treasurer) Andrew McCarthy Lenore Robertson Victornia Turner

Maree Freeman CEO / Artistic Director (On maternity leave from August 2015) Cristabel Sved Interim Artistic Director Cathy Murdoch General Manager Margot Politis Associate Director - Community Arts

Laura Edwards Grace Partridge Tim Tari Judith Torzillo Alice Williams Christie Woodhouse

Goldele Rayment Artistic Program Coordinator Tara Maurici Social Worker Lisa Walton Marketing Coordinator Annie Muskin Administrator

eatre team ENSEMBLE ARTISTS A. Reed, Abbas, Abbas Asgari, Abdularazig, Adam, Ahlam Soulaka, Ali Motaghi, Allan, Alusine, Aminda, Angela Kanos, Angelina Baydin, Anita Canning, Ant, Anthony Box, Ash Poojary, Aya, Bec, Bernice, Boray, Brad, Briana, Carla Cameron, Cherie Barnes, Chris Barwick, Chris Harkness, Costa Chrysafis, Dane, Dani, Dani Barley, Dean (Hotwheels), Dehya, Dylan, Elizabeth Crittle, Emilie, Fabiola Meza, Falla, Finn, Flor Garcia, Gabrielle, Georgie Tuck, Georgina Wood, Gina Langley, Glen Fisher, Gordon Broomham, Graeme Butriss, Graham Stoney, Harry Numi, Helen, Helen Lui, Helen Pearce, Hilal, Hoda, Ian, Intisar, Iszy, Jack, Jamie Dugdale, Janait Solaqa, Jay, Jenny, John McDonnell, John Williams, Jordan Rosier, Julie Brenner, Julz, June Ward, Justine Lawson, Kathleen Gale, Kelly, Kerrie Marshal, Keziah Knight, KiahKah, Lina, Lisa Griffiths, Manal, Margaret Baldwin, Marlon, Marrianne Cenno, Matt, Matthias Nudl, Maya, Mayumi Oyanagi, Michael, Michael Fox, Michael Godlee, Michael Streeter, Micahel, Michelle Ingraham, Mohamad, Moose Millar, Muhibulla-Hussani, Najeh, Nakita Xaroia, Naraldeen, Nick, Owen Gill, Paula Towers, Pauline Trenerry, Pee-Wee, Rachel, Rachel Williams, Rahim, Ralph Shaw, RanBir Chauhan, Raoof Alasadi, Ray Morgan, Rebecca, Richard, Rosie, Rui, S. Vinayaya, Salal, Seb, Sebastian DeSantistebam, Sebastien Noyer-Karmel, Shalaal, Squizzy Rider, Steph, Stephanie, Stephanie Brown, Sue Dewhurst, Tiffany, Tiffany Ward, Tim Tari, Tom Oliver, Veronica Flynn, Yousef Ali.

OUR SUPPORTERS FOUNDATIONS The Permsew Foundation

The Mundango Charitable Trust

Sydney University Medical Review

GOVERNMENT Department of Social Services

COMMUNITY

FRIENDS OF MILK CRATE THEATRE Katie Creelman

Sky De Jersey

Ann and Paul Hine

Eugenia Langley

Andrew McCarthy

Melinda Muth

Michael Sirmai

Rosemary Thorburn

Victoria Turner

SUPPORT US Over 90% of our work is generously funded through donations and grants. We rely on the generosity of individuals, charitable trusts, foundations and organisations that believe in the social and creative potential of our work and of the Ensembleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stories. By providing a donation, no matter how big or small, you become a part of a social movement to address homelessness. We thank you for your contribution and support.

BECOME A FRIEND OF MILK CRATE THEATRE MAKE A REGULAR DONATION By making a regular monthly contribution of $20 or more you allow us to better plan for the future, sustainably grow and reach our long-term goals. The more we raise, the more we can do to help change th story of homelessness. MAKE A ONE-OFF DONATION If you would like to support the work of Milk Crate Theatre but are unable to commit to a regular donation today, a one-off donation is a simple and great place to start.

MAJOR GIFTS If you are thinking of making a donation of $10,000 or more we would love to discuss this with you and how your contribution can benefit the work of Milk Crate Theatre in the year ahead.

TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS Donations from trusts and foundations whose ethos aligns with our own can not only support our tong term capacity, but can also be directed toward specific projects and programs that are in most need.

WORKPLACE GIVING Workplace Giving is an east way for employers and their employees to support Milk Crate Theatre by allowing employees to make regular pre-tax donations to Milk Crate Theatre automatically through their payroll. Some companies will also match the donations made by their employees.

IN-KIND SUPPORT Support can come in many forms including the donation of products, goods or skilled services that can assist our participants, our projects and our programs. 39

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRY Milk Crate Theatre acknowledges and respects the Indigenous People of Australia. We respectfully recognise that our activities take place on the land traditionally owned by the Gadagal People of the Eora Nation and the Durag People.

ACCESSIBILITY We are committed to making our programs accessible to our community and wherever possible we will make arrangements to meet your access requirements. Please contact us for more information to let us know your access needs.

ASSISTANCE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Information can be provided in alternative formats upon request (i.e. large print and electronic). To contact the National Relay Service, call: Type and Read, Type and Listen, or Speak and Read: 133 677. speak and Listen (speech to speech relay): 1300 555 727. For interpreting assistance in languages other than English, contact the Translating and Interpreting Service, TIS National: 131 450 and indicate which language you wish to use.

CONTACT US P: (02) 9698 7133 E: mail@milkcratetheatre.com W: www.milkcratetheatre.com A: Alexandria Town Hall, 73 Garden Street, Alexandria NSW 2015 PO Box 27, Alexandria NSW 2015