Education Season 2025
Wagga Wagga City Council yali gulbali-yanhi ngurambang Wiradyuri.
Walumaldhaany-galang bala mayiny Wiradyuri.
Yindyamali-yanhi mudyiganggalang-bu balumbambal-bu balugirbam-bu.
Yindyamali-yanhi bagaraygan ngurambang-guwal-i yandu murunwiggi Wagga Wagga-dha.
Ngiyanhi gulbali-bu yindyamali-bu guwiinyguliyalagu buyaa-bu giilaang-galam-bu.
Ngiyanhi gulbali-bu yindyamali-bu guwiinyguliyalagu dhaagun-bu bila-galam-bu nganha Wiradyuri-giyalang bala burrambin-bu nurranurra-bu.
Gulbali-yanhi Wiradyuri mayiny bagaraygan-guwal-bu bala yarruwala-bu waluwin-bu walanbam-bu dhirrangal-bu.
Wagga Wagga City Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri people, and pays respect to Elders past, present and future and extends our respect to all First Nations Peoples in Wagga Wagga. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing connection with the land and rivers. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri and First Nations communities.
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre is a cultural facility of Wagga Wagga City Council.
Adventure awaits…
What do dinosaurs, a dancing kangaroo, an immersive cultural ceremony, star-crossed lovers, and a mischievous pet rat have in common?
Welcome to our 2025 Education Season.
I’m delighted to introduce you to this kaleidoscopic lineup, and more, in a season that brings together beloved national touring companies with fresh, innovative works from artists making their debut on our stage. This year is filled with joy, heart, wonder, and a touch of mischief.
At the Civic Theatre, we believe live performance sparks creativity, builds confidence, and fosters empathy, helping young people grow and discover new ways to observe the world around. We can't wait to share the magic of theatre with you and your students in 2025.
Claire Harris Manager, Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
@waggacivictheatre civictheatre.com.au 02 69269688 education@civictheatre.com.au
2025 dates for your diary
Term 1
1 February: Work Experience Week applications open
5 March: An Afternoon with the Australian Army Band Kapooka
Term 2
2–3 June: Ratburger
18 June: An Afternoon with the Australian Army Band Kapooka
Term 3
22–23 July: IMAGINE LIVE
5–6 August: Josephine Wants To Dance
August (date TBC): Regional Access Workshops & John Bell Scholarship auditions
8 August: Work Experience Week applications close
20 August: An Afternoon with the Australian Army Band Kapooka
Term 3 continued
8–12 September: Work Experience week
9 September: Bell Shakespeare – Romeo & Juliet
12–14 September: 100 Women, 100 Stories
23 September: Watch for Education Season 2026 show announcements in your inbox
Holidays
WINTER HOLIDAYS: 15 - 16 July: Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo
22–24 October: Garabari
3 November: Education Season bookings open 18 November: Detention
25 November: Season 2026 Launch Party Term 4
SPRING HOLIDAYS: 8 October: An Afternoon with the Australian Army Band Kapooka
Theatre that complements curriculum
Teaching resources are available for all Education Season shows, making it easy to extend your theatre experience into the classroom. What show should I bring my students to? Here is a quick guide…
Early childhood
- IMAGINE LIVE
- Josephine Wants to Dance
Primary students
- Ratburger
- IMAGINE LIVE
- Josephine Wants to Dance
- Garabari
- Detention
Secondary students
- Detention
- Romeo & Juliet –Bell Shakespeare
- 100 Women, 100 Stories
- Garabari
Drama students
- You should see everything!!
School excursions
Ratburger
A play by Maryam Master
Based on the bestselling book by David Walliams
From the creative mind of bestselling children’s author David Walliams (The World’s Worst Children, Gangsta Granny), don’t miss the screamingly funny Ratburger when it comes to life on stage, with visually stunning sets and charming puppetry!
Zoe lives with her dad and a stepmother who ignores her, the school bully makes her life a misery, and now, her pet hamster has died! When she befriends a loveable dancing rat named Dapper, things start looking up – but the evil Burt from Burt’s Burgers is cooking up an awful plan…
From the team behind the Australian tours of The 13-, 26-, 52-, 78- and 91-Storey Treehouses, Dog Man the Musical, and The Midnight Gang, don’t miss this hilarious, action-packed, and touching play about kindness, bravery, (and of course) burgers.
Monday 2 June 1pm + 6pm
Tuesday 3 June 10am + 1pm
60 mins, no interval
School group $20pp
One complimentary teacher ticket per 20 students.
Digital workshops will be available alongside this performance. Details in 2025.
Subject links: English, Creative Arts (Drama).
Ratburger is a wonderful modern fairy tale. It’s a great comedy, but also a beautiful play about kindness, bravery and friendship... and burgers!
Producer Andrew Threlfall
Primary Stages 1–3
IMAGINE LIVE
By Jolyon James, based on the book
Imagine by Alison Lester
“It’s about animals!”…”It’s about Imagination!”…“It’s about our Home!”
Tuesday 22 July, 10am + 1pm
IMAGINE LIVE reminds us that creativity is a muscle that loves to be stretched; it not only lifts us up but holds us on the way down. It challenges young audiences to dream themselves out into the world and see themselves as part of a vast connected space. The show transforms thoughts and ideas into exciting destinations where distance is only as far as the turning of a page and no matter how far you travel you will always be home.
Wednesday 23 July, 10am + 1pm
55 mins, no interval
School group $20pp
One complimentary teacher ticket per 20 students.
Subject links: English, Creative Arts (Drama, Music), Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal & Social Capability, Ethical Understanding, Intercultural Understanding.
IMAGINE LIVE is a delight! With incredible puppetry, mesmerising visuals and a stunning score, my friends and I – and more importantly their children – laughed, clapped, yelled at the stage and left with huge smiles on our faces!
Audience member
Early Learning + Primary Stages 1-2
A Monkey Baa Theatre Company production
Josephine Wants to Dance
Based on the book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
Adapted by Eva Di Cesare, Sandie Eldridge and Tim McGarry
A hilarious musical about the importance of believing in yourself and realising your dreams and... a dancing kangaroo!
Based on the picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, this delightful musical is a must see!
Josephine is a kangaroo who loves to dance. Despite the protests of her little brother Joey, Josephine ventures into town where the city ballet is performing Swan Lake and all her dancing dreams come true.
If you have children to take, then take them. If you don’t, still go. Don’t be shy. Just, go, go, go.
Kevin Jackson Theatre Diaries
Tuesday 5 August 10am + 12pm
Wednesday 6 August 10am + 12pm
50 mins, no interval School group $20pp
One complimentary teacher ticket per 20 students.
Workshops will be available alongside this performance. Details in 2025.
Subject links: English/ Literacy, Creative Arts (Drama, Music) Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal & Social Capability.
4-9yrs Early Learning + Primary Stages 1-2
Illustration by Bruce Whatley
Garabari
By Joel Bray Dance
Garabari is a contemporary dance celebration inspired by corroboree.
Joel Bray invites audiences to be part of a thrilling, large participatory dance, celebrating the power of rituals across First Nations cultures to transmit knowledge and connect communities through shared experiences.
A key element is that this work was made in genuine collaboration with the Wiradjuri community in Wagga-Wagga and the Riverina.
The work began as an instruction from the Elders, for Joel, with their permission, to create a new dance to honour one that had been lost - a revival of dance and language.
Local Elders, artists and youth were invited to contribute designs, songs and stories, then woven into the work.
Bray’s works don’t look like conventional dance... They also feel different because you experience them in your own skin. He thinks of his audiences as “co-storytellers” because they’re inside the work they’re watching.”
The Age
Wednesday 22 October, 7.30pm
Thursday 23 October, 10am + 7.30pm
Friday 24 October, 10am
1 hr 20 mins, no interval
School group $20pp One complimentary teacher ticket per 20 students
Workshops 18-21 October. Details in 2025.
Subject links: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Studies, Histories & Cultures, Humanities and Social Sciences (History, Civics and Citizenship), Arts (Drama, Dance, Music, Visual Arts, Media Arts).
6+yrs
Primary Stages 1-3 + Secondary Years 7-12
Photo by Jeff Busby.
A Monkey Baa Theatre Company production
By Tristan Bancks
Adapted for the stage by Callan Purcell and Kobra Sayyadi
Original concept by Callan Purcell
A new stage production igniting conversation, change and truth-telling.
Detention tells the compelling tale of two young people from disparate world. Finding each other amidst a figurative minefield: Sima, a Hazara refugee fleeing a detention centre when her visa has been rejected, and Dan, a marginalised boy raised in a caravan park in regional Australia. Their shared quest for a sense of home and safety binds them together.
Based on the novel by Tristan Bancks, this production explores the refugee experience, centring on themes of displacement, belonging, and shared humanity. Developed in collaboration with Hazara artists and young people, Detention seeks to ignite conversations, using theatre as a catalyst for truthtelling and change.
Tuesday 18 November 10am + 1pm
60 mins, no interval
School group $20pp
One complimentary teacher ticket per 20 students.
Workshops will be available alongside this performance. Details in 2025.
Subject links: English, Literature, Literacy, Arts (Drama, Visual Arts) Humanities and Social Sciences, Cultural Understanding, Language.
Detention is a testament to the power of storytelling in theatre for young audiences; championing radical empathy, imagination and compassion.
Callan Purcell
Primary Stages 2-3
Secondary Years 7-8
Photo by Prazis Images
School holiday fun
Get up close and personal with an amazing menagerie of insects and dinosaurs that once roamed free around the world!
Erth’s widely acclaimed show, Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo™, takes audiences into a new dimension of theatre. Meet awesome prehistoric creatures, from cute baby dinos to some of the largest carnivores and herbivores that have ever walked the planet! Erth’s dinosaurs are unmistakably ‘alive’ and mostly friendly in this fun, educational and unique performance.
“Parents and grandparents seemed just as awestruck as the kids at the technical brilliance…”
The Manchester Evening News (UK)
Season suggestions
These performances are recommended by our education team.
The shows fall outside normal school hours. However, we recommend them as having appeal to young and school audiences.
Educational resources and links to curriculum are available to use in the classroom before and after the performance.
Bell Shakespeare’s
Romeo & Juliet
By William Shakespeare
Director Peter Evans
Did my heart love till now?
Act 1, Scene 5
After a chance meeting, an intense but forbidden love is ignited between two young lovers, Romeo and Juliet. And despite the unending, violent feud between their families, they will risk everything to be together.
This raw portrayal of Romeo & Juliet will envelop you in the passion, the intensity and the heartbreak of Shakespeare’s most evocative tragedy.
Peter Evans’ critically acclaimed production of the greatest love story ever told returns to stages in 2025. Introducing the magnetic Madeline Li as Juliet, this exquisite production is not to be missed.
Tuesday 9 September, 7.30pm
2 hours 30 mins, including interval
School group $29pp
One complimentary teacher ticket per 20 students.
Regional Access Workshops & John Bell Scholarship auditions available.
Subject links: English/ Literature (Shakespeare), Arts (Drama, Dance, Music, Visual Arts, Media Arts), Creative & Critical Thinking, Language.
Nothing short of exhilarating.
13+yrs Secondary Years 8-12
100 Stories
Created by Danielle O’Keefe and The House that Dan Built
Do you love to sing? Are you passionate about empowering young voices?
Gather your students, fellow teachers, and friends for a truly unforgettable experience! We’re inviting 100 women to come together for a community choir project that blends the joy of music with the magic of shared experiences.
100 Women, 100 Stories is a heartwarming song cycle crafted by six award-winning female composers, inspired by the reallife stories of women from all walks of life. Where 100 voices unite to create harmony and share powerful narratives.
Spend a transformative weekend learning moving songs with 99 fellow women, culminating in a spectacular concert on the Civic Theatre stage. It’s more than just singing; it’s about connection, collaboration, and celebrating the stories that shape us.
Friday 12 September, (evening) register, meet + greet and receive score book
Saturday 13 September, rehearsal day
Sunday 14 September, show day
Concert 60 mins, no interval
Participating in the project is free. If you would like to organise a group of students and staff to be part of this choir project, scan the below QR code.
Subject links: Creative Arts (Music, Drama), English, History (Cultural Studies, Social History), PDHPE, Geography (Community & Identity).
I was lucky enough to be part of this amazing project and was blown away by the organisation, talent and pure passion to uplift women and girls through music. I have come back to work this week completely elated and ready to change the world.
Loretta (participant)
SCAN TO BECOME PART OF THIS PROJECT!
12+yrs
Secondary Years 7-12 + Staff
Photo by: Justine Moyle
An
afternoon with the
Australian Army Band Kapooka
Wednesday 5 March, 12 noon
Wednesday 18 June, 12 noon
Wednesday 20 August, 12 noon
Wednesday 8 October, 12 noon
The Australian Army Band Kapooka provides musical support to the Army Recruit Training Centre and to the Riverina community. Part of their community contribution is presenting a daytime series of concerts proudly hosted by the Civic Theatre.
An Afternoon with the Australian Army Band Kapooka will be conducted by Major Nicolas Buff.
As a school group you will have access to pre-book your tickets to this complimentary concert prior to the seats becoming available to the general public.
For group bookings
Civic Theatre Box Office 6926 9688 or boxoffice@civictheatre.com.au
• Marketing & branding
• Portfolio development
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•
Plug + Play is a free program for emerging professional musicians and performers aged 14 to 25.
The Civic Theatre provides workshops, support and mentoring to kickstart your music career. Places are limited. What to expect?
• Mentoring and workshops with industry professionals
• Gig simulations and skill development
on at the theatre
Students gain more from a theatre experience if their attendance is partnered with activity in the classroom.
We are here to make that part easy!
Education resources are available for most shows in our 2025 Education Season. In addition to these teaching resources, we are pleased to also be able to offer a limited number of in-school and online workshops alongside our 2025 performances.
Backstage Access
Take your students behind the scenes in our purpose-built theatre. These interactive tours will give students a hands-on insight into what takes place behind the curtain.
Our backstage tour is an excellent excursion for secondary Drama and VET Entertainment Industry students, but can be tailored to suit any age or educational need.
Please contact education@ civictheatre.com.au to find out more and to book a school tour.
Work Experience Week 8-12 September
Explore the Civic Theatre from the inside during our dedicated work experience week in 2025.
Students will spend time working in each theatre department, including venue management, marketing, box office and technical lighting and sound. They will have the opportunity to participate in tours and activities run by theatre professionals and see events and shows in action.
Work Experience Week applications are managed by the Wagga Wagga City Council’s People & Culture Team. To learn more visit: wagga.nsw.gov.au/careers
How to book
1. Booking form
Complete the school group booking form and return to the theatre at boxoffice@civictheatre.com.au
Additional booking forms can be found online at civictheatre.com.au/education
2. Payment
Upon booking you will be invoiced for a 20% deposit to confirm your seats. Bookings cannot be held if deposit payment is not received. Final numbers are due 6 weeks prior to the performance date.
There are no refunds or reductions to numbers once final invoice is issued. Numbers may be increased if seats are available and can be organised by contacting the box office on 02 6926 9688.
3. Teaching resources
Teacher resource kits are available for most shows.
We encourage you to use these resources to extend the experience into your classrooms before or after the performance.
Contact education@ civictheatre.com.au to request your resources.
4. Theatre for all
The Civic Theatre is committed to providing equal access for all students. Please get in touch if you have any students that require additional support for accessibility.
5. On the day
Please arrive at the theatre approximately 20 minutes prior to your performance.
Seating for school performances is often general admission and not ticketed (unless specified). Schools will be asked to enter as a group and theatre staff will show you to your allocated seats.
Late arrivals may be excluded from the performance or may not be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. If you are running late, please contact the box office on 02 6926 9688.
Planning your trip to the theatre
Book early
Many of our school shows fill quickly. We encourage you to book early to ensure you get your preferred performance time.
Transport
The Civic Theatre has an easy drop off and pick up point for school buses on Burns Way directly outside the theatre entrance.
Accessibility
Please contact the theatre prior to your excursion to notify us of any requirements. A lift is located in the foyer. Toilets are fully accessible and accessible seating is available. Social Stories providing a visual guide to what students can expect on their visit to the theatre.
Foyers and courtyards
The Civic Theatre foyer space is limited and not recommended for school groups to sit for meal breaks before and after the show. The Wollundry precinct is right outside our doors for students to run, play and eat.
Helping Hand
Our Helping Hand program exists to nurture our young people. We understand that coming to the theatre can transform lives but for some it may be out of financial reach.
We never want barriers to prevent students from accessing the theatre and its associated programs. Please get in touch with us if you have students in need of support.
You’ve booked the bus, so why not make a day of it by visiting some of the nearby cultural attractions?
Here are key contacts to extend your school excursion:
Museum of the Riverina
Angus Cawdell-Smith, Education & Public Programs Officer 02 6926 9654 cawdellsmith.angus@ wagga.nsw.gov.au
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery & National Glass Gallery
Astrid Reed, Gallery Officer
Learning & Engagement 02 6926 9662 reed.astrid@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Wagga Wagga City Library
Wendy Harper, Library Outreach services 02 6926 9700 wcl@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Michaella Alexander, Aboriginal Community Development Officer 1300 292 442 first.nations@wagga.nsw.gov.au Make a day of it Like to know more? Civic Theatre Education Team Tracey Simond & Monique Burkinshaw 02 6926 9692 education@civictheatre.com.au
Youth Services
Mel Fattore, Youth & Community Development Officer 1300 292 442 youth@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Local Cultural Activities
JOHNSTONSTREET
Access information
If you require wheelchair access or other assistance at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, please indicate on the booking form or inform the Box Office team at the time of your booking.
The Civic Theatre is fitted with a hearing loop. The system is accessible via hearing aids with a telephone setting. Please note, reception quality and levels may vary according to the age and type of hearing aid.
A carer is entitled to a free ticket when accompanying a paid Companion Card holder to the theatre.
Parking is available near the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre. Car parks are in Cross Street, entry via Cross Street and at the corner of Morrow and O’Reilly Streets, entry via O’Reilly Street.
The Civic Theatre provides supportive and safe spaces for all. We contribute to a world where young rainbow people feel proud of who they are.
CSU Riverina Playhouse
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