“The performances opened doors for further discussions and greater empathy and respect for each other.”Tracey King, Learning and Teaching Leader, Elisabeth Murdoch College
“It was amazing for our students to experience this unique and professional type of theatre that created such a buzz amongst our boys.”Andrea Hamilton, Drama Coordinator, Xavier College
Tailored to an event that is happening in your students' lives, and your students' ages and cohort dynamic, this is a joyful, meaningful and empowering way to celebrate their successes, hold space for their challenges, and support young people to build their own reflective skills, all supported by professional improvisers turning their stories into theatre and music before their very eyes.
How does it work?
First, we work with you do identify an event in your students' lives that deserves a celebration and/or a space for reflection.
Second, our skilled facilitator tailors a framework for the show.
Then, at your school, our team of improvising actors and musicians and facilitator lead students through a cohort-wide discussion of their experiences, which are turned into theatre before their very eyes.
Why Playback?
Playback is an exceptionally empowering experience for young people. Rather than being told how to feel, they get to share how they really feel.
We often find that the young people who rarely speak up, do in fact speak up during a Playback performance.
Student Comments:
“The actors were able to play back instantly what you said but with more detail.”
“The actors were totally committed to honouring a story about you.”
“The music instigated everything and made it more detailed and entertaining.”
“The chemistry between the performers and musician was amazing, like they shared one brain.”
Andrea Hamilton, Xavier College – Burke Hall
Our highly skilled facilitators are experienced in holding space for students to reflect and listen to each other with respect.
We value:
- Creating, building and fostering community
- Respect between individuals and communities
- Social inclusion, equal access & diversity
- Cooperation, sharing & honesty
- ‘Play’, fun & creativity
- Artistic excellence
When we work we:
- Value every voice
- Honour each storyteller without judgement
- Strive for artistic excellence
- Seek to illuminate
- Reflect the universal value of personal story
“I have never seen Anna (name changed) participate in any activity so fully. Usually when she speaks about her mum, she storms out of the room, but she was able to stay, share, and feel heard. I almost cried. These kids need this, this works for them.”Facilitator, Project Ready
“I was also expecting to be a little bit cringy but was pleasantly surprised coz it was genuinely funny and I did really enjoy it, it's the type of thing I would go see regularly if it was nearby.”Year 11 Student
“I found that there is so much in common between us. When we can't see that it makes us feel more lonely but, in sharing stories, we can help each other so much.”Year 9 Student
BOOKINGS
To make a booking or enquiry, simply press the GREEN Enquiry/Booking Request Button above right to directly contact the booking team. They will answer you promptly to discuss your booking including when payment will be required.
Shows for Schools not only gathers all the great available shows, it also makes booking easier!