As a group of students nervously file into the Southbank Theatre they have no idea their lives are about to change forever. They are the lucky beneficiaries of Melbourne Theatre Company’s Youth Scholarship Course, a program that will not only open doors to the world of theatre but will also ignite their minds with passion and curiosity.
Tailored for young people aged 14–16 years with limited access to the arts, the course enables participants to develop their creative skills and work collaboratively with like-minded peers.
Nominated by teachers, this year’s cohort included participants from regional schools, socio-economically disadvantaged communities, and young people living with disability.
Among these bright stars was Fern, whose love for the arts burns as fiercely as the lights at centre stage. With wide eyes and eager anticipation, she stepped into the hallowed halls of the Southbank Theatre, ready to soak in every minute of the week-long drama workshops.
“I absolutely loved my experience!” she reflected. “It was so interesting and such an amazing opportunity to be able to see a bit of how shows are made and prepared for, to see a show and be able to discuss with the actor and playwright.”
Fern's sentiments echoed those of her peers, with each participant experiencing their own unique journey within the walls of the theatre.
For Callum, who travelled in from regional Victoria, the program was a revelation. His mum reflected, “Callum loved the activities and especially liked spending time with like-minded people. It’s such a valuable program and he learned so much from it.”
“Living regionally there are minimal opportunities to learn about the theatre,” she continued. “He has taken a lot of the ideas and used them in local plays. I would love to see him continue this special new relationship with the arts.”
For those like Zoe, a homeschooled student, the course offered a sense of belonging. “From my perspective, I felt like the whole program was really well organised and supported,” her dad shared. “As a homeschooled student, it's both challenging and a wonderful learning experience for her to be interacting with teens from all over the state.”
For Fern and her fellow participants, the Youth Scholarship Course was more than just a program—it was a chance to step into the spotlight and shine. They take with them newfound knowledge, inspiration, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Melbourne Theatre Company’s Youth Scholarship Course is generously funded by Newsboys Foundation with Quest as the accommodation partner. The course is just one of the many Education and Families programs the Company has developed to enable students, young people, and educators to access high quality arts experiences. The Education Giving Circle supports the annual Education & Families production and core activities—to find out more about joining the Education Giving Circle click here.
Published on 12 June 2024
