MELBOURNE THEATRE COMPANY
STEP INSIDE
EDUCATION 2022
EDUCATION 2022
Melbourne Theatre Company acknowledges the Yalukit Willam Peoples of the Boon Wurrung, the First Peoples of Country on which Southbank Theatre and MTC HQ stand. We pay our respects to all of Melbourne’s First Peoples, to their ancestors and Elders, and to our shared future. MTC is a department of the University of Melbourne.
MTC is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, and by the State Government of Victoria through Creative Victoria.
COVID-19 Arts Sustainability Fund – an Australian Government initiative
Contents
2 Term Planner 4 Education Production: SLAP. BANG. KISS. 6 On Tour 7 Enhance Your Excursion 8 VCE Theatre Studies: Fun Home 10 Laurinda 12 Cyrano 13 Sunshine Super Girl 14 MTC Digital Theatre 16 MTC Digital Education 18 Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series 20 First Peoples Young Artists Program 22 Geraldine Lazarus Regional Enrichment Program 24 MTC Ambassadors 25 Youth Scholarship Course 26 Professional Development 27 Careers Week 28 Health & Safety 29 For Your Information
MTCEdu
MelbTheatreCo 1
2022 Term Planner TERM
1
VCE Theatre Studies Playlist
Touching the Void
Fun Home
based on the book by
music by
Admissions
Jeanine Tesori book and lyrics by Lisa Kron
Joe Simpson adapted by D avid Greig
based on the graphic novel by
17 JAN — 19 FEB SOUTHBANK THEATRE, THE SUMNER
Alison Bechdel
by
Joshua Harmon
5 MAR — 9 APR SOUTHBANK THEATRE, THE SUMNER
7 FEB — 5 MAR ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, PLAYHOUSE
TERM
2
VCE Drama Playlist
SLAP. BANG. KISS. by
D an Giovannoni
19 APR — 30 APR SOUTHBANK THEATRE, THE LAWLER
2
The Heartbreak Choir by
Aidan Fennessy
25 APR — 28 MAY SOUTHBANK THEATRE, THE SUMNER
The Sound Inside by
Adam Rapp
20 MAY — 2 JUL ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, FAIRFAX STUDIO
2022 Term Planner TERM
3
Come Rain or Come Shine a musical by
Tim Finn, Carolyn
Burns and Simon Phillips based on the story by
Kazuo Ishiguro
20 JUN — 23 JUL SOUTHBANK THEATRE, THE SUMNER
Laurinda a new play by
Cyrano
Diana Nguyen
with Petra Kalive
based on the novel by
Alice Pung
by
Virginia Gay Edmond Rostand
after
6 AUG — 10 SEP SOUTHBANK THEATRE, THE SUMNER
24 SEP — 29 OCT SOUTHBANK THEATRE, THE SUMNER
TERM
4
Girls & Boys by
D ennis Kelly
21 OCT — 26 NOV ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, FAIRFAX STUDIO
Sunshine Super Girl by
Andrea James
9 NOV — 14 DEC SOUTHBANK THEATRE, THE SUMNER
3
TERM
AN MTC NEXT STAGE ORIGINAL
2
SLAP. BANG. KISS.
VCE DRAMA Playlist
BY
Dan Giovannoni DIRECTED BY
Katy Maudlin
SLAP. A video of 16-year-old Immi hitting a security officer goes viral. BANG. Sofia’s impassioned speech for the victims of a school shooting makes international news. KISS. In a small-town supermarket carpark, two boys lock lips in an attempt to set the world record for the longest kiss. Multi-award-winning playwright Dan Giovannoni tracks three young people whose stories kick-start a series of events none of them could anticipate, transforming them into global symbols of revolution. Cast includes Sarah Fitzgerald, Conor Leach and Tsungirai Wachenuka.
19— 30 APRIL
SOUTHBANK THEATRE, THE LAWLER
3— 10 MAY
REGIONAL TOUR
Genre: Contemporary Australian drama Key themes: Hope, community, activism, belonging
Photography: Brett Walker
Recommended for: Year 9+ Contains: Coarse language and mature themes This production of SLAP. BANG. KISS. was developed in 2019 and 2020 under the direction of Prue Clark and with the participation of Tahlee Fereday and Artemis Ioannides. Commissioned through MTC’s NEXT STAGE Writers’ Program, supported by the donors, foundations and organisations of MTC’s Playwrights Giving Circle.
Education Pack available in Term 1 Pre-show talks Tue 26 Apr and Thu 28 Apr 5
SLAP. BANG. KISS. On Tour
Bunjil Place, Narre Warren
Free post-show Q&As available.
TUE 3 MAY 10.30AM & 1PM
Check our website for additional tour locations this year.
03 9709 9700 bunjilplace@casey.vic.gov.au
Livestream Performance*
Potato Shed, Drysdale THURS 5 MAY 1PM & 7PM
THURS 28 APR 1.30PM 03 8688 0963 schools@mtc.com.au *Exclusively for remote schools unable to attend in-person
03 5251 1998 potatoshed@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
Mildura Arts Centre TUE 10 MAY 1PM 03 5018 8330 arts_centre@mildura.vic.gov.au To book the show on tour, contact the regional venues directly 6
Enhance Your Excursion
Regional Workshops
Teaching Resources
An exclusive opportunity for regional schools, these timetable-friendly workshops embed the experience of seeing SLAP. BANG. KISS. on tour. Explore the dramatic elements, conventions and styles seen on stage. This performance workshop uses script excerpts to investigate key themes and moments in the play, deepening students’ understanding of the MTC production.
SLAP. BANG. KISS. is complemented by a suite of learning tools to assist teachers and enrich students’ learning experience:
Duration: 2 hours (tailored to timetable) Suitable for: Year 9+ Capacity: Up to 25 students Cost: Free (limited availability)
2-part Education Pack Videos with rehearsal insights Interview on the MTC Talks Podcast Bonus backstage content on the MTC website Supported by the MTC Education Giving Circle.
Regional workshops are kindly supported by
mtc.com.au/regional-schools
mtc.com.au/education 7
TERM
1
Fun Home MUSIC BY
VCE THEATRE STUDIES Playlist
BOOK AND LYRICS BY
Jeanine Tesori Lisa Kron BASED ON THE GRAPHIC NOVEL BY
Alison Bechdel DIRECTED BY
Sydney Season cast pictured Photograpy: Prudence Upton
Dean Bryant
Based on Alison Bechdel’s bestselling graphic novel about growing up and coming out, this groundbreaking multi-Tony Award-winning musical arrives in Melbourne following its acclaimed Sydney season. Cast includes Euan Fistrovic Doidge (Pippin), Emily Havea (Wentworth), Lucy Maunder (Ladies in Black), Adam Murphy (Shakespeare in Love), Silvie Paladino (Mamma Mia!) and Ursula Searle (Mara KORPER). Directed by Dean Bryant (Kiss of the Spider Woman).
7 FEB— 5 MAR
ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, PLAYHOUSE
Genre: Contemporary American musical Recommended for: Year 10+ Contains: Coarse language, sexual references, mature themes and references to suicide. A great excursion for: Theatre Studies, Drama, Music, Dance, English, Literature, Psychology
Co-producer
Media Partner
In association with
Education Pack available in Term 1 Pre-show talk Wed 2 Mar 9
10
TERM
AN MTC NEXT STAGE ORIGINAL
3
Laurinda A NEW PLAY BY
Diana Nguyen WITH
Petra Kalive BASED ON THE NOVEL BY
Alice Pung DIRECTED BY
Petra Kalive Adapting Alice Pung’s award-winning book, writer and comedian Diana Nguyen and director Petra Kalive bring Laurinda’s schoolyard setting to the stage for a fresh and feisty new work. Like Heathers or Mean Girls with a uniquely Australian flavour, this delightful take on the beloved novel includes Fiona Choi (Torch the Place), Georgina Naidu (Minnie & Liraz) Chi Nguyen (The Wilds), Jillian Nguyen (SBS's Hungry Ghosts), Ngoc Phan (Boy Swallows Universe) and Jenny Zhou (Girl, Interpreted) in an incisive, funny study of a woman caught between cultures and class.
6 AUG— 10 SEP
SOUTHBANK THEATRE, THE SUMNER
Genre: Contemporary Australian comedy Recommended for: Year 10+ Contains: Coarse language, references to bullying, racial violence and mature themes
Photograpy: David Kelly
A great excursion for: Theatre Studies, Drama, English, Psychology Commissioned with support from the Malcolm Robertson Foundation, with play development supported by the donors, foundations and organisations of MTC’s Playwrights Giving Circle.
Education Pack available Term 3 Pre-show talk Wed 31 Aug 11
TERM
4
Cyrano BY
Virginia Gay AFTER
Edmond Rostand DIRECTED BY
Sarah Goodes
24 SEP— 29 OCT
SOUTHBANK THEATRE, THE SUMNER
Following the wild success of Calamity Jane, Virginia Gay ups the ante with a joyous, genderflipped retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, packed with music, wit and aching romance. Freely adapting and reimagining Edmond Rostand’s classic play, Gay gives us a delightfully self-aware theatrical rom-com for our times. Directed by Sarah Goodes (Così). Genres: Queer theatre, reinterpreted classic Contains: Coarse language, sexual references, mature themes, theatrical haze and loud noises A great excursion for: Theatre Studies, Drama, English, Literature, Social Studies
Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government initiative
Education Packs available now 12
Photograpy: Jo Duck. Illustration: Mark Conlan
Recommended for: Year 10+
TERM
4
Sunshine
Super Girl WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY
Andrea James 9 NOV— 14 DEC
SOUTHBANK THEATRE, THE SUMNER
Australian hero Evonne Goolagong Cawley was a girl from the bush who rose to become the No. 1 tennis player in the world. With its distinctively Australian sensibility and humour, Sunshine Super Girl asks us to consider our nation’s future and the part we can play for the next ‘Goolagong’ waiting in the wings. Written and directed by Andrea James (Yanagai! Yanagai!), with the Sumner Theatre transformed to include on-stage ‘court-side’ seating.
Photograpy: Evening Standard / Stringer
Genre: First Nations Australian drama Recommended for: Year 10+ Contains: Coarse language, sexual references and mature themes A great excursion for: Theatre Studies, Drama, English, Literature, Social Studies, History
A Performing Lines Production
Media Partner
This presentation of Sunshine Super Girl is generously supported by MTC’s Sunshine Super Girl Production Patrons 13
MTC Digital Theatre Stream world-class performances directly into your classroom
Shakespeare’s
As You Like It Simon Phillips with music by K ate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall
directed by
Shakespeare's warm-hearted romantic comedy follows the irrepressible Rosalind, who is banished from court with her cousin Celia. But before they can escape into exile, Rosalind catches the eye of love-struck Orlando. What ensues is a riotous tangle of matched and mismatched lovers, mistaken identities, melodic songs and laughter. Cast includes musical theatre icon Christie Whelan Browne (Twelfth Night). Directed by Simon Phillips (Shakespeare in Love). Genre: Classic Shakespearean comedy
Berlin by
Joanna Murray-Smith Iain Sinclair
directed by
Tom, a foreigner on his first trip to Berlin, meets Charlotte, a beguiling bartender. They soon end up back at Charlotte’s apartment where devastating secrets are revealed. Joanna Murray-Smith creates a world of passion and intrigue where the shadow of history reaches out to ask what it really means to forgive the past. Cast includes Grace Cummings (Prehistoric) and Michael Wahr (Shakespeare in Love). Genre: Contemporary Australian drama Recommended for: Year 10+ A great incursion for: History, Theatre Studies, Drama
Recommended for: Year 6+ A great incursion for: English, Literature, Music, Theatre Studies, Drama
Education Packs available now
Special pricing for schools. Contact schools@mtc.com.au 15
16
MTC Digital Education Go behind the scenes to discover new curriculum resources for Years 7–10 and VCE
Behind-the-scenes videos
Livestream experiences
Explore our library of high-quality videos, featuring interviews and footage of MTC artists at work. Three new videos explore MTC’s production of As You Like It: Creating Costumes, Playing the Part and Shakespearean Comedy.
Our Actors at Work livestream workshop allows you to step into the rehearsal room, ask questions, and offer direction to professional actors in real time. Revision Webinars offer another opportunity to engage with MTC artists preparing for exams.
Virtual tours Walk through Southbank Theatre, MTC’s production workshops and rehearsal rooms, and the actual stages of shows including Berlin and As You Like It with our 3D Virtual Tours. Accessible on any web browser, and compatible with VR headsets.
Actors at Work Livestream Workshop Thu 18 Aug, 11am–12pm & 1pm–2pm Revision Webinars SLAP. BANG. KISS. Thu 13 Oct, 10am–11am Fun Home Thu 20 Oct, 10am–11am
Interactive resources Students can expand their theatre vocabulary and discover hidden terms with our interactive resources. From Term 3, MTC will offer online drama modules that address the Victorian Curriculum Arts Years 9–10 content and general capabilities.
mtc.com.au/education Supported by
Some digital resources created in collaboration with Virtual School Victoria
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‘I feel more confident writing precisely and strongly.’ ~ 2020 Participant
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Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series An extension opportunity for high-ability students
High-ability students in Years 9–10 can explore theatre online through the new Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series. Students develop their English and Drama skills in this series of 90-minute Webex workshops, with new activities available each term. Participants work with other passionate students from a range of schools to explore different ways of making theatre, expanding their drama vocabulary with insights from professional theatre-makers. MTC's Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series is free and exclusive to students at Victorian Government schools.
Term 1 Directing Theatre with MTC 21–25 March
Term 2 Rehearsing Theatre with MTC 6–10 June New workshops in Semester 2
‘I really got a better understanding of theatre and how even the smallest of things can connect to an audience member.’ ~ 2021 Participant
Supported by
Register now at mtc.com.au/vces 19
‘I was able to develop my playwriting and acting interests and in such a supportive, fun environment.’ ~ Wamba Wamba creative artist, Brodie Murray
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First Peoples Young Artists Program Nurturing emerging talent
A creative learning and engagement initiative for young First Nations people, where past participants and those new to the program connect, collaborate and contribute to create brand new works. The program features three intensive workshop weeks (with some additional one-off optional extra sessions throughout the year) that cover key aspects of making theatre – from finding a story through to how to best share it with an audience in terms of design (sound, lighting, costume, set) and performance. Participants will be supported by teaching artists, meet with industry professionals and see a range of productions to inform the creation of their own original work. Applications open in February for First Nations artists and creatives aged 16–22. Travel and accommodation support is available.
This program is made possible with the support of the John and Myriam Wylie Foundation and partnered by the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development at VCA and YIRRAMBOI.
mtc.com.au/education 21
Geraldine Lazarus Regional Enrichment Program On-demand workshops in your school or online
Regional schools can access free workshops on-demand, available either in-person or online via Zoom. Choose from the following experiences, all suitable for Year 9 and up:
Acting Skills Explore the ways in which actors can create and embody characters in fun, physical exercises that use your voice and body. Gain insight into the work of actors at MTC and how a professional rehearsal room operates.
MTC's Production Processes Through the lens of VCE Theatre Studies, explore the lifecycle of an MTC production. Students learn about what MTC staff and artists do in the planning, development and presentation stages, with concrete examples of tasks and duties.
Supported by
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Shakespearean Comedy Investigate how to make the audience laugh by analysing Shakespeare’s As You Like It and exploring the comedic possibilities on stage. An entertaining introduction to script analysis and performance styles, which equips students with skills they can apply to their own work.
Exploring Macbeth Learn more about the characters and context of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Macbeth through the lens of the 2017 MTC production. Easily accessible performance tasks bring the text to life in your classroom, as students engage with script excerpts in fun and collaborative ways.
Cost: Free (limited availability) Book now at mtc.com.au/education 23
MTC Ambassadors Behind-the-scenes access for Year 11 theatre-lovers
This year-long extension program for a select group of Year 11 students offers insight into the world of professional theatre. Throughout the year, Ambassadors meet monthly with artists and MTC staff, see live productions, and share their experiences of theatre with like-minded peers. Participation is free of charge.
Students are nominated by their teachers, and each school may nominate only one student. We strongly encourage teachers to nominate students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those with disabilities.
Our Ambassadors are valued advocates of MTC in their school, social and online communities, and join a community of over 130 alumni now studying and working in the creative industries.
April–December
Nominate a student at mtc.com.au/education 24
Nominations close Wednesday 2 March
Supported by the MTC Youth Ambassador Giving Circle donors
Youth Scholarship Course A life-changing opportunity for students with limited access to the arts
Each year MTC selects a group of young people from across Victoria for the Youth Scholarship Course, a life-changing week of intensive drama workshops and live performances. This program is aimed at students who would not otherwise have access to an extra-curricular drama program due to economic, geographic or personal barriers. Students are nominated by a teacher at their school, and each school may nominate only one student. Participation is free of charge.
Supported by the Betty Amsden Foundation 2017–2021
We strongly encourage teachers to nominate students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those with disabilities. Monday 19–Friday 23 September (Spring school holidays) Nominations close Wednesday 10 August
Accomodation Partner
Nominations open Term 3 at mtc.com.au/education -2525
Careers Week Explore some of the many careers in theatre
Victorian high school students in Years 10–11 are invited to join MTC staff and artists for a series of virtual workshops and panels to explore the many careers in theatre.
Monday 27 June–Friday 1 July 11am–3pm daily via Zoom Applications open Term 2
Conducted entirely online via Zoom, students meet a range of MTC staff and artists in panels and workshops, and collaborate on mini-projects to experience how various theatre professionals work together.
mtc.com.au/careers-week Supported by the MTC Education Giving Circle 26
Professional Development Be inspired by our staff and artists
Digital PD Day
Regional PD
Join MTC staff and artists for an inspiring day of workshops and panels on Zoom. Each special guest will nurture your inner artist with insights into their theatremaking process and activities to get your creative juices flowing. Participants also have access to Q&A sessions during each workshop, and digital resources to use later in the classroom.
Explore how improvisation can be used as a tool to interpret scripts in rehearsal, and to devise and develop performance. With a broad appeal for drama teachers at all levels, including links to VCE Theatre Studies and Drama, this workshop will provide the insight and tools you're looking for.
Saturday 14 May
Venues and dates to be announced
Supported by
mtc.com.au/teacherPD 27
Health and Safety
Melbourne Theatre Company's top priority is the health and safety of our community, including our staff and all visitors to MTC HQ and our theatres.
MTC’s policies and procedures are continually updated and regularly reviewed alongside the latest Victorian Government advice.
Stay home if you feel unwell
Sanitise your hands
You must be fully vaccinated or have a valid medical exemption to visit MTC
Face masks must be worn inside the theatre
For up-to-date information, please visit mtc.com.au/health-and-safety 28
For Your Information How to book
School ticket prices
To make a booking for your school group, email us with the below information. Our Education Ticketing Officer will email you an invoice and conditions of booking form.
• Students: $29 each
Payment must be made 4 weeks prior to the performance date.
• Pre-show talks: $12 per student and additional teachers
• The production/event you want to attend
Please note: School ticket prices have limited availability. Prices vary for Come Rain or Come Shine. Under 30s prices may be available when school tickets are exhausted. Please review our up-to-date Health and Safety information before booking, and again before attending, on our website.
• Date and preferred time (matinee/evening) • Number of students attending • Number of accompanying teachers • School name • Year level and subject area of students
• Accompanying teacher (per 15 students): Free • Additional teachers: $49 each
MTC Digital Theatre • $10 per student (for group viewing)
Contacts School Group Bookings Education Enquiries
03 8688 0963 schools@mtc.com.au 03 8688 0974 education@mtc.com.au
Locations Southbank Theatre Arts Centre Melbourne
140 Southbank Blvd Southbank, VIC 3006 100 St Kilda Rd Southbank, VIC 3006
Acknowledgements Script development of Cyrano by Virginia Gay (after Edmond Rostand) has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, Sydney Festival and the NSW Government through Create NSW and the City of Melbourne COVID-19 Arts Grants. Sunshine Super Girl is produced by Performing Lines and supported by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body; the NSW Government through Create NSW; the Seaborn Broughton & Walford Foundation; the Blake-Beckett Trust; Moogahlin Performing Arts; Playwriting Australia through its Playwrights’ Retreat Program; and Production Co-Commissioners Melbourne Theatre Company, Griffith Regional Theatre, QPAC, and seven regional venue partners. Photography: Jeff Busby, James Henry, Jacinta Keefe, Charlie Kinross; Graphic Design: Helena Turinski 29