2024 Artistic Program

ARTISTIC PROGRAM

WELCOME

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

THE WA YOUTH THEATRE COMPANY

ACKNOWLEDGES THE TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS OF THE LAND AND WATERWAYS ON AND BY WHICH WE CREATE AND COLLABORATE, THE WHADJUK PEOPLE OF THE NOONGAR NATION.

We acknowledge the immense history and rich storytelling that has occurred on these lands for thousands of years.

We pay our respects to elders past and present and extend that respect to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures. We are deeply grateful and honoured to make work on this beautiful Country.

OPENING ADDRESS

WELCOME TO WAYTCO’S 2024 SEASON!

AMELIA BURKE

Artistic Director

IIn 2024, we are excited to bring you brand new writing from some of Boorloo’s brightest young voices. There’s a deep dive into the thought-provoking, deeply pertinent topic of missing persons by WAYTCo alumni Grace Chow. This is the first time a young person has been commissioned to write a fulllength production for WAYTCo, a milestone that I am immensely proud of. There is a brand new partnership with The Blue Room Theatre which will feature delightful fresh takes, variety, and young makers stepping up on Boorloo’s most loved indie stage. Finally, WAYTCo’s signature 24HR Generator turns eight years old, so you best believe that this year’s event is going to be a big one.

WAYTCO HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PLACE THAT PRIDES ITSELF ON EMPOWERING AND UPLIFTING YOUNG VOICES.

Alongside our productions, we are focused on nurturing WA’s next generation of actors, theatremakers, writers, and creatives through our in-house training programs and masterclasses. Our annual Ensemble Program has kicked off for the year, led by myself and a group of industry leading artists. Our foundational writing course has been relaunched as Playwright’s Pathway (formerly Write NOW) and we are excited to launch a suite of masterclasses happening year-round – so there is something for everyone to take part in!

Thank you for taking the time to dive into our program. We cannot wait to share these exciting WAYTCo premieres with you in 2024!

JONO BATTISTA

Youth Advisory Committee Chair

WAYTCo has always been a place that prides itself on empowering and uplifting young voices. This attitude bleeds through to every level of our company - from our ensembles, workshops, and performances, all the way up to our operation and governance. This year, WAYTCo’s Youth Advisory Council has played an essential role in the creation of our program, feeding back to Amelia and the team during planning stages - allowing young people to directly impact the course of the company’s year.

I first joined WAYTCo as a member in 2019. I dearly treasure all the experiences I’ve had here since then. These experiences laid down pathways that are not often made available to youth in WA. It’s incredibly exciting to me that this year is full of opportunities for young people to embark on their own creative journeys. We are thrilled to present our program for the year, and we cannot wait to get to work.

Asher

PRODUCTIONS THE COMPREHENSIVE AUSTRALIA A-Z OFMISSING PERSONS

BY GRACE CHOW

Aiden

Ashley

Brooklyn

Bailey

Charlie

Colbie

Cory

Drew

Emerson

Grace

Isaac

Jordan

Jaydn

Jade

Kaiden

Kylie Liam

Kylie

Frankie

Harper

Layla Hunter Mason

COMPREHENSIVE MISSING PERSONS

WHY

DO SO MANY AUSTRALIANS GO MISSING? DO THEY WANT TO BE FOUND?

In The Comprehensive A-Z of Missing Persons Australia , WAYTCo alumni Grace Chow explores the ‘why’ of this issue and gives voice to 400 persons listed in the Australian Missing Persons Register. This play is a bold and mysterious new work that utilises verbatim, physical theatre, and ensemble storytelling to tell a story of love, loss, longing…and threat.

DATES & TIMES

November 19th – 30th 2024

TICKETS RELEASED AUGUST 2024

24 HR GENERATOR

In 2024, WAYTCo’s 24Hour Play Generator clocks EIGHT consecutive years! Featuring WA’s freshest new talent, this hi-octane short works incubator takes stories from concept to page to stage in just 24 hours! The results are yours to see for ONE night only. It’s utter madness, excitement, and intoxicating creative fun!

Join us at the 24th hour to enjoy six world premieres the newest and freshest work in the country!

WRITING DAY

Saturday 22nd June 2024 | 7am – 7pm

DEVELOPMENT & PERFORMANCE

Saturday 29th June 2024

7:30pm

VENUE

Subiaco Arts Centre, Main Auditorium

TICKETS ON SALE MAY 2024

PRODUCTIONS

MADE IN BOORLOO

Championing the voices of young Western Australians. Made in Boorloo will see WAYTCo develop one-act to full length new plays that are seeded in our writing programs. The Boorloo-based young theatre makers and writers will work side-by-side with local professional directors, dramaturgs, and a cast of actors to bring their ideas to life. This development program will culminate in a limited public season at The Blue Room Theatre. Expect fresh takes, variety, and stories that matter to young people.

DATES

October 22nd – 26th 2024

VENUE

The Blue Room Theatre

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

WHAT IS SUMMER STAGE?

OUR HOTTEST PROGRAM OF THE YEAR IS BACK! IN 2024, SUMMER STAGE SAW WAYTCO DEVELOP THREE NEW PROJECTS WITH A GROUP OF 35 YOUNG MAKERS, ACTORS, AND DESIGNERS.

In 2025, we’re cooking up some more. This is a great opportunity for aspiring actors, theatre makers, and designers to dream big, learn about the creative development process, and develop what will be future productions at WAYTCo.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST OPEN SEPTEMBER 2024

TRAINING

PLAYWRIGHT’S PATHWAY

This 6-week course is for anyone aged 15 to 26 willing to give writing a go. It empowers participants to tell Western Australian stories from a youth perspective and boosts individual skills in storytelling, narrative structuring, and the building of plot and characters.

2024 Playwright’s Pathway will be led by professional playwright Donna Hughes, Sam Nerida, and Gita Bezard.

DATES Thursday May 9th – June 13th 2024

TIME 6 – 8pm

VENUE King Street Arts Centre

LIMITED PLACES - GET YOUR TICKET TODAY!

ENSEMBLES TRAINING

ENSEMBLE FOUNDATION COURSE

Take a step toward your theatre-making dreams with the Ensemble Foundation Course (EFC). EFC is a 10-week preparatory course for young people who want to hone their theatre skills and learn what it takes to work as part of an ensemble. Participants are supported to identify a performing arts goal at commencement of the course. Young people of all abilities are welcome to express interest in this gentle entry program.

DATES & TIMES

Fortnightly, August 1st –November 7th 2024

5:30 – 7:30pm

VENUE

King Street Arts Centre

REGISTER HERE!

NGALAKA DAA

Ngalaka Daa means “our tongue” in Noongar. Driven by the sharing of Noongar language and culture, this collaboration with Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company provides participants with the opportunity to receive intensive development in theatre making, performance, and language skills at a professional level. The program culminates in a magical showcase event under the Blue Whale bones of WA Museum Boola Bardip.

PERFORMANCE DATES

August 8th – 10th 2024

VENUE

Hackett Hall

PREMIER ENSEMBLES

Theatre skills, industry pathways, and lifelong friendship - these are a few of the benefits of WAYTCo Ensembles.

Curated and led by Amelia Burke, with contributions from leading industry artists, this year-long program takes participants through the foundations of theatre and contemporary performance making.

STAY TUNED FOR 2025 GENERAL AUDITIONS!

MASTERCLASS SERIES

WAYTCO MASTERCLASSES ARE LED BY INDUSTRY EXPERTS FROM BOORLOO

Each Masterclass is a deep dive into industry knowledge designed to support your professional practice and provide insights and tools to deepen your artistry. Join one or all Masterclasses this year!

GRAB YOUR TICKETS HERE

WELLBEING PANEL & PRACTICE

This masterclass will provide you with tips and daily practices to support your physical and mental wellbeing. Join us for a day of communion, relaxation, and inspiration!

DEVISING MASTERCLASS

Are you interested in making new work? This masterclass will provide you with insights into different approaches to theatre making, focusing on the whole process from pitch to premiere!

DATES & TIMES

Sunday April 7th 2024 11am – 4pm

AUDITION MASTERCLASS

Are you aged 16 to 26 and keen to get into one of the big performance training institutes? This masterclass is a fantastic opportunity for you to position yourself with your best foot forward! Covers the fundamentals of monologue performance.

DATES & TIMES

September 7th and 8th 2024 10am – 4pm

ALL MASTERCLASSES: King Street Arts Centre

DATES & TIMES

July 6th and 7th 2024 10am – 4pm

CULTURAL STORYTELLING

This masterclass will explore autobiographical storytelling and how to tell stories from your unique cultural perspective. It will also include how to cultivate a culturally safe practice in the rehearsal room and performance.

DATES & TIMES

Sunday September 29th 2024 11am – 4pm

MEMBER PACKAGES

YOUTH MEMBERSHIP

Youth Membership gives you access to the full range of WAYTCo’s outstanding performance and skill development opportunities. It also provides a place of belonging, one in which you can develop as a person and find your voice.

Benefits include casting/crewing opportunities, discounted tickets and passes to masterclasses & courses; scholarship options, and the opportunity to nominate for the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC).

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

NEXTGEN MEMBERSHIP

Too old for Youth Membership but still keen to be part of the Company? By taking out a NEXTGEN Membership, you play an active role in fostering the next generation of creatives.

Benefits include engagement event, Opening Night tickets, eligible to nominate for the Board of Management, access to exclusive events, offers and giveaways, and the unique joy of helping to raise the next generation of artists.

*$40 from your NEXTGEN subscription fee will be used to sponsor a youth member in need.

BECOME A NEXTGENER TODAY!

STUDIO RESIDENCY

Have a project in mind? Want to develop a new one?! Enter the heart of the WAYTCo creative community, apply for a Studio Residency today! We are thrilled to launch the WAYTCo Residency Program for 2024. Members are invited to apply, with applications now open. A program for theatre-interested young people looking for an opportunity to develop their artistic practice.

For more information & to submit your EOI, follow the link below.

STUDIO RESIDENCY

SCHOLARSHIPS

Support for students from priority demographics wishing to take up an Ensemble Offer or seeking a reduced price on other Training opportunities.

The WAYTCo Scholarship Program ensures ALL young artsinterested Western Australians have the chance to have their technical skills boosted and doors opened.

Apply for a scholarship for our training programs below.

HERE

PRICING TABLE

BECOME A MEMBER FOR ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS UP TO 25% OFF TICKETS, MASTERCLASSES, AND TRAINING PROGRAMS.

A Note from Patron Erica Smyth

Iget so much enjoyment from seeing young, creative people being actively engaged in the craft of communication through live theatre. I see their confidence and pride grow and develop. No matter what part they play in bringing a story to life, I feel better for being a part of helping to make it happen.

Our young people are facing many different types of challenges and WAYTCo offers every individual a group of other creative friends and role models. This inspires me that the world will be a better place as they grow an ability to tell their own and other’s stories.

SCHOOLS & COMMUNITIES

WAYTCO IS COMMITTED TO BRINGING ENRICHING PERFORMING ARTS EXPERIENCES RIGHT INTO THE HEART OF WEST AUSTRALIAN CLASSROOMS AND COMMUNITIES.

Our 2024 program offers a range of specialised and professional workshops and courses available for incursion or excursion. Our Communities program has seen the development of three Act Belong Commit Drama Hubs across the Perth metropolitan area, reaching young people where they may otherwise have limited access to quality performing arts training. A copy of our 2024 Schools Program is available below.

SCHOOLS PROGRAM

ACCESS & INCLUSION

WE SEEK TO MAKE OUR STUDIO, THEATRE PRODUCTIONS, AND PROGRAMS AS ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE AS POSSIBLE. SHOULD YOU, OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW, ANTICIPATE ACCESS OR INCLUSION NEEDS, PLEASE LET US KNOW SO THAT WE CAN MAKE SURE YOU (OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW) FEELS WELCOME AND SUPPORTED.

CULTURAL AND CHILD SAFETY

WAYTCo personnel are always open to learning from you about how best to support you to develop your arts practice and get the most out of WAYTCo’s programs. We encourage you to provide us with guidance, should matters of cultural safety come into play.

WAYTCo is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the young people it serves. The company regularly reviews its Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Procedures and all Teaching Artists are carefully vetted and require current Working with Children Check Cards.

THANK YOU

CURRENT DONORS

Alison Morley

Andy Farrant

Pamela Sawyer Estate

Erica Smyth AC

Dr Fiona Stanley

Osnat Harlap

Pitt Crew Management Consulting Services

Patrick & Rebecca Tehvand

Sandra Trucksis & the Elliot Tehvand Donor Circle

Brian & Gemma Kelly

Mel Watts & Rob Rinalli

Robyn Vakatini

Peter Kift

Alison Tilt

Phil Kelly

Deb Attard Portughes

Jessica Darlow

DONATE TODAY

SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS

Thank you to all our generous sponsors and partners. Partner support is vital to WAYTCo sustainability and underpins the Company’s capacity to provide exceptional performing arts opportunities to WA youth.

MAJOR PARTNERS

PROJECT PARTNERS

SCHOOL & COUNCIL PARTNERS

BRAND PARTNERS

ATTRIBUTIONS

“WHAT

Amber Hasler, Artistic Director, Fringe World, 2006-2021

King St Arts Centre

357 - 365 Murray St, Perth Australia 6000 info@waytco.com | (08) 9226 2144

waytco.com

Cover: Cole Baxter, courtesy of The Blue Room Theatre

Welcome: Ella Napier

24Hr Play Generator: Sophie Minissale

Summer Stage: Georgi Ivers

Training: Aaron Claringbold, courtesy of Perth Festival

Ensembles: David Cox

Masterclasses: Georgi Ivers

Member Packages: Sophie Minissale

Pricing Table: Aaron Claringbold, courtesy of Perth Festival Schools: Georgi Ivers

ARCO Classroom: Leah Maund

Access & Inclusion: Jessica Wyld

Thank You: Sophie Minissale