Byron Youth Theatre (BYT) have had a busy month with two groups meeting on Monday and
Tuesday afternoon at the YAC.
Funding from Northern Rivers Community Foundation, Byron Youth Council and NSW Mental Health Association enabled BYT to create a powerful and moving performance piece called MIND MADE ME which became part of Mental Health Days recently held in local schools.
The series of stylised vignettes focuses on the issues of depression, anxiety, distorted body
image and non suicidal self injury. These were nominated by the company members after
researching, interviewing and surveying many local adolescents.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with all high school student audiences rating the performance as excellent/good. Lisa Apostolides, Director of BYT conducted a workshop after each performance which focused on positive coping strategies, assisted by the company
members and supported by an external psychologist, art therapist and staff members in each
school.
BYT have delivered 10 performances of Mind Made Me reaching an audience of approximately 300 young people. They have been invited to perform this piece at the Cringe the Binge Fundraiser on November 8th at the Byron Community Theatre and are currently planning a public performance in early December in response to a request from an adult audience who attended the preview dress rehearsal.
But wait there's more!!
Tuesday afternoons at the YAC have seen BYT members being trained in Playback Theatre
Skills. This has been made possible from funding from Youth Activity grant from Byron Youth
Council. Playback theatre is spontaneous, improvised theatre. Audience members tell
experiences, dilemmas or events from their lives and then watch as their stories are immediately "played back" through movement, voice and music. Playback Theatre is both a forum and mirror for individual and group concerns.
BYT enjoyed a special morning with the adult Cape Byron Playback theatre company last month which enhanced their skill base and united the companies in a fun, respectful and fulfilling way.
BYT intend to hold a family and friends performance in on MONDAY November 19th, 6pm at the YAC.
A massive Congratulations to all the Company members, in particular Hayley Acton, Ebony
Webb, Sahaj Blatt, Riz Mahoney, Bridie Duff, Kyaisha Taylor and Serren Glenn.
Next year BYT will be working on a sexual health performance piece that will be included in a
regional Sexual Health conference held in Byron Bay, many thanks to Northern Rivers
Community Foundation again for their amazing support of this great work and Lisa is anticipating more funding to enable the Company to develop the Mind Made Me project further with possibilities of a regional performance tour as well as at Youth Conferences. So if you'd like to attend this or any event, or get involved in this dynamic company BYT, or become a much loved sponsor please contact Lisa on 0403023693.
for donating coffee for our courses!
