Byron Youth Theatre has been recognised again this time for their involvement in the PASH 

(Positive Adolescent Sexual health) North coast regional conference held in Byron in April during Youth Week. This powerful, original and somewhat confronting production explores a plethora of youth sexual health issues. It was deemed the highlight of the conference by the majority who attended and BYT have been invited to extend the production for the next PASH conference which is currently being planned to occur in 2015. Byron Council, a major partner in the PASH conference as part of Youth Week 2014, was a finalist in the nominations for a Local

Government Award. It recognised the innovation of such an empowering youth focused

conference which involved over 30 local health organisations as well as 300 young people.

Funding from Byron Youth Council and Northern Rivers Community Foundation enabled BYT to produce another stellar production.

The BYT Cast members for the Mind Made Me production are busy getting ready for the

upcoming "CONNECTING MINDS From Adolescence to Adulthood: Practical Skills for

Primary Practitioners with an Interest in Mental Health" hosted by the Australian Society for

Psychological Medicine, the National Faculty of Specific Interests/ Psychological Medicine

Network & the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

"It is quite challenging to get back into a production we did last year knowing we have just one

performance to deliver with as much energy and power as before" shares Sahaj Blatt, cast

member. Director Lisa Apostolides commends the Company members' dedication to this

project as rehearsals are occurring on Sundays with one member (and his awesome family)

traveling from Brisbane each week to remain involved.

Several cast members are also involved in a GP training session facilitated by a local qualified

GP and Psychologist during the conference where they will be engaged in role plays to

demonstrate the power of practice sessions with young people dealing with a range of health

issues.

At the same time, the rest of Byron Youth theatre Company members are engaged in a new

project titled Altered States which will explore the issue of illicit drug use by young people.

Funding for this project has come from NORTEC Employment and Training.

" We have been doing a lot of bonding, fun games and activities to prepare us for this project and welcome a new member, which is important for us in developing a deep sense of trust with each other as well as learning more about acting skills and our own personal style." commented Georgia Conechado

BYT are also in process of surveying and interviewing peers and professionals on this topic as

well as researching stimulus material to assist them in devising their performance. The funding

will allow Director Lisa Apostolides to provide Mentor/facilitation training for cast members who will assist in workshop activities after each performance in schools. They will also benefit from Youth Mental health first aid training that will take place in January 2015 by  

Mindright Institute

Although BYT had to pull out of appearing at West End markets during the Brisbane fringe

festival (BFF) due to transport issues, Lisa and cast members were relieved that they hadn't

gone all the way there as weather conditions on the Saturday would have prevented them

performing outside anyway. A strong supportive connection has been made with BFF as well as West End Markets which will ensure future performance opportunities. The Company are

celebrating being accepted to perform The Ballad of Phony Maggot at MULLUM MUSIC

FESTIVAL this November ..when weather conditions should be awesome!!

Mullum Music Festival

Director Lisa Apostolides is as busy as ever applying for grant funding for Byron Youth Theatre to continue their amazing work. She is currently holding auditions for 4 new members who wish to join BYT.

If you are passionate about Drama & Theatre with a social message, want to join an incredible

youth empowered theatre company please contact Lisa on 0403023693.

Similarly if you wish to contribute to BYT in terms of associated Theatre expertise (lighting,

sound, costume, set, props, transport) and donations or patronage please contact us!

Go Fund Me

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