Byron Youth Theatre has had an amazing October!!
Originally funded by the Northern Rivers Community Foundation, Mental Health Association of NSW & Byron Council, BYT created a heart wrenching production on youth mental health issues including depression, anxiety, non-suicidal self harm and negative body image.
They have been able to develop this piece further and take it back into local schools for a second year through new funding from Country Arts Support Program, Regional Arts NSW as well as a second grant from Mental Health Association of NSW and support again from Byron Council and the Drill Hall, Mullumbimby, where they presented a second public performance.
"The dedication and talent of cast members Ebony Webb, Bridie Duff, Kyaisha Ellbourn, Sahaj Blatt, Serren Glenn. Hayley Acton and Riz Mahoney has been incredible" comments Director, Lisa Apostolides "They truly are the most inspiring young people and deserve recognition for their community service". Although Riz has moved to study in Brisbane, he made it back to join his peers to perform at the public event on Saturday 18th October.
The response from Year 9 students at Byron Bay High School and Year 10 students at Cape Byron and Shearwater Steiner Schools was overwhelming. 97% rated the performance as Excellent! and many comments in feedback forms acknowledged that seeing these issues portrayed by young people through theatre was the most effective way to get a strong message across.
Lisa Apostolides conducted workshop activities which were co-facilitated by BYT members, after all 8 performances. These encouraged the youth audience to reflect and share strategies they use to overcome mental health issues as well as imparting new ideas and techniques to try including identifying at least one adult in their lives who they trust to talk to. All enjoyed the fun games incorporated into these sessions!
Meanwhile the rest of BYT have been busy researching for their next project titled "Altered States" which will focus on illicit drug use. Made possible by receiving a NORTEC Employment and Training Services community grant it is filling an identified request from youth audiences who completed evaluation forms nominating this area as a pressing issue in the community.
The Company was recently visited by Jenny Lemmon, the local NSW Youth Drug and Alcohol Counsellor. This informative session really highlighted some key issues which will be incorporated into the piece. They have also created a survey which they would love as amny community members to complete:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BVGJHYF
BYT members have also been receiving some peer to peer mentor training which they hope to expand on in the coming months with a view to establishing new networks within local schools.
Coming up soon is BYT's performance of "The Ballad of Phony Maggot", a satirical, slightly political piece of whacky street theatre which will be presented at Mullum Music Festival on Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd November outside the Civic Hall at 2pm, come and join in the fun!!
BYT wish to thank BYS for their continued support in making it possible for us to apply for numerous grants.
If you are passionate about theatre, want to donate to a great youth creative company (every $1 helps!!), join, volunteer your services or goods or simply find out more information please emai
Lisa byronyouththeatre2481@gmail.com
