An exciting new partnership has been announced between children’s education charity The Smith Family and the Ensemble Theatre, which will offer young people the opportunity to experience the full scope of the dramatic arts.

 The collaboration is part of The Smith Family’s SmArts program, which connects high school children in years 9 to 11 with art organisations to raise their education aspirations in the creative arts.

 Through the program, students will attend a post-show Q&A, and will have the opportunity to perform on-stage themselves after a series of theatre workshops led by actors.

 There will also be workshops for those students who are more interested in what goes on behind the scenes, including backstage tours, director at work sessions, a set and costume design forum, and playwriting workshops – with discussions on how to make theatre a career from professionals working in the field.

 This is the first time the Ensemble Theatre has been part of the SmArts program, with staff excited to share their craft“We are thrilled to partner with The Smith Family through the Ensemble’s Outreach Education program for 2021.  This means many young people, who may not usually have access to see live theatre, will now be able to share in the magic of theatre, whether it’s attending dedicated education performances or viewing a broadcast show online,” said Artistic Director, Mark Kilmurry.  

 Smith Family Regional Programs Manager, Olga Srbovski, says the opportunity will be an incredibly enriching experience for students.

 “This is the start of a wonderful partnership that will allow students – many who have never been to the theatre before – to expand their horizons and see what is possible as a future career path,” she said.

 “The feedback we get from students participating in SmArts is always extremely positive, it’s an opportunity to exercise their creative muscles, collaborate with like-minded students, and learn more about what the arts is all about”.

The Ensemble Theatre Company is committed to performing and presenting the best of international plays, well-loved classics and new Australian works. Each season we pride ourselves on delivering powerful, memorable and engaging live theatre of the highest standard.

Ensemble’s Outreach Education Program is now in its 5th year. This program allows young people to attend dedicated education performances and view the livestreaming program which broadcasts plays straight from the theatre into the classroom, reaching schools in regional and remote locations across Australia. To date 1,500 students have benefited from this program and 11 schools have accessed the livestreaming. Outreach is supported by The Clitheroe Foundation and Victoria and Ian Pollard.

 SmArts provides hands-on creative practice so students can access creative activities to increase self-confidence in their own talents and abilities as well as enhance social skills. It includes visits to and from arts-related organisations, talks with experts so students can engage with art professionals, and provides links so students can expand their connections to organisations.

 The SmArts Outcomes Report revealed that:

88% reported an increased level of confidence after participating in SmArts

94% reported that they had increased their creative skills

89% of surveyed students agreed they have more information to continue with their creative interests on their ow

Featured image- 17 Yule Brook College students enjoy the Smith Family SmArts program