A PROGRAM that enhances creativity in young people is returning this year, with two-hour introductory workshops to schools in the region in May.
Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor Jade Benham said council was delighted to be supporting Fairfax Youth Initiative again this year and encouraged local schools to get involved.
“Council is thrilled to continue supporting and advocating for this youth program. We take pride in supporting programs that focus on enhancing creativity in young people – it’s a great investment,” Cr Benham said.
Fairfax artistic director Chelsea Zeller said they would be offering group workshop aimed for high school students aged 12 and older.
“Our workshop is an introduction to theatre through play and collaboration,” Ms Zeller said.
“It’s interactive, light and fun, and is designed to give young people a taste for creating and performing self-generated material.
“Schools can choose from one of the intro workshops to be delivered either in your school or digitally over Zoom.”
Ms Zeller said the program aims to provide a platform for passionate and diverse young voices, and to share their stories with the world.
Schools that are interested in taking part in a workshop can contact Chelsea Zeller at fairfaxyi@gmail.com or 0402 470 841 to learn more.
Meanwhile, Fairfax Youth Initiative will share in $251,114 under the seventh batch of grants from the Federal Government’s $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.
Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the funding would provide critical support for local arts organisation, and assist local communities and economies to restart from the pandemic.
“We want to see venue doors thrown open to audiences and curtains going up,” she said.
“We want to see performers coming on stage to a welcoming roar of applause.
“The Fairfax Youth Initiative has engaged young people in the Murray-Mallee region for 24 years. This project will create an inspiring and engaging festival for young people, while giving them the opportunity to work alongside professional artists.”
Fairfax Youth Initiative steering committee chairman Bryce Ives said during the past two years, Fairfax has maintained connection online, but it’s time for to deliver a youth arts festival that inspires and unites the region.
“We will work with 120+ young people, including with the Swan Hill Rural City Council, local schools, and professional artists, to create a visionary, youthful, and invigorating festival,” Mr Ives said.
Fairfax engages young people from communities in Swan Hill, Mildura, Red Cliffs, Sea Lake, Manangatang, Robinvale, Nyah, Kerang, Wycheproof, Cunninyeuk, Labert and Tooleybuc.Workshops coming to Swan Hill in May:
Improvisation: Release your inner-creativity.
This workshop is an excellent introduction to theatre and comedy. Learn performance skills
like spontaneity, active listening, idea building, and clear communication – all through fun
group games and improvisation activities.
Storytelling: Everyone has a story to tell.
This writing and performance workshop explores telling stories from student’s real life
experience. Learn generative writing exercises, story structure, and build confidence in
communicating and sharing your own ideas and stories.
Devising Theatre: Create your own theatre.
This workshop gives students the tools to devise their own short theatre performance. Explore
brainstorming, play-building, physical theatre, and learn flexibility and playfulness through
working as an ensemble.
