Some thoughts about performing across QLD High Schools (with QAC)
Over the last 2 months I have mainly been performing a show for Primary Schools called MC Platypus and Queen Koala’s Road Trip (around 9-12 times per week) but speckled through the schedule have been around a dozen performances of WHO’S THAT CHIK?
It has been extraordinary.
I have been thinking a lot about the way the Profession looks at School Touring/ Theatre in Education… I should say “looks down” on it. It’s something an Artist does when they graduate, fresh outta school and looking for experience. It’s a low stress/ low pressure gig, right? WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG WRONG! That idea could not be more WRONG…. and here’s why:-
No. 1- Young people are brilliant, their thoughts and perspectives are crucial to the country’s future (I know I’m getting all Whitney Houston up in here but for real, the young people are vital to what comes next.)
No. 2- By performing in-School for like $6 a student, you cut out so many of those issues around access, and you get to play to hundreds of children per day… Theatre for the masses!
No. 3- Creating work for young peeps that develops emotional, political, theatrical and aural literacy is the truest form of communication, education and activism (full stop y’all- FULL. STOP.)
THEREFORE Performing and creating shows for young audiences is where it’s AT!
That is all… for now… We have had some incredible moments!
WHO’S THAT CHIK? Is currently on tour with QAC in Term 3 (click for details) and in Term 4.
