Riverside Theatres to Continue Arts Education Program with 40 Experiences in 2016

Parramatta's Riverside Theatres has grown to become the largest venue-based provider of arts education opportunities in New South Wales (NSW) and possibly the nation. Riverside Theatres' immense program has become a staple of teacher education programs across many areas of the school curriculum.

"Ten years ago we offered only a handful of opportunities which attracted about 1,000 students a year,' said Amy Matthews, Program Coordinator for Education, Family and Youth at Riverside Theatres. 'Since then, the program has grown significantly and this year we reached more than 32,000 students."

Located in the geographical centre of Sydney and within the fastest growing region in NSW, Riverside Theatres attracts many schools from Western Sydney and beyond the Sydney metropolitan basin.

"To participate in our programs, schools travel from all over the state including Jindabyne, Coffs Harbour, the Hunter, Dubbo and Wellington,' continued Matthews. 'Teachers understand the value of what we're offering and that some of the best learning can happen outside of the classroom."

In 2016, Riverside Theatres will once again increase their program for Kindergarten to Year 12 students and present more than 40 quality arts experiences across theatre, music, dance and film.

Students will have access to some of the best creative companies in the nation including Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Monkey Baa Theatre Company, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, National Theatre of Parramatta, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Sydney Writers' Festival, Queensland Theatre Company and many more.

Throughout the year, Riverside Theatres will also present a series of youth competitions where students can develop their skills in creative arts, receive mentoring from industry professionals, and perform in a professional theatre venue.

Students can test their stand up in Class Clowns (March), write and direct a short performance for Sharp Short Theatre (May), develop storytelling skills in Tell It (September), and choreograph and perform a dance work in Sharp Short Dance (November).

Rounding out the education program and a key focus for 2016, accessibility has been increased with Auslan Interpreted, Audio Described and Relaxed Performances. All students, regardless of their specific needs, will be able to participate and enjoy the theatre experience.

"Live theatre has been proven to improve literacy, social skills and empathy in children. These benefits should be made available to everyone,' explains Matthews. 'I think we as an industry really have to make sure that we are not elitist, and that we're as accessible as possible."

Further information on Riverside Theatres' 2016 education program can be found at riversideparramatta.com.au.

To post a comment, you must register and login.