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GROW UP!

Byron Youth Theatre presents Grow Up! — a powerful new original production

Byron Youth Theatre (BYT) is proud to announce the premiere of its latest original production, Grow Up! This thought-provoking work explores the complex challenges young people face when leaving school—whether exiting early or graduating Year 12 and stepping into the adult world.

Performances will be held at The Drill Hall Theatre, Mullumbimby, with school shows on 14 and 15 October, followed by two community performances on 16 and 17 October at 7pm. Tickets for the community shows are available via the Drill Hall Theatre website or Humanitix.

This new production has been made possible thanks to funding from Rotary Byron Bay, Wayahead Mental Health Association of NSW, and a generous donation from a community member.

Since 2010, BYT has produced fifteen original productions tackling topical social issues such as binge drinking, mental health, adolescent sexual health, illicit drug use, family violence, bullying, racism and prejudice, ecological anxiety, and consent. Over 300 performances and 170 workshops have reached more than 8,000 young people, teachers, parents, and community members across the Northern Rivers.

Their work has also gained national and international recognition. In 2018, BYT was invited to perform at the International Youth Health Conference, and in 2019 they presented at the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association’s International Mental Health Conference, both to outstanding feedback. Locally, their achievements have been acknowledged three times in Parliament by local MPs, recognised with Byron Council awards, and honoured with the 2020 Mental Health Association of NSW Media and The Arts Award.

The new production Grow Up! has been developed through extensive research, including interviews with young people, educational organisations, and local services, to ensure an authentic portrayal of the challenges young people face at this life stage. The project also provides hands-on opportunities: local artist Yumi Haslam (aged 19) has created two original art works for the production,  while one  BYT member is being trained as production assistant and stage manager.

Each performance of Grow Up! will be followed by a facilitated panel discussion between service providers and youth audiences. These conversations will give young people the chance to express their concerns, ideas, and needs, while allowing service providers to listen and respond, ensuring greater understanding and support during the transition from school to adulthood.

“We know the years around leaving school are some of the most challenging for young people,” said Lisa Apostolides, Director of Byron Youth Theatre. “With Grow Up! we wanted to create a production that doesn’t shy away from these realities but also opens space for honest dialogue. By bringing young people and service providers together, we can make sure their voices are heard and their needs better understood.”

With a 15-year legacy of producing impactful, youth-driven theatre, Byron Youth Theatre continues to empower young people and their communities through the arts. Grow Up! promises to be another landmark production—raw, honest, and deeply relevant.

Event details:

• School shows: 14 & 15 October, The Drill Hall Theatre, Mullumbimby
  
• Community performances: 16 & 17 October, 7pm
  
• Tickets: Drill Hall Theatre website
  

For media enquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
Lisa Apostolides : byronyouththeatre2481@gmail.com

This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing

BYRON YOUTH THEATRE TEENS EMBRACE DIVERSITY

Byron Youth Theatre’s, First BYT ensemble aged 13 – 17 years is bringing “This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries and This Girl Does Nothing” by Finegan Kruckemeyer to the stage this month at the newly renovated Drill Hall Theatre.  

This modern day fairy tale written by one of Australia’s esteemed playwrights for young audiences, revolves around three young sisters who are left in a forest by their woodcutter father and forced to find their own way in the world. From a classical beginning, three resolutions are made — one sister walks one way to find purpose, one the other to find adventure, and the third stays right where she is to create a home. The three sisters traverse the globe in their unique ways to find themselves and heal.

The play appeals to audiences of all ages, blending imaginative storytelling with poignant messages that children can appreciate and adults can delight in. Drawing inspiration from classic stories with a contemporary twist, First BYT aim is to captivate audiences across the Shire, both young and old. 

Sally Davis has been facilitating this ensemble since the beginning of the year and responded to their enthusiastic request to create a production that embraces physical theatre, comedy, and social inclusion. 

“This experience is giving the teenagers a sense of belonging, confidence and is opening their minds to the idea that theatre and the arts can be a potential career. Teenagers need risks and challenges and performing, designing and staging a show meets those needs and offers them a deep sense of fulfillment and pride to stage their work in front of their local community, peers and parents” shares Sally.

The teenagers have been  involved in the entire production from set design, direction, staging, costume creation and prop design and it has demanded extra rehearsal time apart from their weekly class held on a Wednesday 4.45-6pm at the Drill Hall.

“Being a part of this awesome ensemble and doing this play has been so rewarding.  I’ve been XYZ”

There are only 2 performances on WEDNESDAY 25TH at the Drill Hall Theatre, so bring the kids along to experience this dynamic production and support local youth theatre.  Tickets available from