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
