Accelerate Ensemble is a new performance ensemble for young adults with disability who want to explore their own arts practice and work together to push the boundaries of what theatre can DO. During weekly workshops held throughout the year, the Ensemble will develop skills in all aspects of collaborative theatre making, leading to the creation of original performance works. These works, whether big or small, will always be true to the group’s interests, ideas and opinions.

Accelerate Ensemble is a partnership between Tantrum and the Civic Theatre – the home of live performance in Newcastle. Civic Theatre will provide an accessible workshop space for the Ensemble to meet each week. In 2021, internationally acclaimed Geelong-based company Back to Back Theatre will help to establish Accelerate Ensemble, while feeding into its first show later in the year. More to come soon on this exciting collaboration!

Accelerate Ensemble is proudly supported by Beyond Bank Australia.

What: Through weekly workshops / rehearsals in 2021, participants will receive training in performing and making theatre, leading to the creation and presentation of exciting new performance works.

When: Wednesdays 12pm – 3pm in 2021, starting from 28 April
(excluding school holidays and the first week of each school term)

• Term 2: 28 April – 23 June
• Term 3: 21 July – 15 September
• Term 4: 13 October – 8 December

Participants may also be required to attend additional rehearsals and performances – specific dates and times TBA

Where: Newcastle City Hall (290 King St, Newcastle) – Banquet Room

Who: Young adults with disability who are;

• Aged between 18 – 30
• Living and / or working in Newcastle or surrounding suburbs

The program is suited to independent NDIS participants with an interest in performing and making their own creative works. No experience required! Each workshop will be led by Tantrum’s Artistic Director / CEO Chris Dunstan and supported by Tantrum artist Amy Morris, with additional assistance provided by Civic Theatre / City of Newcastle staff. We understand the importance of working with participants’ existing supports to establish an inclusive and dynamic creative space.

Cost: FREE

Tantrum Youth Arts is a registered charity and the only professional company in the Hunter that offers opportunities for young adults to develop skills, make their own work and explore a career in theatre and performance. While anyone can apply for our emerging artist programs and participate without cost, we’re keenly aware of the additional barriers facing people with disability to accessing creative programs and training locally. As Tantrum has always had a focus on engaging young people who may otherwise miss out, we’re uniquely placed to design and deliver a theatre ensemble program for young adults with disability, exposing the group to collaborative approaches to making their own performance work and linking them to pathways towards a professional career in the arts.

City of Newcastle’s heritage-listed Civic Theatre is the heart and soul of live performance in Newcastle. The majestic Theatre is over 90 years old and in addition to the grand auditorium – that has seen many big productions – the Theatre has numerous multi-purpose spaces within the art deco walls. Civic Theatre aims to nurture an inclusive and creative culture and is committed to providing venues and experiences that are accessible to the widest possible audience. Partnering with Tantrum Youth Arts is just one of the many initiatives in the ‘Beyond the Stage’ programming, that aims to promote community inclusivity.