2011 Program
Milk Crate Theatre has been working with communities to produce high quality theatre through mutually collaborative programs that give a voice to those often lost and abandoned by the very society they inhabit. Working with passion, commitment and integrity we regularly work in collaboration with education, health and welfare agencies to establish strong community partnerships.
A signature of Milk Crate Theatre is that we work intensively with communities for the long-term: this is our eleventh year. We take risks and know that the truth is what is really important. What has evolved over the years is theatre that springs from the stories of the individuals we work with, their stories, their truth.
It is estimated that more than 250 individuals will take part in a workshop, more than 125 individuals will perform in a show and over 900 audience members will engage with a performance.
Our programs are broken into two tiers - Stage Door and Main Stage.
STAGE DOOR PROGRAMS
STAGE DOOR programs are entry-level and open to anyone who has experienced homelessness or marginalisation. During our Stage Door programs individuals who have performed with us will be invited to become part of our Ensemble.
Drama Workshops - we will deliver more than 130 workshops at a network of welfare services in Sydney's inner city, metropolitan and western suburbs. These workshops run regularly and are based on improvisation, story-telling, play building and the elements of drama. In our workshops individuals will have fun, meet people, learn new skills, engage with their imaginative self and ultimately experience performing intimate ten-minute plays as part of an ensemble for a live audience. Individuals in the Main Stage program are welcome to continue to attend our Stage Door workshops and may be asked to assist workshop directors. We also offer specially devised workshops to suite the individual needs of participants, for example, Creative Interviewing, a 2 x 2.5 hr workshop that assists participants that are going for a job, having to speak publicly or just wanting to build on their self-assurance.
Forum Theatre Shows - we will produce 11 shows created from real life stories and performed at the coalface to homeless communities. During a forum show audiences are actively encouraged to engage in the theatrical process. At critical moments of choice within the story framework audiences interrupt the performance and discuss other options the main character could pursue. In our shows, you don't just watch, you engage and you change by stepping up, literally on to the stage and improvising your ideas with the actors.
Edge of Your Seat - involves Milk Crate Theatre staff accompanying small groups of participants to professional theatre productions. This program provides links to the industry and allows individuals the chance to engage with the key artistic organisations in Sydney. The opportunity to see professional productions of an exemplary quality is truly inspiring and allows individuals to feel that they are part of a wider artistic community.
Several theatre companies have already confirmed their involvement with the program in 2011 including Belvoir Street Theatre, Griffin Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company, NIDA, Parramatta Riverside Theatre and Darlinghurst Theatre Company.
MAIN STAGE PROGRAMS
MAIN STAGE programs are open to the Milk Crate Theatre Ensemble who are prepared to achieve a higher level of commitment and have an interest in extension. There are limited places available in our Main Stage programs, so individuals will be asked to apply, audition, interview, submit creative writing or a set model depending on the needs of each particular program and the program director.
Specialised Creative Opportunities - we offer specialised opportunities for theatre training in different areas. This may include engagement with other theatrical institutions such as Playwriting Australia (in 2011). Or further creative development processes within Milk Crate Theatre such as being involved in smaller productions or new initiatives.
Play Writing Intensive - in partnership with Play Writing Australia we will run a 5-day play writing intensive for 6 individuals.
Street Library - provides individuals with the opportunity to borrow plays and theatre texts that complement the workshops that Milk Crate Theatre delivers. We are pleased to have the support of Currency Press to set up the library. As part of the Street Library we will also run monthly play reading soiree's at the Milk Crate Theatre office.
MCT Ed - is the new and vibrant educational arm of Milk Crate Theatre, bringing the individual talents and passions of the Main Stage Ensemble to the forefront. MCT Ed will work closely with six individuals over 10 months in 2011 to explore education, training, employment and volunteering opportunities. Through a series of supported production meetings, individuals will stretch themselves to set and achieve goals throughout the year, broadening their experiences, talents and interests. Individuals will be accepted into the program after an interview process and will be required to embrace a self-directed approach to goal setting while being closely supported by the Milk Crate Theatre Education Coordinator.
Large Scale Productions - we create professional level, original shows for the wider public and perform them every two years. In 2011 and 2012 we will be creating a theatrical work inspired by the Eternity story. The Main Stage Ensemble may be invited to be part of the creative development process and can then audition to be in the professional production.