Touring the outback to spread the power of storytelling

Beloved across regional Australia, The Storey Player’s Theatre will embark on a 2022 Tour to strengthen resilience and improve mental health in outback kids.

The charity will host drama workshops in several remote schools that boost communication, literacy and self confidence skills.

This year, Melbourne’s The Demographics Group said that the “the most important subject in school is not necessarily Maths or Science. It would be Drama where you learn to interact with other people in a collaborative way” (See Attached). The Storey Players Theatre is proud to nurture these important skills for the future.

Led by Creative Directors Simon Storey and Tina Storey, the dynamic program includes writing scripts in collaboration with Indigenous children and bringing them to life on stage or film.

On their first outback tour in 2017, The Storey’s realized that many regional schools do not have access to drama activities, and were passionate about “embracing remote communities”.

“Children in the outback should have the same opportunities as city kids and that’s why we travel thousands of kilometers every year,” they said.

To achieve this important work, The Storey Player’s Theatre are launching a nation wide fundraising campaign. “A small monthly gift of $5 will keep us on the road and the children telling their stories”.

Alpurrurulam School in the Northern Territory was visited by The Storey’s on a past tour. Principal Clarice O’Leary said, “We rarely have access to programs from visiting groups and organizations”.

“The program had a strong focus on literacy and Indigenous Language and Culture as well as the arts,” she said.

Ms. O’Leary was impressed with their respectful practices. “Simon and Tina checked in with local community people to ensure the content was culturally appropriate,” she said.

The Storey Players have been visiting Dajarra State School in Northern Queensland since 2017 and have watched some of the children grow up. Aboriginal Teacher Aide Elizabeth Major said, “The workshops helped the children take pride in their strong Aboriginal culture”.

“​​The Storey Players brought a wonderful experience to our community,” she said.

The 2022 Tour will visit Alice Springs, Burketown and Quilpie, to name a few. For the price of one coffee, your small monthly gift of $5.00 will support The Storey’s making this life-changing journey.

All donations are tax deductible. For more information, please visit www.thestoreyplayers.org