Byron Youth Theatre presents ALL OF US — a powerful new original production
Byron Youth Theatre (BYT) is proud to announce the premiere of its latest original production, ALL OF US
All of Us is a compelling psychological drama that follows twelve young strangers who arrive expecting different events, only to find themselves trapped together after a mysterious explosion seals them inside an unfamiliar space. As food, water and hope begin to dwindle, fear, prejudice and hidden vulnerabilities surface, while unexpected friendships and acts of compassion emerge. Forced to question everything they believe about themselves and each other, the group uncovers a shocking truth that transforms their fight for survival into a chilling exploration of trust, identity, human connection and the cost of being watched.
Performances will be held at The Drill Hall Theatre, Mullumbimby, with school shows on 13th, 14th and 15th October. These are now fully booked by 5 local High schools. There will be two community performances on 15th and 16th 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 the Northern Rivers Community Foundation and Wayahead Mental Health Association of NSW
Since 2010, Byron Youth Theatre (BYT) has created youth-led original theatre that provides
young people with opportunities to explore complex social issues through artistic practice.
BYT has delivered 420 performances and 345 workshops, engaging approximately 9,000
young people, teachers, parents and community members across the Northern Rivers.
The organisation’s work has been recognised through the 2020 WayAhead – Mental Health
Association NSW Media and The Arts Award and acknowledged on three occasions in the
NSW Legislative Assembly for its contribution to young people, mental health awareness
and community wellbeing.
With a 16-year legacy of producing impactful, youth-driven theatre, Byron Youth Theatre continues to empower young people and their communities through the arts. ALL OF US promises to be another landmark production—raw, honest, and deeply relevant.
Event details:
- School shows: 13th, 14th, 15th October, The Drill Hall Theatre, Mullumbimby
- Community performances: 15th & 16th October, 7pm
- Tickets: Drill Hall Theatre website
For media enquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact:
Lisa Apostolides : byronyouththeatre2481@gmail.com
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
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
A new entertaining and interactive production from Byron Youth Theatre.
TRIGGER is an entertaining and interactive theatre production, exploring common triggers young people are facing in our region today, and the different ways we can respond to help. Using elements of Forum Theatre, we’ll explore internal, external, environmental and social trigger situations.
Participation is entirely voluntary — the performances will be highly entertaining for those who wish to observe as regular audience members.
Forum Theatre is a unique type of participatory theatre — a devised work, using fictitious characters to simulate real life events currently happening in the community. The play developed out of the process is performed once, all the way through, so the audience can see the situation and the problems presented.
The action builds to a crisis and stops there, offering no solutions. The play is then performed again, with audience members able to “freeze” the action at any point where they see a character struggling with a problem. An audience member yells “stop!”, comes into the playing area, replaces the character they recognise is in a moment of struggle, and tries out their idea. We call this an “intervention.” The Forum Theatre event is vibrant and empowering for all concerned.
The project is supported by the Byron Youth Service and was made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, provided through Regional Arts Australia and Regional Arts NSW.
The Regional Arts Fund is an Australian Government initiative that supports sustainable cultural development in regional, remote and very remote Australia.
Please note: this event contains elements of audience improvisation and may contain strong language and adult themes. Suggested age 13+
BYT are deeply grateful for the the support of Brunswick Picture House and Umbrella Theatrical Productions
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Age 12+
YAC, 1 Gilmore Crescent, Byron Bay
Thursday September 29th : 7.30pm
Tickets: $25
All proceeds go towards future youth productions
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/our-home-holiday-town-film-tickets-411645772587
Byron Youth Theatre (BYT) thought provoking, poignant social action theatrical production called Our Home Holiday Town which had to end its production last December early due to a COVID scare is back!
Fortunately the Company’s performance was filmed with eight cameras crewed by SAE Creative Media Institute students Lee Collier, Phoenix and Jovian Batchelor supervised by experienced local filmmaker SAE Animation Lecturer, Nigel Haslam. This has enabled BYT to hold a special screening in Byron for those who missed out in 2021.
“ It was devastating when we had to close the production early last December” shared Director Lisa Apostolides, “ We’d spent a lot of funding on bringing in a substantial lighting rig, creating a large main set and reorganising the venue space for the show and obviously many many hours of rehearsing!”
Feedback from community members, who did get to see the first two performances was outstanding! Local lawyer and Councillor Mark Swivel was one of the lucky ones!
‘Super engaging, fun treatment of a tough topic. Our kids will cop the worst of our housing crisis and policy fails. Bravo Byron Youth Theatre!’
This production was the result of a collaborative research project between BYT and the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University (SCU). Director of BYT, Lisa Apostolides and the cast members worked closely with Dr. Antonia Canosa, Dr. Catherine Simmons and Dr. Peter Cook to uncover tourism-related issues in the Byron Shire and the mental health concerns for young people. Trained as co-researchers during a series of workshops, cast members conducted interviews and surveys with their peers and community members to understand the effect of the impact.
The research revealed young people care deeply about their community, particularly when witnessing the negative impacts of tourism activity, including littering, anti-social behaviours, housing affordability, homelessness, and disrespect for Aboriginal sacred sites.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to work with Lisa and the cast at BYT. I am delighted that the screening is going ahead as my colleagues and I were among those who had booked last year and were extremely eager to see the finished result. This was an empowering experience for the young people who want to be actively involved in lobbying for more socially and environmentally just forms of tourism in their community” said Dr Canosa.
The project received funding from Regional Arts NSW ( CASP), Northern Rivers Community Foundation , Southern Cross University and sponsorship from The Regent Cinema , Mullum Hire ,Byron4kids, local psychologist Peter Chown, Liz Terrancini and Christina Gobet-Freeman and supported by Byron Youth Service, resulting in ä play that is raw, dynamic, engaging and critical for our times.
The special screening will be held at Byron Youth Service’s ( BYS) Youth Activity Centre (YAC) in the heart of Byron.
“It is great for The YAC to be able to host BYT’s film of this powerful production and support the poignant and meaningful work that they are presenting. I’m constantly impressed with the talent and creativity among young people in our community. It’s very important and exciting work.” comments Christian Tancred, Manager of BYS.
There will also be information about the Byron Way Pledge which was inspired by the production which seeks to promote responsible tourism.
]]>Byron Youth Theatre’s new original production Loves Me Loves Me Not — a dynamic and thought provoking play — once again displays the skill and talent of the eleven BYT cast members who are aged between 14–30 years. Loves Me Loves Me Not explores issues of consent and responsible relationships.
It refers to and includes references to abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. BYT are well known for their honest and open exploration of important issues and provides an excellent opportunity for parents, caregivers, teachers and youth-related organisations to engage young people in meaningful conversations on the topics raised.
Loves Me Loves Me Not follows several different relationships that intertwine and gives a powerful platform for both young people and adults to express their hopes, fears, confusion and deep longing about how we develop meaningful connection with one another. It includes live music, choreographed dance and dramatic scenes.
The cast attended the Wheel of Consent Training and Actor Boundaries and Professional Intimacy Consent workshops in the development of this original play. Funded by the Northern Rivers Community Foundation and Women’s Resource Service, the production also received a generous donation from Global Ripple, a strong advocate in the prevention of violence towards women and children. It is proudly supported by Byron Youth Service and Brunswick Picture House.
This production was funded by Northern Rivers Community Foundation, Women’s Resource Service, Mullumbimby Neighbourhood Centre and Global Ripple. BYT are deeply gratful for the their support and that of Byron Youth Service and Brunswick Picture House.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
We are excited to be working again with Renee Galera-Hollis, an SAE Creative Media Institute Byron Bay Music production student in creating the sound track and Harry O’Meara our lighting designer and awesome technician.
Although the production has had to be postponed until DECEMBER ( see information below) , there are many wonderful people still busy working behind the scenes. Belle Budden, a Wakka Wakka woman living in Bundjalung country is creating a painting specifically for the production representing our beautiful Cavanbah ( the meeting place) otherwise known as Byron Bay, Australia. This is being timelapsed and will be used as a backdrop projection in parts of the performance. Nickolla Clark, another incredible local artist and proud Arakwal Bundjalung woman is developing a voice over recording to compliment the painting. The awesome Mike Russo has been creating the largest set BYT have had to date with Dee Spice assisting.
We also want to acknowledge the incredible support we have received from Christian Tancred and the staff of Byron Youth Service for allowing us to use the Youth Activity Centre (YAC) as our venue and Chris Chen & Brett Haylock from The Brunswick Picture House for the loan of some set pieces. The YAC will literally be transformed by the contribution of all these amazing people. Deep gratitude to all!!
COME SUPPORT LOCAL YOUTH THEATRE: UPDATED INFORMATION FOR OUR HOME HOLIDAY TOWN
Byron Youth Theatre have postponed their latest production until December
ALL SHOWS SOLD OUT!!
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2024 : STARTING TERM 4 ABYT
VENUE: BYRON COMMUNITY CABIN, CARLYLE STREET, BYRON BAY
CONTACT: Lisa Apostolides : byronyouththeatre2481@gmail.com
Advanced BYT (ABYT) is for young people aged 16-24 yrs. It is preferrend that you have had some experience, either attended Drama classes in school or an out of school Drama/Theatre class previously.
MONDAYS 4.30-7.30pm, & SUNDAYS 4-7pm when close to performances.
Fee payment $175 per term ( 16-17 yrs) Fee payment $150 per term (18-24yrs)
** Registered for Creative Kids Vouchers** Anyone attending more than one BYT class can apply for discount
Auditions for Advanced BYT
Preparation:You will need to rehearse and perform a 2-3 minute monologue and a second piece from the list below:
Play a musical instrument
Perform a dance sequence
Perform a song
Deliver a speech which you have written
Perform a slam poem
Present a portfolio of original graphic design
Present a portfolio of lighting design
2024 : 1ST BYT BYRON BAY
VENUE: BYRON COMMUNITY CABIN, CARLYLE STREET, BYRON BAY
CONTACT: Sally Davis : buttercupbonanza@gmail.com
Drama/ Theatre classes for 12-16 yr olds. 1st BYT classes explore all aspects of Drama and Theatre and leads towards a range of performances, sometimes with audiences!! There is no pressure to perform for those who just enjoy participatng in class
TUESDAYS 4.30-6pm
Fee payment: $175 for 9 week term
** Registered for Creative Kids Vouchers
2024 : 1ST BYT MULLUMBIMBY
VENUE: DRILL HALL THEATRE, MULLUMBIMBY
CONTACT: Sally Davis :buttercupbonanza@gmail.com
Drama/ Theatre classes for 12-16 yr olds. 1st BYT classes explore all aspects of Drama and Theatre and leads towards a range of performances, sometimes with audiences!! There is no pressure to perform for those who just enjoy participating in class
WEDNESDAYS 4.35-6pm
Fee payment: $175 for 9 week term
** Registered for Creative Kids Vouchers
2025 : STARTING TERM 1 FEBRUARY
TRY BYT VENUE: UNITING CHURCH HALL, DALLEY STREET, MULLUMBIMBY
CONTACT: Adrienne Lester : connect@umbrellatp.com.au
Drama/ Theatre classes for 8-11 yr olds. TRY BYT classes are an introduction to drama and theatre. Classes focus on improvisation skills, characterisation, team building, langauge skills, and basic playbuilding. We offer performance opportunities however there is no pressure to perform for those who just enjoy participating in class.
WEDNESDAYS 3.30-4.30PM
Fee payment: $175 for 9 week term
Registered for Creative Kids Vouchers
]]>This regional partnership between Byron Youth Theatre and The Joyality Project received a $30,000 “Increasing Resilience to Climate Change” grant from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and the Environment.
As part of this grant young people from six high schools across northern NSW were provided with interactive, resilience-building workshops by The Joyality Project alongside original performances by Byron Youth Theatre.
An original theatre performance named “How on Earth” is currently in development by Byron Youth Theatre. As an integral part of the process, cast members were interviewed by Director Lisa Apostolides about their experiences of eco-anxiety, climate change and the recent pandemic. This has been powerfully woven into a physical, verbatim style production choreographed by past BYT member Ebony Webb.
“It has been a deeply moving process in creating this production as we are all in a lived experience right now every day . It is an absolute honour to work with such talented cast members who have dedicated themselves to sharing the raw, honest truth and have Ebony’s insightful choreography as a key part of this timely piece” shares Lisa.
At the heart of “How on Earth” is The Joyality Project’s youth leader training to support participants to develop personal strategies for well-being, action and adaptation to climate change impacts.
Twenty youth leaders will go on to provide support for peers in their community and co-facilitate “How on Earth” school and community workshops at the end of 2020 and into 2021.
“We’re thrilled to be working alongside BYT to support and inspire young people in our region,” says Dr Eshana Bragg, ecopsychologist and Director of The Joyality Project. “Our Joyality trainings and workshops are based on the symbiosis of personal and planetary well-being, and the joys of community, nature connection and taking positive action, even in the darkest of times.”
The Byron Youth Theatre have previously received funding from Byron Council, Country Arts Support Program Regional Arts NSW and Northern Rivers Community Foundation to develop and perform this original production in August, and a second major production at the end of 2020.
The “How on Earth” project will also be collaborating with local emergency services, sustainability organisations and community leaders to support practical disaster preparedness of the community.
For more information about The Joyality Project visit www.joyality.org
Click this link for the full show
]]>Byron Youth Theatre’s latest original production How on Earth ( Part 2) funded by Country Arts Support Program Regional Arts NSW, Northern Rivers Community Foundation and NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, and supported by Arts Northern Rivers,the Joyality Project and the Brunswick Picture House, takes the audience on an intriguing journey exploring those hard to face questions! Set in a possible, not too distant future, an inspired young person and her friends seek to learn new ways of being from a parallel world to help save themselves and their home planet, but will it work? Featuring original music score, projection compilation and lighting by local professional youth and older artists as well as some kindly donated music from musicians overseas!!
We wish to recognise the generations of the local Aboriginal people of the Bundjalung Nation who have lived in and derived their physical and spiritual needs from the forests, rivers, lakes and streams of this beautiful valley over many thousands of years as the traditional owners and custodians of these lands
DEEP GRATITUDE TO
NRCF, CASP, Arts Northern Rivers. NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for funding this project
Joyality Project, Brett & Chris :Brunswick Picture House, Byron Bay Community Association and Byron Youth Service for all your support!!!
Dee Spice :Di Vinci bridge construction
Nigel Haslam :projection compilation
Charlie Gill: Lighting Design
Flynn Martin: Venue technician
Shane Noble : Technician supervisor
Rhys Edwards : Technician mentor
Renee Galera-Holliss : Music editor
George Deuter : Temple of Silence track
Bhikkhu and Waduda Paradiso, New Earth Records : for giving us permission to use Deuter’s most beautiful music
John Boswell aka Melody Sheep for giving us permission to use his amazing music
Realms: Strangr Than Paradise trackfor giving us permission to use her amazing music
Renaye Elder: incredible volunteer, photographer, social media promoter
Shu Ge & Art Ge : incredible volunteers and supporters
Global Ripple Op shop: for costumes!!
Andrew Woody Woodburn: Bullseye Solutions security uniforms
Brett, Tilka Fosmale, Sam Morrell, Nigel Haslam, Elli Coleman, Paulina Heart : Security guards!
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