For nearly two decades, Poetry in Action (PIA) has been at the forefront of educational theatre in Australia, creating powerful, transformative experiences for young audiences.
However, the company has faced a persistent challenge: reaching the many regional and remote communities where access to live professional theatre is limited or nonexistent. In response, PIA has launched the “Play it Forward” campaign – a groundbreaking initiative designed to bring high-quality theatre to schools and communities across regional Australia, regardless of their size or location.
The Vision Behind “Play it Forward”
Bryce Youngman, the driving force behind Poetry in Action, explains the campaign’s inspiration: “We’ve always known there was a real need for affordable, professional theatre in regional areas. The idea behind ‘Play it Forward’ is to leverage the generosity of individuals and schools in more affluent areas to help cover the costs for their regional counterparts. This way, we can ensure that students in these communities have the same opportunities to experience live theatre as those in the cities.”
The campaign addresses a significant gap in access to the arts, particularly for young people in regional Australia. “People in regional areas often face significant cost and organisational barriers to providing their children with live theatre experiences,” Bryce notes. “Through ‘Play it Forward,’ we’re able to offer these experiences at a fraction of the cost, making it possible for even the smallest communities to enjoy the benefits of professional theatre.”
A Note of Gratitude
Poetry in Action recently received one-time funding directly through Arts Minister Tony Burke – a gesture for which Bryce says the company is “eternally grateful”. However, as Bryce points out, more than this invaluable funding is needed for long-term planning of future regional tours. “We are incredibly thankful for the support from Arts Minister Tony Burke, but planning future tours in regional areas is only possible when you have certainty of funding. That’s why initiatives like ‘Play it Forward’ are critical in allowing us to commit confidently to continue reaching the regional communities that want access to live professional Arts.”
Impacting Regional Communities
The response to “Play it Forward” is incredibly positive. Although the campaign is still in its early stages, schools that might have previously missed out on PIA’s performances are now seeing a way forward. “The campaign will help us reach schools we couldn’t ordinarily attend,” Bryce says. “In many cases, regional schools don’t have enough students to meet the minimum booking numbers we require to make a trip viable. But with the support of ‘Play it Forward,’ we can cover those gaps and bring our shows to students who would otherwise miss out.”
This initiative is not only about access but also about ensuring that these students receive the highest-quality theatrical experiences. “In many cases, we will be the only live professional performance that regionally based young people will see in any given year,” Bryce emphasises. If they’re only going to see it once, we’ve got to make it as excellent as we can.”
The Role of Community Support
Dee Rennie, who plays a crucial role in the “Play it Forward” campaign, highlights the importance of community involvement. “Our work thrives on the support of local stakeholders,” Dee explains. “The more people rally behind this initiative through giving, the more we can bridge educational and socio-economic gaps, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to transformative artistic experiences.”
Dee also points out that the campaign supports the professional development of the artists involved. “Touring regional areas challenges our artists to adapt and refine their performances to suit different cultural and social contexts, enriching their skills and broadening their perspectives. It’s a win-win situation for both the artists and the communities they serve.”
A Personal Connection to Regional Audiences
Erica Lovell, Associate Director and Head of Education at Poetry in Action reflects on the profound impact of theatre on education, particularly in regional areas. “Theatre is a powerful educator,” she says. For regional kids, who often feel like they’re in a bubble, theatre offers a rare and invaluable connection to the broader world. It’s a unique experience for them, especially in communities without theatres.”
Erica recalls a memorable moment from the campaign: “We performed for a school hundreds of kilometres from the nearest city. The kids were so immersed in the story—they were cheering, imagining themselves on the same journey as the characters. It’s moments like these that highlight the profound impact our work has on regional students who rarely get such opportunities.”
How to Support “Play it Forward”
The future of Poetry in Action’s work in regional Australia is bright. Still, it relies on continued support from individuals and communities who believe in the power of the arts to change lives. Bryce is optimistic: “With the proper support, Poetry in Action will undoubtedly become Australia’s number one regionally touring theatre company. We’re passionate about bringing our work into the country—we need to find some supporters whose passion matches our own.”
If you are interested in supporting the “Play it Forward” campaign or if you represent a school or community that could benefit from this initiative, please reach out to Dee Rennie at dee@poetryinaction.com.au. Your support can help bring the magic of live theatre to students in regional Australia, ensuring that no child is left behind, no matter where they live.
To find out more about Poetry in Action, show your support, or book shows for 2025, simply visit the PIA website here
Images: Noni Carroll