Youth Development

Joburg Theatre Youth and Community Development Department.

The Young and Community Development program at the Joburg Theatre seeks to create an incubation space and hub for young directors and theatre makers to usher in a new generation of South African Theatre practitioners. The programming for the unit is designed to curate a rounded experience for the participants as they develop their work under the mentorship and guidance of a community of trainers, practitioners and experts who make up the community of the Joburg Theatre. The program supports community-based arts practitioners in extending the reach of the theatre beyond the physical space and taking the Joburg Theatre to their communities.

The Young and Community Development program at Joburg Theatre is committed to nurturing talent and empowering communities through three key pillars:

1. Skills development and education
We believe in equipping our participants with the tools they need to succeed. Through various training programs and workshops conducted in partnership with organizations and community-based groups, we offer comprehensive education ranging from formal institutional courses to specialised workshops tailored for young performers.

2. Mentorship and support of young creatives
Mentorship is at the heart of our program. Under the guidance of experienced trainers, practitioners, and experts from Joburg Theatre’s community, participants receive invaluable mentorship to refine their craft and navigate the world of theatre

3. Engagement and community outreach.
Theatre transcends physical boundaries. Our program is dedicated to extending the reach of Joburg Theatre beyond its walls and into communities. Through outreach initiatives, we aim to make theatre a social engagement and development tool.

Program Highlights:

Applied Performing Arts and Arts Management (APAAM):
APAAM is a flagship program designed to empower community-based arts practitioners. In collaboration with Drama for Life (DFL) and the Drama Therapy post-graduate department at Wits University, APAAM offers a three-year course focusing on entrepreneurship, arts education, and skill development. Participants graduate with NQF 6 qualifications and the ability to run sustainable community arts groups independently. At the end of each year, the organisations are assessed through showcases in their communities and the curation of community theatre festivals.

Applied Performing Arts and Arts Management Trainer (APPAMT):
Parallel to APAAM, APPAMT trains community artists to become trainers and facilitators. These trainers guide and support organisations, ensuring the sustainability and growth of community arts initiatives. The APAAM trainers graduate with a postgraduate diploma from Wits University.

Space.com:
Space.com offers a platform for theatre practitioners to stage their work at Joburg Theatre. Through this program, artists receive space and support, including administrative assistance, marketing, and partnership opportunities with Joburg Theatre. Productions are selected through an application process and receive significant support from the theatre.

Artists can be part of the space.com program by invitation or through venue rental:
 Space.com by invitation
The space.com is a development stage that artists can access by proposing projects and productions. Once approved, artists work with the theatre and enter into an 80/820 % partnership for the door takings. The theatre waives all venue-related costs and shares part of the production risk. The theatre provides a rehearsal venue, performance venue, sound equipment, lighting design and stage support.

The youth and community development department will make open calls for proposals and applications. Shortlisted proposals may be asked to present a script reading, and the department will work with the theatre to develop the production for performance.

The production will be promoted on the Joburg Theatre’s social media platforms. The space.com program involves the whole production line, from play creation to marketing and ticket sales. Productions must have a clear marketing strategy and must engage in the process of selling and promoting the shows to the public.
Rehearsal space is subject to availability and must be booked beforehand.

 Venue rental
The youth development performing spaces are available to artists at a reduced cost. Venue rental costs include stage support, sound equipment, and lighting. The Joburg theatre rental is, on average, lower than most similar venues. When renting the space, producers carry the risk and are paid 100% of their ticket sales once deductions are made.

Readings – Word of Stage:
Stage theatre readings provide a platform for script development and audience engagement. Shortlisted productions undergo official script readings to refine the script and gather feedback from audiences. The script reading process is part of the department’s mentorship orientation. Developing good productions starts with having good scripts.

Community Engagement:

It is crucial to develop a program that is not bound by the theatre’s walls. The theatre is a powerful tool in social engagement and development. The youth and community development program is rooted in taking the theatre out to the community and offering a tool and resource to communities. The youth and community development department has toured the city of Johannesburg to raise awareness about global warming and the city’s environmental protection projects.

Theatre is a powerful medium that can be used to raise awareness, educate, and efficiently take the message to communities. The Joburg Theatre has been in partnership with the City of Joburg, using theatre as a tool for social engagements and working with youth to develop new work to this end.

Lisakhanya
Lisakhanya, while the sun shines, is Gogo’s call for her grandchildren Zulu and Nompilo to be part of helping heal the earth from the effects of humans on the environment. When Nompilo and Zulu visit Gogo, they find that her peach tree has fruit despite winter. The peaches grow out of season and are no longer the sweet peaches of gogo’s youth. Gogo tells the children that the earth is sick with fever, humans have not been kind to the planet, pollution, rising temperatures, and not caring for the animal kingdom has left Mother Nature ill. Nompilo and Zulu set off to call their friends and neighbours to do their part in healing the earth.

The Current State of Poetry (CSP) is a writing program in partnership with Joburg Theatre. It works with young writers and poets to hone their literary skills. CSP worked with four young poets and developed Lisakhanya for the EISD to raise environmental awareness through theatre and performance. Lisakhanya is targeted at primary school audiences who want to tour the city of Joburg. Community-based youth groups working with Joburg Theatre are auditioned and selected to tour and stage Lisakhyana at schools and community spaces over the year.

The Universe in a Grain of Sand
The Universe in a grain of sand represents a long reconnaissance with nature. Set in contemporary urban Johannesburg, the narrative follows five characters as they traverse the Gautrain amidst a raging storm. However, their journey turns unexpectedly when an explosion or a natural calamity leaves them trapped underground. The play delves into humanity’s perception of a looming climate crisis, highlighting the tendency to overlook its current manifestations. It poignantly explores how human actions can exacerbate this crisis or, conversely, how collective efforts can mitigate its impact. To bring this compelling narrative to life, the theatre enlisted the talents of an esteemed theatremaker, educator, puppeteer, and actor, Mongi Mthombeni, who assumed the dual role of playwright and director. In keeping with the department’s imperative for development, Mthobeni is co-directing with Sanelise Yekani.

The rehearsal process has evolved into a rich learning environment, offering actors unique opportunities to glean insights from Mthombeni’s expertise and imaginative process.

Contact Us:
At Joburg Theatre, we believe in the transformative power of theatre. Join us in our mission to nurture talent, empower communities, and create a brighter future through the arts.
For general inquiries: 011 877 6867
For proposal applications and submissions: ycd@joburgtheatre.com
For rentals and bookings: yonelisa@joburgtheatre.com
Facebook: space_joburgTheatre
Instagram: joburgtheatreyouth