Flinders University Young Theatre Makers Award

State Theatre Company South Australia is thrilled to announce the winner of the 2024 Flinders University Young Theatre Makers Award as Woodville High School, with their work Kaleidoscope performed for the award showcase at the Matthew Flinders Theatre on Friday 25 October 2024.

This colourful exploration of neurodivergence was a thoughtful, funny and moving work presented by the school’s Year 11 drama class – and took home the grand prize, including a cash prize for the school and a 7-play subscription to State Theatre Company South Australia’s 2025 season for participating students.

Congratulations to Woodville High School, and all the participants who presented excellent work from Sacred Heart College, Henley Beach High School, Heathfield High School and St Michael’s College. Our panel was impressed with the high quality of all the performances, and delighted to see the talent of our young emerging theatre makers. The support of the students for each other was a clear highlight of the day.

“Our winner gave us a well-considered clear concept that demonstrated a commitment to not only high-quality theatrical craft, but also unified ensemble work,” said Artistic Associate and panellist for the award Shannon Rush. “This resulted in a heartfelt realisation of the group’s shared vision for their piece – we simply loved it! Well done Woodville.”

The Flinders University Young Theatre Makers’ Award presented in association with Drama SA, links young high school theatremakers to professional industry resources and mentorship, culminating in a public performance at the Matthew Flinders Theatre. The award is part of our State Educate program that reaches thousands of students across South Australia each year.

“As judges we were incredibly impressed by the quality of the work presented by the students this year,” says Shannon. “But more than that, hearing the whoops, cheers, and applause from the schools throughout all the performances truly speaks to the joy and comradery a program such as this brings to its young participants.”

The program aims to celebrate students’ creative work, allow opportunity for students and teachers to receive feedback from industry professionals, and engage students in Tertiary Arts spaces, encouraging them into Performing Arts tertiary study and careers.

Thank you to our presenting partners Flinders University and Drama SA, the Department for Education, James and Diana Ramsay Foundation, and all the donors who generously contribute to our State Educate Fund each year to help make our education programs possible.

Donate now to our State Educate Fund to help give life-changing theatre experiences to South Australian young people.

For more information about the Flinders University Young Theatre Makers’ Award, State Educate or making a donation, please contact our team on 8415 5333 or education@statetheatrecompany.com.au