2027 EDUCATION PROGRAMME
DIRECTORS’ ADDRESS
“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable”
The above is one of our favourite quotes. Its sentiment is captured in the name of our organisation, through the duality of the two words “Shock” and “Therapy”. The same duality exists in the notion of “comfort” and “discomfort”. These seemingly opposing ideas depend on each other in order to bring about balance. Discomfort alone can lead to distress, and comfort alone can lead to complacency.
This paradox illustrates the purpose of creating meaningful work in the Arts. It allows those that suffer to take solace in feeling seen and understood, while challenging those in positions of power and privilege to keep ideals like justice and empathy at the centre of their world view. We live in a time where we are all navigating many personal and socio-political challenges, forcing us to consider what the endgame of human advancement should be. Processing and navigating these challenges requires society to explore these questions deeply, and theatre can play a unique and powerful role by demonstrating an embodied experience of these challenges.
We consult with mental health professionals, teachers, young people, and other experienced Arts practitioners, to ensure our works continue to be the perfect jumping off point for peer-to-peer and intergenerational discussion, learning, and change. Our suite of Award-winning theatre works are crafted to handle these delicate topics in a mindful, safe and sensitive way, while having the right amount of edge to cut through and make real impact - “Shock” and “Therapy”.
This is the oldest form of Education and Wellbeing work there is: ideas and provocations shared through narrative, with deep psychological and emotional investment in characters and events. And we bring it to life right in front of you! No guest speaker with a PowerPoint can do it. No device can do it. No AI can do it. It has to be experienced in real time.That is how humans connect and grow, and that is the unique superpower of live theatre.
We look forward to sharing this experience with you in 2027.
Sam and Hayden
Co-Artistic Directors, Shock Therapy Arts
ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM
We are excited to announce that in 2027 we are launching a brand new online booking system!
The Bookwhen platform allows you to see all available booking slots for your region and seamlessly make your show booking without the need for constant back and forth with us. We have made this move to help make your life simpler (let’s face it we know how hard teachers work) and streamline the whole process of booking a Shock Therapy Arts performance at your school.
What are the benefits of this new platform?
Saves you time when making a booking.
Simply pick your show, pick your date and pick your time and your done!
You are in control! You can see all available slots at the time of booking.
Performance requirements are included in the booking process.
Automated reminder emails sent to you a week out from your booking.
Provide us with all the info we need at the time of booking and we will see you on the day!
To make your booking today click on the button below.
Of course we are still here to answer any questions and meet your special request, simply email us at education@shocktherapyarts.com
IN-SCHOOLS PRODUCTIONS
SOCIAL MEDIA - INFLUENCER CULTURE - CONSUMERISM - ONLINE BULLYING
CONSUMED is a story of a young aspiring content creator who pushes their body and sanity to the limit as the world watches, clicks, and demands more.
Inspired by the astonishing true story of an entertainer who ate an entire aeroplane, this outrageous new dark comedy takes a razor-sharp look at the world of social media influencers, the capitalist machine, mob mentality, and the hidden cost of turning people into commodities.
Equal parts hilarious, grotesque, and disturbingly human.
“When I saw them later in the day they were still really engaged in the play and the content of it, lots of good talking points about the characters, their behaviours and reactions. That platformed into what is actually happening out there.”
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS - MANOSPHERE - TOXIC MASCULINITY - COERCIVE CONTROL
FUEL follows a new teenage relationship as it unfolds over the first 12 months. Funny, emotional, and deeply engaging, it is a nuanced exploration of power dynamics, gender roles, controlling behaviour, and the social and cultural factors that underpin them.
In the wake of ‘Manosphere’ influencers like Andrew Tate fostering a toxic and dangerous brand of masculinity in young men, and a national epidemic of domestic abuse, FUEL highlights the warning signs of abusive dynamics, as well as the importance of critical thinking, respect, emotional intelligence, and the need for a united societal response to these challenges.
“The performance was incredibly impactful and provoked so many important conversations amongst our students. Because of this, I have recommended FUEL to our Year 10 Head of Engagement and Success as a possible wellbeing and educational opportunity for the wider cohort. ”
MENTAL HEALTH - STRESS - EMPATHY - RESILIENCE - HELP SEEKING
UNDERTOW follows three central protagonists from the same school community, as they are each hit by a wave of personal challenges. It is a poignant and dynamic depiction of the hardest parts of the human experience; when we struggle and question our ability to endure. Sensitive, moving, colourful, rich with humour and wit, UNDERTOW is a two-actor tour de force combining physical theatre, multiple role-playing and live music into a taut show that packs a punch.
“We could feel the emotion throughout the performance as it was very relatable to the people of our generation. We thank you for accurately showing that side of what we, as teenagers, fight through on an everyday basis and showing us other sides of teenage stories.”
RISK TAKING - YOUTH CRIME - PEER PRESSURE - PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
THE STONES is based on a true Australian story that rocked the country and sparked a national discourse about youth crime, peer pressure, age of responsibility and the complexities of young people's behaviour.
This award winning work, created by ZEAL THEATRE, is widely acknowledged as one of the most impactful shows for young people in the world, and a masterful display of physical theatre, multiple character acting and engaging storytelling.
“The physicality of the shows make them excellent platforms for learning about the elements of Drama and content is perfectly pitched for these year levels - challenging without being confronting, comedy without compromising on depth of messaging and relevant without being patronising. These are not just excellent ‘in-school’ shows, they are excellent shows in any context.”
BULLYING - PACK BEHAVIOUR - REVENGE - SUPPORT SYSTEMS - JUSTICE
THE APOLOGY tells the epic tale of Ray, who endures years of school-yard torment at the hands of his nemesis, Eneme, and his crew of enforcers and sycophants. Both hilarious and heart-breaking, Ray takes us on a wild romp as he recounts events over a five-year period, giving insight into bullying's devastating long term effects, the struggle for justice, and the quest for redemption.
Fuelled with intensity, THE APOLOGY is a truly visceral example of multiple role-playing, and stripped-back actor-centric storytelling that doesn’t let up.
“The writing is unwavering, the direction insightful and unapologetic, and the acting fearless, focused and intelligent. I’d love to see this production again if I could, and you shouldn’t miss seeing it at least once. You could let a show like this change your life…”
IN-THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
Image by Al Caeiro
CROSSING THE DIVIDE is hitting the road in 2027
Off the back of our hugely successful season at QPAC and two Matilda Awards in 2026, we are thrilled to announce that CROSSING THE DIVIDE will be embarking on a national tour in 2027.
The show will be heading to regional QLD, NSW, ACT and VIC with the full list of tour dates and venues to be announced in the coming months.
“Crossing the Divide is wonderfully written, the characters are fully realised using the wide range of theatrical devices on a creatively managed stage, and the acting was skilled and practiced. And then there were the themes: deep, challenging, and without cliche. I hope
thousands of students see it and talk to their parents about it, and I hope you don’t neglect any opportunities you have to perform for adult audiences because it’s theatre that’s not just for kids.”
Image by Al Caeiro
“It was a wonderful show! I took my 10 & 12 year olds and it’s helped us have more conversations around social media and consumerism. This type of performance exposes young people not only to the arts but to important issues. Thank you!”
CONSUMED in venues in 2027!
After successful seasons at HOTA and Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre, CONSUMED will be heading back into theatre for a limited tour.
The full list of dates and venues will be announced in the coming moths so be sure to keep an eye out.
MASTERCLASSES & RESIDENCIES
SHOCK THERAPY have developed a unique and dynamic style of theatre over the years and there is an increasing demand for us to share this approach with students throughout the country. Whether that is running one off masterclasses in physical theatre or characterisation, engaging with schools as Artists in Residence or guest directing productions for schools, our team of highly experienced artists and teachers can accommodate your schools needs.
We are incredibly passionate about sharing our knowledge with the next generation of artists and passing on some of the tips and tricks we have learnt and developed over many years in the theatre and film industry.
Get in touch and let us know what you are looking for and we will be more than happy to work with you to develop a programme that meets your needs.
“Shock ran a fantastic physical theatre workshop with my year 9/10 Drama Excellence class. The in-depth activities with pace, tempo, weight and energy provided a valuable and informative understanding of body, space and character. The workshop is very beneficial as it focuses those fine aspects that we as teachers don’t always get the time to incorporate into lessons. I highly recommend this workshop.”
TEACHERS RESOURCES
At Shock Therapy Arts we are passionate about Arts Education and that means supporting teachers in the best way possible. We work with industry professionals and advisors to develop comprehensive Education Resources that make your job as a teacher easier by ensuring that all our works align with your subject area and curriculum syllabus.
We also provide pre and post show engagement options through our LIVE ONLINE platform and the purchase of our scripts.
Check out the links below to explore our full suite of resources.
Shock Therapy Arts is a sponsor of Drama Queensland and are proudly supported by City of Gold Coast and Arts Queensland
