Dare to Dream, the acclaimed First Nations residency program at JUTE Theatre Company will return in 2025, touring remote Cape York communities with the two-person show, I Gut This Feeling.
JUTE Theatre Company First Nations Creative Producer, Monica Stevens, said Dare to Dream aims to engage young people by departing from passive teaching methods.
"When visiting First Nations communities, JUTE's team members become role models for the students, building trust through their performances and workshops," Ms Stevens said.
The tour will feature a four-day in-school workshop residency for Year 4 to Year 9 students at each location, with support from St George Foundation and NQPHN.
The program, according to Ms Stevens, addresses childhood trauma through age-appropriate content, promoting early intervention and support for at-risk youth.
"We have found that magic happens when children participate," Ms Stevens said.
"The rapport developed in these theatre workshops is transformative for young people, particularly those in remote areas."
Using theatre-based activities, the workshops aim to equip students with skills that benefit their health and wellbeing, both personally and within their communities.
Written by First Nations playwright Isaac Drandic, I Gut This Feeling is a modern-day fairytale focusing on safety and trust.
The play explores themes around gut instincts, teaching young people when to seek help and whom to trust.
Ms Stevens said Dare to Dream aims to engage young people by departing from passive teaching methods.
"When visiting First Nations communities, JUTE's team members become role models for the students, building trust through their performances and workshops," she said.
"We have found that magic happens when children participate. The rapport developed in these theatre workshops is transformative for young people, particularly those in remote areas."
She also emphasised the importance of the program's creative approach.
"Dare to Dream uses theatre to convey messages that resonate culturally with First Nations communities," Ms Stevens said.
"It starts with engagement, followed by enlightenment, and ultimately empowerment. Seeing young people experience this transition is humbling."
JUTE Theatre Company's I Gut This Feeling will be the first touring residency of 2025, scheduled to visit five regional and remote communities during May and June.
Schools interested in hosting the program can contact Ms Stevens at JUTE Theatre Company.
Since 2016, Dare to Dream has reached more than 20,000 young people in Far North Queensland, using theatre to engage, inspire, and empower those in regional and remote communities.
