I was very impressed with the quality of the script and the strength of the performances. Even though I saw the show at least ten times there was one scene (The straw that broke the camel’s back.) that made my skin crawl every time. Martin Bride, Director Ontrack Learning. The benefits from having TVA as a partner on projects are great: no matter what the topic of interest may be, TVA always come up with an inventive creative approach to working with our groups of students. This provides opportunities for learning through self reflection and involvement … it encourages individuals to take a leap of faith and contribute their thoughts and ideas, and of course is usually lots of fun as well. Christine Picone, LLEN. “It’s great working with Anna and Shiree who are experienced in working with young people and using forum theatre. This technique is gaining recognition as an effective way to teach about relationships – it teaches skills and builds self-esteem, instead of just providing facts and figures. The Teenage Pregnancy arts project really will make a difference”. Genevieve Lilley, Family Planning Nurse. Project partner for current Teenage Pregnancy project with groups of teenagers across the Wimmera region. “How can I quantify the amazing effect this project has had - a huge 'ripple out' from our simple idea, largely due to the effectiveness of Forum Theatre.  The dialogue created within the audience as the scenarios are morphed from worst case to best case scenarios has been relevant, genuine and thought provoking.  The students have taken it on board because it is a different approach.  They are part of the process, part of the solution, they are identifying the risks and why they occur. It has been a great experience.  The AIM (Alcohol in Moderation) 4 Us crew have learnt so much more - empowered by the process, they are feeling ten feet tall!  They can see that ordinary people can make a difference”. Ros Pretlove, Welfare Co-ordinator and teacher – Marian College, Ararat.
TransVision Arts develop and perform forum theatre performances exploring social issues with adults and young people. We also direct community festivals and events.
   We offer:
 
   •  Theatre performances based on a selected
      issue(s) or story - performed by us and our
      company of actors.
 
   •  Forum Theatre performances based on a
      selected issue or story to be forumed by
      the chosen audience.
 
   •  Workshop based performances - working
      with a selected group of people or
      community to develop a show to be
      presented by the working group to be  
      forumed by the chosen audience.
 
   •  Artistic direction of festivals, events and
      conferences that promote social well being.
 
 
 
Working With TransVision Arts
“Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should and can also be a means of transforming society. Theatre can help us build our future rather than just waiting for it.” – Augusto Boal
 
   “Addressing poverty isn’t just about resources. People born into poverty can face disempowering    psychological and social barriers.  What impresses me about TransVision Arts is that they work with ordinary people to create their own art.  In the process participants reflect on their own lives then perhaps, see themselves differently.  This is art at its most    transformative.  It’s art that comes to you because you are telling the story”
 Brett Pierce, Program Effectiveness Manager, World Vision.
Benefits:
 
•    You will be working with skilled specialists in community arts.
•    We create the opportunity for project partners to learn transferable skills .
 
•    We consult with project partners and specialists in the issue area we are working in to provide up to date, region specific and relevant information.
 
•    Projects can serve as a form of research into needs analysis and the role of culture in peace building, community empowerment, health and education.
 
•    Working with TVA will assist organisations and communities to find alternative strategies to explore key initiatives and meet specific outcomes in a unique and effective way.
Feedback About TransVision Arts
 
 
“There are so many different ways that things can go, so many different issues and characters……we get to see what works, what doesn’t work….the improvising is the hardest part, but also exciting”, Simon Menz – Year 11 student, Marian College – AIM 4 Us forum theatre actor
 
 
“I can honestly say that I now look at things from all different angles in my everyday life now.  It (forum theatre) makes me think of all the possibilities and all the ways I could do things or make decisions. Beau Ladlow (17) – “Playing Up” course participant.
 
 
“It was a great experience, I have met new friends and learnt how to deal with things in life in different situations.  The process allows you to hear all different points of view, and it is a practical way to look at things, not just writing things down. It was great!” – Sakshi Singh (15) “Playing Up” course participant.
Teenage Pregnancy Arts Project 2006
TVA Directors in Stop That Urge! Seduced by Sedition
Australia Day 2006
Photo Melissa Powell
Cocoons in the Hair N Dare Major Community Arts Performance 2005
Photo Melissa Powell
 Barn Dance Shindig
Gaining Momentum Festival 2006
Photo Melissa Powell
‘Get Real’ Binge Drinking Forum Theatre Project, Dunedin, NZ,2008
 
Photo S.Pilkinton
 
SCADE Binge Drinking Theatre Project 2007
AIM4US Theatre Company
Photo Melissa Powell
Binge Drinking Theatre Project:
 
 
“TVA are able to show change take place in a realistic way that excites the students.“ It is kinaesthetic learning actually doing it not just learning about it”” Jodie Matthews – Nexus Youth Project Worker
 
“The W’beal students really related to the content because it is a whole conversation and explores each variable – the performance can go in any direction. “ Lori Hetherton – Alcohol & Drug Rehabilitation Youth Worker