About us
Riverland Youth Theatre (RYT) enriches the lives of young people in the South Australian Riverland and Mallee through creativity, theatre and play. For 39 years we have been making art with and for our community, empowering children and young people as artists, learners and doers.
Our artistic program includes:
- Weekly classes, both in-person and online
- School holiday programs
- Special projects
- Opportunities for parents/carers to interact creatively with their children
Our well-being program includes:
- 3rd Place: offering times for young people to come together in our space without expectations or structured lessons
- Pondi: our fortnightly Aboriginal Youth Group
RYT is deeply embedded in and responsive to the needs of our Riverland community. Our team works closely with children, parents, councils, community groups and local organisations to ensure that we listen to the needs of the Riverland and respond with creative, accessible, and diverse offerings.
A short history
When Riverland Youth Theatre was established in 1985 in Barmera, it was the only regional youth theatre in South Australia. Mildura’s Sunraysia Daily wrote of the company’s establishment that Barmera “had a youth unemployment problem and subsequentely a lot of young people wandering around the town. The theatre was established to provide some of those young people with an interest.” (April 23, 1987). Under the guidance of the founding director, Martin Christmas, the company grew fast and worked hard. The Border Times wrote of a sell-out performance in 1989 that RYT “has come a long way since the first performance in Pinnaroo Institute 3.5 years ago, when the company was new and only 26 people bothered to come to the Institute and see what they were all about.” (9 August 1989) By 1988, RYT had presented nine productions, and many of which explored the history of the region or serious social issues experienced by young people. RYT was incorporated in 1995.
RYT is a part of the community here in the Riverland. Children of RYT alumni are in our classes as participants and tutors, wedding photos have been taken outside our office and a hunt through our archives will turn up Christmas letters, countless thank you notes and baby announcements. Alumni describe RYT as “a second home” and “a safe space where you could be yourself” and praise RYT for the way in which it “proactively dismantled access barriers,” and created “opportunities for leadership but also (had) lots of entry points to drop in.” We hope to continue to live up to this wonderfully rich, welcoming and accessible heritage for many years to come.
reports and policies
meet the team
SAM
Artistic Director (not on parental leave)
Sam is an illustrator, animator and art educator. Striving to create exciting artwork through a range of media. They have a strong focus on strengthening community ties and supporting youth through artistic practice. Learn more about Sam here.
Fleur
Associate Artist
Fleur is an awarded-winning playwright, educator and theatre director. She has been making theatre for 18 years and still thinks it is the best of jobs. Read More about Fleur Here..
Kirste
Administration Officer & Writer in Residence
Kirste (she/her) is a writer, digital illustrator and producer. Kirste worked with the Ruby Award winning No Limits: Young Regional Writers (Writers SA) team and feels strongly about providing support and guidance to young regional creatives. She lives for all things magical and ensures her work reflect that love.
Alysha
Community and Digital Artist
Alysha (she/her) is an award-winning writer, performance maker and creative producer. She works remotely for Riverland Youth Theatre from her current base in Mount Gambier as our Community & Digital Artists. You can learn more about Alysha here.
Li
Teen Ensemble Tutor
Li (they/them) is a sculptor, scenic artist, dog parent and all-round creative human. They are part of an Adelaide-based collective EQUINOX arts and a supporter of the local music scene. They believe in the importance of building a media environment that reflects the diversity of the world we live in.
Our Board
Chairperson & Public Officer
Clint Binder
Vice-Chairperson
Eliza Berlage
Treasurer
Thomas Copley
Board Member
Maeve MacGregor
Board Member
Miriam Vanderwoude
Board Member
Aaron Finan
Board Member
Alistair Ward
Board Member
Jo Greathead
Employee Representative
Sam Wannan
Donations & Volunteering
We work hard to ensure that art is accessible, enjoyable and empowering for young people in the Riverland. Your gift, no matter the size, will make a difference!
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