Socials to stage
CQUniversity’s Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) is currently supporting the development of an innovative new play, through the delivery of monthly theatre skills workshops in Bundaberg.
Actor, playwright and theatre maker Kyle Walmsley has returned to his hometown of Bundaberg to develop a new verbatim theatre work based on extracts taken from community Facebook groups from the Bundaberg region.
“I have long been fascinated with the dynamics of these Facebook groups,” Mr Walmsley said.
“They can give you a very rich and colourful insight into a community, what people care about and what makes them tick.
“But issues can really go from naught to a hundred quickly, especially if there are some keyboard warriors involved.”
To bring his creative idea to life, Mr Walmsley has been offering free community workshops once a month to adults in the Bundaberg region.
These workshops have provided an exciting opportunity for a diverse group of participants to build their theatre skills and experience.
CQUniversity Regional Arts Manager Trudie Leigo said the workshops are open to anyone over the age of 18.
"We've had such a good response. We’ve had everyone from young adults through to retirees take part in the program so far.
“Some people have extensive theatre backgrounds, and others have never done anything like this before, but they are all loving to the opportunity to connect with other creatives.”
The workshops and engagement with participants, has helped Kyle with his script development process.
“Being able to test my ideas with a group of people who call Bundaberg home has been so valuable.
“Their input, ideas and creativity are actively shaping the direction of this work.”
Mr Walmsley intends for the play’s first showing to be held in Bundaberg by the end of 2025 and will feature an all-star line up of cast and crew that also began their performing arts careers in Bundaberg.
The workshops are running through to June, anyone interested in more information or signing up should contact Kyle Walmsley via kyle.walmsley@gmail.com.
This project has been generously supported by the Regional Arts Services Network (RASN), the Regional Arts Development Fund, Bundaberg Regional Council and Bridges Health and Community Care. RASN is an initiative of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. CQUniversity is serving as the Central Queensland RASN Provider from 2022-2025.
