Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs High praise from SmArts students
16 January 2025
The reviews are in on the latest theatre-based SmArts program: it’s a resounding hit! Hosted by a local theatre and performing arts group, SmArts was an action-packed four days. Students report the workshops, networking and learning about the theatre industry have opened up their world of new career possibilities.
SmArts brings arts industry experts, creative workshops and experiences together for students living in disadvantage. Experiencing disadvantage shouldn’t affect learning and career opportunities. But it can put information and career experiences out of reach for some children. Through no fault of their own, they lack access to networks, support and industry connections.
Your support for creative programs like SmArts means students don’t have to miss out on these opportunities because of where they live. Students were very positive about being able to “try new things” and “make new friends and learn more about the arts”.
Over 4 days, the performing arts group delved into theatre ins and outs with the students. They workshopped what it takes to create a show. At the end of the 4 days, students performed a production they wrote themselves.
“It was amazing to watch the student’s confidence grow each and every day as they built this show from the ground up,” says the hosts. “Their product was a 24-minute performance that was very moving.”
With SmArts, students in Years 8 to 12 spent time exploring their artistic interests. Mentors guided the students to build skills for creative careers. Some students beamed at learning about theatre jobs. One wrote that the mentors were “really nice and helpful so it felt like a safe environment to be yourself”.
For some students, being heard and having personal guidance helped them grow. This was an experience they hadn’t had before. They valued the encouragement to be themselves.
Students report that “having our ideas listened to and seeing them creatively on stage” was the best part. Another favourite moment was “learning to not care what people think and just enjoying the moment instead of stressing”.
Students also grew their networks, connecting with one another through the workshops. They learned teamwork and loved “getting to share ideas and work with my peers”.
Getting a real view of what it’s like inspired students to set their own goals and ambitions. One student, in particular, could see their name in lights. “I am now more definite about pursuing theatre in the future,” they wrote.
Thanks to your support, these students have had an experience they may not have had otherwise through SmArts. The students want to say, too, that they’re “thankful for the opportunity. It was so fun. I feel more creative and built confidence.”
In fact, there was just one thing they would change…they wished it would go longer!
