Brainstorming and Creating for 40 Years

Now, more than ever, educators are searching for ways to engage their students in meaningful conversations around issues like mental health, bullying and online relationships. Live theatre is the perfect vehicle for stimulating discussions around these complex and often sensitive topics.

For 40 years in-school performances by Brainstorm Productions have been both delighting young audiences and empowering them to make positive changes.

The company’s team of creatives, educators and mental health professionals have developed shows that capture the imagination of students.

Clinical Psychologist Dr Ameika Johnson, a member of the team since 2017, said: “We know the best learning happens when students feel emotionally connected. When they see young performers being vulnerable, it helps them to be vulnerable themselves.

“We have a big emphasis on help-seeking and peer support. We want students to be moved by the stories and inspired by the characters’ journeys. We hope they'll feel empowered to open up and seek support.”

With simple sets and costumes, Brainstorm is an accessible option for educators. Students are drawn in by the relatable characters, emotive soundscapes and professional young actors. The key is to preserve the integrity of the narrative. “We don’t let the messages get in the way of a good story,” says Ameika. “Our first priority is to create a compelling piece of theatre.”

Central to the company’s success is the ability to adapt to the changing needs of students, while continuing to address universal themes such as emotional resilience, empathy, respect and responsibility. All the shows are original Australian works and the company is independent and unfunded. Brainstorm nurtures long-term relationships with their clients, with many schools booking annually for upwards of 15 years.

Brainstorm Productions perform shows for primary and high schools in NSW, Vic, QLD, SA and the ACT. Each performance is supported by a Q&A and a suite of curriculum-aligned classroom resources, designed to complement each school’s existing wellbeing frameworks. The company is an official R U OK? school partner and endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider.

Brainstorm Productions maintains strong connections with their community of artists. The team includes choreographer and movement coach Matthew Wells (Ecole Jacques Lecoq; Co-Artistic Director of Rhum & Clay, UK), award-winning musician/composer Sean Peter (ABC Kids; Nickelodeon) and Education Consultant Leigh-Anne Robinson (Marist College Ashgrove, Caulfield Grammar, Berlin Metropolitan School and MLC Burwood).

Discover more at brainstormproductions.edu.au.