Following our feature in the latest edition of School News Australia, we share our insights into how live performance can support bullying prevention strategies in primary and secondary schools.
Building a strong, connected school community is one of the most effective ways to prevent bullying. When students feel safe, included and empowered to look out for each other, schools become environments where bullying behaviours are less likely to thrive. But how do we foster those connections, especially in a world where social dynamics—both online and offline—are more complex than ever?
Live theatre has emerged as a powerful tool for schools looking to complement their whole-school approach to bullying prevention. At Brainstorm Productions, our performances are more than just entertainment—they’re an evidence-based, emotionally resonant starting point for meaningful conversations and lasting cultural change.
Why Theatre Works: Bringing the Bullying Conversation to Life
A live performance can be a rich stimulus for conversations about bullying in the classroom, at home and in the community. The stories in a live production can give educators a framework within which to explore the nuances of this complex issue, providing lots of concrete examples to work with in the classroom.
Live theatre can pull together complex ideas and present them in a format that is simple and easy to digest. Students have the chance to observe the social dynamics that can lead to bullying, and view the issues from a range of perspectives. Theatre has the power to challenge students’ perceptions, while allowing them to observe the story from a safe distance. The audience has the opportunity to witness the journey of each character as they learn and grow, which opens up discussions around choices, consequences and how we can change our own story.
A live performance provides a space for students to observe, reflect and relate. Through creative theatrical devices—like music, movement, humour and direct audience interaction—students are engaged on an emotional and cognitive level. Whether it’s a character placed in the “hot-seat” or a storyline that plays out in a fantastical online game world, these artistic elements help translate abstract ideas into tangible lessons.
By showing how bullying can play out at school, online and in the community, performances help students develop empathy, understand complex social dynamics, and discover how to safely report and support one another. Students may relate to the characters and their experiences, leaving the performance feeling more hopeful and less alone.
Backed by Research. Trusted by Educators.
Anti-bullying incursions should be aligned with the latest research and best-practice recommendations in bullying prevention, online safety and student wellbeing. We work with educators, young people and a clinical psychologist to create performances that are not only entertaining, but also highly relevant to the issues facing students.
Brainstorm Productions is listed as an evidence-based program on the Victorian Schools Mental Health Menu, and is endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider. Our program is also listed in the new ACER Wellbeing Program Guide, a national resource curated by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) to help schools find high-quality, effective wellbeing programs.
We receive hundreds of glowing reviews from teachers and students throughout the year. Here are just some of the recent testimonials from schools in 2025.
A Whole-School Approach with Real-World Impact
Our anti bullying school performances are designed to align with the broader wellbeing strategies within each school. Bullying prevention must be a collaborative effort, involving teachers, students, families and the wider community. The content of each Brainstorm performance aligns with the curriculum and the work that other providers are doing in this space, to ensure we are all working together to combat this pervasive issue.
We recently attended a Community of Practice event organised by the eSafety Commissioner for their Trusted eSafety Providers. We connected with the eSafety team and other providers, and heard from leading experts in the field of bullying prevention and online safety, including Professor Donna Cross, Professor Amanda Third, and members of the eSafety Youth Council. Key issues discussed included cyberbullying, generative AI, sexual extortion, and the upcoming age restrictions for social media—highlighting the need for school programs that are not only relevant, but adaptable to the evolving online landscape.
Keeping the Conversation Going
Educational theatre is more than just a performance. Each Brainstorm show is followed by a facilitated discussion with the actors, helping to unpack key themes, and schools receive a curriculum-aligned teacher resource pack to keep the conversation going in the classroom. These resources include discussion guides, structured lesson plans and fun, interactive activities tailored to different year levels.
Live theatre brings school communities together for a shared experience—one that students remember and talk about. The Brainstorm shows rotate annually, meaning students can experience a fresh story and new perspectives each year. The content is constantly being updated to reflect the current challenges facing Australian students and key bullying prevention priorities. This sustained engagement supports long-term bullying prevention strategies in schools and reinforces key wellbeing messages as students grow and change.
Book Now for 2025
We are still taking bookings for our 2025 performances. Whether you’re looking for anti bullying school programs in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney, our shows are designed to complement your school-wide bullying prevention strategy and spark meaningful conversations in your school community.
Explore our 2025 programs and make a booking.
Together, we can build stronger school communities and create a future free from bullying.
