The Hurting Game

Wellbeing & Anti Bullying Program

This Program is:

Not Currently Touring

A funny and engaging live performance for high school students that provides strategies for resilience, help-seeking, online safety and positive relationships. Supported by a Q&A and curriculum-aligned classroom resources.

This resilience program for high schools explores the skills we need to cope with life’s challenges and build meaningful connections.

Maddie and Tom are childhood friends. As they move through high school Maddie’s group begins to spread rumours and alienate her. She retreats into an unhealthy online world of perfection, anxiety and unrealistic expectations.

Tom succumbs to peer pressure, deliberately failing subjects and harassing other students. Videos of him indulging in anti social behaviour are posted online, putting his digital reputation at risk.

During an explosive argument they realise they are both struggling to cope. They embark on a journey to understand how these unhelpful behaviour patterns have developed and the strengths that have helped them to get through. They discover that resilience, respect, self-compassion and authentic friendships are key to their mental health and wellbeing.

The Hurting Game is developed in consultation with mental health professionals and designed to complement your school’s existing student wellbeing programs. Brainstorm Productions is endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider.

Each high school program includes:

The Hurting Game Student Wellbeing Program Covers:

The Australian Curriculum: General Capabilities (Personal & Social Capability, Ethical Understanding, Critical & Creative Thinking, Intercultural Understanding, ICT Capability, Literacy), HPE, The Arts, English, Digital Technologies, Online Safety & Respect Matters Curriculum Connections.

NSW: PDHPE, Creative Arts, English. 

VIC: Drama, Critical & Creative Thinking, English, Ethical Capability, HPE, Civics & Citizenship, Intercultural Capability, Personal & Social Capability, Digital Technologies.

Also supports: The Australian Student Wellbeing Framework, Best Practice Framework for Online Safety Education, eSafety Toolkit for Schools, The National Education Initiative (Be You), National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools & Pastoral Care. Supports Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL), eSmart Schools, and other programs that promote student wellbeing, anti bullying, behaviour management, resilience, cyber safety, mental health and positive relationships in schools.

What sort of venue do we need?

An indoor venue with access to electricity.  There is no need for any special theatre style venue as the show works best in an open space, with students seated on the floor. A school hall or gym is ideal but we can also use triple classroom areas, libraries etc.  Unfortunately due to WHS we cannot use outdoor areas. If you have an unusual venue and would like to discuss it with us please contact our team on 1800 676 224.

What is the cost and how does the minimum fee structure work?

Our maximum audience size for this performance is 250. The cost is $8.50 per student (+GST) with a minimum fee of $935 (+GST) applying when less than 110 students attend. Our office will email you a tax invoice after the show, based on the number of students that attended.   

What provisions do you have in place for supporting child safety and wellbeing?

We are a Child Safe Organisation and comply with all aspects of Child Protection and screening in each state and territory. We have Risk Assessments in place and all our actors are trained in WHS, appropriate behaviour in schools, dealing with student disclosures and providing appropriate help-seeking information. Scripts have been researched and developed in consultation with teachers and a Clinical Psychologist.

What will the actors need on the day?

The actors will arrive one hour and fifteen minutes before the performance time to sign in and access the venue. The shows are performed on the floor (preferably NOT a stage), no chairs please. They have all their own equipment.

For more information please go to our FAQ page, or call us on:

1800 676 224

Please note: this performance contains references to eating disorders, body image issues and mental health. Teachers please contact us to discuss if you have any concerns about the content. All mental health references are followed up with relevant help-seeking information and are informed by Mindframe’s guidelines for portraying mental ill-health on stage and screen.

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Performed at your school

Tour Dates

Not currently touring

Currently Touring

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