Recent psychological research suggests that empathy is the key ingredient in forming positive relationships. Empathy helps us connect with others, and understand their thoughts and feelings. This helps us know how to respond and engage with others.

What is empathy?

1.) Reward Positive Behaviour

As more and more schools move from punishment to positive disciplinarian approaches, theatre can be used as a highly constructive reward. Not only will high school students view this as a fun incentive for making well-balanced choices, but Brainstorm Productions theatre programs also reinforce and support school-wide behavioural expectations including anti-bullying, anti-violence, cyber safety and respectful relationships, to name just a few. 

And at a cost of only $6 per high school student*, including comprehensive teachers’ resources, a Brainstorm Productions performance rewards schools too.  

2.) Help Empower Students

Schools and teachers are becoming increasingly entrusted to help equip students with the social and emotional skills required to make positive contributions to society. 

Brainstorm Productions has been awarded top honours at the 2016 STAAR Awards, held as part of the 2016 ‘No 2 Bullying’ Conference. The organisation was presented with the ‘Stop School Bullying Award’ by the 2016 STAAR Awards Committee and the Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association for their outstanding range of bullying programs. 

Judged by a panel of anti-bullying experts, Brainstorm Productions was chosen for their exceptional commitment to bullying prevention and for their outstanding contribution to anti-bullying education in schools. Brainstorm Productions uses live educational theatre in primary and high schools to connect and enact change with a range of bullying and cyber bullying programs.

Friday 18th March 2016 marks the sixth National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. National statistics show that one in four, Year 4 to Year 9 Australian students (27%) report being bullied every few weeks or more* and the impact can be far-reaching. 

Bullying can happen to anyone and affects students in different ways; from school involvement to relationships with family and friends as well as student wellbeing, including feelings of self-doubt, loneliness, anxiety, stress and sadness. Brainstorm Productions approach uses live theatre to engage directly with students – be it bullies, the bullied or bullying bystanders. 

Brainstorm Productions performs to primary and high school students every day of the school year, including their anti violence school program ‘Sticks & Stones’. We talk to this year's Sticks & Stones team, Kieren and Michael, about how they get students talking about what is acceptable behaviour and what’s not, why they love their job and some expert tips on breaking into acting.