National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence

One of the most significant dates in the 2015 Brainstorm Productions calendar is March 20th 2015. Firstly, Brainstorm Productions will be taking part in the 2015 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence by raising awareness about the impact of bullying and providing real-life strategies to help primary and high school students stand together against bullying. Actors from Brainstorm Productions will be visiting 10 Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide schools on 20th March and sharing the Bullying. No Way! message with more than 2,500 students. 

The importance of this anti-bullying initiative cannot be overstated. Not only does the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence aim to raise awareness about the destructive impact of bullying on March 20, but it also encourages schools and students to implement longer-term strategies and programs to help address this issue.

Brainstorm Productions has been working closely with Australian schools for over 30 years to help make school environments safer and for students to become more supportive and respectful of each other. Using theatre, Brainstorm Productions helps more than 350,000 students each year providing a multifaceted experience including role-playing, music, real-life stories and classroom resources. The success of these programs hinge not only on providing schools with award-winning anti-bullying and cyber bullying strategies but also on the student’s personal development and enjoyment of the experience.

'From The Quadrangle' Anti-Bullying Documentary

Brainstorm Productions dedication to anti-bullying in schools will be recognised and acknowledged in a new documentary ‘From The Quadrangle’ to coincide with the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, which will air on Saturday 21st March 2015 at 3pm on Channel Ten’s ONE HD channel.

The documentary is based on the book ‘Bully For Them’ by Fiona Scott-Norman which recounts how some of Australia’s most talented and successful people were bullied at school for being different and how their experiences have shaped them into the remarkable individuals they are today, including Missy Higgins, Adam Goodes, Tim Ferguson, Kate Miller-Heidke, Hazem El Masri, Penny Wong, Eddie Perfect, Megan Washington, Charlie Pickering, Wendy Harmer, Judith Lucy and Benjamin Law, to name just a few. 

In ‘From The Quadrangle’, Brainstorm Productions will feature alongside some of Australia’s most passionate anti-bullying advocates to share their expertise on the prevention of school bullying and the creation of safe and positive school cultures.

Watch the Trailer:

World Theatre Day for Children and Young People

On March 20th, the same date as the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, Brainstorm Productions will also be celebrating World Theatre Day for Children and Young People, a campaign to encourage sharing a theatre experience with our children. According to a South Australian Department of Education study, “theatre benefits children”. The study documented the impact of live theatre on 140 State Government primary school students over three years and found that going to the theatre can improve children’s literacy, social skills and their oral and written language.  

We know that school theatre is great for kids. But don’t take our word for it, this is a testimonial from Warrawee Public School for our show 'Saving Lil & Archie' "Theatre is a wonderful teaching tool. The shared experience stimulates discussion. Absolutely engaged students in a way that will help them make positive changes in their lives. 10/10”. 

So whatever you do, let’s make the 20th March 2015 count! Like to know how you can combine an anti-bullying program with a live theatre performance for your school this year? Click here.

Crisis helplines

Support is available for anyone who may be distressed: Lifeline 13 11 14; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; Suicide Call Back Service - 24/7 Helpline 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know requires immediate assistance, please call Emergency Services (000) or Lifeline (13 11 14).

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Under no circumstances will Brainstorm Productions or its employees be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on information obtained from this site. It is your responsibility to evaluate any content provided and seek professional advice as appropriate. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.