Acting Out - On Screen Fundraiser
A free school holiday film program for LGBTQIA+ Youth aged 12-17 years
Rebus Theatre’s 'Acting Out - On Screen' school holiday film making program has provided a safe, supportive space for LGBTQIA+ young people aged 12-17 to learn skills in acting and filmmaking, meet peers, make friends, and create original art with likeminded humans since 2019. For one participant it was the first time they had ever knowingly interacted with other LGBTQIA+ people their own age. 100% of participants and parents surveyed said that those attending the program had a good time, met great people and made new friends, learned new skills in acting and film making and agreed the facilitators created a safe space for them to try new things and take risks. The program was piloted through grant funding and has since been funded through donations.
Feedback from parents:
• This is a cultural and creative necessity for our community it promotes respect, inclusiveness and embraces diversity and tell young people they are supported and welcome in the arts/film (and beyond)
• The way this program brings like-minded and marginalised kids together from across the territory is something else. The staff are incredible: so skilled and so tolerant, they all deserve massive credit
• I've watched my teenager struggle with mental health and low confidence. LGBTQI+ youth peer groups and activities in the arts have been catalyst and instrumental in helping my teenage child find joy, meaning, confidence, and healthy mental health back into their life, more than therapy or medication. It's programs like this that are making real positive impacts
• Holiday programs are often one of the first expenses that get cut out when finances are tight, but having this *block* of time for our firstborn to connect with others, to do a project and be part of producing an actual thing was a super-powerful experience for them (and us!)
Feedback from participants:
• This program is amazing and I hope it can happen again for more people
• it’s a great experience for queer and neurodivergent kids
• It is a great acting and film making course for youth people who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a great way to meet new friends, broaden knowledge and make lasting memories!
• it was so so good and really important, spaces like these are pretty rare, it was amazing to have a program full of queer and neurodivergent people. also we already have ideas for next year and everyone is really looking forward to next year!
Acting Out On Screen was previously funded by the Chief Minister’s Charitable Fund (2019 & 2020). We have since been fundraising to keep the program going. Please give generously to support the mental health of LGBTQIA+ Young People in the ACT. Rebus Theatre Incorporated has Deductible Gift Recipient status as a Health Promotion Charity so all donations above $2 are tex deductible!
Feedback from parents:
• This is a cultural and creative necessity for our community it promotes respect, inclusiveness and embraces diversity and tell young people they are supported and welcome in the arts/film (and beyond)
• The way this program brings like-minded and marginalised kids together from across the territory is something else. The staff are incredible: so skilled and so tolerant, they all deserve massive credit
• I've watched my teenager struggle with mental health and low confidence. LGBTQI+ youth peer groups and activities in the arts have been catalyst and instrumental in helping my teenage child find joy, meaning, confidence, and healthy mental health back into their life, more than therapy or medication. It's programs like this that are making real positive impacts
• Holiday programs are often one of the first expenses that get cut out when finances are tight, but having this *block* of time for our firstborn to connect with others, to do a project and be part of producing an actual thing was a super-powerful experience for them (and us!)
Feedback from participants:
• This program is amazing and I hope it can happen again for more people
• it’s a great experience for queer and neurodivergent kids
• It is a great acting and film making course for youth people who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a great way to meet new friends, broaden knowledge and make lasting memories!
• it was so so good and really important, spaces like these are pretty rare, it was amazing to have a program full of queer and neurodivergent people. also we already have ideas for next year and everyone is really looking forward to next year!
Acting Out On Screen was previously funded by the Chief Minister’s Charitable Fund (2019 & 2020). We have since been fundraising to keep the program going. Please give generously to support the mental health of LGBTQIA+ Young People in the ACT. Rebus Theatre Incorporated has Deductible Gift Recipient status as a Health Promotion Charity so all donations above $2 are tex deductible!