Tickets still available for MindPlay - a night of drama for a good cause

26 June 2007

Tickets are still available for members of the community to watch the MindPlay Drama Grand Final on Friday, 29 June – presented by the Hunter Institute of Mental Health, in collaboration with the University of Newcastle Conservatorium.

MindPlay is a significant mental health promotion and prevention exercise and this year’s top five schools are: Lambton High, Bulahdelah Central School, Toronto High, Taree High and Wyong Christian School.

This year’s grand final will be held at the University Drama Theatre on Friday 29 June at 7.30pm.

“We began MindPlay when we discovered that providing school kids with in-school lectures on mental health issues seemed to be ineffective,” Manager of Program Development for the Hunter Institute of Mental Health Liz Cook said.

“By getting the kids to research a topic and then turn it into a play, the issues seemed to hit home a lot more effectively.”

MindPlay invites Year 11 students from schools in the Hunter, Mid North Coast and Central Coast to write, direct and perform a 15-minute play with a mental health theme.

The schools then take part in an audition round, where independent judges select the top five to go head-to-head in the grand final performance.

“Between the audition round and the grand final the students work with university drama undergrads in creating a lighting and sound design, stage and production management,” Liz said.

“This collaboration has resulted in the undergrads submitting their experience as part of their assessable coursework,” she said.

The grand final is performed before a live audience and everyone is welcome to attend. MC for the evening is Melinda Smith from NBN Television and the top prize is $1250.

“There are three plays performed either side of an intermission, it’s a terrific night and for a worthy cause,” Liz said.

Tickets cost $12 are available by contacting the Hunter Institute of Mental Health on 4924 6721 or online at www.himh.org.au

Contact: Shannon Ramadge

Phone: 4921 4924