The Performing Arts Touring Program is one of the primary initiatives of the ConnectEd Arts strategy. It aims to provide disadvantaged students with access to professional theatrical experiences. This is achieved through the presentation of productions in regional and remote parts of the State, and by the provision of ticket and travel subsidies to disadvantaged school groups to attend these and other performances. The Program also endeavours to address lack of cultural access by providing associated resource materials, workshops and forums to students which aim to facilitate engagement with each production.

In 2006, the Performing Arts Touring Program targeted schools in Western NSW, from Lithgow to Broken Hill, and as far north as Lightning Ridge. Four performing arts companies toured to these areas offering disadvantaged school students the opportunity to see their productions free of charge. The cost of travel to and from the venue was fully subsidised by the program.

The following productions, suitable for primary and high school students, toured in Western NSW under the auspices of ConnectEd Arts:

Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People’s production of Hitler’s Daughter toured to Wentworth, Broken Hill and Nyngan in the State’s far west from 5 – 13 June, 2006. Based on Jackie French's awarding winning novel, Hitler's Daughter explores themes of racism, intolerance, persecution and friendship. Suitable for years 5-8. Curriculum Links: English; Creative Arts; HISE.

For more information about Hitler’s Daughter, click on the Related Link listed on the right-hand side of this page.

Zeal Theatre Company’s production of The Forwards toured to Bourke, Coonamble, Lightning Ridge, Nyngan and Wilcannia from 24 July – 4 August, 2006. The small town of Pintoon, in which The Forwards is set, is abuzz: for the first time ever their footy team is in the grand final. The town's hopes rest on their goal kicking sensations, best mates Hoges, Tractor and Gary Rabbit, known collectively as The Forwards. Suitable for years 7–12.

For more information about The Forwards, click on the Related Link listed on the right-hand side of this page.

Sydney Theatre Company’s production of The 7 Stages of Grieving will toured to Bathurst, Gilgandra and Parkes from 4–15 September, 2006. The 7 Stages Of Grieving integrates traditional and contemporary forms of Indigenous storytelling to chronicle the grief of one woman. Told with humour and sensitivity The 7 Stages Of Grieving is a strong reminder of peoples’ strength, compassion and will to survive. Suitable for years 9–12. Curriculum Links: ………………………………

The play is also on the HSC Drama syllabus in NSW.

For more information about The 7 Stages of Grieving, click on the Related Link listed on the right-hand side of this page.

OzOpera’s production of Hansel & Gretel will toured to Bathurst, Bourke, Coonamble, Cowra, Dubbo, Lightning Ridge, Mudgee and Parkes from 28-29 September, 2006.

OzOpera’s production retells this well known fairy tale in song. Suitable for years K-6.

For more information about Hansel & Gretel, click on the Related Link listed on the right-hand side of this page.