An Unforgettable Year with Melbourne Theatre Company 

By Jack Green

YEAR 11 2016

"When Miss Vidotto first mentioned that Year 11 Drama students could submit an application for the Melbourne Theatre Company’s (MTC) Young Ambassadors Program at the start of the year, my instinct was ‘Why not?’  It wasn’t something I knew much about, but it sounded exciting nonetheless.  In hindsight, this was something I am very glad I did not dismiss.

Once every month, on a Tuesday, myself and 14 other Year 11 Drama or Theatre Studies students from across the state met at the MTC Headquarters.  An industry professional would come into the meeting room with us and we would have a discussion about the type of work they do, their career path, their advice for us and many powerful insights.  Afterwards, we would watch a professional MTC Production.

This year I was privileged enough to watch nine of the 2016 season shows, one of which, ‘Peddling’, was part of my Year 11 Drama course and helped with my study of that production.

As it turns out, the program has not only expanded my vision in the world of professional theatre and how it operates, but has also provided me with the opportunity to communicate with various industry professionals. In my time at MTC, the other ambassadors and I have met with the MTC Casting Director, Executive Director and Set Designers, and actors such as Kat Stewart (‘Offspring’) and Kane Felsinger. (‘Neighbours’ and ‘Upper Middle Bogan’). Not only this, but the other 14 ambassadors are clearly like-minded individuals, many of whom will no doubt spring into the professional world of arts;  I’m sure we will be not only great friends, but part of an invaluable network.

I can recommend no better alternative to any Year 11 Drama student in the way of expanding your horizon and moving towards a more professionally geared mind. The MTC Ambassador Program is exemplary of the wonderful opportunities we all have while we go through school.

If I have learnt one thing from the people we have met it is this: no two artists have the same career path, but no artist is successful without passion, motivation and hard work.

I must thank Nick, Head of Education at MTC who organised every show and guest speaker for us; Miss Kristie Vidotto, my Drama teacher, for initially getting me involved and submitting a letter of recommendation to MTC; and Frankston High School for facilitating such an eye-opening year in the world of professional theatre."