By Amy Campion
After school in Rosebud and Red Hill, children and teenagers leave behind thoughts of lessons and homework to become someone else for a while. It may be an animal, a hero, or perhaps an alien seeing Earth for the first time. Along the way they also become a child who is brave enough to share their voice. At Dreamhouse Theatre Company, that kind of imaginative leap is taken seriously, because what happens in these fun and playful sessions is more than just drama.
Led by highly experienced artistic director Carole Patullo, Dreamhouse is a not-for-profit theatre company working with young people from primary school through to early adulthood. Its Little Big Dreamers program in Red Hill is designed for children aged 5-12, while the Dreamhouse Ensemble brings together young performers aged 12-21 in Rosebud. Across both, the emphasis is on creative development but also on communication, confidence, connection, cooperation, and the feeling of being welcomed for who you are.
Being authentically welcomed matters more than ever for children growing up in a world that can be socially demanding and often challenging to those who feel different. Dreamhouse gives them a chance to explore who they are and who they can be in a live, embodied way. They learn how to use their voice, read a room, trust their instincts and work with others. They find out what it feels like to contribute to something larger than themselves. For many, that may lead to a lifelong love of the arts. It may also lead to feeling more confident at school, more settled in their friendships, or more willing to give new things a go.
Dreamhouse’s approach is inclusive in the genuine sense of the word. The group’s ensemble is welcoming to young people of all genders and abilities, and its participants come from diverse backgrounds and schools across the Peninsula with or without previous drama experience. Scholarships are also available for those facing financial, social or other barriers to participation, which can make a real difference for families who might otherwise miss out.
The company champions Australian writers and stories, invites young people to explore all aspects of theatre, and offers workshops in areas such as scriptwriting, stage combat, and sound and lighting. These opportunities open the door for children who may not see themselves as centre-stage performers but would still like to be part of the world of theatre.
Former student Tui said: “I joined Dreamhouse around the age of 14 or 15. I was a really shy, soft-spoken, quiet child. This changed with Dreamhouse. I went from being so anxious to leave the house to being a young adult now jumping at the opportunity to meet new people. It really drew out my confidence and made me consistently feel better in my skin.”
While exploring being someone else, they are also accepted for being simply who they are. Sometimes the biggest gift to a young person is a safe place to be expressive, be fully seen, and to have the chance to play.
