One of Australia's largest theatre education programs returns to Riverside Theatres and is set to inspire students across New South Wales with a focus on creativity, diversity and access.
Reaching over 35,000 students annually, Riverside's 2025 Education Program is designed to engage students in the arts, by offering a dynamic mix of curriculum-linked performances suitable for students from Kindergarten to Year 12, supported by pre-show talks, post-show Q&As, workshops, teacher resources and digital audio experiences.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the program was about making theatre accessible to every school and student, regardless of postcode or budget.
"Education through the arts should be accessible to everyone, and through this program, we are reaching into classrooms and disadvantaged communities that are often overlooked so more students can engage with live performance," Cr Zaiter said.
"Riverside's program is more than just performances - it's a creative lifeline for thousands of students, a powerful way to bridge communities and spark inspiration through storytelling while making the arts accessible across the state."
With curriculum alignment across English, drama, history and even STEM, the 2025 season features standout works during the school term and school holidays including Looking for Alibrandi, Trophy Boys, Yes Yes Yes, Proudfoot & Friends, Crossing the Divide and Mountain Goat Mountain - a program rooted in stories that matter to students and a teaching tool for educators.
Through a long-standing relationship with Sydney Catholic Schools, and a ticket subsidy program funded by the Packer Family Foundation, the program also allows newly arrived refugee students and their families - many of whom are navigating trauma, language barriers and financial hardship - to participate for free.
Refugee and Community Liaison Officer Paula Frivola, who coordinates support services for refugee families attending six Sydney Catholic Schools, has seen the transformative impact first-hand.
"I recall a refugee student telling me a Riverside show was 'the best day of his life' - he didn't know that performing on stage was something young people could do, and that moment changed how he saw his future," Ms Frivola said.
"Refugee students have enjoyed shows like GOLD, Zooom, Wolfgang's Magical Musical Circus and The Bugalugs Bum Thief over the years - programs chosen to nurture their English language skills, overall wellbeing and mental health, emotional resilience, self-confidence and belonging in Australian society.
"These students would not otherwise have these opportunities because of the cost involved in buying a ticket and this is why our partnership with Riverside is so important and valued."
Explore the full 2025 Education Program and brochure here.
