Mighty Playwrights 2022
Every child has a story to tell.
Mighty Playwrights is an annual program, working in collaboration with the region's primary schools to bring the joy of writing and story telling to the next generation of young people. Goulburn Mulwaree Library's Mighty Playwrights program inspires young people to discover the power of their own thoughts and voices through literacy education, story telling, and the performing arts. Mighty Playwrights encourages and celebrates self expression, lifelong learning, and the free exploration of ideas and the imagination.
Mighty Playwrights 2022
Seven young writers, aged 9-12 years, and nominated by their schools, worked tirelessly in the Library for 8 weeks to develop and write short stage plays. Through mentor relationships with professional writers, illustrators, actors, and musicians, our Mighty Playwrights created some amazing stories, about issues that are important to them, in their own words and with their own individual style.
Goulburn's Lieder Theatre Company took the completed play scripts and turned them into magical full-scale stage productions.
This year we also welcomed Hume Conservatorium and the Goulburn Regional Art Gallery to our Mighty Playwrights program! Students from Hume Con created original music pieces for the plays, which were heard as part of the gala stage performances in September, and Afternoon Art Club participants from the Art Gallery created original illustrations to be published alongside the plays in the published book of Mighty Playwrights 2022.
Find out more about the 2022 program.
Ellie Bale
Windellama Public School.
The Girl Who Cried Diamonds - Evelyn hasn't cried since her Mother died. Now she's crying diamonds. What does it mean, and how can she keep them away from her greedy step-sister?
Ellie was mentored by actor and teacher, Michelle McAleer.
Stage production directed by Cara Robinson and designed by Blake Selmes, Lieder Theatre Company. Original music by Bella Remington, mentored by Blake Selmes, Hume Conservatorium. Illustrations by Ariah Lazenby, Indy Rowe, and Chloe Croker, Goulburn Regional Art Gallery.
Riley Jordan-Fermor
Goulburn North Public School.
The Dunce Crisis: Zhungo's Quest - it's the year 2772, and the world has changed. Can Zhungo save the human race, or is it worth bothering to even try?
Riley was mentored by Andy Picker, Associate Director of Education and Outreach at Hume Conservatorium.
Stage production directed by Chrisjohn Hancock and designed by Blake Selmes, Lieder Theatre Company. Original music by Eliott Ross, mentored by Andy Picker, Hume Conservatorium. Illustrations by Arianwen Edwards, John Edwards, and Louis Pace, Goulburn Regional Art Gallery.
Indie Miners
The Crescent School.
Tuff's Birthday Surprise - Tuff is the last, unloved puppy from the litter, until he meets Ivy. A heartwarming story of acceptance, love, and family.
Indie was mentored by Clare Jones, music therapist and co-founder of Right To Work.
Stage production directed by Chrisjohn Hancock and designed by Blake Selmes, Lieder Theatre Company. Original music by Paige Kennedy-Fischer, mentored by Blake Selmes, Hume Conservatorium. Illustrations by Archie Ruberto and Pixie Ruberto, Goulburn Regional Art Gallery.
Stella Moore Thompson
Tirranna Public School.
The Final Showdown - an exciting rock musical featuring a talented but bullied girl, and a magic guitar. Who will win the final showdown?
Stella was mentored by teacher and project partner, Greg Angus.
Stage production directed by Alfie Walker and designed by Blake Selmes, Lieder Theatre Company. Original music by Steve Routley, Lieder Theatre Company. Illustrations by Ruby Clarke, Henry Clarke, and Isabella Cooper, Goulburn Regional Art Gallery.
Zara Ridley
Wollondilly Public School.
Calling The Cops - a classic whodunit, full of wonderful characters and red herrings. Can you work out who's guilty?
Zara was mentored by actor and director, Alfie Walker.
Stage production directed by Cara Robinson and designed by Blake Selmes, Lieder Theatre Company. Original music by Austin Johnston, mentored by Greg Angus, Hume Conservatorium. Illustrations by Alina Peaty, Charlie Nicholls, and Kathryne Cosgrove, Goulburn Regional Art Gallery.
Keida Voorden
Tallong Public School.
Stranded - 3 astronauts risk being stranded on the moon, in the path of a deadly radioactive storm. A hilarious tale of adventure and friendship against all odds.
Keida was mentored by illustrator, Danielle McDonald.
Stage production directed by Jock McLean and designed by Blake Selmes, Lieder Theatre Company. Original music by Callum White, mentored by Steve Routley, Hume Conservatorium. Illustrations by Ted Tunks, Raph Tunks, Thomas Wiles, and Rose Moor, Goulburn Regional Art Gallery.
Adele Wakefield
St Joseph's Primary School.
Mister Understood - Little Johnny wants to be an artist, but his parents have other ideas. A beautiful story about being true to yourself and finding the confidence to stand strong.
Adele was mentored by librarian and teacher, Monique Hayes.
Stage production directed by Chrisjohn Hancock and designed by Blake Selmes, Lieder Theatre Company. Original music by Corina Fitzsimmons, mentored by Greg Angus, Hume Conservatorium. Illustrations by Briah Cluney, Hazel Roe, Jacob Wragge-Morley, and Harper Wood, Goulburn Regional Art Gallery.
Watch the Mighty Playwrights Documentary, chronicling the program in its first year.
Watch the Mighty Playwrights 2020 films.
Watch the Mighty Playwrights 2021 films.
Watch the Mighty Playwrights 2023 films.
For more information about the Mighty Playwrights program contact the Library.
The 2022 Mighty Playwrights program is supported by the Children and Young People Wellbeing Initiative Project, jointly funded by the Commonwealth and the New South Wales Government under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The Mighty Playwrights program would not be possible without the support and encouragement of a whole community of people and organisations.
