The Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) has announced that their purpose-built, 196-seat theatre in their new home on Pier 2/3 Walsh Bay will be called The Rebel Theatre, after ATYP alumna, Rebel Wilson.
The Rebel Theatre will place young people centre stage and Australia’s future leading actors, playwrights and theatre-makers will walk its boards.
“The opening of The Rebel Theatre heralds a new era for ATYP. This is the first time in the company’s 59 year history that we have our own theatre,” said Artistic Director, Fraser Corfield.
“Up until now, the company has had to rely on the support and favours of our friends in the industry. Now we have the capacity to stage our own professional productions in the heart of Sydney.”
“We have an opportunity to establish a home for the very best in Australian youth theatre, launching productions to travel across the country and bringing the best in the world to Sydney. The Rebel Theatre is an extraordinary gift to all young Australians,” said Corfield.
Rebel started with ATYP as a workshop participant in the late nineties and was swiftly cast in ATYP productions. An ATYP staff member from 2000 – 2002, Rebel was the winner of the Lendlease 2000 Scholarship launched by Nicole Kidman in 2002, which allowed her to enrol at the New York Film Academy and the Second City Training Centre.
Her time overseas during this scholarship inspired her to make her name as a comedic actress. To give back, and to provide similar opportunities to others, Rebel became an ATYP ambassador and in 2016 created the Rebel Wilson Scholarship, and then the Rebel Comedy Commission from 2019.
“In ATYP I found a community of like-minded people. I was inspired by them. I was helped by their friendship,” said Rebel. “I was encouraged by all the directors, tutors, staff, peers – everyone. I want more people to experience that.”
“It’s no secret that ATYP as a not-for-profit company struggles, especially during this pandemic. These are passionate people who are helping young people all across Australia and they deserve the support.”
“I hope [The Rebel Theatre is] a place where the new generations of Aussie talent get to shine. They’ll get to write and create and perform for audiences. I hope they crush it…” said Rebel.
Now’s your chance to claim your seat in The Rebel, Australia’s flagship youth theatre. Your gift to the ATYP Foundation will leave a legacy for young Australians – the rebels of the future.
Every dollar you give, Rebel will match up to one million dollars! By making a donation – great or small – to the ATYP Foundation you are playing a major part in shaping Australia’s leading national youth theatre company and helping us enrich the lives of young Australians through theatre experiences.
For more information about or to support The Rebel Theatre, visit: www.atyp.com.au for details. Checkout the announcement here!
Image: ATYP Ambassador Rebel Wilson – courtesy of Australian Theatre for Young People