What is Common Thread?
Purpose
The purpose of Common Thread is to engage adolescent students of the Gateway Learning Community, Years 6-12, with skilled adult mentors, in a process of collaborative exploration of social and global issues of importance to them. The sharing of ideas and knowledge leads to the development of a an exciting and innovative theatrical presentation, including drama, film, music and dance, devised, produced and performed by the students for their peers and the wider community.
Structure
Common Thread is planned, devised, managed, marketed, produced and performed by cooperative teams of students, teachers, industry professionals and interested, skilled community participants. Each team is responsible for a particular aspect of the production process and includes at least one industry mentor and some students.
Philosophy
The content explored and the ideas presented through the production come from and belong to the students. The role of the adult facilitators is to guide and offer opportunities for students to hear the voices of other young people and to explore, question, develop and express their own ideas through the performing arts.
We Believe COMMON THREAD Empowers Youth through:
- Uniting Us in an Exploration of our Diversity
- A Voice to Challenge Common Stereotypes and Present a Positive Representation of Teenage Perspectives
- Listening to Individuals and Organisations within the Community to Understand Their Stories and Perspectives
- Accessing Arts Experiences and Professionals to Develop Skills
- Developing and Demonstrating Respect for Ourselves, Each Other and All People
- Having Fun Working Together
Broad Goals & Outcomes
- Provide a Forum for young people to Encounter & Respond to Issues & Ideas beyond their everyday experience & find their Relevance/Connection
- Promote Future-focused Life Skills – Social, Cultural, Political & Personal Awareness & Responsibility
- Collaborative Planning - Cooperative Learning
- Connect students across the schools and with the wider community
- Encourage young people to find a voice & the community to listen to it
- Develop skills in the performing & related arts
- Productive links with industry professionals
- Enhance communication skills & confidence
- Foster creative, positive relationships