THE new artistic director of Tantrum Youth Arts, Chris Dunstan, returned to one of his old haunts in Muswellbrook this week to run Play in a Day for Arts Upper Hunter.
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The talented former local attended St James’ Primary from 1995-2001 and Scone Grammar from 2002-2007.
But, on Wednesday, he hosted Play in a Day, a whole day drama workshop for schools.
Students make short plays and perform them for other pupils and families.
The St James’ Primary School Day was the 10th that Arts Upper Hunter has organised in schools in collaboration with Tantrum Youth Arts.
Mr Dunstan is a theatre-maker, director, writer and community arts facilitator who has been based in Sydney for the past five years.
He was excited to return to the Upper Hunter after finishing his role as acting artistic director for Spark Youth Theatre in Sydney’s inner west.
“I’ve presented work all around Australia and facilitated groups of young people to make original theatre with companies such as Shopfront Arts Co-op, Blacktown Arts, Marian Street Theatre for Young People and Back to Back theatre,” Mr Dunstan said.
“However, I’m delighted to be here [today].”
Mr Dunstan was awarded an ArtsStart grant (Australian Council for the Arts) in 2016 and selected for the inaugural Belvoir Artist Workshop.
He is currently facilitating a project with Belvoir and Sydney Story Factory, engaging four high school groups from Western Sydney to write a new full-length play.
“I have a real passion for youth-led theatre and accessibility in the arts,” he explained.
St James’ Primary School also has a strong commitment to the performing arts – so the staff was thrilled to welcome Mr Dunstan back to town.
