CREATING a welcoming space for young Riverlanders to develop their arts and performing skills is the target for the new head of a local theatre organisation.
Riverland Youth Theatre (RYT) earlier this month appointed Fleur Kilpatrick as the organisation’s new creative producer, taking over from outgoing creative producer Danyon De Buell.
Ms Kilpatrick said educating others through her art had been a continual goal.
“I’ve been a playwright for 17 years, and a theatre director and educator,” Ms Kilpatrick said.
“I’ve taught theatre at Monash University and produced works for educational purposes there for about the past five years.
“Education is such a core part of how I approach making theatre. It’s always with the purpose of learning, be that public speaking, communication skills or listening.
“So this feels like a very natural next step.”
Ms Kilpatrick – whose works have won multiple awards – said she aimed to make RYT accessible for all young locals.
“Community is everything,” she said.
“I make art for community, and with community. Every show I make the outcome isn’t just about the production, it’s about us connecting with people on the way and learning things together, and building stronger connections.
“I think of myself as a community builder, as someone who always had the door open at my other jobs, and tries to create a welcoming and safe space for everybody.”
Ms De Buell said Ms Kilpatrick possessed the necessary creative experience to develop young performers in the region.
“It’s lovely to see a new creative person coming into RYT,” Ms De Buell said.
“Having been with RYT since 1995, I’ve seen the organisation evolve and develop, and it’s exciting to know Fleur will be able to continue our work in a new direction.”
Ms Kilpatrick encouraged young Riverlanders with all levels of performing experience to join the organisation.
“If you want to be an actor, or if you want to be a writer, come have a chat,” she said.
“If you just want to have fun, play games and get better at communicating with others through interpreting the world around you, theatre is amazing for that.
“It doesn’t just have to be for those people who want to make it their career, it’s about learning those skills that will be applicable for all careers.
“Right now is a great time to join up and become a member, so you can be in the conversation about what direction you want to see us going in.”
Ms Kilpatrick said she would structure RYT programs around the needs of the local community.
“I have a lot of plans, but I want to spend some time here in the community first,” she said.
“I want to make this a really welcoming hub and invite the community in.
“Environment is really important to me… I think this landscape is really inspirational and precious.”