Make A Mini Musical: the school holiday program giving your child a voice

Posted on 13 September, 2024

Create and perform an original musical in five days – that’s the challenge that Mr. Tim and Ms. Nat are setting young Canberrans these school holidays.

But it’s about more than just keeping the kids entertained.

Bringing their Make a Mini Musical school holiday program back to the Tuggeranong Arts Centre these school holidays, Mr. Tim and Ms. Nat (also known as Tim and Nathalie Bevitt) are giving children aged eight to 13 years old the chance to co-create and perform an original musical in only five days.

From devising the story to writing the script, co-writing the music, choreographing stage movement, and making props and backdrops, the unique program will not only keep the kids busy during the school holidays but also give them a voice – providing them with the opportunity to express their concerns and find solutions.

“It’s such a rich learning opportunity and it helps them see that they are capable…because children are extremely capable of doing amazing things when given the opportunity,” says Ms. Nat.

“They are underestimated as citizens in our society. They have their unique perspective, and they approach things with fearlessness,” adds Mr. Tim.

Running the Make a Mini Musical school holiday program for seven years, Mr. Tim and Ms. Nat have seen some amazing productions come to life.

As well as gaining an understanding of the various aspects involved in creating a musical, during the program, the children are also challenged to use their imagination and work in collaboration – things that Mr. Tim and Ms. Nat believe are critical for young people to learn.

Creating the musical’s theme around what the children are interested in and in response to real-life challenges, the duo says over the years they’ve explored everything from the importance of water to war and climate change.

“We don’t want them to tell us about the show that they have seen or games that they are playing, we try to unleash their imagination. It’s really interesting because we are facing a bit of a crisis of imagination and creativity at the moment,” says Ms. Nat.

“People are no longer responsible for their own entertainment. We live in a society where entertainment is very passive; we turn on the TV, we have our internet, and we play video games. Creativity as a human is a human right, it’s a human experience and we’re not practicing it enough,” says Mr. Tim.

Believing that imagination is linked to hope, Mr. Tim and Ms. Nat say that children must learn how to be creative – and the best way to do it is playfully.

That’s why they created their Make a Mini Musical school holiday program in the first place.

“This program is a wonderful explosion of five days in which children drawn to the performing arts can experience the whole experience of making a musical, from conception to collaboration,” says Mr. Tim.

“These sorts of programs show the value of putting energy, effort, time, and love into producing a thing.”

Featuring original songs written by the cast, with music composition and arrangements by Mr. Tim and Ms. Nat, there’s no musical experience needed to participate in this engaging, high-energy program – just a positive attitude and a willingness to have a go.

Taking to the stage on the final day for a public performance of their creation, it’s the spark and joy in the participant’s eyes that inspire Mr. Tim and Ms. Nat to keep running the program.

But as the children collaborate to share a story that conveys their deepest feelings, Mr. Tim and Ms. Nat also want adults to learn a valuable lesson – children deserve a platform to speak as well.

“That’s what it’s about – the spirit of collaboration is the key to the whole program,” says Mr. Tim.

Ms. Nat agrees.

“And seeing them as responsible and very capable. When they’re given that freedom, they fly.”

Looking for more things for the kids to do these school holidays?

The whole family can enjoy some free fun with artists Julia Higgs and Tom Buckland, teenagers can take place in a songwriting and performing workshop with rapper Kieren Murray and young families will delight in Interactive Theatre International’s Australian Premiere of children’s comedy show Signor Baffo.

Make sure to check out the website for the full schedule of what’s happening at Tuggeranong Arts Centre!

Images supplied.