Workshops
‘Collective creativity’ is a concept that’s been used to empower communities and improve the health of individuals for many years. The aim is to:
- Improve self esteem and personal development
- Improve sensory awareness, mental capacity and physical dexterity
- Help people to communicate effectively with each other and as part of a team
We here at the Fruities enjoy sharing the craft of circus as it helps promote positive mental and physical health outcomes like those listed above (from Art and Wellbeing, Australia Council). Participants – from primary school children to industry executives – enjoy health benefits from even one session.
Our workshop program focuses on four key areas:
- indigenous
- school
- Griffith ‘Smart Circus’ Project
- corporate
Indigenous
Local Inclusion – Albury/Wodonga
In 2008 we began a weekly indigenous class for a local group of 12 teenagers who are working towards an end of year performance at Albury’s Nangirra Indigenous Festival in 2009. The main aim for this program is that the students get a good understanding of circus training so that in the future they have an opportunity to audition for the main FFFC program.
Connect ED – Circus Camp and ‘Train the Trainer’
The Camp is a circus and cultural activity program for indigenous youth from NSW regional towns including Balranald, Barham, Deniliquin and Wagga Wagga. The week long camp culminated in a circus performance shown to the local community at the FFFC training space in Albury. In 2008 50 people – many of them female Elders – attended the show and feedback was very positive. The audience was amazed at how quickly the indigenous kids learnt circus skills and how confident they were at performing them. The circus camp program offered skills in juggling, tumbling, hula hoops, acro-balance, trapeze, diabolo, mini trampoline, dance and aerial rings.
“The most magic of weeks. Thanks FFFC.” Di Alexandra, Creative Arts Consultant Riverina, Connect Ed Circus Camp, April 2008
In 2009 a trainer course was attached to the Connect Ed camp and ran for 2 days. It was specifically designed to educate indigenous educational officers from around the region to deliver their own basic circus workshops in their own communities. The trainees will also be involved in the camp and learn first hand from FFFC trainers delivering the Circus Camp program.
Schools
The FFFC offered in-house and outreach circus workshops for schools and community groups such as Camp Quality. We utilise Circus Arts trainee trainers alongside senior staff.
“Thank you so much for giving our son Sebastian the opportunity to participate in a workshop recently at the Shepparton Arts Festival… the opportunity to perform before the Fruit Flys was invaluable. Sebastian was very impressed wih all the instructors who he found to be wonderful and passing on/teaching their skills. We also we [sic] ‘blown away’ by the stand of the performance of the Fruit Flys.” Walker-Staalyaer Family, April 08.
Griffith Smart Circus (2008 – 2011)
This is a three year cultural development project involving a majority of the Western Riverina town’s youth. To date it involves 500 students through outreach school programs. The project began in 2008 and will culminate in a FFFC and Griffith community performance with a core group of 60 students in 2011. The company is investing in a team of trainers that are culturally aware, have a broad range of skill and can work across all areas of the wider community. The team are all ex-Fruit Fly students that have an interest in passing on their skills to various community groups.
Team Building
Based on professional development and the ethos “a happy team is a productive team”, this program is in its early stages and we completed a pilot program in 2008 to develop tailor made packages to suit businesses. In 2009 we established an inclusive program that caters to local and interstate companies.
We provide customised workshops for anyone, anywhere. Contact us to plan your next team building workshop with a difference.
“Can I please say how awesome the performance was on Sunday night. It blew everyone away! Thanks heaps!” Katie Griggs, All Saints Estate. March 09.
“The entertainment and music program is a huge part of the event’s success. We certainly hope you had as good a time on stage as we and our guests did enjoying your performance. Thank you again for your outstanding contribution to the Steve Waugh Foundation.” Steve Waugh, AO. March 09.
“The trainers were excellent – they were patient, friendly and only too willing to assist. They did a terrific job. We hope to further this partnership with the Fruit Flies”. Ray Gallaher, Principal, Chiltern Primary School