Programs
Open Workshop Program
Our most consistent workshop program is open to all who are homeless and disadvantaged, and offers a fun way to jump into the world of theatre. Held at Edward Eagar Lodge it runs in blocks of 4 weeks with participants devising an original piece to be performed prior to the playback show on regular performance nights.
Home Delivered Workshop Program
Aside from the ever-popular and entertaining performance nights of Milk Crate Theatre, we started another project in 2007 aptly named, Milk Crate – Home Delivered. Originally conceived by some of the key members of the Open drama workshops at Edward Eagar Lodge, Milk Crate – Home Delivered takes workshops, and, if willing, long running members of the program to other inner city welfare centres to run a 4 week workshop series. These workshops, similar to open drama workshops at Edward Eagar Lodge are designed for beginners, to build confidence, teamwork and improvisation skills. The participants work devising and performing their own short piece in front of the Milk Crate Theatre audience. This project has already enjoyed great success with the fresh enthusiasm of new members from The Wayside Chapel, Mission Australia, The Mercy Arms, Rough Edges and Matthew Talbot Hostel to the ‘Milk Crate Allstars’ team of regular performers.
Womens Workshop Program
A new program in 2008, the Milk Crate womens program is a pilot drama program designed especially for homeless and disadvantaged women. Run in partnership with Mission Australia, it will consist of 2 x 8 week programs that creatively respond to and explore issues identified by the women themselves, such as self esteem, self image and social connection.
The Michael Project
Milk Crate Theatre was invited to be a part of the Michael Project - a 3 year program aimed at combating homelessness in men. Between 2008-2010, Milk Crate will be working with Mission Australia clients in the Michael Project, running specific workshop programs at Liverpool and Harris Park centres and taking performances to new audiences out in Western Sydney.
Woolloomooloo Initiative
Commisioned by City of Sydney, the Woolloomooloo initiative is a key component of a scoping study Milk Crate has undertaken with the Woolloomooloo rough sleepers and local residents to explore the community relationships that exist in the area using creativity as a starting point. We devised A WOOLLOOMOOLOO STORY and performed it outdoors to locals at Tom Uren Place on Monday 23rd February, 2009. We would like to say a very special thank you to Hope Street for their valuable community support on this project.
INTERSECTION - Creative Development
INTERSECTION is a creative development project. It sees Milk Crate Theatre trial its first show on the streets with various members of Milk Crate Theatre working alongside professional actors in four locations including Edward Eagar Lodge, Mission Australia Centre and Taylor Square. It features special guests the Sydney Street Choir as the Chorus.
INTERSECTION is the story of the intersection between two people staying at a homeless shelter - James and Sally, and a few of the intersections in their lives that led to that point. It is a story about the choices we make and also those that are made for us, the intersections in life and how we respond to them. We are currently in negotiation to develop INTERSECTION as a public show in 2010.
Human Rights Charter - consultation process
Milk Crate will be partnering with the Homeless Persons Legal Service in 2009 to consult with the Homeless community on their views on an Australia charter for Human Rights. We will develop a small performance that will be taken to a number of locations in early May.