Planting the Seed

As we move into a new chapter with creative developments and new education activity, we are inviting our community to consider naming a Seedling, a gift which will support the educational heart of our premises.

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16.08.2024


What is a Seedling?

The Seedlings lining the walls of The Seed are small plaques featuring acknowledgements or quotes chosen by our family of donors. They are a reminder of the support that made the transition to our new home possible and our programs a reality. Such support ensure we can continue to share Shakespeare with everyone, everywhere.

The Seed

In 2022, Bell Shakespeare moved into our new purpose-built premises at Pier 2/3, a heritage-listed finger wharf in the heart of Sydney’s Walsh Bay Arts Precinct. It was a significant moment; one that would ensure that John Bell's original vision could endure for years to come and help re-define what is possible for Bell Shakespeare – a company that began in a circus tent in 1990.

Where the Neilson Nutshell is a blank canvas for transformation, rehearsal and performance, The Seed is where students, teachers and creatives can learn and develop new skills in the arts and education alike. The Seed has been a hub of activity over the past two years. Some of these programs are detailed below.

National Teacher Conference

Over two days, teachers from every state and territory joined us at Bell Shakespeare to reflect on the teaching of Shakespeare in Australia today. They had the opportunity to hear from our guest speakers Kate Mulvany OAM, Andy Griffiths, Prof Liam E. Semler, Kyle Morrison, Jane Caro AM and Ann Caro in a series of keynotes, presentations and panels. Teachers compared notes and made new connections; levelling up their teaching strategies, all the while playing, enjoying live performances and having big conversations.

John Bell Scholarship

The John Bell Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for budding performers from regional areas of Australia. Earlier this year we were joined by Daisy, Tom, Luke and Grace. Across one week, they each undertook acting masterclasses with Bell Shakespeare artists, observed rehearsals, received specialist training and saw live theatre in Sydney. To complete the week, they had the opportunity to perform their winning monologue for Artistic Director Peter Evans and the cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream, who provided valuable feedback and mentoring.

Method in Madness

Late last year, the creative development for Method In Madness began with Dan Graham and Accessible Arts, in partnership with Bell Shakespeare. This new Australian work explores the experience of neurodivergent artists in the performing arts industry, performed and directed by Australian neurodivergent artists. The work was in creative development for several weeks in The Seed with the talented creative team, Dan Graham (Director), Joanna Erskine (Writer), Dylan Crawford (Access Consultant), Amy Claire Mills and cast, Vitas Varnas, Ryan Enniss, Pollyanna Nowicki, Tiffany Wong and Marissa Saroca.

National Teacher Mentorship

Our renowned Regional Teacher Mentorship expanded to a National Teacher Mentorship earlier this year, welcoming teachers in both metropolitan, urban and regional areas to The Seed. Over 4 intensive days, students felt supported and inspired to adopt Shakespeare into their classroon practice through active learning principles and performance strategies. Despite being back at their respective schools, Bell Shakespeare's education team has continued to mentor the participating teachers, providing ongoing support, guidance and resources as and when they require it.

If you are interested in naming a Seedling, you can do so here. Alternatively, if you require more information on our work in The Seed and ways you can support Bell Shakespeare, contact Philanthropy Coordinator, Isabelle Clements at isabellec@bellshakespeare.com.au or on (02) 8220 7523.

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