Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is "Connected" different?
A message from the creator:
‘Connected’ developed as a piece of theatre after reading an alarming number of actual case studies on the topic of cyber bullying. The narrative is drawn from actual cases and events that have taken place and as such represents any and all stories that take place, not in articles in the newspaper and online, but in real time with real people – people that audiences will recognise. I created a contemporary and accessible musical soundtrack to reflect the contemporary nature of the topic and the characters, a soundtrack that will particularly engage young people but stands independently as a strong score for a musical that will resonate with all ages. Significantly, as has already been witnessed during its first season at the Edinburgh Fringe, it provides a particularly poignant entry into discussion between young people and their contemporaries as well as their parents and between adults, of the potential consequences of thoughtless or malicious words and actions, the scope of which can spiral so quickly out of control in the virtual world. It is a story for today, a story that is enacted time and time again, a story that we ourselves or people close to us may accidentally or unwittingly be perpetrating. ‘Connected’ holds a mirror up to its audience and gets them to confront the potential dangers of being a cyber-citizen and can be used as a peerless tool in opening dialogue and critical thinking regarding this topic that can affect any or all of us.
A message from the creator:
‘Connected’ developed as a piece of theatre after reading an alarming number of actual case studies on the topic of cyber bullying. The narrative is drawn from actual cases and events that have taken place and as such represents any and all stories that take place, not in articles in the newspaper and online, but in real time with real people – people that audiences will recognise. I created a contemporary and accessible musical soundtrack to reflect the contemporary nature of the topic and the characters, a soundtrack that will particularly engage young people but stands independently as a strong score for a musical that will resonate with all ages. Significantly, as has already been witnessed during its first season at the Edinburgh Fringe, it provides a particularly poignant entry into discussion between young people and their contemporaries as well as their parents and between adults, of the potential consequences of thoughtless or malicious words and actions, the scope of which can spiral so quickly out of control in the virtual world. It is a story for today, a story that is enacted time and time again, a story that we ourselves or people close to us may accidentally or unwittingly be perpetrating. ‘Connected’ holds a mirror up to its audience and gets them to confront the potential dangers of being a cyber-citizen and can be used as a peerless tool in opening dialogue and critical thinking regarding this topic that can affect any or all of us.
3. What type of payments are accepted?
Payments can be made by direct deposit, credit card or by cheque. We request a deposit be made to secure your performance date and full payment must be received within one week of the scheduled performance. Our touring personnel cannot accept payments and all communication about payment should be with our booking office on 02 8514 5201.
Payments can be made by direct deposit, credit card or by cheque. We request a deposit be made to secure your performance date and full payment must be received within one week of the scheduled performance. Our touring personnel cannot accept payments and all communication about payment should be with our booking office on 02 8514 5201.
4. Are your performers and crew accredited to work with children?
Yes! All touring personnel have undergone a Working With Children Check. Note: The Department of Education no longer requires performances in schools to be approved/accredited through the Arts Unit.
Yes! All touring personnel have undergone a Working With Children Check. Note: The Department of Education no longer requires performances in schools to be approved/accredited through the Arts Unit.
5. Have you completed a risk assessment?
Yes! We have conducted a detailed risk assessment which you will be issued with upon making your booking. This assessment covers all aspects of the production from travelling to and arriving at your school, to what sort of equipment we use and how we interact with our audience.
Yes! We have conducted a detailed risk assessment which you will be issued with upon making your booking. This assessment covers all aspects of the production from travelling to and arriving at your school, to what sort of equipment we use and how we interact with our audience.
6. What level of Public Liability Insurance do you hold?
Origin Theatrical Productions hold public liability insurance to the value of $20 million.
Origin Theatrical Productions hold public liability insurance to the value of $20 million.
7. Where do you perform?
LOCATION
Sydney
'Connected' will be available for Schools in the Sydney metro area from The Hawkesbury to the north, Penrith to the west and Cronulla to the south. Please contact us to confirm your interest in booking 'Connected' for your school.
Melbourne
Please contact us to express your interest in booking 'Connected' for your school.
VENUE
Our show is designed to be performed in school halls so that we can include as many students as possible. If your school has other, specialised performance facilities please let us know when you make your booking. It is preferable for students to be seated on the ground or in a tiered seating configuration, however if the students are seated in chairs, please let us know so we can arrange for a small stage to be brought in to ensure everyone can see! Unfortunately, we cannot perform outdoors.
LOCATION
Sydney
'Connected' will be available for Schools in the Sydney metro area from The Hawkesbury to the north, Penrith to the west and Cronulla to the south. Please contact us to confirm your interest in booking 'Connected' for your school.
Melbourne
Please contact us to express your interest in booking 'Connected' for your school.
VENUE
Our show is designed to be performed in school halls so that we can include as many students as possible. If your school has other, specialised performance facilities please let us know when you make your booking. It is preferable for students to be seated on the ground or in a tiered seating configuration, however if the students are seated in chairs, please let us know so we can arrange for a small stage to be brought in to ensure everyone can see! Unfortunately, we cannot perform outdoors.
8. Do you perform in professional venues as well?
Yes we do. We are also happy to produce specific performances upon request. Please contact us to discuss further.
Yes we do. We are also happy to produce specific performances upon request. Please contact us to discuss further.
9. How long does "Connected" go for?
The show runs for approximately one hour.
The show runs for approximately one hour.
10. Can you perform outside school hours?
Yes – we offer special student/parent performances that can be staged at your school or at a professional venue. Please contact us to discuss your ideas.
Yes – we offer special student/parent performances that can be staged at your school or at a professional venue. Please contact us to discuss your ideas.
11. Can we invite audience members other than students to our performances?
Yes – however you do need to advise these extra participants when making your booking as different rates apply.
Yes – however you do need to advise these extra participants when making your booking as different rates apply.
12. What age groups is the show suitable for?
Connected was created as a commercial musical piece with a story line centred around four main characters who are sixteen and at high school. This makes it especially accessible to young people from ages 12 – 17 and their families, however, as incidence of bullying is now being observed in younger age groups, we are now able to present a slightly modified show for years 5 and 6.
Connected was created as a commercial musical piece with a story line centred around four main characters who are sixteen and at high school. This makes it especially accessible to young people from ages 12 – 17 and their families, however, as incidence of bullying is now being observed in younger age groups, we are now able to present a slightly modified show for years 5 and 6.
13. Does the show link to any current curriculum's?
The show and related activities are specifically linked to the current Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PD/H/PE) syllabus however the show is also appropriate for creative arts (Drama & Music) students. Not being linked to a specific syllabus-based text but rather being presented as a social welfare and personal wellbeing issue, the show is appropriate for all high school students. Teachers of Year 6 students will also find direct links to Child Protection Studies. We also consult with the National Centre Against Bullying and Cyber Smart (AMCA) to ensure that all our activities deliver a consistent message.
The show and related activities are specifically linked to the current Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PD/H/PE) syllabus however the show is also appropriate for creative arts (Drama & Music) students. Not being linked to a specific syllabus-based text but rather being presented as a social welfare and personal wellbeing issue, the show is appropriate for all high school students. Teachers of Year 6 students will also find direct links to Child Protection Studies. We also consult with the National Centre Against Bullying and Cyber Smart (AMCA) to ensure that all our activities deliver a consistent message.
14. What materials are available for students and/or teachers?
We have prepared pre and post show activities that will be available to download on this site. These activities are linked to the NSW Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PD/H/PE) syllabus where issues of welfare, social interaction and personal responsibility are addressed. As the show is rolled out in other states in future years, the activities will be updated to reflect the curriculums of each state. We are also consulting with existing cyber-safe advocates such as Cyber Smart and the National Centre Against Bullying to ensure a consistent message is delivered to the students.
We have prepared pre and post show activities that will be available to download on this site. These activities are linked to the NSW Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PD/H/PE) syllabus where issues of welfare, social interaction and personal responsibility are addressed. As the show is rolled out in other states in future years, the activities will be updated to reflect the curriculums of each state. We are also consulting with existing cyber-safe advocates such as Cyber Smart and the National Centre Against Bullying to ensure a consistent message is delivered to the students.
15. What are the minimum and maximum number of students required to book a performance?
The minimum performance fee is based on an audience of 150. The ideal recommended maximum number of students per show is 300. However we are able to be flexible to suit your requirements.
The minimum performance fee is based on an audience of 150. The ideal recommended maximum number of students per show is 300. However we are able to be flexible to suit your requirements.
16. Are there discounts available?
Schools interested in applying for special funding to assist with the cost of Connected coming to their school should contact us via email or phone 02 8514 5222.
Schools interested in applying for special funding to assist with the cost of Connected coming to their school should contact us via email or phone 02 8514 5222.
17. Can we bring in students from another school to bolster our numbers?
Yes, of course! Please liaise with the other school(s) directly and simply advise us of the name of the school(s) and the final numbers.
Yes, of course! Please liaise with the other school(s) directly and simply advise us of the name of the school(s) and the final numbers.
18. What if my school can’t meet the minimum number requirements?
Let us know! We offer a flat rate when schools can’t meet the minimum number of attendees. Alternatively we can put you in touch with other schools to combine the performance (see question above).
Let us know! We offer a flat rate when schools can’t meet the minimum number of attendees. Alternatively we can put you in touch with other schools to combine the performance (see question above).
20. Is there a maximum number of students per show?
The ideal recommended maximum number of attendees is approximately 300 per performance, however we are able to be flexible to meet your requirements. We can do more than one show per day to accommodate larger numbers.
The ideal recommended maximum number of attendees is approximately 300 per performance, however we are able to be flexible to meet your requirements. We can do more than one show per day to accommodate larger numbers.
21. My school is outside the current performance zone. Can we still make a booking?
We would be happy to discuss the possibility! Please contact us.
We would be happy to discuss the possibility! Please contact us.
22. Do you perform for organisations other than schools?
Yes we do! Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Yes we do! Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
23. What is required of the school on the day of the performance?
When you make your booking, we will ask for the name and number of the staff member to report to upon arrival (you will also have our tour manager’s number so you can call us if plans change on the day). We will need vehicular access as close as possible to the performance hall and a discrete place for cast members to prepare and secure their effects whilst performing. We will do a quick head count prior to the performance starting to ensure that the school only pays for students who attend (in case there are absentees) however all crowd control will be up to the teachers!
When you make your booking, we will ask for the name and number of the staff member to report to upon arrival (you will also have our tour manager’s number so you can call us if plans change on the day). We will need vehicular access as close as possible to the performance hall and a discrete place for cast members to prepare and secure their effects whilst performing. We will do a quick head count prior to the performance starting to ensure that the school only pays for students who attend (in case there are absentees) however all crowd control will be up to the teachers!
24. How long do you need to set up and pack up?
We need approximately 45 to set up and warm up prior to the start of the performance, however you can let students enter the hall about 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. We'll then need about 20 minutes after the show to pack up. When you make your enquiry or booking, we'll ask you about your bell times so that we can schedule with you accordingly.
We need approximately 45 to set up and warm up prior to the start of the performance, however you can let students enter the hall about 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. We'll then need about 20 minutes after the show to pack up. When you make your enquiry or booking, we'll ask you about your bell times so that we can schedule with you accordingly.
25. Does the school need to provide any equipment?
We are a completely self contained show and will travel all the equipment we need. All we need to know is where we can plug in! All our equipment is tested and tagged.
We are a completely self contained show and will travel all the equipment we need. All we need to know is where we can plug in! All our equipment is tested and tagged.
26. Is the performance suitable for religious schools?
Yes! Our performance is non-denominational and the material is suitable for all schools. (Please note that the current footage on the website of the UK Production of Connected contains coarse language - this language is not used in our production).
Yes! Our performance is non-denominational and the material is suitable for all schools. (Please note that the current footage on the website of the UK Production of Connected contains coarse language - this language is not used in our production).
27. Can we download any songs or text from the show?
Copies of the script are available for purchase at $24.95 per script or for 10 scripts $19.95 per script. Please email here to place an order.
Copies of the script are available for purchase at $24.95 per script or for 10 scripts $19.95 per script. Please email here to place an order.
28. What happens if we need to cancel our booking?
Please refer to the cancellation conditions listed in the Terms and Conditions.
Please refer to the cancellation conditions listed in the Terms and Conditions.
NOTE: The issue of cyber bullying may bring be sensitive to many young people. We recommend Year Advisors or Welfare Counsellors are present at the event to ensure students feel comfortable to reach out.