August Education News

“Fostering creativity at this young age helps kids understand the world”

“Creativity is key to a happy and successful life. We were born to create.” Parent, on the importance of creative experiences.

This belief is central to Polyglot Theatre’s education programs, where imaginative play and artistic expression form the foundation for meaningful learning. Our in-school workshops and residencies are designed to support children in making sense of their surroundings, exploring ideas, and developing their individual voice within a shared creative space.

By engaging with Polyglot’s experienced artists, students are encouraged to experiment, collaborate, and reflect – building confidence not only in their creativity, but also in their place in the world. Whether through storytelling, sensory exploration, or large-scale collaborative projects, our programs nurture curiosity and connection across entire school communities.

Feature photo: Sarah Walker

Wish Street

May saw the joyful return of Wish Street, an in-school residency program created in collaboration with Satellite Foundation, celebrating the powerful intersection of theatre-making and family mental health awareness. Delivered at Abbotsford Primary School, a Chinese-English bilingual school, the residency invited students to imagine and construct an extraordinary community from the ground up.

From a penguin therapy sanctuary to a capybara castle, the creativity on display was boundless – one corner of Wish Street even featured an airport with a Millennium Falcon! After school, children, families, and community members explored the growing world, adding to the community garden, posting wishes in the wish tower, and sharing feelings on the tree.

Wish Street places children’s voices and imaginations at the centre of a playful, collaborative process. With a focus on mental wellbeing, creativity and connection, this program creates space for young people to reflect on what matters to them and bring those ideas to life – together.

Cubbyhood

In June, Polyglot presented Cubbyhood as part of the Convent Kids program at Abbotsford Convent, marking its first public season. Originally developed as an education program for kindergartens, Cubbyhood was delivered in the Oratory for children aged 3–5 and their adults –  a joyful, shared experience for families. Together with Polyglot artists, children explored storytelling and play through space-making, building intricate cardboard cubbies with illustrative windows that revealed the people, places and things most important to them.

“They were so involved in the play and didn’t want it to end.” Polyglot artist, workshop report. 

Another artist reflected on the joy of intergenerational creativity, as parents shared memories of their own childhood cubbies. This public iteration of Cubbyhood beautifully highlighted the power of play, connection, and collaboration across generations, and we were thrilled to see families come together to create, imagine and reflect.

Photos: Julie Wright

When the World Turns: disability inclusive theatre in schools

Student: “I’m shocked. I’m about to cry.”

Teacher: “Are you overwhelmed?”

Student: “No, I’m not overwhelmed. I’m just really happy. I’m so happy I think I’m going to cry. It’s so beautiful.”

In 2025, Polyglot and Arts Centre Melbourne are continuing to work together to tour When the World Turns into Victorian specialist and special development schools. This is made possible with many generous supporters, including the Victorian Department of Education Strategic Partnerships Program.

A collaboration between Polyglot Theatre (AUS) and Oily Cart (UK), and commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne, When the World Turns was created specifically for children with complex disability and their educators. The partnership between Polyglot and Arts Centre Melbourne achieves new levels of accessibility by taking the production directly to the young people with and for whom it was made; those who often face the greatest access barriers. It was nationally recognised last August with a PAC Australia IMPACT Award.

Performed in classrooms and familiar school environments, When the World Turns surrounds its audiences in a living world of foliage, sound, light, scent and shadow. Here, students and educators are invited to take part in a shared journey—becoming part of a wild place where humans are equal parts of an inclusive ecology.

So far this year it’s been a privilege to connect with school communities in Ballarat/ Wadawurrung, Dallas/Wurundjeri, Echuca/Yorta Yorta, Glenroy/Wurundjeri, and Cranbourne/Bunurong (Boon Wurrung).

Photos Sarah Walker

Voice Lab

“What would you like to do when you grow up?” Voice Lab.

“Be everything.” Child, age 7, Voice Lab participant.

In July, Voice Lab was presented as part of QPAC’s Out of the Box Festival in Brisbane/Meanjin. Over four days, children aged eight and under spent time inside the serene dome, sharing their thoughts about hope and the future.

Voice Lab is Polyglot’s unique module for collecting the thoughts and opinions of children. One by one, children are invited into a magical, immersive space and greeted by a voice – a performer hidden from view – who asks curious questions and listens with care. Whether online or inside the physical dome, Voice Lab encourages children to reflect, imagine and be heard.

A Polyglot artist noted: “The way children say goodbye to Voice Lab is like they’re farewelling someone they know really well.” Through thoughtful design, time and attention, Voice Lab fosters connection, self-expression, and agency.

Photos: L-R Theresa Harrison, Pete Wallis

Thank you

When the World Turns: disability inclusive theatre in schools is a collaboration between Polyglot Theatre (AUS) and Oily Cart (UK), commissioned by Arts Centre Melbourne and generously supported by the Cassandra Gantner Foundation. The 2025 schools tour is further supported by Arts Centre Melbourne and the Victorian Department of Education Strategic Partnerships Program, a Bank of Melbourne Foundation Community Grant, Dr John Leaper OAM and Mrs Jenny Leaper OAM, Mr Mark Robertson OAM and Mrs Anne Robertson, Mr John Barlow, Maureen and Tony Wheeler, and Ian and Simone Carson. Polyglot thanks our ongoing plant sponsor ecoDynamics and SÜK Workwear.