Welcome to Play! Strategies on Building Young Audiences

Presented by: Hong Kong Arts Administrators Association (HKAAA)

Getting young audiences to come to theatres remains a big challenge in the age of the internet.  Besides, young people are not the audiences of tomorrow, they are the audiences (and participants) of today.  They are entitled to the same cultural rights as adults. 

In view of the growing awareness of the importance that arts can bring personal, cultural and social benefits, and are instrumental in the development of a creative city and the enjoyment of a quality life, how to bring theatre experiences to the younger generation has also been one of the widely discussed issues in the arts sector or education sector in Hong Kong.

Despite the effort put into young audiences building by arts organisations, local theatre groups, schools, and the Government in Hong Kong for more than decades, the number of young audiences does not have a significant increase and there is no sustainable growth of audience according to various researches and reports.

To address the above issues, with great pleasure, the Hong Kong Arts Administrators Association (HKAAA) has invited Mr. Patrick McIntyre, Executive Director of Sydney Theatre Company (STC), to share STC’s experiences and insights into young audiences building.  

STC has been the leading force in Australian drama since its inception in 1978.  Apart from being widely acclaimed for producing theatre of the highest standard, it is also renowned for its education and community engagement.  STC’s productions not only contain strong curriculum connections, but also provide incredible learning and life experience for young people.  As the state theatre company of New South Wales, it also produces a significant education programme for schools, STC Ed, as well as nurturing developing artists through its Next Stage.

STC is also envisioned in providing teacher professional learning through School Drama^TM, the Arts Conference for Educators and other programmes to use theatre and drama to improve student outcomes.