Rebus

Rebus is seeking expressions of interest from people with governance experience to support our work by joining our volunteer Board of Directors! We are looking to fill the role of Treasurer as soon as possible, the role of Secretary is also currently open, and there are generally board positions available.

The Board meet once every two months on a weekday evening, with one longer meeting a year for strategic planning. Board meetings are mixed in person and via Zoom.

Rebus Theatre is an award-winning inclusive theatre company based on Ngunnawal and Ngambri land in Canberra with strong links across southeast NSW. Rebus uses theatre and other arts to stimulate healing and provoke social and environmental change. We work with people with lived experience of marginalisation to create innovative, powerful performance in diverse contexts. Rebus is an Incorporated Association registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission as a Health Promotions Charity.

We are particularly interested in people who identify as disabled, LGBTQIA+, CALD or BIPOC, or First Nations, or who live in the ACT or regional southeast NSW. We are looking for people who have some time to put into the organisation outside of Board meetings. For the general positions, we are looking for people who have expertise in fund-raising, IT, the disability sector, and/or governance in the not-for-profit sector.

If you think you might be a good fit for either of these roles please send a current CV and a paragraph about why you are interested in joining the Board to [email protected].

Discover the excitement of our vibrant iDrama program tailored specifically for adults with intellectual disabilities! 🎭 Enrol now to secure your spot in our weekly drama classes for 2024! Don't miss out on this empowering experience! Learn more and register your interest today: https://rebustheatre.com/programs/idrama

Join us at our welcoming locations in Canberra (Braddon, Downer) for an enriching journey in self-expression, confidence-building, and friendship-making through the magic of theatre.

No prior acting experience necessary! Our iDrama program has served as a gateway to countless opportunities, including paid theatre work, offered by Rebus!

What to expect:
• Guided by two dedicated Rebus drama teachers per class, many with firsthand experience of disability, each session is tailored to nurture individual strengths and interests.

• Dive into character development, storytelling, and rehearsing an original play, culminating in a heartwarming showcase for friends and family at the end of each semester.

Rebus drama teachers are practicing artists who use their skills to develop the strengths and interests of the group, supporting participants to develop characters and create and rehearse an original play, which friends and family are then invited to watch at the end of each semester.

For many participants, iDrama has been a launchpad into further opportunities and paid theatre work offered by Rebus!

Image: Some of our iDrama participants rehearsing for Rebus's Mainstage production 'Utopiate' which was performed participants in our 'Flair' program at Belco Arts Theatre in 2022.

Learn more and register interest here: https://rebustheatre.com/programs/idrama

Meet the Team - Chips Jin - Playback Theatre Coordinator/Actor/Conductor/Insta Story Guru

For as long as they can remember, Chips has been passionate about telling stories. Since early 2013, they’ve explored the practice of storytelling through theatre. As someone who lives with ADHD, there’s a special place in their heart for the spontaneous. They love how theatre can impact, affect, and move people’s hearts and minds. It’s a powerful tool that can be used to support growth and stimulate change.

Like many others in the creative industries, they’ve found themselves wearing many different hats. With a preference for acting, they’ve also directed, written, produced, stage managed and supported various productions. Most recently, you may have seen them perform with A-Z theatre at MoAD’s “After Dark” (2023), in the Mill Theatre production of the Torrents (2022), they worked on the premiere season of DEMENTED by Ruth Pieloor (2022), and toured nationally with the Rebus Theatre Playback ensemble (2022).

As a trans, q***r, BIPOC, differently abled human, Chips is no stranger to discrimination - especially in theatre spaces. At Rebus, Chips has finally found themselves in a space that is as passionate about creating and driving change as they are: A space to be who they are, however they come.

Chips works for Rebus as an iDrama facilitator a coordinator and performer with Rebus’ Playback Theatre Ensemble and if you watch carefully, you may just get to see them on an insta takeover!

Meet the rest of our team here: https://rebustheatre.com/aboutus/meet-rebus/
More about iDrama: https://rebustheatre.com/programs/idrama/
More about Rebus Playback Ensemble: https://rebustheatre.com/programs/playback-theatre/

ONE WEEK UNTIL APPLICATIONS TO WORK WITH US CLOSE!

Rebus Theatre for Social Change seeks an experienced Project Manager for an ambitious new project, Stages of Empathy. Stages of Empathy involves the creation and touring of an original interactive Forum Theatre play with a cast of disabled actors. The play will tour to community organisations across ACT, NSW, and Victoria, to help remove barriers for disabled people to participate in community activities.

As part of a small team, the Stages of Empathy Project Manager will be both responsible for strategic planning of how to implement a complex project, and be involved with ground level implementation, including elements of tour management and stage management.

The position is offered as a fixed term position until the 31 January 2026, with possible extension as funding permits. It is offered as a 35 hour a week position. Reduced hours or a job-share arrangement will be considered. Salary sacrificing is available. A significant amount of travel, and some working out of hours is part of the position. Travel allowances will be paid. A contribution to relocation costs of $1000 is available to a successful applicant moving from interstate.

For more info and selection criteria head to https://rebustheatre.com/work-with-us/

Rebus Merch is still on sale! Support our mission by wearing our logo proudly, chatting about us over a cuppa as your colleagues admire your good lookin' and environmentally sustainable keep cup, all the while contributing to our ongoing financial sustainability.

Grab yourself a Hoodie, Tee or a Keep Cup now here: https://rebustheatre.com/shop/

There are still 2 spots available for the first round of 'Expressive Pathways', our theatre based work-ready program for people with intellectual disability and neurodivergence.

'Expressive Pathways'- A free program for Young Adults (17-35) with neurodivergence or intellectual disabilities, looking to enter the workforce, or expand their work-ready skills. This program is only open to people who have left school already. Info and registration here:
https://rebustheatre.com/programs/expressive-pathways/

Monday afternoons from 1pm-4pm (9 weeks during school terms)
Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera St

Ready to take charge of your destiny as a young adult aged 17-35 with neurodivergence or intellectual disability? Expressive Pathways is Rebus’ non-accredited work-ready program, where the magic of theatre meets the sophistication of experiential learning.

Over one year, a Rebus theatre director and a registered Trainer and Assessor, will use the therapeutic nature of theatre to guide participants through Foundational Workplace Skills.

Please enrol using this form as soon as possible and we will be in touch to organise an intake: https://drct-rebustheatre.prod.supporterhub.net/pages/expressivepathways

Program Dates: The program runs for 9 weeks each term over a total of 4 terms.
Term 3, 2024 – Monday 23 July- 16 September
Term 4, 2024 – Monday 14 October- 9 December
Term 1, 2025 – Monday 3 February- 31 March
Term 2, 2025 – Monday 28 April- 7 June

What's in Store?
Craft Your Professional Persona: Develop a portfolio showcasing your skills and professionalism, aligning with curricula standards. Participants will create their own CVs, biographies and Access Riders.

Leadership Insights: Connect with influential speakers, gaining insights and assertiveness to navigate the professional landscape with confidence.

Role-Playing Mastery: Hone your assertiveness with mock job interviews and workplace scenarios, preparing for real-world challenges.

Real-world Experience: Join us at The Canberra Theatre and other arts organisations for work placements, aligning with curricula and providing a pathway to potential employment.

Showcase Your Success: The program will culminate in a presentation for family and friends, where participants will reflect on the learnings gained through the program.

This project receives funding support from the ACT Government through the ACT Adult Community Education grants program.

Rebus is also supported by Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centre and the ACT Government

WORK WITH US! Applications close Sunday July 21
Rebus Theatre for Social Change seeks an experienced Project Manager for an ambitious new project, Stages of Empathy. Stages of Empathy involves the creation and touring of an original interactive Forum Theatre play with a cast of disabled actors. The play will tour to community organisations across ACT, NSW, and Victoria, to help remove barriers for disabled people to participate in community activities.

As part of a small team, the Stages of Empathy Project Manager will be both responsible for strategic planning of how to implement a complex project, and be involved with ground level implementation, including elements of tour management and stage management.

The position is offered as a fixed term position until the 31 January 2026, with possible extension as funding permits. It is offered as a 35 hour a week position. Reduced hours or a job-share arrangement will be considered. Salary sacrificing is available. A significant amount of travel, and some working out of hours is part of the position. Travel allowances will be paid. A contribution to relocation costs of $1000 is available to a successful applicant moving from interstate.

For more info and selection criteria head to https://rebustheatre.com/work-with-us/

Rebus is seeking expressions of interest from people with governance experience to support our work by joining our volunteer Board of Directors! We are looking to fill the role of Treasurer as soon as possible, and the role of Secretary is also currently open.

If you think you might be a good fit for either of these roles please send a current CV and a paragraph about why you are interested in joining the Board to [email protected].

Rebus is an inclusive company so people from all cultures, identities, and lived experience perspectives are encouraged to apply.

TRAIN WITH US!
Rebus Theatre is offering a five-day intensive training in our approach to Applied Theatre. Applied Theatre is the application of theatre processes and performance to bring about social change. It includes specific forms and techniques, as well as the use of theatre in particular social contexts.

This will be an active and practical course, with some theory. The curriculum is being finalised, but will include an introduction to Playback Theatre, the Theatre of the Oppressed, and devising theatre with untrained actors.

The course will be held at Gorman Arts Centre on Ngunnawal and Ngambri country in Canberra, from 10am-5pm (with a 1 hr lunch break) from Monday October 7 to Friday October 11. It will be taught by Robin Davidson, the Artistic Director of Rebus Theatre, with some sections taught by other Rebus staff.

The cost will be $900 for the week. We are hoping to offer a limited number of concession places if we have sufficient enrolments.

If you are interested in attending, please reply to [email protected], including letting us know if you would be able to pay the full fee or require a concession, and we will be sending out more detailed information shortly.

There are still 2 spots available for the first round of 'Expressive Pathways', our theatre based work-ready program for people with intellectual disability and neurodivergence.

'Expressive Pathways'- A free program for Young Adults (17-35) with neurodivergence or intellectual disabilities, looking to enter the workforce, or expand their work-ready skills. This program is only open to people who have left school already. Info and registration here: https://rebustheatre.com/programs/expressive-pathways/

Monday afternoons from 1pm-4pm (9 weeks during school terms)
Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera St

Ready to take charge of your destiny as a young adult aged 17-35 with neurodivergence or intellectual disability? Expressive Pathways is Rebus’ non-accredited work-ready program, where the magic of theatre meets the sophistication of experiential learning.

Over one year, a Rebus theatre director and a registered Trainer and Assessor, will use the therapeutic nature of theatre to guide participants through Foundational Workplace Skills.

Please enrol using this form as soon as possible and we will be in touch to organise an intake: https://drct-rebustheatre.prod.supporterhub.net/pages/expressivepathways

Program Dates: The program runs for 9 weeks each term over a total of 4 terms.
Term 3, 2024 – Monday 22 July- 16 September
Term 4, 2024 – Monday 14 October- 9 December
Term 1, 2025 – Monday 3 February- 31 March
Term 2, 2025 – Monday 28 April- 7 June

What's in Store?
Craft Your Professional Persona: Develop a portfolio showcasing your skills and professionalism, aligning with curricula standards. Participants will create their own CVs, biographies and Access Riders.

Leadership Insights: Connect with influential speakers, gaining insights and assertiveness to navigate the professional landscape with confidence.
Role-Playing Mastery: Hone your assertiveness with mock job interviews and workplace scenarios, preparing for real-world challenges.

Real-world Experience: Join us at The Canberra Theatre and other arts organisations for work placements, aligning with curricula and providing a pathway to potential employment.

Showcase Your Success: The program will culminate in a presentation for family and friends, where participants will reflect on the learnings gained through the program.

This project receives funding support from the ACT Government through the ACT Adult Community Education grants program.

Rebus is also supported by Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centre and the ACT Government

WORK WITH US!
Rebus Theatre for Social Change seeks an experienced Project Manager for an ambitious new project, Stages of Empathy. Stages of Empathy involves the creation and touring of an original interactive Forum Theatre play with a cast of disabled actors. The play will tour to community organisations across ACT, NSW, and Victoria, to help remove barriers for disabled people to participate in community activities.

As part of a small team, the Stages of Empathy Project Manager will be both responsible for strategic planning of how to implement a complex project, and be involved with ground level implementation, including elements of tour management and stage management.

The position is offered as a fixed term position until the 31 January 2026, with possible extension as funding permits. It is offered as a 35 hour a week position. Reduced hours or a job-share arrangement will be considered. Salary sacrificing is available. A significant amount of travel, and some working out of hours is part of the position. Travel allowances will be paid. A contribution to relocation costs of $1000 is available to a successful applicant moving from interstate.

For more info and selection criteria head to https://rebustheatre.com/work-with-us/

That One Time...
We interviewed a bunch of scientists working on Climate Change and asked how they felt about their work and the world and then showed those interviews to an actor, a dancer, a digital artist and two musicians and asked them to come up with creative responses to what they had seen and heard and performed said responses as a Creative Development called 'Moving Climates' showing 3 times as part of National Science Week 2018 and held Q&A Sessions with the near sell out audiences.

More about 'Moving Climates' here: https://rebustheatre.com/performances/movingclimates/

Check out our other performances here: https://rebustheatre.com/performances/

Rebus believes in a sustainable and ethical society that is inclusive, creative, compassionate and accessible to everyone. Help us end stigma and build an inclusive world using theatre and other arts with your End Of Financial Year tax deductible donation here: https://rebustheatre.com/donate/

"A man weeps from the audience to the sound of haunting piano as
his mother performs a delicate physical theatre piece about how her
declining mental health diminished her motivation to get out of bed and
take a shower."

"A group of artists from five different areas affected by severe bushfires
come together to share stories and ideas about creative practice, before
returning to their hometowns to share their creativity with their healing
communities."

"A group of people with disability and lived experience of mental health
challenges contort their bodies while wailing on stage to engulf the
audience in a visceral experience of pain before the lights snap and the
scene switches to a hilarious mock infomercial promoting ‘Utopiate’, a
pain free planet."

"A lawyer steps onto a stage to enact assisting a young adult who’s come
for help with an eviction notice but reveals that they are experiencing
domestic violence."

"A woman in her 40s with recently diagnosed neurodiversity finds comfort
and understanding in a group of strangers of varying abilities, as they
share stories and enact them back to each other to build confidence and
develop public speaking skills."

"A non-binary 16-year-old stands in a circle with others, their first
experience of ever knowingly interacting with other LGBTQIA+ young
people – before donning a rainbow clown wig to shoot a comic murder
mystery film."

This is some of the work that Rebus does. This is why Rebus exists: to end stigma, exclusion and isolation and ensure that everyone feels seen, heard and valued.

Make an EOFY tax deductible donation, or become a regular donor here to help us achieve this vision! https://rebustheatre.com/donate/

There are still 2 spots available for the first round of 'Expressive Pathways', our theatre based work-ready program for people with intellectual disability and neurodivergence.

'Expressive Pathways'- A free program for Young Adults (17-35) with neurodivergence or intellectual disabilities, looking to enter the workforce, or expand their work-ready skills. This program is only open to people who have left school already. Info and registration here: https://rebustheatre.com/programs/expressive-pathways/

Monday afternoons from 1pm-4pm (9 weeks during school terms)
Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera St

Ready to take charge of your destiny as a young adult aged 17-35 with neurodivergence or intellectual disability? Expressive Pathways is Rebus’ non-accredited work-ready program, where the magic of theatre meets the sophistication of experiential learning.

Over one year, a Rebus theatre director and a registered Trainer and Assessor, will use the therapeutic nature of theatre to guide participants through Foundational Workplace Skills.

Please enrol using this form as soon as possible and we will be in touch to organise an intake: https://drct-rebustheatre.prod.supporterhub.net/pages/expressivepathways

Program Dates: The program runs for 9 weeks each term over a total of 4 terms.
Term 3, 2024 – Monday 23 July- 16 September
Term 4, 2024 – Monday 14 October- 9 December
Term 1, 2025 – Monday 3 February- 31 March
Term 2, 2025 – Monday 28 April- 7 June

What's in Store?
Craft Your Professional Persona: Develop a portfolio showcasing your skills and professionalism, aligning with curricula standards. Participants will create their own CVs, biographies and Access Riders.

Leadership Insights: Connect with influential speakers, gaining insights and assertiveness to navigate the professional landscape with confidence.
Role-Playing Mastery: Hone your assertiveness with mock job interviews and workplace scenarios, preparing for real-world challenges.

Real-world Experience: Join us at Canberra Theatre and other arts organisations for work placements, aligning with curricula and providing a pathway to potential employment.

Showcase Your Success: The program will culminate in a presentation for family and friends, where participants will reflect on the learnings gained through the program.

This project receives funding support from the ACT Government through the ACT Adult Community Education grants program.

Rebus is also supported by Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centre and the ACT Government

WORK WITH US!

Rebus Theatre for Social Change seeks an experienced Project Manager for an ambitious new project, Stages of Empathy. Stages of Empathy involves the creation and touring of an original interactive Forum Theatre play with a cast of disabled actors. The play will tour to community organisations across ACT, NSW, and Victoria, to help remove barriers for disabled people to participate in community activities.

As part of a small team, the Stages of Empathy Project Manager will be both responsible for strategic planning of how to implement a complex project, and be involved with ground level implementation, including elements of tour management and stage management.

The position is offered as a fixed term position until the 31 January 2026, with possible extension as funding permits. It is offered as a 35 hour a week position. Reduced hours or a job-share arrangement will be considered. Salary sacrificing is available. A significant amount of travel, and some working out of hours is part of the position. Travel allowances will be paid. A contribution to relocation costs of $1000 is available to a successful applicant moving from interstate.

For more info and selection criteria head to https://rebustheatre.com/work-with-us/

Discover the excitement of our vibrant iDrama program tailored specifically for adults with intellectual disabilities! 🎭 Enrol now to secure your spot in our weekly drama classes for 2024! Don't miss out on this empowering experience! Learn more and register your interest today: https://rebustheatre.com/programs/idrama

Join us at our welcoming locations in Canberra (Braddon, Downer) for an enriching journey in self-expression, confidence-building, and friendship-making through the magic of theatre.

No prior acting experience necessary! Our iDrama program has served as a gateway to countless opportunities, including paid theatre work, offered by Rebus!

What to expect:
• Guided by two dedicated Rebus drama teachers per class, many with firsthand experience of disability, each session is tailored to nurture individual strengths and interests.
• Dive into character development, storytelling, and rehearsing an original play, culminating in a heartwarming showcase for friends and family at the end of each semester.

Rebus drama teachers are practicing artists who use their skills to develop the strengths and interests of the group, supporting participants to develop characters and create and rehearse an original play, which friends and family are then invited to watch at the end of each semester.

For many participants, iDrama has been a launchpad into further opportunities and paid theatre work offered by Rebus!

Learn more and register interest here: https://rebustheatre.com/programs/idrama

EXTRA EXTRA! All Rebus Merch is currently on sale!

Support our mission by wearing our logo proudly, chatting about us over a cuppa as your colleagues admire your good lookin' and environmentally sustainable keep cup, and contributing to our ongoing financial sustainability.

Grab yourself a Hoodie, Tee or a Keep Cup now here: https://rebustheatre.com/shop/

Meet the Team - Ariana Odermatt - Administration Officer

Ariana Odermatt joined Rebus Theatre as their Administration Officer in May 2022. Ariana has worked in arts administration roles for 15 years, from national arts funding bodies to community music organisations and venues. Ariana is a keyboard teacher and enjoys performing with local ensembles. She is looking forward to growing skills to support Rebus Theatre and its family.

Check out who else is working behind the scenes to make all our amazing projects happen on our Meet Rebus page: https://rebustheatre.com/aboutus/meet-rebus/

Are you an emerging content maker with disability? Do you have a story that needs to be told?

The ABC is partnering with International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) to recognise the 4.4 million Australians with disability.

A series of factual stories and content will be commissioned by the ABC to be published and broadcast across ABC platforms for IDPwD on December 3.

We are particularly interested in hearing from First Nations and culturally and linguistically diverse content creators.

Who can apply?
To be eligible, you must live in Australia, be over 18, have lived experience of disability and be available to work on your content between August and December 2024.

What to pitch?
We want you to pitch a non-fiction, original story idea.

It could be your lived experience, an issue affecting your community, a stereotype you want to dispel or an attitude you want to challenge.

For example, Brittany Long describes herself as a music photographer on wheels and created content for last year's International Day of People with Disability program that resonated with so many.

Dave Clark shared how he regained a meaningful life after Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and also shared a poem about his experiences.

Dan Jacob's video is about the relocation of historic buildings in Tasmania.

You will be paid for your work.

More info and EOIs here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-04/idpwd-abc-callout-for-2024/103896448?utm_source=abc_news_app

One week left to apply for 'Expressive Pathways' our theatre based work-ready program for people with intellectual disability and neurodivergence.

'Expressive Pathways'- A free program for Young Adults (17-35) with neurodivergence or intellectual disabilities, looking to enter the workforce, or expand their work-ready skills. This program is only open to people who have left school already. Info and registration here: https://rebustheatre.com/programs/expressive-pathways/
Monday afternoons from 1pm-4pm (9 weeks during school terms)
Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera St

Ready to take charge of your destiny as a young adult aged 17-35 with neurodivergence or intellectual disability? Expressive Pathways is Rebus’ non-accredited work-ready program, where the magic of theatre meets the sophistication of experiential learning.

Over one year, a Rebus theatre director and a registered Trainer and Assessor, will use the therapeutic nature of theatre to guide participants through Foundational Workplace Skills.

Please enrol using this form by Monday 17 June and we will be in touch to organise an intake: https://drct-rebustheatre.prod.supporterhub.net/pages/expressivepathways
Program Dates: The program runs for 9 weeks each term over a total of 4 terms.
Term 3, 2024 – Monday 23 July- 16 September
Term 4, 2024 – Monday 14 October- 9 December
Term 1, 2025 – Monday 3 February- 31 March
Term 2, 2025 – Monday 28 April- 7 June

What's in Store?

Craft Your Professional Persona: Develop a portfolio showcasing your skills and professionalism, aligning with curricula standards. Participants will create their own CVs, biographies and Access Riders.

Leadership Insights: Connect with influential speakers, gaining insights and assertiveness to navigate the professional landscape with confidence.
Role-Playing Mastery: Hone your assertiveness with mock job interviews and workplace scenarios, preparing for real-world challenges.

Real-world Experience: Join us at Canberra Theatre and other arts organisations for work placements, aligning with curricula and providing a pathway to potential employment.

Showcase Your Success: The program will culminate in a presentation for family and friends, where participants will reflect on the learnings gained through the program.

This project receives funding support from the ACT Government through the ACT Adult Community Education grants program.

Rebus is also supported by Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centre and the ACT Government

Renowned singer-songwriter Eliza Hull is performing at Ainslie Arts Centre on June 22 supported by Rebus family member Ruth O'Brien! Eliza will also be running a song-writing workshop in partnership with APRA AMCOS earlier that day, which is open to everyone, but is aimed at people with disability.

Accessible Workshop
During this songwriting workshop she will share insight into writing a song and helpful prompts for times when inspiration doesn’t strike. This session is for all abilities and will cover collaborative rhythm making, lyric writing, melodic hooks, writing to a brief and song structure. Eliza believes that everybody has a story and she will share how you can tap into yours through song.
https://ainslieandgorman.com.au/whats-on/music/accessible-songwriting-workshop-with-eliza-hull/

Performance
Having established herself as one of Australia’s most important voices and striking songwriters of recent years, musical artist Eliza Hull has proven the longevity of her art, and continued evolution. New single ‘Running Underwater’ sees Hull work with ARIA Award-winning producer Pip Norman (Baker Boy, Missy Higgins) The track was first performed by Hull during a powerful appearance on ABC’s Q&A on national TV. It’s the first song Hull has written about living with condition ‘Charcot Marie Tooth’.
https://ainslieandgorman.com.au/whats-on/music/ainslie-salon-eliza-hull/