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“Educators- you must (really. You must.) welcome the Shaun Parker Co to your school"

28 July 2018

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THE YARD, Shaun Parker and Company's anti-bullying show aimed at Years 2 – 8 is touring into schools in Greater Sydney again in Term 3. There are some dates still available. Go here to enquire.
Already seen by thousands of kids across Greater Sydney, the message of THE YARD is one of inclusion and emotional resilience and is especially relevant today as Australian schools are among those with the highest reported incidence of bullying in the world.* SPCompany surveys reveal 95% said that after seeing THE YARD they would not bully again.
Get a glimpse of the show and students' reaction to it here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WkPLsNYp4A 
*(source: Mullis, Martin & Foy, 2008)
 

Comment from a teacher who saw the show in Term 2-
“Educators- you must (really. You must.) welcome the Shaun Parker Co to your school. I care not what you have to trade with executive to make it happen (your soul is a valid exchange...) just do it. Beg them to extend their tour of The Yard… 
Not only are the dancers spectacular, but the concept and rendering of intention stunning, clever and richly provocative. A wonderful short and relevant piece to study with juniors for appreciation and to inspire narrative-based composition for all stages. The Yard picks up and navigates so many key social issues expertly, for students of all ages. It also interweaves such special stories and is testament to the rigorous workshop development origin.
Add to that the dancers’ beautiful, humble, approachable manner and Shaun’s extensive and sensitive management of both content and student-audience... they ticked every box we didn’t even know we had. And it is stupidly affordable….I think this genius deserves a round of applause for purveying not only the advancement of his cast- but the exposure of students across the country to important and accessible artistic work.” 
– Amanda Barwick, Scots College, NSW

 

The impact of the show is immediately obvious from the questions and comments students make during the Q&A that follows. Although there is no dialogue in the show, students immediately recognise the dynamic between the bully and the bullied and are quick to empathise with the victim. The moment when one member of the group offers a hand to the victim is a major turning point in the show and a gesture that is not lost on the audience.
THE_Yard.jpg
Since 2017, Shaun Parker and Company has captured the audience response through a short survey and has found that while 22% of students admit to having bullied at some stage, 95% said that after seeing THE YARD they would not bully again. The majority of the students also said they felt more resilient towards bullying. 
This show is a quality event on every level. Artistically, it's beautifully made, as well as having a strong, authentic message.
More details here  

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