ActNow Theatre for Social Change (ANTSC) is unique in the current Australian theatre climate. They may be the only company in this country whose productions are both driven by their social agenda and youth-led. At the very least, they are aiming to become the premier company of this kind. They are determined to encourage young people to take charge of their own artistic experiences, and they believe in the power of theatre to affect social change.

What are ANTSC’s origins?

ANTSC is a young company first realised in early 2007 in response to the case of terror suspect David Hicks who, at the time, was being held in the infamous Guantanamo Bay. That year, ANTSC presented several street theatre performances, and held numerous political theatre workshops—all of which were freely accessible to the community.

The Company Ensemble (also known as the Board of Management) of ANTSC is comprised of a small number of key figures, who currently range in age from 19–23. The company’s wider membership involves a much larger base, from local students and practitioners to overseas followers.

Ultimately, because the company’s board is responsible for its decisions, and as those who constitute the board fall within the youth demographic, the company’s productions are relevant and directed to youth audiences. Naturally, though, the themes and ideals of individual productions attract audiences of all ages. Some of their shows are al…