Highs and lows of leaving school explored in bold new play

BYRON Youth Theatre has never been one to shy away from confronting the big issues. Previous productions have explored everything from teenage suicide and illicit drug use to consent and sexual health. Its latest offering, Grow Up!, turns the spotlight on the pressures of senior school years and the challenges faced by young people who leave the school system early.

Director Lisa Apostolides developed the script after surveying and interviewing local youth and workshopping the content with the cast — many of whom shared personal stories.

The play centres around two young people who have left school: one who is finding her feet, and another who is still struggling to find direction.

“It does touch on the pressure of getting into drugs and it leading to crime,” Apostolides said.

Another storyline follows a single-mother household, where a Year 10 student with dyslexia navigates learning challenges, while their sister in Year 12 feels the weight of expectation to succeed and support the family. Meanwhile, her best friend, from a well-off background, is busy planning a gap year.

Apostolides said transitional periods in life are often overlooked, but they carry significant emotional weight for young people.

“A lot of them do feel very confused about the world they’re going into as an adult and their place in it,” she said.

The cast of nine has been developing the production for several months, building on skills taught through the company’s training program, including vocal technique, improvisation and body movement.

“If I know that members have additional performing skills I weave them in,” Apostolides said. “We have an amazing singer and an amazing dancer who’s going to be dancing in the show. I always like to showcase their other skills.”

Based at The Drill Hall in Mullumbimby, Byron Youth Theatre is the only not-for-profit, social action youth theatre company in NSW. Grow Up! has been funded by Rotary Byron Bay, Wayahead NSW Mental Health Association and a generous private donation.

In addition to its advanced program for teenagers, the theatre company will offer weekly classes for students aged 8 to 10 and 11 to 15 in 2026.

Grow Up! is on at the Drill Hall Theatre in Mullumbimby at 7pm on October 16 and 17. Tickets cost $22 for adults and $15 concession and are available via Humantix.