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THE COLLECTORS

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CONTENTS PART ONE COMPANY PROFILE……….……………………………………………………………………………… 3 ABOUT THE SHOW.…………………………………………………………………………………….… 3

PRESENTER OPTIONS……………………………………………………………………………………4 • One Day Package

• Two Day Package

• Example program for a two day package

PRESENTATION SPECIFICS……………………………………….…………………………………….. 5 BIOGRAPHIES…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6

MARKETING……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7 • Unique selling points

• Marketing materials

• Video links

WORKSHOP - LETTERS TO LITTLELEAF………………………………………………………………. 8

PART TWO SCHOOLS………………………….……….……………………………………………………………… 9

• How does The Collectors work in a school? • What happens next?

• What happens in the presentation?

• The ‘sapling’ • After The Collectors visit your school

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES AND FOCUS……………………………………………………………13 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.………………………………………………………………………13

COLLEAGUE RECOMMENDATIONS……………………………………………………………………14 CONTACTS………………………………………………………………………………………………..15

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS…………………………………………………………………………………15

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COMPANY PROFILE Red Chair is a Queensland-based performing arts and event management company. Recognised nationally as a major producing and touring body for culturally diverse works, our current touring productions include Flamenco Fire, 1971 – The Music, Loose Ends, The People’s Orchestra and Acoustic Guitar Spectacular. Red Chair was the winner of the 2014 Premier's Cultural Diversity Award - Small Business.

The creative lead of this work and director of LittleLeaf Productions, Nadia Sunde, is a multi-award winning songwriter and theatre maker for children. She is also the author of two published illustrated children's books, an experienced music educator, early years literacy educator and Abecedarian facilitator, actress, comedienne and former ABC radio presenter. In 2017 Nadia partnered with Bloomsbury Publishing to bring the Harry Potter books series to life at festivals and venues across Australasia. She is the only person endorsed by the Harry Potter UK franchise to do so.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Inspired by The Last Tree - a short story from celebrated Australian author Bruce Pascoe - The Collectors is an immersive and interactive narrative experience for children aged 3 - 8 years that explores themes of community and environment through the art of storytelling and letter writing.

Intentionally crafted for regional touring, this work is flexible enough to best meet the individual needs of your community.

The Collectors incorporates pre and post engagement activities; a letter writing workshop; crafted visual installations; whimsical costuming; props and an interactive and immersive storytelling/theatre experience of exceptional quality.

An adventure in story, children enter the world of LittleLeaf as told to them by Sprig and Magnolia - sisters who have travelled from the village of LittleLeaf with their suitcase of special things. This tattered case is full of wondrous, whimsical and fantastic treasures…all of them carefully collected and rich with story. There’s a jar of aromatic red tea concocted from Adeline Eden’s herb garden; a hand-carved, wooden box that keeps a secret; a tiny jar of honey lovingly collected from Horatio's bees and an egg that's…well it’s…suspiciously like something a Gillywobbler would leave behind!

The Collectors is funny, heartfelt, uplifting, playful and artfully crafted to leave its audience with a deeper appreciation for their own special corner of the world…and all of the wondrous stories it has to offer.

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PRESENTER OPTIONS 1-Day package

Up to 3 x 45min engagements - which could incorporate roving performances, workshops and/or a storytelling/theatre experience.

2-Day Package

Up to 5 x 45min engagements + 1 x 1hr professional development workshop. (3 engagements per day).

AN EXAMPLE PROGRAM FOR A TWO DAY PACKAGE:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Sprig and Magnolia maintain their characters as long as there is the possibility of a child seeing them...shopping at the IGA...filling up at the petrol station...having a swim at local the pool (love that Artesian basin!). This commitment to their story enhances the immersive and magical quality of the work.

The production also offers pre & post engagement activities with a full educational resource kit (currently in development) for educators.

DAY ONE

10am - 10:45am The Collectors visit your hospital’s children’s ward for a roving and storytelling engagement.

1:00pm - 1:45pm Storytelling/theatre experience in the public library with a letter writing workshop preceding/following.

3:30pm - 4:30pm Professional Development session with local early years educators/libraries and parents.

DAY TWO

All day The Collectors visit the local primary school and conduct three sessions during the day.

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PRESENTATION SPECIFICS

DURATION PER ENGAGEMENT: 45mins - 1hr

SUITABLE VENUES It is possible to present in many and varied community spaces including community halls, theatres, schools, pre-schools, libraries, festivals and child care centres. The Collectors have even weaved their magic to audiences in an airport!

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PRESENTATIONS PER WEEK 12 presentations - inclusive of roving /storytelling / theatre / workshops.

MINIMUM BREAK BETWEEN PERFORMANCES 60 minutes

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF STUDENTS PER SCHOOL PRESENTATION 30

APRA OBLIGATIONS This work is APRA free - all music is original to Nadia Sunde.

PROPS/SET Bicycles / suitcases / letterbox / umbrellas - all versatile and mobile.

AUDIO - DEPENDING ON VENUE 2 x DPA headset mics (performers own) 1 x stage power

VENUE STAFF REQUIRED FOR BUMP IN / PRESENTATION1 x audio / lighting tech (managed venues only)

NB. A touring rig including basic sound/lighting will tour with production for venues without technical support.

TOURING PERSONNEL NAME ROLE

Nadia Sunde Performer

Melissa Redman Performer

Philip Dunbavan Tour Manager

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BIOGRAPHIES NADIA SUNDE (SPRIG) Nadia Sunde is a highly acclaimed Australian children’s theatre writer and performer. An internationally and nationally awarded children’s singer/songwriter she is also the author of two published illustrated children's books, an experienced music educator, early years Abecedarian facilitator, actress, comedienne and former ABC radio presenter. Nadia has written four children's theatre shows for 3 - 8 year olds and also works as a freelance creative consultant / director / performer on adult and children's musical theatre. In 2017 Nadia partnered with Bloomsbury Publishing to bring the Harry Potter books series to life at festivals and venues across Australasia. She is the only person endorsed by the Harry Potter UK franchise to do so. • 2015 / 14 / 13 Queensland Music Award Winner - ‘Children’s

Category’ • 2014 / 13 / 11 International Songwriting Award Winner -

‘Children’s Category’ • 2013 APRA Art Music Awards - ‘Queensland Performance of

the Year’ - The Dream of Zedkat Nabu

MELISSA REDMAN (MAGNOLIA) Melissa Redman is an Australian performance artist, experienced primary school teacher, children’s wellbeing workshop writer and facilitator, laughter yoga instructor, dancer and storyteller. Melissa is dedicated to creating experiences for children that empower, inspire and support their sense of self-worth, emotional intelligence and love of nature. She is exceptional at holding a space where children feel supported to explore and grow with confidence. Melissa has worked extensively with children across all ages, diverse backgrounds and needs.

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MARKETINGUNIQUE SELLING POINTS • It is delightfully immersive and interactive. • It is engaging for both adults and children alike. • It is highly adaptable and flexible enough to meet the individual needs of your community. • The pre and post engagement activities and letter writing workshop build on the immersive

and magical quality of the work. • The website provides an ongoing portal to the world of LittleLeaf post performance, including:

downloadable stories, a newsletter, videos and activities. • It is funny, heartfelt, uplifting and playful. • It is artfully crafted to deepen our personal connection to environment, community and our

sense of self. • This project aims to support literacy, speaking and listening in primary aged children. • It’s more than just a show … Sprig and Magnolia are everyone’s favourite Aunties. They

appear as though they’ve stepped off the pages of a colourful picture book and onto the streets of your town. Due to the immersive quality of the work and their commitment to story, Sprig and Magnolia maintain their characters if there’s any chance of a child seeing them...buying groceries at the IGA...filling up at the petrol station...going for a swim at the local pool. Completely endearing, both characters are a magical blend of Mary Poppins, ‘The Vicar of Dibley’s’ Alice Tinker and Dr Seuss.

Key Target Market Segments: Early Years (3-5 years), Early Years Primary (5-8 years), Families.

MARKETING MATERIALS • Press kits – Media releases, Company & Individual biographies, Testimonials, Publicity

photographs / press clippings • Artist availability for interviews • Raw artwork for handbills & posters with images for venue’s own use • High resolution proofs for artwork for press ads • Red Chair will also provide marketing and promotion support for the tour including advertising

through Red Chair’s website (approx 30,000 hits per month), Facebook and e-news (4,500 active readers), support with the creation and distribution of tour specific media releases, coordination of interviews and other media requests.

VIDEO LINKS - ROVING PERFORMANCE & LETTERS TO LITTLELEAF https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEhXcnW5MaU

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WORKSHOP - LETTERS TO LITTLELEAF • A 45-60 minute workshop appropriate for all ages. • Workshop capacity – max 30 (fast turnaround time - very suitable for festival environments) • This workshop requires a dedicated space • Tables, chairs and FOH staff member to be supplied by the venue. • Paper, coloured pencils, envelopes and a letterbox to be supplied by the Producer. Children and families are invited to write or draw a picture to a friend in nature. This friend could be a special tree...a favourite beach...or Nana’s garden. Something or someone that has brought happiness to their world. The Collectors pledge to bring these wondrous letters back to the heart of the Forgotten Forest where they will inspire the birds, the bees and the trees to continue their song...knowing they are remembered.

Letters are placed in envelopes and delivered to The Collectors letterbox…whereon the writer rings the bell! Alerting the village of LittleLeaf that a letter is on its way.

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PART TWO - SCHOOLS

How does ‘The Collectors’ work in a school? The narrative begins with classroom teachers reading The Last Tree by author Bruce Pascoe to their students.

After the reading, students and their teachers take time to share stories of their own experience with a favourite tree, special place or friend in nature.

In a teacher led activity, children then write/draw a letter to that tree/beach/garden/or animal important to them. These letters are placed in envelopes and hand addressed ‘To my special.….’. The teacher places them in a noticeable spot on his/her desk until the next day when stamps can be applied.

But overnight the letters go missing.

In their place is an unusual envelope and inside a beautifully penned letter to the class…

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What happens next? Upon receiving a letter of confirmation from the students and teacher The Collectors respond with a letter overnight letting the class know they will be visiting...this week!

Teachers are supplied with all of the letters, a detailed timeline and an educational resource pack prior to the visit from Sprig and Magnolia. Dates are scheduled and confirmed well in advance.

On the day of their visit The Collectors arrive at your school or festival with their suitcase of special things - a tattered case full of wondrous, whimsical and fantastic treasures…all of them carefully collected and rich with story. There’s a jar of aromatic red tea concocted from Adeline Eden’s herb garden; a hand carved, wooden box that keeps a secret; there’s a tiny jar of honey lovingly collected from Horatio’s bees and an egg that is…well it’s…suspiciously like something a Gillywobbler would leave behind!

Sprig and Magnolia arrive on their bedazzled bicycles Cricket and Olive…a magical sight for children, parents and staff entering the school. The sisters make their colourful and joyous way to the school’s story department asking for directions from students along the way. The library is where they make themselves at home during their stay.

It is important for the immersive quality of the work that a collective and excited buzz is generated throughout the school...”The Collectors are coming!!! … The Collectors are here!!! … Whose class will they visit first?!!!” LittleLeaf Productions look forward to sharing hints with staff on how to generate a thoroughly awesome buzz prior to The Collectors visit at your school.

What happens in the presentation? During their presentation The Collectors take students on an imaginative journey into the world of LittleLeaf and the Forgotten Forest. In this immersive experience, props from the suitcase of special things evoke magic and set the scene for heartfelt, funny and remarkable stories of the LittleLeaf villagers and their deep connection to place.

Within the storytelling experience Sprig and Magnolia refer to their magic story seeds…tiny items of inspiration that playfully tickle imaginations and activate the storyteller living within each of us. Children will leave the experience with their very own story seeds, equipped with inspiration and simple tools to continue writing, sharing and growing a story collection of their very own.

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The ‘sapling’... Sprig and Magnolia will bring with them a young native sapling from the Forgotten Forest...one in need of extra special care. The sisters are also LittleLeaf Village Council appointed foster carers for vulnerable young trees. If The Collectors are visiting your school for more than one day then the children will be able to observe the positive changes in this sapling from the effect of their stories...overnight it will grow!

If your school is further than one days driving distance from SEQ then we can arrange with your grounds person to organise a young tree/s as part of the experience. No pressure, as the sapling is an optional addition.

In a gesture of gratitude and community The Collectors will leave the young tree to flourish at your school. Secure in the knowledge that the children will care for it and continue to tell it stories long after they leave.

After The Collectors visit your school... Sprig, Magnolia and Mayor Wollemina Bidwillii look forward to writing letters to your school in the weeks following The Collectors visit. Teachers and students will be provided with a postal address for the village of LittleLeaf story department where children can send correspondence if they wish to stay in touch. We promise to answer every single letter!

An interactive website for The Collectors and their village of LittleLeaf is currently under construction. This website will include: further stories of the adventures of Sprig, Magnolia and the villagers of LittleLeaf (written by Nadia Sunde and Melissa Redman and available as PDF and audio downloads), videos from LittleLeaf and the Forgotten Forest, past editions of the LittleLeaf village newsletter and other engaging support materials for communities and schools.

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EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES & FOCUS An educators resource kit will be provided that highlights important connections to the Primary Framework for Literacy and National Curriculum.

These presentations/workshops meet several English and HASS curriculum outcomes and can be tailored to meet specific criteria and year level outcomes. Children will experience various types of oral and written stories, rhyming verse, songs and an immersive narrative of exceptional quality.

An interactive website for The Collectors and their village of Littleleaf is currently under construction and will include: downloadable written and aural stories of the adventures of LittleLeaf; video episodes; fun activities; recipes; editions of the Littleleaf Village Newsletter; songs and other engaging support materials for communities, schools and libraries to access.

This project aims to support development in all areas of literacy, speaking and listening, writing and shaping.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Both key artists have vast experience as early childhood and primary educators, having worked with young children and communities from a diverse range of backgrounds, needs and experiences. They are excited to further enrich the legacy of this project by offering a Professional Development opportunity for educators and librarians that explores how written and oral stories deepen our connection to place and our sense of self. They will be sharing tips, tricks and techniques on how to artfully engage children in dynamic storytelling experiences and encourage them with the confidence and skills to be courageous storytellers themselves.

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COLLEAGUE RECOMMENDATIONS “Nadia Sunde is the most intuitive performer / storyteller / singer that I have had the pleasure to meet. The kid’s shrieks of laughter were a delight and all done with a sock and a teapot! Nadia, Houdini like, got a child who does not speak, to become a part of the storytelling. His teacher and I couldn't believe what we were seeing. She's the benchmark that everyone else needs to aspire to.” - Andrea Anderson, Librarian, Seven Hills State School

“Nadia was excellent. She had the students buzzing. Parents tell me that boys jumped in the car and started telling them about Nadia and how much fun she was. All the teachers came and saw me individually to tell me how they enjoyed her and that she was the best speaker we have had at our school.” - Toowoomba Grammar School - August, 2017

“Harry Potter is always a favourite, with our staff and customers alike, so we were really looking forward to the day - and it exceeded all of our expectations. Professor Frankie (Nadia) was incredible - the kids responded to her so well and she ran the whole thing so smoothly. This was undoubtedly the best children's event we have had at the shop for a very long 0me. Many of the parents stopped me on their way out to say what a fantastic time they had, and I have already received a few 'thank you' emails.”- Riverbend Books - Professor Frankie Falconette 2017

“I take my children to shows at QPAC regularly. This (The Treasure of Captain Curlylocks) is the best children’s theatre show I have seen yet! We loved it!”- Racquel B. Gold Coast, Bleach* Festival

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CONTACTS Bookings: Angie Dunbavan Tour Producer RED CHAIRM: 0402 246 593E: angie.dunbavan@redchair.com.au

Questions & further information: Nadia Sunde Creative Director LittleLeaf Productions nadia@nadiasunde.com 0435 188 049 www.nadiasunde.com

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Writers: Nadia Sunde, Melissa Redman & Bruce Pascoe Tour Producer: Angie Dunbavan Composer: Nadia Sunde Photographers: Peter Thiedeke, Jeff Licence Videographer: Jeff Licence Creative Consultants: Marija-Liisa Rintala, Jeff Licence, Angela Sunde & Harry Brown

• Originally developed through the Generate program. Generate is a City of Gold Coast initiative through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government and the City of Gold Coast to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. Generate is also supported through a partnership between Gold Coast City Council and Queensland Government's Office of the Commonwealth Games.