Judith Brown, Sean Perez, Katelyn Ryan, Lisa McKay - MACKAY

‘Choices' is an applied theatre program that has been in operation for over 11 years. It was developed by staff and students of CQUniversity in conjunction with several Government agencies (Queensland Health, Queensland Police Service, Department of Communities and Queensland transport) and with input from the Queensland Ambulance service and Whitsunday Schoolies Advisory Committee to address the risk taking activities of young people celebrating the completion of Year 12 in what is known as ‘schoolies'. It is presented to over 3000 Year 12 students in the Mackay and Townsville regions.

Each year a group of three Bachelor of Theatre students write, direct and choreograph Choices, leading a full cohort of students through rehearsals and the subsequent 2 week tour of regional high schools. These students work over several months in conjunction with government agencies to develop and perform the theatre show which conveys 30 key messages in a style and medium that appeals to the target audience. Each year the production is updated with modern music and themes.

This experience is invaluable real world learning. It teaches the students important graduate attributes including leadership, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, problem solving and ethical practice as well as developing their specific discipline in music, drama, dance and technical theatre. The program builds and strengthens CQUniversity's relationships with key government departments and schools throughout the Townsville and Mackay Health Service districts greatly improving our reputation and positively showcasing CQUniversity's Bachelor of Theatre to school leavers.

CQUniversity student feedback shows that the students involved learn important skills that they could not learn through regular classroom based teaching. Anonymous school leaver feedback demonstrates that the show is effective in delivering the important moral and safety messages to the target audience. Statistics from the Whitsunday Police District indicates that ‘Choices' had a significant effect on reducing the number of infringements from schoolies participants and reports of crime during schoolies weeks. Queensland Health believes the program teaches Year 12 students important life skills. Choices has been awarded two Queensland Government Awards and received many positive media hits. The Choices applied theatre program provides an outstanding example of engaged learning and teaching and helps to keep our communities safe.