Options Theatre | Charitable Foundation Grant

Helping rewrite the future. Now. And for generations to come.

Nathan’s story

At school Nathan didn’t know how to join in. He often felt left out, lost and very sad. After finishing school, Nathan found an inclusive and supportive collective at Options Theatre Company, a unique ensemble of artists, performers and creatives with a disability.

Under the guidance of professional coaches, Nathan developed his singing and dancing abilities, a skill he never knew he had. He began live performances and learnt that he can entertain audiences and even make them laugh! Now, he is the star of the show and his future looks amazing.

The Charitable Foundation provided grants totalling more than $80,000 to Options Theatre Company to help create a professional theatrical training space and rehearsal studio where those with a disability can realise their full potential.

We focus on people’s abilities, what they can do. The theatre company is about finding a way to leverage the abilities they do have, to tell their story.

The journey

Nathan is one of the many artists who have joined the ranks of Options Theatre Company. Nathan has overcome adversity to redefine his future. As a student, Nathan struggled with fitting in at school. He often felt he didn’t belong, resulting in him feeling a range of emotions such as anger and sadness.

Options Theatre Company has taken Nathan on a journey of self-discovery and has changed his life. When he first started at Options Theatre Company, Nathan had no idea he had unidentified singing, dancing or acting abilities. Under professional coaching of the Company’s Artistic Director, and with the support of his peers, Nathan learnt to sing, dance, and act for the first time in his life.

He now finds joy in making paying audiences smile and laugh.

Now I can make people smile and laugh. I really surprised myself. I could never do that at school. My future looks amazing now
- Nathan, Options Theatre Company participant.

Nathan loves going to Options Theatre Company and performing in front of audiences. His favourite act to perform is Yesterday’s Hero. Being part of the Options ensemble, Nathan’s confidence, acting abilities, overall happiness and wellbeing have soared.

Options Theatre Company is a living, breathing, theatrical training facility with a unique ensemble of creatives; actors, technicians, musicians, directors, dancers and artists with disability.

By creating a safe space for those with a disability, Options Theatre Company has fostered a collaborative and supportive environment where fellow artists have been able to discover new skills, form strong friendships and a sense of belonging that they may have never experienced previously.

Options Theatre Company has received two grants from the Charitable Foundation totalling more than $80,000. These grants have funded the purchase and installation of a professional, industry-standard theatrical lighting rig, retractable configurable seating for 100 people, and the fit out of a box office and café.

Helping others

Unique theatre Options Theatre Company is an ensemble of artists, performers and creatives who happen to have a disability.
Professional space Performing and learning within a professional-quality fit out.
Making people smile Each year over 200 performers entertain audiences.
Grant funding We provided more than $80,000 for a professional fit out of the theatre.