A large group of young people and staff members from ATYP gather onstage for a group photo, smiling and posing together under theatrical lighting. The group fills the lower half of the frame, with a dark background above and warm stage lights glowing overhead.
A large group of young people and staff members from ATYP gather onstage for a group photo, smiling and posing together under theatrical lighting. The group fills the lower half of the frame, with a dark background above and warm stage lights glowing overhead.
A large group of young people and staff members from ATYP gather onstage for a group photo, smiling and posing together under theatrical lighting. The group fills the lower half of the frame, with a dark background above and warm stage lights glowing overhead.
A large group of young people and staff members from ATYP gather onstage for a group photo, smiling and posing together under theatrical lighting. The group fills the lower half of the frame, with a dark background above and warm stage lights glowing overhead.

The Voice of Young Australians

The Voice of Young Australians

The Voice of Young Australians

The Voice of Young Australians

Youth Advisory Body (YAB)

Youth Advisory Body (YAB)

The official voice of ATYP

ATYP’s national network of young creatives who help guide the company’s artistic direction, programming and community engagement. Aged 13–26 from across Australia, the YAB ensures young people are not just represented at ATYP – they lead its vision.

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PROGRAM RUNS

Feb – Nov

Feb – Nov

Feb – Nov

Youth Advisory Body (YAB)

Shaping the future of Australia's flagship youth theatre

Youth Advisory Body (YAB)

Shaping the future of Australia's flagship youth theatre

Youth Advisory Body (YAB)

Shaping the future of Australia's flagship youth theatre

Youth Advisory Body (YAB)

Shaping the future of Australia's flagship youth theatre

The YAB is the official youth voice of ATYP, informing decision-making and guiding how we support young artists nationwide. Members meet regularly with the Artistic Director & CEO and creative staff to provide advice, assess scripts, and influence decisions that shape ATYP’s work across the country.

Our 2025 YAB

In 2025, the YAB included 121 members from six states and territories, including:

  • 77 Artist Scouts

  • 87 Script Assessors

  • 2 Board Observers (young leaders in Board training)

  • 2 Co-Chairs providing leadership across the cohort

Together, they represent a national community of artists helping shape ATYP’s cultural impact. Their insights have led to real change – including contributions to ATYP’s 2026 Season curation and youth representation in the NSW Government’s Cultural Tax Reform submission.

Important Dates

The YAB meet online every 6–8 weeks

Important Dates

The YAB meet online every 6–8 weeks

Important Dates

The YAB meet online every 6–8 weeks

Important Dates

The YAB meet online every 6–8 weeks

Location(s)

Online

Location(s)

Online

Location(s)

Online

Location(s)

Online

Eligibility

  • Aged 13–26

  • Based anywhere in Australia (regional and remote encouraged)

  • Passionate about theatre, storytelling or creative leadership

  • Able to attend all meetings

  • No prior theatre experience required – enthusiasm and collaboration are key

Eligibility

  • Aged 13–26

  • Based anywhere in Australia (regional and remote encouraged)

  • Passionate about theatre, storytelling or creative leadership

  • Able to attend all meetings

  • No prior theatre experience required – enthusiasm and collaboration are key

Eligibility

  • Aged 13–26

  • Based anywhere in Australia (regional and remote encouraged)

  • Passionate about theatre, storytelling or creative leadership

  • Able to attend all meetings

  • No prior theatre experience required – enthusiasm and collaboration are key

Eligibility

  • Aged 13–26

  • Based anywhere in Australia (regional and remote encouraged)

  • Passionate about theatre, storytelling or creative leadership

  • Able to attend all meetings

  • No prior theatre experience required – enthusiasm and collaboration are key

Program Cost

Free!

Program Cost

Free!

Program Cost

Free!

Program Cost

Free!

TheYABhasbeenmyguidinglighttokeepmakingartandkeepingthelovefortheatrealive.
YABisanintegralpartofATYP,anddemonstrateswhatitmeanstobeatheatreforyoungpeople.

Eliza Jones

Eleanor Swan

TheYABhasbeenmyguidinglighttokeepmakingartandkeepingthelovefortheatrealive.
YABisanintegralpartofATYP,anddemonstrateswhatitmeanstobeatheatreforyoungpeople.

Eliza Jones

Eleanor Swan

TheYABhasbeenmyguidinglighttokeepmakingartandkeepingthelovefortheatrealive.
YABisanintegralpartofATYP,anddemonstrateswhatitmeanstobeatheatreforyoungpeople.

Eliza Jones

Eleanor Swan

TheYABhasbeenmyguidinglighttokeepmakingartandkeepingthelovefortheatrealive.
YABisanintegralpartofATYP,anddemonstrateswhatitmeanstobeatheatreforyoungpeople.

Eliza Jones

Eleanor Swan

YABFest

A celebration of young creativity

YABFest

A celebration of young creativity

YABFest

A celebration of young creativity

YABFest

A celebration of young creativity

The highlight of the YAB calendar is YABFest – an annual showcase that celebrates new work created, curated and performed by YAB members. Held in The Rebel Theatre, YABFest transforms ATYP’s flagship stage into a vibrant celebration of youth-driven creativity. Over one thrilling night, YAB members present an evening of short performances, readings, and experiments in form — showcasing the diversity, energy and insight of young Australian artists. Tickets will go on sale in September 2026, so make sure you sign up to our mailing list to be first in line!

Why take part in this program

Lead the change you want to see

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Youth Voice That Leads

Youth Voice That Leads

Youth Voice That Leads

Youth Voice That Leads

The YAB ensures young people aren’t just represented at ATYP – they help decide what stories are told and how the company shows up nationally.

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Shape New Artistic Work

Shape New Artistic Work

Shape New Artistic Work

Shape New Artistic Work

Members influence new Australian writing, festivals, and programs, with a direct impact on the development of plays, commissions, and emerging artists.

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Build Nationwide Connections

Build Nationwide Connections

Build Nationwide Connections

Build Nationwide Connections

The YAB links ATYP to young creatives, professional artists and communities across Australia, creating networks that support collaboration, access and cultural inclusion.

Got a question?

Get in touch with our team below

Got a question?

Get in touch with our team below

Got a question?

Get in touch with our team below

Got a question?

Get in touch with our team below

Hayden Tonazzi

CEO & Artistic Director

(02) 9270 2400

Hayden Tonazzi

CEO & Artistic Director

(02) 9270 2400

Hayden Tonazzi

CEO & Artistic Director

(02) 9270 2400

Hayden Tonazzi

CEO & Artistic Director

(02) 9270 2400

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ATYP acknowledges Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders are Australia's First Peoples and we acknowledge the Gadigal People, the traditional owners of the land on which we work. They are the original storytellers of our nation and we pay our respect to Elders past and present.