Meet our 2026 Youth Creative Council
A community of young people aged 13-25 who are passionate about the arts and ready to change the way theatre is made with, by and for young people.
Eloise Dawe is a Canberra based actress that has a deep rooted passion for community and the creative arts. After acting in The Gap Year, a student short film by Miah-Tya Nungheena Gowland, she discovered a deep passion and drive for contributing and supporting the new generation of storytellers. Being a member of the Youth Creative Council, she’s excited to continue to participate in and throughout Canberra’s creative and theatre sectors.
Mili Fisher is an emerging writer/director of both theatre and film who lives to create. Throughout high school Mili was involved in the creation of many productions through various roles, including lead actress in Clue and student director in Cinderella (St Mary MacKillop College). In 2026, Mili hopes to continue writing and creating through the development of her own short film projects, and now with Canberra Youth Theatre. Mili is deeply passionate about the endless possibilities of storytelling, and wants to use her role to share this passion with the community and help others experience the same.
Breanna (Bre) Kelly is a proud non binary theatre-maker creating on Ngunnawal land. Since graduating from Sydney Actors School with an Advanced Diploma in Screen and Media (Acting), Bre has tumbled back onto the Canberra scene eager to be storytelling in this vibrant city. Last year they were also selected as a finalist for an internship with Easy Tiger through the MEAA. Bre loves getting to tell stories we haven’t heard before, using art in unique ways to start important conversations and is so thrilled to be working with Canberra Youth Theatre again!
Abigail Lawler is an emerging actress with a love for all things theatre and film. She has a range of experience across the performing arts including 1988 (dir. Lily Endres, 2024), This Changes Everything (Echo Youth, 2022), Alice (Alfred Deakin High, 2022), and several years performing in the ACT concert bands (IMP). Through the Youth Creative Council Abigail hopes to connect with other emerging artists across the Canberra region and help advocate for and represent youth voices in the arts.
Andrew Mackenzie is a young actor and theatre-maker, and is excited to be sharing his love for theatre and community with Canberra Youth Theatre. After his performance as Oedipus in Oedipus The King’ (Greek Theatre Now), Andrew is looking for the next step in furthering his career. With experience in theatre and some film, he wants to foster creativity and love for the arts in a world full of division. This year, Andrew will perform again as Oedipus in Perth, audition for further acting opportunities, and is looking to make real change in the Canberra theatre community.
Disa Swifte is a Canberra based theatre maker. They began their work in 2021 as an actor for Canberra Youth Theatre and has since dedicated themself to learning about how theatre operates as a whole. They are currently working as a professional lighting designer, stage manager, wardrobe assistant and technician while sustaining their creative practices in their free time. Most, if not all of their professional and artistic development was made possible by the undying support of Canberra Youth Theatre and its staff. They are incredibly grateful for everything this company has allowed them and other young artists to achieve and they hope to give back in any way that they can.
Rhiley Winnett is an early-career Stage Manager and Theatre Maker that specialises in working with kids to help establish the next generation of artists and theatre makers.
They have worked with Canberra Youth Theatre for 6 years under many different roles all of which they have held a leadership role in some capacity.
Joining the Youth Creative Council will help them refine their existing leadership qualities and skills and put them to use in being a voice for the youth arts and advocate for their ongoing creative outputs.
Lead the future. Shape our vision. Represent young artists.
Launched in 2026, the Youth Creative Council is a leadership program that equips 8-12 emerging artists with the confidence and skills to drive cultural change. They work directly alongside our Artistic Director & CEO on the decisions that shape our future, connecting with young artists across our programs and the broader youth community to make sure their experiences and aspirations are heard and acted upon.
Youth Creative Council members, advocate for youth voices and help decide what stories are told, how we operate, and who we are. They are active members of our artistic operations:
- Participating in and contributing to organisational conversations
- Running and organising events for fellow young artists
- Attending artistic and advocacy events as Canberra Youth Theatre representatives
- Advocating for the importance of youth engagement in the arts
The Youth Creative council actively seeks to represent young people who experience barriers to accessing the arts, whether these barriers be financial, cultural, social, or a result of underrepresentation. The Youth Creative Council is open to everyone.
| ELIGIBILITY | Aged 13-25 |
| DATES | 30 March – 30 November See Meeting Dates below |
| TIMES | Monday, 6:00 – 8:00pm |
| DURATION | 8 months |
| LOCATION | Canberra Youth Theatre Gorman Arts Centre Batman Street, Braddon |
If you’re a young person who would like to reach out to our Youth Creative Council, or learn more about this initiative, you can contact them at creativecouncil@canberrayouththeatre.com.au
What They Do
The Youth Creative Council is made up of 8-12 young people from across the ACT who want to change the way theatre is made with and for young people, have a say in how Canberra Youth Theatre is run, and make creative things happen in their own communities.
Ongoing workshops in creative leadership
Build skills in advocacy, inclusive practices, strategic planning, and leading community engagement programmes.
Strategic decision-making power
Assess works being considered for our artistic programme. Shape programming decisions, venue operations, and organisational priorities. .
Representative voice and advocacy
Channel perspectives from young people across the ACT into real decisions. Gather feedback from peers, advocate for diverse voices, and ensure we’re genuinely serving the youth community.
Community consultation and co-design
Consult with the youth community on proposed initiatives. Co-design opportunities that respond to what young people need and want – shaping how we develop and deliver programmes for emerging artists.
Hands-on curatorial experience
Program and host Scratch nights throughout the year – selecting artists, shaping creative direction, and presenting emerging work to the public. Build tangible skills in curation, event management, and championing new voices.
Governance training and professional development
Option to observe Board of Directors meetings, gaining real-world experience in how arts organisations are governed at the highest level. Learn how strategic decisions are made and contribute to organisational planning.
Professional mentorship and sector connections
Work directly with our Artistic Director & CEO, staff, Board members, and artists. Build relationships with sector leaders, expand professional networks, and connect with opportunities across the arts industry.
Platform for policy and advocacy
Represent youth voices in sector forums, government consultations, and advocacy initiatives that shape the future of arts in the ACT. Contribute to submissions, policy conversations, and cultural change beyond our organisation.
Two members serve as Co-Chairs, providing peer leadership and liaising directly with the Artistic Director & CEO. All members can nominate for these positions, with selection made collaboratively.
What They’ll Become
A confident emerging cultural leader equipped with practical skills in advocacy, governance, strategic planning, and cultural leadership. You’ll know how to articulate your vision and champion change.
A representative voice who channels perspectives from the youth community into real organisational decisions. You’ll advocate for diverse voices and ensure young people genuinely lead our work.
A curator and programmer with hands-on experience programming public events, selecting artists, and championing emerging work. You’ll build tangible skills that translate across the arts sector.
A networked professional connected to industry leaders, Board members, sector opportunities, and visiting artists. You’ll have access to mentorship, references, and pathways into the broader arts industry.
An advocate who shapes policy, contributing to government consultations, sector forums, and cultural initiatives. You’ll have a platform to influence how arts and culture develop in the ACT and beyond.
Their Impact
Youth Creative Council members’ contributions directly shape our work. They:
- Select work for our artistic programme by assessing works being considered for our season
- Represent youth voices in policy conversations through government consultations, sector forums, and advocacy initiatives
- Co-design new programmes that respond to what young people need and want
- Guide company operations by advising on how our work and spaces can better serve young artists and the community
- Programme Scratch nights by curating and presenting regular events showcasing emerging work
- Shape organisational planning by influencing strategic decisions, community partnerships, and how we show up in the sector
We commit to publicly naming your specific contributions and impact each year.
