New for 2025!
An educational theatre performance for high schools that provides strategies for resilience, bullying prevention and online safety. Supported by a Q&A and curriculum-aligned teacher resources.
This compelling theatre in education program explores the complex dynamics within a group of high school students. In a landscape of generative AI, social media algorithms, misinformation and bullying, they are forced to question what they see, what they hear and how they treat each other.
They must take control of the narrative to create a healthier and more hopeful future.
Verbal Combat is a creative and engaging addition to your wellbeing program, facilitating discussion, learning and personal reflection around issues of respect, responsibility, help-seeking, friendships and mental health. Students will be inspired to embrace the opportunities of the digital world, manage the risks and develop empathy, critical thinking and resilience.
Verbal Combat is a new performance for 2025, suitable for Years 7 to 11.
Brainstorm Productions is listed as an evidence-based program on the Victorian Schools Mental Health Menu. Brainstorm is also endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner as a Trusted eSafety Provider.
Each high school program includes:
- A 50 minute live theatre performance, with themes and outcomes aligned with the curriculum and key wellbeing, bullying and cyber safety frameworks. The actors are young, professional performers who are positive role models for your students.
- A 5-10 minute discussion with the students, in which key themes and practical strategies are explored and help-seeking information is provided. Students also have the opportunity to ask the actors questions.
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A Teacher Resource Pack, containing:
- Pre-performance resources, including permission slip, newsletter insert, promotional tools, compliance documents and everything else you need to prepare for the day.
- Curriculum-aligned classroom resources, including lesson plans, discussion points, extension activities, worksheets and online resources.
- Printable A3 colour posters to promote the show.
- Full support from our Booking Coordinators, who are available from 8am to 5pm weekdays to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Verbal Combat Anti Bullying Program Covers:
- Bullying & Cyber Bullying
- Digital Citizenship
- Legal Consequences
- Social Media
- Group Dynamics
- Exclusion
- Digital Reputation
- Bystanders & Upstanders
- Positive Relationships
- Privacy
- Online Safety
- Resilience
The Australian Curriculum: General Capabilities (Personal & Social Capability, Ethical Understanding, Critical & Creative Thinking, Intercultural Understanding, ICT Capability, Literacy), HPE, The Arts, English, Digital Technologies, Online Safety & Respect Matters Curriculum Connections.
NSW: PDHPE, Creative Arts, English.
VIC: Drama, Critical & Creative Thinking, English, Ethical Capability, HPE, Civics & Citizenship, Intercultural Capability, Personal & Social Capability, Digital Technologies.
Also supports: The Australian Student Wellbeing Framework, Best Practice Framework for Online Safety Education, eSafety Toolkit for Schools, The National Education Initiative (Be You), National Framework for Values Education in Australian Schools & Pastoral Care. Supports Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL), eSmart Schools, and other programs that promote student wellbeing, anti bullying, behaviour management, resilience, cyber safety, mental health and positive relationships in schools.
What sort of venue do we need?
An indoor venue with access to electricity. There is no need for any special theatre style venue as the show works best in an open space, with students seated on the floor. A school hall or gym is ideal but we can also use triple classroom areas, libraries etc. Unfortunately due to WHS we cannot use outdoor areas. If you have an unusual venue and would like to discuss it with us please contact our team on 1800 676 224.
A layout diagram is provided for each performance, showing how the actors will set up and how students will be seated. Download the layout diagram for this performance here.
What is the cost and how does the minimum fee structure work?
Our maximum audience size for this performance is 250. The cost is $8.50 per student (+GST) with a minimum fee of $935 (+GST) applying when less than 110 students attend. Our office will email you a tax invoice after the show, based on the number of students that attended.
What provisions do you have in place for supporting child safety and wellbeing?
We are a Child Safe Organisation and comply with all aspects of Child Protection and screening in each state and territory. We have Risk Assessments in place and all our actors are trained in WHS, appropriate behaviour in schools, dealing with student disclosures and providing appropriate help-seeking information. Scripts have been researched and developed in consultation with teachers and a Clinical Psychologist.
What will the actors need on the day?
The actors will arrive one hour and fifteen minutes before the performance time to sign in and access the venue. The shows are performed on the floor (preferably NOT a stage), no chairs please. They have all their own equipment.
For more information please go to our FAQ page, or call us on:
Please note: This performance contains one reference to domestic abuse – a character implies they have a history of domestic abuse in their family and this is briefly addressed in the discussion to emphasise the importance of online privacy and respect. No details are provided and there are no specific references to violence. Teachers please contact us to discuss if you have any concerns about this content.
MAKE AN ENQUIRY
Performed at your school
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Year level:
Years 7-11 -
Cost:
$8.50 Per Student
Min fee $935 per session +GST -
Running Time:
1 hour incl. discussion -
Includes:
Teacher Resource Pack and curriculum-aligned lesson plans
