Bell Shakespeare’s learning programme introduces new young Australian audiences to life-enhancing experiences in their most visual and potent form - live theatre. It demonstrates to youngsters all over the country how exciting and inspiring Shakespeare’s plays can be, and how relevant his themes, characters and dilemmas are to life today.
Optus connects communities through improved telecommunications infrastructure and access. The company serves millions of Australians each day and since 1992 has invested more than A$7 billion to construct its telecommunication network infrastructure. Optus aims to make communications easier, faster and more reliable by breaking the barriers of distance, price, time, technology and the unknown.
Through this partnership, Optus and Bell Shakespeare are bringing Shakespeare’s words and insights to young people in dynamic and diverse ways.
The reciprocal nature of the partnership is what is at the heart of its success. Optus is able to strengthen its relationships with young people and their families (key users of its products), government stakeholders (telecommunications is a highly regulated industry sector), clients who enjoy the hospitality and events and its staff. In addition, the partnership is a perfect case study for demonstrating the positive social impact that can be derived when a cultural partner, business and government work together.
Bell Shakespeare not only benefits from Optus’ financial contribution, which allows it to continually expand and improve its learning offerings, but also reaches more students through the use of Optus communications technology and expertise. Another core benefit is Optus’ large customer base and nine thousand staff members who hear about Bell Shakespeare via Optus’ communications.
Make A Scene – national competition
Optus and Bell Shakespeare invite students Australia-wide to show us their Shakespeare! The popular competition calls for students to select a Shakespeare quote and interpret it in the context of their everyday lives. Make A Scene became a purely online initiative in 2007, encouraging students to find creative ways of communicating Shakespeare using 21st century technology. Submissions could be made in the form of a picture, animation, podcast or movie.
Students across the country upload their submissions online and vote for each other’s work, check the popularity of their work and browse the gallery.
Winners are selected by a panel of judges and there are many prizes to be won. Students can link their entries to social networking sites and experience new technology with augmented reality on the site. Find out more at optus.com.au/makeascene.
IDL (InteractSaveive Distance Learning)
Through the use of Optus satellite technology, Bell Shakespeare has been taking its Actors At Work performances to remote communities and students through the NT and NSW since 2006. From a purpose-built studio in Darwin and Dubbo, the Actors At Work performances are broadcast to schools and remote homesteads via satellite – Interactive Distance Learning. Students are able to watch the live performance then put questions to the actors after the show.
For many, it has been the first time they’d seen live theatre. Providing access to theatre, regardless of geographical isolation, is a critical outcome for both organisations, not to mention a highlight of the partnership.
This initiative has enabled Optus to demonstrate the positive social aspect of communications technology. It has become an interesting case study whereby Optus showcases its capabilities to Government.
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