Unlock Your Creative Potential at Square-Pegged

Discover your creative voice and join us for Square Pegged, a transformative week-long creative arts camp where teenagers lead, create, and perform an original show.

Fairfax Youth Festival proudly introduces Square Pegged, an enriching and fully-funded creative arts camp designed to inspire curious and creative teenagers aged 12-18. This immersive experience provides an unprecedented opportunity to collaborate with seasoned professional artists, cultivate new skills, and craft an original performance from the ground up.

Journey of Self-Expression:

Bryce Ives, Artistic Director of Fairfax Youth Festival, highlights, “Square Pegged invites teenagers from all corners of the Murray Mallee region to embark on a transformative journey of self-expression, empowerment, and artistic discovery. Regardless of background—be it seasoned performers or novices—the camp welcomes everyone to delve into the realms of drama, music, dance, creativity and the arts. It is a tremendous opportunity to bolster the creative opportunities offered to young people in this region.”

Guided by Industry Experts:

Laura Burzacott, a professional theatre and cabaret artist from Townsville, and co-director of Square Pegged, highlights, "This is an avenue for teenagers to unearth their creative voices." The camp offers a unique chance for young individuals to collaborate with ten professional artists who have honed their skills within renowned theatre companies across the nation. Participants will gain insights into acting techniques, delve into improvisation, and glean valuable knowledge from the industry's finest.”

Immerse in a Week of Artistry:

Meg Richardson, a Fairfax Youth Associate from Gol Gol in the Sunraysia District, adds, "As a young person who grew up in the Mallee, what's truly exciting is that industry professionals will be working side by side with young people from the region.”

“Square Pegged participants will engage in a dynamic blend of workshops, interactive activities, and rehearsals culminating in an original performance. This performance will reflect each individual's distinctive voice and perspective and provide a money can’t buy opportunity for young people in the region.”

Empowerment Through Leadership:

Toni Mia Scalora, a Fairfax Youth Associate from Swan Hill and an alumnus of the Fairfax Youth Festival, emphasises, "From day one, teenagers take the reins. As a young person from a rural community, this is a chance to discover your creative voice, make impactful decisions, and nurture confidence as you contribute to every facet of the performance."

“What I love is Square Pegged extends its inclusivity to all rural Victoria residents aged 12- 18. Moreover, it offers this transformative opportunity at no cost, ensuring that young artists from all backgrounds can participate, and all travel, catering, and accommodation will be provided.”

Key Details:

The Square Pegged Camp will occur in Swan Hill, at the Swan Hill Town Hall and with the young people camping at the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement Lodge. The camp will take place from Sunday, October 1, to Sunday, October 8, 2023.

Visit the Fairfax Youth Festival website today and seize the chance to be part of Square Pegged. Expressions of interest must be submitted by September 24. Apply here.