A NEW theatre company is intent on making an outing to the theatre affordable for families in the Hunter.
Standing Tree Collective is the passion project of Luke Youman, a theatre lover and primary school teacher of 20 years.
Mr Youman has secured a script from local author and playwright Paul Russell and assembled a cast for the collective's inaugural show, A.I. Almost Intelligence.
All tickets to the show will be $10, underpinning the collective's philosophy of providing theatre for everyone.
"We just want to give kids a chance to be in a real theatre and see a real performance," Mr Youman said.
"Nothing compares to the experience of live theatre and to watch a child's face light up when they first experience it is joyful.
"However, paying hundreds of dollars for a family to go to the theatre just makes it out of reach for the everyday person.
"It's not that people don't want to go to the theatre but if you are choosing between paying for your food or heating or going to watch a show, there isn't really much of a choice."
A.I. Almost Intelligence is about a mystery writer and an A.I machine that is not very smart.
The show is designed to deliver a fun, family-friendly live theatre experience.
Mr Russell volunteered his skills and time to the company and show.
"How could I possibly say no to this?" Mr Russell said.
"Luke and I have worked on theatrical projects in the past and have never done it for the money.
"He is an incredibly talented man and is hard to say no to when he gets passionate about something."
Theatre ticket prices generally reflect the cost of venues and staffing, lights and costumes, directors and writers, insurance and actors.
Mr Youman had a few non-negotiables for the affordable A.I Almost Intelligence production.
"It had to be in a real theatre, it had to have a real cast and it had to be a quality show," he said.
He assembled a creative team and cast who shared his vision for making live theatre accessible.
"I didn't realise that providing affordable theatre to children and families would strike such a nerve and people would be so supportive," Mr Youman said. "In the future, we really want to go bigger - have a longer season and bigger venues - but we are starting with just one day. The Playhouse has been so supportive in helping us be able to put on this show and provide our audiences with such an incredible, intimate space."
- Tickets for A.I. Almost Intelligence are on sale for $10 through civictheatrenewcastle.com.au for performances on September 15 at 1pm, 3pm and 6pm.
