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Where ability is centre stage

Acting programs where every voice is heard, every story is told. 

Inclusion is applauded

Learn to offer services accessible to everyone, from the real experts.

Equity and diversity are in the spotlight

Build a workplace culture that genuinely values diversity and equity. 

We open curtains on the big issues

Original performances that lead to powerful conversations and positive change. 

We’re rehearsing social change

A multicultural group of actors acting on stage

Classes in schools and the community that tackle big issues playfully. 



Find out about more Project Alchemy – A cross disciplinary arts project to build community connection across south-east Australia. See what events we have coming up the ACT, QPRC, Eurobodalla, Bega, East Gippsland.

WHAT’S ON WITH REBUS?

A collage of images of people performing on stage with the text 'Rebus is turning 10'

A group of people smile at the camera

Rebus Turns 10!


Our 10 year birthday party on Saturday December 2nd was truly a treat. We were joined by Rebus family old and new for an afternoon of reflections on our decade of theatre (and other arts) for social change.
We would like to thank everyone who has been on the journey with us, been to our shows, joined our programs, performed in our shows and changed the world with us! Big thanks to the ACT and Federal Governments for their funding support, Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres for their ongoing support and Tuggeranong and Belco Arts Centre for all their partnership over the years.
We’ll leave you with a list of notable achievements from our decade long history that surprised even us!
• Performed in Sydney, Melbourne, Eurobodalla Shire, Bega Valley Shire, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, East Gippsland and the ACT.
• Received six awards we’ve received 4 awards for inclusion (and we’re shortlisted for two more this Wednesday) We have also received one for allyship and one for theatre.
• Developed seven theatre-based workplace training programs (six using Forum Theatre) with over 50 performances;
• Run over 45 individual programs with marginalised communities engaging over 600 participants;
• Developed 16 original works with inclusive casts addressing a range of social issues with over 50 performances. One of these works was a variety night which consisted of 12 acts and 60 performers of whom 60% identified has having a disability.
Here’s to another 10 years! Read more…

Chief Minister’s Inclusion Award!


A group of people accept an award on stage

A group of people smile for the camera, each holding a flower arrangement above their heads.

We were extremely honoured to receive the Award for Excellence in Inclusion in Education and Training at The Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards last night!
It was a fantastic evening all round (as usual) showcasing the phenomenal work of individuals and organisations working in the disability sector in Canberra. Highlights include:
– The hilarious MC duties of comedian Alexandra Hudson (who we hung out with and took photos with flower arrangements on our heads)
– A beautiful profile video of our Flair program actor Kimberly Adams
– A moving and funny and then eve more moving key note speech my Em Rusciano (who Ben snuck a cheeky selfie with) about her lived experience of late stage ADHD and autism diagnosis
– Also receiving a nomination in the Excellence in Innovation, Design, and Access category
– Catching up with old friends and meeting new friends who are doing great work in the community!
Congrats to all the nominees and winners and thanks to the Chief Minister and Sponsors for recognising the contributions we all make.
The lovely stuff they said about us is pasted below and you can see all the winners here: https://actinclusion.com.au/winners-2023-act-chief…/
Rebus Theatre continues to expand their innovative training opportunities for people with disability through programs such as iDrama, Flair, and Systems of Sanity which build confidence, social connection, and self-advocacy skills.
In 2023 Rebus partnered with Canberra Community Law to deliver an access and inclusion workplace training program for lawyers, called Just Hearing to increase their skills in working with clients with mental health challenges and psychosocial disability.
The judging panel noted the far-reaching impact of the Rebus Access and Inclusion workplace training to break down barriers across the Canberra business sector as well as the wider community when Rebus projects culminate in public performances.

Rebus Is an Award-Winning, Inclusive Theatre Company in Canberra

We stimulate social change and healing through theatre and other arts.

Unique. Creative. Compassionate. Accessible.

Powerful theatre driving social change.

“I don’t remember what I had for dinner last night, but I remember every minute of that training session.”

“It’s better than other bias training I’ve attended. Much more real.”

“I just had the privilege of attending the Rebus production in our theatre this afternoon, what an amazing experience. You can’t walk away and not think [about] what we can do better/differently.  I encourage you all to attend any session.”

News

A young girl in a green tshirt smiles while making a dramatic pose

Seeking Expressions of Interest for iDrama Kids!

Rebus Theatre and the ACT Down Syndrome Association are partnering to present a new theatre program of weekly drama classes for 8 - 12 year olds with intellectual disabilities beginning in Term 4 2022. Classes will be run by experienced teaching artists as participants play theatre games, build confidence, make new friends and learn acting and performance skills. Participants learn skills in movement, voice and storytelling.
5 Hands point in the air

Cultural Diversity in Canberra Arts: let’s make it happen!

Cultural Diversity in Canberra Arts: let’s make it happen! A workshop to share and built a better future for Migrant and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) artists in Canberra. Are you an artist who migrated to Australia or a CALD artist wanting to contribute to Australia’s contemporary culture? Whether you are continuing your creative career or trying to re-start it here, we would love to hear from you!
Two men sit at a table, One wears handcuffs

Callout for Actors and/or writers with lived experience of mental ill-health for ‘Just Hearing’ project

Callout for Actors and/or writers with lived experience of mental ill-health to create and perform interactive theatre to help educate the legal community. These are paid positions. Just Hearing is a project of Rebus Theatre that uses the Forum Theatre model of interactive theatre. It is a commission from Canberra Community Law in partnership with Legal Aid ACT, to help lawyers work better with people who are experiencing mental distress. It is a three-year project with short performance seasons around October and March each year, until March 2025.