Anne has been a therapeutic theatre maker for more than 10 years, collaborating with young actors to write performances based on personal narratives.
In this time, she has produced and directed multiple community theatre projects focused on social impact. Using her expertise in Drama Therapy, Anne approaches theatre-making as a holistic practice to engage young people in the issues of their generation, and allow developing actors to embody real stories.
It offers a dynamic pathway to healing, where stories are heard, young people feel seen, and audience members gain a privileged view into the issues faced by our youth today. Which can be especially valuable for parents, teachers and peers.
Anne believes that live theatre has the power to transform narratives, dissolve barriers and foster connection and personal growth.
She is currently offering workshops to educational practitioners or those interested in learning how to facilitate therapeutic theatre themselves, or simply experience the benefits of themselves in a workshop setting.
Highlights
- 6 sold-out Melbourne productions since 2017.
- A documentary based on Anne’s productions (‘The Kids Play’, directed by Libby Chow) that won Best Social Documentary and Audience Award at the Doc Screenings International Film Festival, Europe (2024) and was selected for the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (2024).
Anne’s work effectively supports young people in navigating complex emotions and life events, all while maintaining a fun and engaging environment. I believe her workshops will be invaluable for teachers and wellbeing staff, offering practical tools to guide students in emotional exploration and creative expression, ultimately enhancing their mental health and overall wellbeing.
- Madison Desiato, Teacher, Coburg High School
The Kids Play by Libby Chow
In 2022, after two years of stop–start COVID lockdowns, drama therapist Anne Gollan set out to create a theatre work with a group of teenagers, drawing directly from their lived experience of that turbulent time. With passion – and at times a streak of quiet rebellion – Anne guided the young cast as they shared their most heartfelt and confronting stories. Together, they tackled provocative themes and transformed raw, personal truths into a powerful public performance, entirely created and performed by the teenagers themselves.
This film by Lib Chow follows Anne’s journey and the courage of the young people who entrusted her with their voices.
Recent Theatrical Productions
Anne has been working with two cohorts of teenagers since 2018 and have co-created ground breaking theatre pieces highlighting the lived experiences of teenagers and yound adult's lived experience in the inner north of Melbourne.
2025 Perfect Day →
A black comedy exploring the chaos of teenage life, flawed adults, and an impending apocalypse. Tackles adolescent insecurities and existential dilemmas with humor and poignancy.
2025 Singularity →
An exploration of perception, truth, and self-narrative, crafted from real-life stories of local teenagers, addressing the most pressing issues they face today.
2023 Blood Makes Noise →
A deep dive into young male friendships, mental health, sexuality, and self-identity in post-pandemic 2022.
2021 Garden of Lost Things →
A child embarks on a whimsical yet emotional journey to restore their parents' lost love.
2020 Nowhere →
A child's quest to cure death itself, exploring grief and loss through an innocent yet profound lens.
2018 Nightmares →
A theatrical exploration of childhood fears, bringing to life real recollections of persistent nightmares.
Anne’s productions, such as Perfect Day and Singularity, showcase the depth and emotional range that can be unlocked through theatre. Perfect Day is a vivid exploration of how young people grapple with feelings of hopelessness, joy, and survival. Singularity, on the other hand, is a raw and powerful examination of sexual assault and the emotional unraveling that follows. These productions are not just performances; they are deeply personal and moving pieces of art, crafted from the lived experiences of the young actors themselves.
- Dr Mark Eckersley, Arts Learning Leader, Santa Maria College