Popping Lead Balloons
A high-energy comic drama for teens and anyone who has survived adolescence.
Join Mel as she takes a walk down the not so sweet memory lane of her high school years – when bitching became an art form and the sound of a text message could mean that your whole social life was about to crumble.
A wickedly funny stand up routine, interspersed with scenes depicting school life (and social death), Popping Lead Balloons explores the nature of contemporary girl culture, with its complicated status games and high-tech bullying. Taking Arthur Miller’s The Crucible as inspiration, the show examines a modern witch hunt and the consequences for both the bullies and their victims.
Written by deBASE productions.
Features three of Queensland's finest comic actresses: Louise Brehmer, Tammy Weller and Natalie Trent.
Set Design by Jonathon Oxlade and Josh McIntosh
Sound Design by Thom Browning
"Powerful and truthful. I saw it twice and was moved both times."
- Sue Pearn, All Hallows' School, 2009
"Wonderful! So relevant and entertaining."
- Tara Richter, Millmerran State School, 2009
YouTube vid
Production images
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Production History
Premier tour (Queensland Arts Council) February – April & July – August 2009, Brisbane metropolitan area and regional Queensland.
2011 Queensland Tour presented by arTour (Queensland Arts Council) 21 March – 8 April 2011, up the coast to north Queensland and central Queensland.
2011 Victoria Tour presented by Regional Arts Victoria arts2go 29 August – 9 September 2011, regional Victoria.
Touring information
Popping Lead Balloons is available for tour.
Target audience: Secondary school age group (Years 7 to 12) to adult (parental supervision recommended for younger age groups).
Nuts & bolts for venues
Running time: One hour
Number in touring party: 3 artists; 0 crew
Bump in: 1 hour Bump out: 1 hour
Venue: Theatres, schools or community halls (indoor venue).
Critical issues: Sound system required (that laptop can be plugged into).
Venue technical requirements: Stage size, 4 x 4 m.
Dressing room preferable but rest rooms are adequate. Lighting flexible.
Marketing materials: High quality images available on request. Professionally shot DVD (full length and trailer).
Education
Comprehensive teachers' notes available
Associated workshops
Anti-bullying (best suited to Years 7 to 10)
Creating Comic Characters (best suited to Years 9 to 12)
Minimum/maximum number of workshop participants:10–35.
Workshop requirements:A large, clear space.
Workshop duration: 1hr 30 mins.
Workshop cost:Price on application.
Curriculum Links: Anti-bullying; Creating comic characters
