Any Body's Cool | Mental Illness Education ACT

Any Body’s Cool (ABC) is an intervention –delivered by a theatre program and workshop, with a focus on young women’s bodily survival in a disordered world of diets, exercise and identity.

Designed for girls in Years 7 to 8, the first part of the 90-minute program is a performance which explores body image, self-esteem, stress management, media literacy, and gender relations through the story of Kate. The performance is followed by an interactive workshop.

Like the School Education Program, Any Body’s Cool uses the power of personal narrative to bring the messages home. The script was developed by people who have either had an experience of disordered eating, or who have cared for someone with disordered eating. The play reflects no single person’s story, but has a universal quality. It is fictional, yet real; funny, yet also very serious.

The program aims to expand the options for girls in making healthy choices about their bodies, diet, exercise and self-representation.

Any Body’s Cool was evaluated in 2004. Girls in particular said it was realistic and entertaining and promoted self esteem.

Any Body’s Cool runs for a limited two week season, each May-June and is offered free to all ACT senior schools and youth centres. For pre-season bookings, program guidelines please contact MIEACT and speak with Pam Boyer, on 6257 1195.