Child Players -
Complete Theatre Training Program

Our Vision: To provide a positive, supportive and inclusive learning environment where young people feel safe and confident to express themselves and have FUN participating in theatre

Our Child Players - Complete Theatre Training Program is a unique program designed for students aged 10 to 18 years of age who want to experience every aspect of theatre, both onstage and backstage.

During the program students will learn and develop their stage craft skills, such as audition skills, script analysis and character development. Plus, their acting skills such as physical and vocal characterisation, projection, and improvisation. Students will also learn about different backstage roles, such as make-up, costume, props, lighting/sound, set moving and stage management. Every student will gain backstage experience by being part of the backstage crew during performances.

The program concludes with performances of a full-length play, where students perform onstage for half of the shows and work backstage for the other half of the shows. This allows students to develop their practical theatre skills in a safe, positive, and supportive environment.

What makes our program so unique is that the students take full ownership over the live performances. We have one adult supervisor backstage during the shows in case of first aid or costume emergencies otherwise the show is left in the fully capable hands of the students. We ensure that everyone is feeling confident and positive in their roles before we hand over the show.

Our next Child Players Program is in 2024. The production is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, adapted from the book of the same name by
C. S. Lewis.

Our Current Child Players Production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will be performed at Belconnen Community Theatre in the October 2024 School Holidays!

NEXT CHILD PLAYERS
Sunday’s 20 July 2025 - 21 September 2025 (Term 3)
Wednesday’s 23 July - 24 September 2025 (Term 3)

Monday 29 September 2024 - Saturday 11 October 2025 (Spring school holidays)

PRODUCTION
The Marvellous Land of Oz

CLASS TIMES
Term 3:
Sunday 12:00pm - 7:00pm (some students will not start till 2:00pm) Wednesday 6:00pm - 8:00pm
September/October Spring School Holidays: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Attendance is required for all classes, rehearsals, and performances

LOCATIONS
Term 3: Downer Community Centre, Frencham Place, Canberra
School Holidays: Belconnen Community Centre, 26 Chandler Street, Belconnen

WHAT WE PROVIDE
- 2 classes per week for 10 weeks (up to 8 1/2 hours per a week) during Term 3 and 10 full days of rehearsals/performances in School Holidays (It’s like term classes and a holiday program in one!)
- A team of professional theatre educators
- All of the costumes (except shoes), make-up, props and sets for the production
- A printed script the students will get to keep after the production
- An actor’s notebook/rehearsal journal to keep
- A Child Players ACT bag with pencil case and stationery to keep
- A Child Players ACT black t-shirt to wear backstage (for new participants)
- A link to a professionally filmed video of the production and production photos
- x2 complimentary tickets to a performance

CASTING AND JOB ALLOCATION PROCESS
No audition is required to participate in the program. Students will participate in a friendly audition process as part of their training. The purpose of this is to introduce them to the audition process should they wish to audition for shows in the future. An onstage role(s) and a backstage role will be assigned based not only on their audition but their demonstrated skills, confidence level, ability to take direction and stage preferences during the first few classes.

PROGRAM FEES

$600.00 (ages 10 to 16)

Free for ages 17 & 18 for enrolments please email contact@childplayersact.net

Refunds due to withdrawal from the program will only be provided if the place can be filled from the waiting list.

No refunds are available after the program commences.

A 10% administration charge will be applied.

Concessions, Discounts, and Payment Plans are available on request. For further information, please click here.

WORKING WITH VULNERABLE PEOPLES (WWVP) CARD
All participants over the age of 16 will need to hold a WWVP card. You/your child can apply for a volunteer one here.

FAQs

    • Support the positive environment that Child Players ACT fosters

    • Commit to learning lines at home

    • Most importantly…have fun!

  • Yes! To ensure all children get the most out of the program we do ask parents/guardians to help us with the following.

    • Ensure your child is available to attend all classes, rehearsals and productions. This doesn’t include if your child is unwell.

    • We take a lot of careful consideration when casting the children and placing them into a role where we know they will learn and thrive. We would appreciate your support on our casting decisions.

    • To ensure the students are as confident as they can be for the performance we ask for your support in learning lines at home.

    • We would appreciate your help promoting the show, where you can, so that the children can experience performing to a full, lively audience!

  • Attendance is required for all classes, rehearsals, and performances to not only help your child feel ready and confident for the performance but to help the whole class feel ready and confident (theatre is a team effort!). However, if you already know your child would need to miss one class during the school term, please contact us before enrolling your child and we can let you know.

  • Not for this program as the students are required from 9:00am till 5:00pm most days. When they can leave at 4:30pm they are also welcome to stay till 5:00pm.

Got a question? Send us an email below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!