Drama School Holiday 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 unique Drama School Holiday Program gives students aged 8 - 17 years the opportunity to perform in a full-scale musical production with only a two-week commitment. Students will have FUN while they learn and develop acting, singing and dancing skills as well as gain confidence, make friends, and perform on-stage. No previous acting, singing or dancing experience is required as we ensure students have a role they will thrive in.

This program has been running since 2011 by our Artistic Director, BJ Anyos (who adapts the musicals too!) and our Musical Director, Dr Georgia Pike-Rowney (who arranges and teaches all the music!). BJ and Georgia are joined by a large team of experienced children’s theatre educators and mentors to direct the students. Many of our mentors have participated in the program themselves so are able to empathise with our students on any and all feelings they may experience and to help them achieve what they are hoping to get out of the program. From making new friends, to learning/developing a skill, to going on-stage for the very first time - our team are excited to show each and every participant what they can achieve!

It has been proven many times that the students participating in the program are able to learn, rehearse and perform these productions to a very high standard in a short time frame. You will be amazed at what they can achieve!

WEEK ONE
During the first day of the program, participants get to know each other and the directing team, play drama games, are assigned roles, and given scripts. During this week of rehearsals participants are split into their character groups to learn their songs, scene blocking and dances. They will also learn and develop theatre skills such as projection, characterisation, reacting, and so much more! On the Friday we put the whole show together for the first time. We make sure all participants are fully engaged throughout each day and have plenty of breaks so they can have a rest and socialise with the other groups.

WEEK TWO
During the second week of the program, children will rehearse at the theatre on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday we introduce all props, large costume items, and set pieces. On Tuesday we do a full costume and make-up run! Children will then perform the show to the general public on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday with two shows per day. The performance runs for approximately an hour so we can ensure our performers have enough time to rest and re-energise between each show.

WHAT WE PROVIDE
- 11 full days of rehearsals/performances
- A large team of professional musical theatre educators including, directors, a singing instructor and choreographer
- All of the costumes (except shoes), make-up, props and sets for the production
- A printed script the participants will get to keep after the production
- A link to a professionally filmed video of the production and production photos
- x2 complimentary tickets to a performance

PROGRAM FEES
$300.00 per week (Please note: It is a 2-week program. Total cost is $600.00 for both weeks)
Refunds due to withdrawal from the program will only be provided if the place can be filled from the waiting list and 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
We require that all participants over the age of 16 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

    • Attend every day of the 2-week program

    • 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!

  • Yes! To help with busy work and life schedules we do offer before care from 9am and after care until 5pm during the School Holidays. There is a fee of $5.00 per day for before care or after care ($10.00 for both).

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