Musical 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

Ghosts, witches, bad baronets, curses, broken hearts, bridesmaids, sailors…and more! Our 2025 Musical Theatre Training Program production is Gilbert and Sullivan’s gothic comedy Ruddigore or The Witch’s Curse, specially adapted by Dr Georgia Pike-Rowney and Dr Susan West for young people aged 12 to 20 years of age who want to develop their musical theatre skills.

The Musical Theatre Training Program is designed so that all participants, regardless of experience, can increase their confidence and skill; and most importantly, have FUN!

The program begins with a full term of theatre training classes. Classes focus on singing, acting, dance/movement, character development and confidence building. The program culminates with students performing in the full-length musical production of Ruddigore, with live accompaniment, during winter school holidays.

This training and performance opportunity will provide students with the rare opportunity to work with some of Australia’s most experienced and engaging music and theatre educators. Susan and Georgia have over 60 years of teaching and performance experience between them. Add this to the Child Players ACT team led by the incomparable BJ Anyos, this is an educational opportunity not to be missed! The program is designed to support students who have a well-developed skill level by extending their experience through the challenging and engaging works of Gilbert and Sullivan, as well as provide new opportunities for those with no musical or theatrical background. The team has particular specialisation in supporting students who lack confidence in their singing.

NEXT MUSICAL THEATRE TRAINING PROGRAM DATES

DATES: 30 April 2025 to 19 July 2025

PRODUCTION: Ruddigore or the Witch’s Curse

TERM CLASS TIMES
Wednesdays 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Sundays 12:00pm to 7:00pm (some students will not start until 2:00pm)

 PERFORMANCE TIMES

July School Holidays 10:00am to 8:30pm (final times TBC)

Attendance is required for all classes, rehearsals, and performances

 

LOCATIONS

Term Rehearsals: Downer Community Centre, Frencham Place, Downer

Production Weeks and Shows: Belconnen Community Centre, 26 Chandler Street, Belconnen

WHAT WE PROVIDE

  • Facilitation of 2 classes a week during term, production week rehearsals, and full performances in the theatre

  • A team of professional musical theatre educator to provide instruction in singing, acting, dance/movement and performance skills

  • Live accompaniment for rehearsals and performances

  • All costumes (except shoes), make-up, props and sets for the production

  • A printed script and sheet music that the participants will get to keep after the production

  • Shared music files with rehearsal recordings, program resources, and production material

  • An actor’s notebook/rehearsal journal

  • A Child Players ACT bag

  • A link to a professionally filmed video of the production and production photos

  • 2 complimentary tickets to the production

    CASTING PROCESS
    No audition is required to participate in the program. Participants are assigned a role(s) based on their educational needs, skill levels, confidence levels, and ability to take direction during the first week of classes. All casting is final and cannot be changed once assigned. Every participant will perform multiple songs and scenes.

PROGRAM FEES

$600.00 (ages 12 to 16)

Free places are available for ages 17-20 through an application process. For an application form 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 PEOPLE (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.

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