NSW Public Schools drama ensembles – Sydney north

Region: Metro Metro South and West Metropolitan North Metropolitan South Regional North | Lane Cove West | North Turramurra | Chatswood
Years 4 to 12
Program Drama
Tags: Inspire – High potential and gifted education (HPGE)

Sydney North drama ensembles are open to talented and interested drama students in Years 4 to 12 from NSW public schools.

The ensembles provide an engaging and supportive environment in which students are provided with the opportunity to be challenged and extended in their knowledge and skills of drama.  Students will have the opportunity to work with industry drama practitioners and teachers from the NSW Department of Education to refine and develop their performance skills.

In 2026 there will be 2 drama ensembles

  • Sydney North Primary Drama Ensemble for students in Years 4 to 6
  • Sydney North Secondary Drama Ensemble for students in Years 7 to 12

Enquiries

Lily Ferres
Arts Coordination Officer
Phone
0460 924 458

Venue

Lane Cove West Public School

10 Avalon Avenue
Lane Cove West NSW 2066
Australia

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The Concourse

409 Victoria Ave
Chatswood NSW 2067
Australia

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Ku-ring-gai High School

403 Bobbin Head Rd
North Turramurra NSW 2074
Australia

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Applications

Applications for the workshop auditions have now closed.

Primary ensemble

Applications for primary students to attend the workshop audition are now closed, workshop capacity has been reached. After attending the audition workshop, students will be offered a place in the ensemble by Tuesday 12 May. Closing date for acceptances is Thursday 14 May 2026 (Term 2 Week 4).

Secondary ensemble

Applications for students to participate in the ensemble are now closed. Students will be notified of their acceptance by Thursday 23 April 2026 (Term 2 Week 1). Closing date for acceptances is Wednesday 29 April 2026 (Term 2 Week 2).

Cost

  • $220 per student for students accepted into the ensembles
  • Payment will be made through The Arts Unit student payment portal
  • Payment required by Friday 29 May 2026 (Term 2 Week 2).

2026 Primary drama ensemble dates

The following dates are for all students participating in the Sydney North drama ensemble.

Audition and workshop

Saturday 9 May (Term 2 Week 3), 12 pm to 4 pm

Rehearsals

12 pm to 4 pm

  1. Saturday 23 May (Term 2 Week 5)
  2. Saturday 30 May (Term 2 Week 6)
  3. Saturday 13 June (Term 2 Week 8)
Venue

Lane Cove West Public School

Performances

LightsUP Drama Festival, Chatswood | Monday 27 July to Wednesday 29 July 2026 (Term 3 Week 2)

Rehearsals at The Concourse
  • Monday 27 July, 9–2:30 pm
  • Tuesday 28 July, 9–2:30 pm
Performances 
  • Tuesday 28 July, 7 pm
  • Wednesday 29 July, 5 pm (TBC)

NB: The drama ensemble will be considered for the State Drama festival in Term 4. If successful, additional rehearsals may be scheduled.

2026 Secondary drama ensemble dates

The following dates are for all students participating in the Sydney North drama ensemble.

Devising workshop with Zen Zen Zo

Monday 4 May (Term 2 Week 3), 4–6:30 pm

Venue

The Arts Unit, Lewisham

Rehearsals

12–4 pm

  1. Saturday 23 May (Term 2 Week 5)
  2. Saturday 30 May (Term 2 Week 6)
  3. Saturday 13 June (Term 2 Week 8) 
  4. Saturday 27 June (Term 2 Week 10)
Venue

Ku-ring-gai High School

Performances

LightsUP Drama Festival, Chatswood | Monday 27 July to Wednesday 29 July 2026 (Term 3 Week 2)

Rehearsals at The Concourse
  • Monday 27 July, 9–2:30 pm
  • Tuesday 28 July, 9–2:30 pm
Performances 
  • Tuesday 28 July, 7 pm
  • Wednesday 29 July, 7:30 pm (TBC)

NB: The drama ensembles will be considered for the State Drama festival in Term 4. If successful, additional rehearsals may be scheduled.