Southern Tablelands Drama Festival

Region: Regional South | Goulburn | Picton
Kindergarten to Year 12
Program Drama
Tags: All Ability Arts, Circus arts, Disability

The Southern Tablelands Drama Festival is a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and collaboration, bringing together public school students from Kindergarten to Year 12 across the Southern Tablelands and beyond. 

With separate primary and secondary showcases, students have the opportunity to perform alongside their peers, ensuring that items are tailored to their age group and ability level. This structure allows each performance to be celebrated in an environment that fosters confidence, skill development, and artistic growth.

Whether students are stepping onto the stage for the first time or are seasoned performers, the Southern Tablelands Drama Festival offers a positive, inclusive, and unforgettable experience for all.

All schools who nominate are selected, no audition required!

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Enquiries

Sue Dawson
Arts Coordination Officer
susan.i.dawson@det.nsw.edu.au
0402 992897

Venue

Goulburn Performing Arts Centre

163 Auburn Street
Goulburn NSW 2580
Australia

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Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre

Cnr Menangle St and Colden St
Picton NSW 2571
Australia

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Resources

2026 dates

We’re thrilled to announce the expansion of the Southern Tablelands Drama Festival, now featuring two incredible performance venues! Schools can now select the location that best suits their needs:

Southern Tablelands Drama Festival – Goulburn showcase

  • Goulburn Performing Arts Centre
  • Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 September (Term 3 Week 8)
    • Primary drama festival: Monday 7 September
    • Secondary drama festival: Tuesday 8 September

Southern Tablelands Drama Festival – Picton showcase

  • Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre
  • Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September (Term 3 Week 8)
    • Primary drama festival: Thursday 10 September
    • Secondary drama festival: Friday 11 September
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How to apply

Applications for 2026 festival are now open.

For full details please explore the STDrF teacher information site.

To apply complete the STDrF school participation form.

Applications close Friday 25 July (Term 3 Week 1).

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Festival aims

  • Inspire and support drama education – Encouraging the development of rich, engaging drama programs at a school level and fostering confidence, creativity, and communication skills in students.
  • Provide professional performance opportunities – Giving students the chance to rehearse and perform in state-of-the-art venues, enhancing their stagecraft and performance experience.
  • Foster collaboration and creativity – Creating a platform where students and teachers work together towards a shared artistic vision, exploring storytelling, movement, and theatrical expression.
  • Showcase student talent at every stage – By offering separate primary and secondary showcases, students perform alongside peers of a similar age and experience level. This ensures a supportive and age-appropriate environment where younger performers can shine, and older students can take on more advanced theatrical challenges.
  • Celebrate public education and the arts – Showcasing the exceptional talent within NSW public schools and reinforcing the value of the arts as a vital part of the curriculum.
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Photos

Large group of students sitting on stage looking at 2 other students standing up dressed as animals
4 young students standing on stage dressed in old school uniform and head mistress
boy on stage dressed as peter pan with 2 prop clouds and trees behind him
group of students on stage holding colourful puppets up in the air
group of students on stage surrounding student dressed as computer screen
line of primary students on stage dressed in pjs with 2 students dressed as oowboys riding horses
6 students standing in a line on stage dressed as chickens
male student on stage dressed as bird
2 students on stage - one dressed as secretary other as surfer with a surfboard
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All Arts Unit programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in the Southern Tablelands Drama Festival, please email susan.i.dawson@det.nsw.edu.au so that we can assist.