NSW Public Schools State Drama Festival

Please note that schools who are involved in a local festival will automatically be considered for selection through the Arts Coordination Officer and attending panel and do not need to submit a nomination form.

For live performance items, we are looking for ensemble performances that are less than 10 minutes. Please note that we prefer devised or original works (rather than scripted works) as copyright can be tricky for scripted options. However, if you have a scripted item that is less than 10 minutes, feel free to submit, and we can investigate what might be possible. 

For short films, we are looking for creative, student-made films that are less than 5 minutes. There is no required theme; however, the festival will be shared with a general public audience, so we request that any films submitted are suitable for this context.

Schools that are selected for the festival will be given a time slot for their technical rehearsal on the same day as their evening performance.

Schools can then also elect to attend a skills workshop with an industry professional tutor at the Seymour Centre on this day which is another great opportunity for students to immerse themselves in learning opportunities in drama. 

Students in the VET student production team work with the State Drama Festival production team and industry professionals to assist with the bump in, bump out, management and coordination of all elements of the production of the show.

There will be a range of opportunities to work in areas of stage management and production such as: 

• assisting with staging directions
• being a part of the team to deliver outstanding customer service to schools and the general public
• cast movement coordination
• opportunity to assist with the set-up of cameras and operation of filming and live streaming equipment
• opportunity to move props and staging on and off the performance floor
• opportunity to observe and assist with the sound or lighting set up and operation
• setting up and removing directional signage
• supporting the holding room team with student cast movement
• ushering
• working with the audio team to gain an understanding of communication, maintenance and distribution.

This opportunity creates a valuable and authentic work environment for students to gain knowledge about the management of large scale events. All students will need to complete a work placement diary.

Students studying VET entertainment can complete their mandatory work placement hours by being a member of the team.