NSW Public Schools Sydney Drama Ensembles

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Region: Metro, Metro South and West, Metropolitan North, Metropolitan South, Regional North, Regional North and West, Regional South | Sydney

Years 5 to 12

The NSW Public Schools Sydney Drama Ensembles support students in Years 5 to 12 to develop their skills and experience in drama. Ensembles meet weekly for after-school rehearsals at The Arts Unit, Lewisham. Participation is by audition and open to students enrolled in NSW public schools. The program offers students a pathway to explore and grow their interest in drama within a supportive environment and to perform in drama festivals, gaining practical experience and confidence in their performance skills.

A group of students hold small round lanterns lit up in their hands with other students holding wooden rods stand either side

Applications for 2027 are now open.

Please use these links to apply for the ensembles.

Applications close on Sunday 29 November 2026.

Rehearsals

Students who are accepted will attend weekly rehearsals at The Arts Unit, Lewisham on Wednesdays from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Rehearsals start on Wednesday 3 February 2027 (Term 1 Week 2) and run during the school term until Week 2 of Term 3 when students perform at LightsUP Drama Festival Chatswood.

There are three ensembles in the Sydney Drama Ensembles program:

Primary Drama Ensemble – Years 5 and 6
Junior Drama Ensemble – Years 7 and 8
Senior Drama Ensemble – Years 9 to 12

Each ensemble will work with their tutor to create an original, group-devised performance, developed collaboratively through brainstorming, improvisation, and the exploration of ideas, images, and themes. This process encourages creativity and teamwork, allowing students to shape characters, scenes, and narratives together to produce a unique piece that reflects the collective voice of the group.

Successful applicants must make a full commitment to the program.

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Auditions for 2027 ensembles

Auditions for the 2027 Sydney Drama Ensembles will be held at The Arts Unit, Lewisham on Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 December 2026. After applications close on Sunday 29 November 2026, students will be notified of their allocated audition time and date via email; please note that it may not be possible to allocate your preference

Monday 7 December 2026

9 am – 12 pm | Group A: Primary ensemble applicants
1 pm – 4 pm | Group B: Primary ensemble applicants
9 am – 12 pm | Group C: Junior ensemble applicants
1 pm – 4 pm | Group D: Senior ensemble applicants

Tuesday 8 December 2026

9 am – 12 pm | Group E: Primary ensemble applicants
1 pm – 4 pm | Group F: Primary ensemble applicants
9 am – 12 pm | Group G: Junior ensemble applicants
1 pm – 4 pm | Group H: Senior ensemble applicants

Auditions will be conducted as a half-day workshop as indicated above. Schools will be advised of participating students so that attendance can be recorded as School Business, in accordance with NSW Department of Education procedures.

Audition requirements

Lunch and/or snack
Drink bottle
Please wear Drama blacks that abide by your school's casual-clothes dress-code
Enclosed shoes to and from the audition rooms
Bare feet or grip socks may be worn during the workshop
Please arrive no more than 15 minutes early at your audition.

Venue and access

Meet at the student entry of The Arts Unit, Lewisham.

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Fees

$30 workshop fee

The fee covers the cost of tutors for the workshops. Students will learn drama skills during the workshop and be observed as part of an audition process to be considered for a place in the ensemble. All prices include GST.

$350 per year

The fee covers the cost of regular tutors and industry professionals for workshops, as well as costumes for ensemble performances. Students will need to pay for any travel or accommodation if needed. All prices include GST.

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