State Drama Camps

Participants will be notified by the end of Term 1 if they have been successful and will be sent an acceptance package to be completed to confirm their place in the camp.

Cost

Participant costs can be found of the application form.

There are three camps that run concurrently in the same location:

• State Drama Camp – Bootcamp (Years 7 and 8) is a skill building program that runs across three and a half days. 
• State Drama Camp – Years 9 and 10 is a performance-based program that runs for the whole week.
• State Drama Camp – Year 11 is a performance-based program that runs for the whole week.

Workshops and creative projects during the camps are led by industry specialists and exemplary teachers from NSW public schools.

The camp is fully catered with a healthy menu and accommodation in cabins and rooms.

Dates

• Bootcamp: Sunday afternoon 28 June 2026 to Wednesday evening 1 July 2026
• Years 9–10: Sunday afternoon 28 June 2026 to Friday morning 3 July 2026
• Year 11: Sunday afternoon 28 June 2026 to Thursday evening 2 July 2026 (option to stay Thursday night if required)

Venue

• Collaroy Centre, Collaroy

• The program covers all major aspects of drama and includes workshop sessions led by exemplary teachers and specialists from the performing arts industry.
• Workshops sessions offered may include characterisation, improvisation, clowning, physical theatre, script analysis, advanced acting skills, movement, voice and film.
• Active involvement, development of skills and enjoyment are key outcomes of participation at camp.
• State Drama Camp – Bootcamp (Years 7 and 8) students will create short, tutor-guided performances that focus on a particular performance style or skill.
• State Drama Camp – Years 9 and 10 and State Drama Camp – Year 11 students will work on group-devised pieces, which may involve devising with scripts, and receive constructive feedback from workshop teachers and tutors and peers attending the NSW Public Schools State Drama Camp.
• Students will present their performances at a student performance showcase for parents and friends.

• High potential and enthusiastic students from NSW public schools who are seeking to build on their current experiences in drama to enhance, extend and further develop their skills and knowledge.
• You do not have to be studying Drama as an elective subject to apply for any of the State Drama Camps.
• Students in regional, rural and remote areas are strongly encouraged to apply. Participation fees are subsidised for students from Department of Education identified rural and remote schools.
• While you do not have to be studying Drama to apply, Year 11 students who are studying the Preliminary Drama course may be given priority if there is an oversupply of applications.
• Preference may also be given to students who were unable to select the subject for study at their school due to low numbers or staffing.
• A maximum of 6 students will be accepted from the same school. This is negotiated with teachers once applications have closed.

State Drama Camp and Stage 5 State Drama Camp offer professional development opportunities for teachers.

Roles for teachers

• Camp tutor – Supervise for the duration of the camp; lead specialised workshops; lead a camp group through the play-building process to a performance on the last evening.
  Preference for selection of camp tutors will be given to teachers who are currently teaching Drama Years 9–10 and/or the Drama Preliminary and HSC courses. School release will be paid for successful applicants.
• Residential mentorship program – For beginning or less experienced teachers where preference will be given to rural and remote applicants. Observe, participate and learn throughout the week under the guidance of an experienced mentor. Supervise and assist with camp duties – onsite for the duration of camp. School release will be paid for successful applicants.
• Day mentee program – For interested teachers to observe and participate for one day of the program. Teachers will select workshops and sessions to attend to learn from experienced teachers in action. Schools must supply their own relief cover for this program.

To apply for these roles, please complete the State Drama Camp staff applications.