Please note that the 2025 Drama Skills Development Workshop will commence under the guidelines from NSW Health and the Department of Education.

Booking process

1. Complete this form to book a position in the 2025 Drama Skills Development Workshop. We recommend filling in the form from a computer.
2. Check that you received an auto-confirmation email (check the spam folder) for your booking. If you did not receive this, then your booking was not submitted.
3. An email will be sent to your school to notify your school, so please ensure the school email is entered correctly.
4. Complete workshop payment via the Student payment portal by Wednesday 21 May for the May workshops for Primary Students.
5. The Drama team will be in contact within 2 weeks of the workshop with all final details and reminders.

Workshop details

Date: Sun 25 May 2025

Face-to-face:

• Session 1: 10 am to 12 pm
• Session 2: 1 pm to 3 pm

Online:

• Session 1: 10 am to 11:30 am
• Session 2: 1 pm to 2:30 pm

Note that the online sessions are shorter to allow for the fatigue of learning through a screen. 

Students can come for just one session or can book in for both sessions for a full day of workshops. Students who book for the full day face to face workshops will need to bring their lunch and will be supervised by teachers during the break.

Venue: The Arts Unit – Corner Toothill Street and The Boulevarde, Lewisham or virtually through Microsoft Teams

Cost:

• Single, face to face workshop (2 hours) – $45.00
• Full day, face to face workshop (4 hours) – $90.00
• Single online workshop (90 minutes) – $25.00
• Double online workshop (3 hours) – $50.00

All payments will be accepted online through our student payment portal.

Workshop options

Morning

Years K to 2: Creative play and expression

Let’s use group imagination to explore ideas and express ourselves! This two hour workshop designed specifically for K–2 students introduces improvisation and storytelling techniques with a focus on creativity, physical expression, character and movement. 

Note that this workshop is the same workshop as the afternoon session. We recommend students in K to 2 only participate in one 2 hour workshop for the day.

Years 3 and 4: Characterisation  

Want to learn how to build clear and interesting characters? This workshop will focus on how to use your body and voice to communicate different personalities on stage. Beginners welcome.

Note that this workshop is the same as the Characterisation workshop in the afternoon.

Years 3 to 6: Creative storytelling with movement

Our bodies are extremely important for storytelling on a stage. In this workshop, we will experiment with movement and creative physical expression. Learn how to use gestures to create meaning and develop confidence in using movement to communicate ideas. Work with small groups to explore group relationships and create stories through your coordinated movement. Beginners welcome.

Years 5 to 6: Warm ups and group improvisation

This workshop will develop skills through warm up games that prepare the mind and body for creative thinking before exploring small group improvisation tasks that develop characters and situations for storytelling.

Note that this workshop is designed to be a companion with the Introduction to Devising workshop in the afternoon, but can also be a standalone workshop for those who are new to group work in drama.

Online class: Creative storytelling with movement

Our bodies are extremely important for storytelling on a stage. In this workshop, we will explore individual expression through gesture and movement. We will use music as a stimulus to create a short movement piece that tells a story.

Please note that you will need access to a laptop or computer with a web cam and a reliable internet connection for this workshop. Note that for safety, cameras will be expected to stay on for the duration of the workshop.

Afternoon

Years K to 2: Creative play and expression

Let’s use group imagination to explore ideas and express ourselves! This two hour workshop designed specifically for K–2 students introduces improvisation and storytelling techniques with a focus on creativity, physical expression, character and movement. 

Note that this workshop is the same workshop as the morning session. We recommend students in K to 2 only participate in one 2 hour workshop for the day.

Years 3 and 4: Characterisation  

Want to learn how to build clear and interesting characters? This workshop will focus on how to use your body and voice to communicate different personalities on stage. Beginners welcome.

Note that this workshop is the same as the Characterisation workshop in the morning.

Years 3 to 6 (advanced): Audition techniques

Want to hone your audition skills and build your confidence in handling the pressure of an audition? This workshop will focus on techniques and approaches for auditioning for a role. 

Please note that this workshop is designed for students who already have experience in drama and are confident performers. If you are unsure, please get in contact with the team at [email protected] 

Years 5 to 6: Introduction to devising

'Devising' is a term we use in drama that means developing an original work. This often involves using small improvised tasks to build draft material and then gradually refining this material into a performance. Learn an approach to devising which uses small group improvisation and collaboration to develop a story. 

Note that this workshop is designed to be a companion with the Warm Ups and Group Improvisation workshop in the morning, but can also be a standalone workshop for those who already have some experience in drama who want to learn more about devising. If you are new to drama, we recommend doing both workshops to build your confidence in improvisation and then learn an approach to devising.

Online class: Writing a monologue

Every wanted to write your own monologue? This online workshop will lead you through an approach to writing a solo performance with dialogue that provides an emotional journey. Learn to think about situation, character and relationships as you shape your monologue and experiment with storytelling through words and gestures.

Please note that you will need access to a laptop or computer with a web cam and a reliable internet connection for this workshop. Note that for safety, cameras will be expected to stay on for the duration of the workshop.

General information

• Each workshop will be led by a drama teaching specialist.
• Workshops will be active, students must wear comfortable clothing.
• Students are required to be on The Arts Unit's premises for the duration of the workshops and the lunch break if they are staying for the whole day.
• Please make sure your name is clearly marked on belongings and leave unnecessary valuables at home.
• Please bring water and plenty to eat for lunch. There is no cafe or canteen on site. 
• Online workshops will be run through Microsoft Teams. Students must have access to a laptop or computer with a webcam and microphone for this session, as it will involve interaction. Please note that for safety, cameras must remain on for the duration of the workshop.

1. Film your audition video and name your video file appropriately.
2. Complete the 2025 nomination form which includes a section to upload your video.

• Dance and music items – 4 minutes maximum
• Drama items – 5 minutes maximum
• Any student attending a NSW public school on the Central Coast K–12, including regional ensembles can nominate.
• Performances can be any genre within the performing arts.
• Performance are required to be rehearsed to performance standard.
• Lyrics, language, costume, themes and movements should be age appropriate.

If you require any assistance with the nomination process, please contact:
[email protected] (Tacoma PS) or [email protected] (Lisarow HS).

The SpecFest team are looking for groups including (but not limited to):

• musical ensembles (for example, big bands, marimba ensembles, vocal ensembles)
• dance groups (for example, cultural groups, circus skills, dancesport)
• drama groups (for example, street performers, mime)

Please use the tabs below to find information about some of the drama programs at The Arts Unit which we are looking for additional staff: 

NSW Public Schools Drama Ensembles at Lewisham (weekly, over two terms)

Tutors in the Drama Ensembles at Lewisham will work with up to 24 students from a range of schools to devise an original piece of theatre. Please note availability for the following dates:

• In 2025, the NSW Public Schools Drama Ensemble rehearsals will run on Wednesdays from Term 2 Week 1 until the completion of the Drama Festival in October at the Seymour Centre (Except for Term 2 Week 10 due to State Drama Camp).
• Each Wednesday, primary ensembles will run from 4:45 pm to 6:45 pm and secondary ensembles will from from 5 pm to 7 pm. 
• Rehearsals will also include three Sunday rehearsals – one per term on Sunday 15 June, Sunday 21 September and Sunday 19 October from 10 am to 4 pm. 
• The 2025 Drama Festival will take place in Term 4 Week 2 at the Seymour Centre, Chippendale. 

Applications are now closed for 2025.

Mentee for NSW Public Schools Drama Ensembles at Lewisham

Mentees attend at least three rehearsals during the devising process and work with the tutor to assist with the ensemble for professional development. Note that this is not a paid role. Ensembles run across the following dates:

• In 2025, the NSW Public Schools Drama Ensemble rehearsals will run on Wednesdays from Term 2 Week 1 until the completion of the Drama Festival in October at the Seymour Centre (Except for Term 2 Week 10 due to State Drama Camp).
• Each Wednesday, primary ensembles will run from 4:45 pm to 6:45 pm and secondary ensembles will from from 5 pm to 7 pm. 
• Rehearsals will also include three Sunday rehearsals – one per term on Sunday 15 June, Sunday 21 September and Sunday 19 October from 10 am to 4 pm. 
• The 2025 Drama Festival will take place in Term 4 Week 2 at the Seymour Centre, Chippendale. 

Drama Ensembles coordinator (weekly, over two terms)

The Drama Ensembles Coordinator is a role that overseas the NSW Public Schools Drama Ensembles at The Arts Unit in Lewisham. The coordinator will have the following responsibilities: 

• managing student arrival and dismissal
• follow up of student absence and communication with parents during all rehearsals
• being the medical officer on site for the duration of the rehearsal period
• providing support, including behaviour management and creative feedback, for the program tutors
• assisting with communication between the tutors, ensemble members and the program officer

Please note availability for the following dates:

• In 2025, the NSW Public Schools Drama Ensemble rehearsals will run on Wednesdays from Term 2 Week 1 until the completion of the Drama Festival in October at the Seymour Centre (Except for Term 2 Week 10 due to State Drama Camp).
• Each Wednesday, primary ensembles will run from 4:45 pm to 6:45 pm and secondary ensembles will from from 5 pm to 7 pm. 
• Rehearsals will also include three Sunday rehearsals – one per term on Sunday 15 June, Sunday 21 September and Sunday 19 October from 10 am to 4 pm. 
• The 2025 Drama Festival will take place in Term 4 Week 2 at the Seymour Centre, Chippendale. 

Applications have closed for 2025.

State Drama Camp at Collaroy (one week intensive)

The State Drama Camp is a residential camp that will run at the Collaroy Centre. Tutors work with an ensemble group to devise a work across the camp and provide skills-based workshops to a range of students.

This year there are 3 different camps running concurrently: 

• Year 7 and 8 State Drama Camp - from Monday 30 June to Wednesday 2 July
• Year 9 and 10 State Drama Camp - from Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July
• Year 11 State Drama Camp - from Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July (performances on the evening of Thursday 3 July and metro students depart then)

Schools of selected tutors will be given $600 per day for school release. 

Applications will close Monday 17 March 2025.

Mentee at State Drama Camp

Mentees attend camp to observe a tutor's devising process and workshops for professional development.

This year there are three camps running concurrently:

• Year 7 and 8 State Drama Camp - from Monday 30 June to Wednesday 2 July
• Year 9 and 10 State Drama Camp - from Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July
• Year 11 State Drama Camp - from Monday 30 June to Friday 4 July (performances on the evening of Thursday 3 July and metro students depart then)

Schools of selected mentees will be given $600 per day for school release.

State Drama Camp workshop presenter (one day)

We are looking for industry specialists and expert tutors to run in-depth, specialist workshops across a few days of State Drama Camp (Tuesday 1 July - Thursday 3 July). Please select this option if you are interested in applying to be a specialist workshop presenter for any year group at this event for one or more days. 

State Drama Ensemble at Lewisham (one week intensive plus performances)

The State Drama Ensemble is a weekly intensive which will run during the school holidays from Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October.  The 2025 Drama Festival will take place in Term 4 Week 2 at the Seymour Centre, Chippendale. 

Sydney North Drama Ensembles expression of interest 

We are looking to build an inter-school drama ensemble somewhere in the north of Sydney. Dates, times and format are TBC and will depend on numbers, but select this option in the form below if you are interested in hearing more about this opportunity. 

CoLab Senior Drama Workshops at Parramatta, Pennant Hills, Penrith and Virtual (two workshop dates)

A collaboration on HSC group devising. Workshops occur over 2 separate days, with dates in 2025 TBC. Select this option if you are interested in being a workshop facilitator in this program.

Visit the website for more details.

LightsUP Drama Festival in Chatswood and Penrith

You can apply to be coordinating or assisting staff for the LightsUP festival. 

LightsUP – Penrith 

Thursday 19 June 2025 (Term 2 Week 8)

• Technical rehearsals: 9 am – 12 pm or 1 pm – 4 pm
• Performance: 7 pm

Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith

 

LightsUP – Chatswood 

Tuesday 17 June to Thursday 19 June 2025 (Term 2 Week 8)

• Technical rehearsals
  • Tuesday 17 June, 9 am – 3:30 pm
  • Wednesday 18 June, 9 am – 1:30 pm
• Performances (60 mins)
  • Wednesday 18 June, 7:30 pm
  • Thursday 19 June, 5 pm and 7:30 pm

The Concourse Theatre, Chatswood

In the Spotlight Play Day at Campbelltown (three workshop dates and performance)

In the Spotlight Play Day is an outreach drama program that provides public school students from Preschool to Year 8 with an innovative and inspiring opportunity to authentically engage in the Drama and English syllabus.

Workshops

Workshop sessions will take place from 9 am to 3 pm as an incursion on the following dates:

Term 1 Week 8: Monday 17 to Friday 21 March 2025
Term 1 Week 9: Monday 24 to Friday 28 March 2025
Term 1 Week 10: Monday 31 March to Friday 4 April 2025

Performance

The student showcase will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday 3 June 2025  (Week 6 Term 2) at Campbelltown Arts Centre.

Visit the website for more details. 

Dramaworks in Newcastle (one week of workshops plus performance)

Contemporary theatre workshops for secondary students providing an opportunity for them to engage in a diversity of performance techniques and conventions beyond the classroom.

Monday 31 March to Thursday 3 April (Term 1 Week 10) 9 am – 3 pm Showcase performance Thursday 3 April 6 pm

Visit the website for more details. 

Hunter Senior Drama Workshops in Newcastle (one day workshop)

Workshops providing Year 11 and 12 drama students from NSW regional and rural public schools with expert support in their skill development. A variety of different genres in drama will be investigated.

Tutors have been found for 2025, but select this to be an alternate tutor contact or for future connection to this program. 

Visit the website for more details.

Hunter Drama Festival in Newcastle (three day festival)

The Hunter Drama Festival is an opportunity for Hunter/Newcastle/Lake Macquarie/Port Stephens public schools to showcase selected drama items in a professional theatre. 

Select this option to be contacted for staffing this event.

Visit the website for more details.

Casual tutor - ongoing

Please select this option if you are interested in being contacted as a casual tutor option for any of the drama programs throughout the year.

Please complete the webform below to register your interest as a drama tutor. Be sure to check your email address (this is the only way we can communicate with you).
 
All applicants for child-related employment are required to provide a 'Working with Children Check Number' and a COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

Once you have completed this form, you will receive an email confirming your application.

Please note that this application will only be considered in the calendar year of 2025, and future programs may require alternate application processes.

Should you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected].