Greater Western Sydney drama ensembles
Greater Western Sydney drama ensembles (GWS drama ensembles) are open to talented and interested drama students in Years 5 to 12 from NSW public schools.
The ensembles provide an engaging and supportive environment in which students are provided with the opportunity to be challenged and extended in their knowledge and skills of drama. Students will have the opportunity to work with industry drama practitioners and teachers from the NSW Department of Education to refine and develop their performance skills.
In 2025 there are 2 drama ensembles:
- Greater Western Sydney Junior Drama Ensemble for students in Years 5 to Year 8
- Greater Western Sydney Senior Drama Ensemble for students in Years 9 to Year 12.
Both ensembles rehearse from 12 pm to 4 pm on four Saturdays in Term 2 and are eligible to be nominated for regional and state drama festivals, including LightsUP Drama Festival Penrith.
Attachments
Greater Western Sydney and Sydney North drama ensembles – payment portal guide (PDF 229.35 KB)Resources
Gallery
Applications
Online applications for 2026 are now open.
Students will be notified of their acceptance by Wednesday 22 April 2026 (Term 2 Week 1).
Closing date for acceptances is Monday 4 May 2026 (Term 2 Week 3)
Cost
- $220 per student
- Payment will be made through The Arts Unit student payment portal
- Payment required by Monday 18 May 2026 (Term 2 Week 5)
2026 junior ensemble dates
The following dates are for all students in Years 5 to 8 participating in the GWS junior drama ensemble. If you have any concerns about attending all of the rehearsals and performances, please contact the program coordinator.
Rehearsals
12 pm to 4 pm
- Saturday 9 May (Term 2 Week 3)
- Saturday 16 May (Term 2 Week 4)
- Saturday 23 May (Term 2 Week 5)
- Saturday 6 June (Term 2 Week 7)
Venue
Penrith Selective High School
Director
Anthony Vassallo, Penrith Selective High School
Performances
LightsUP drama festival, Penrith – Thursday 11 June 2026 (Term 2 Week 8)
NB: Several other performance opportunities may arise. The drama ensembles will be considered for the Short Sharp Theatre (Riverside Theatre, Paramatta) and the State Drama festival in Term 4. If successful, additional rehearsals may be scheduled.
2026 senior ensemble dates
The following dates are for all students in Years 9 to 12 participating in the GWS senior drama ensemble. If you have any concerns about attending all of the rehearsals and performances, please contact the program coordinator.
Devising workshop with Zen Zen Zo
Tuesday 5 May (Term 2 Week 3), 4–6:30 pm
Rehearsals
12 pm to 4 pm
- Saturday 9 May (Term 2 Week 3)
- Saturday 16 May (Term 2 Week 4)
- Saturday 23 May (Term 2 Week 5)
- Saturday 6 June (Term 2 Week 7)
Venue
Penrith Selective High School
Director
Tara Lawson, Penrith Selective High School
Performances
LightsUP drama festival, Penrith – Thursday 11 June 2026 (Term 2 Week 8)
NB: Several other performance opportunities may arise. The drama ensembles will be considered for the Short Sharp Theatre (Riverside Theatre, Paramatta) and the State Drama festival in Term 4. If successful, additional rehearsals may be scheduled.
All Arts Unit programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in the Greater Western Sydney drama ensembles, please email [email protected] so that we can assist.
