LightsUP drama ensembles

Region: Metro Metro South and West Metropolitan North | Penrith
Years 4 to 12
Local arts program Drama
Tags: High potential and gifted (HPGE)

LightsUP drama ensembles, (formally known as Greater Western Sydney Drama Ensembles) are open to talented and interested drama students in Years 4 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 3 drama ensembles:

  • NEW Sydney North Junior Drama Ensemble for students in Years 4 to Year 6
  • 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. 

All ensembles rehearse from 12 pm to 4 pm on four Saturdays in Term 2 in preparation to perform at LightsUP Drama Festival series.

2025 ensemble dates

The following dates are for all students participating in the LightsUP drama ensembles. Please note that the Sydney North and Greater Western Sydney ensembles rehearse and perform in different locations.

Rehearsals

12 pm to 4 pm

  1. Saturday 3 May 2025  (Term 2 Week 1)
  2. Saturday 17 May 2025 (Term 2 Week 3)
  3. Saturday 31 May 2025 (Term 2 Week 5)
  4. Saturday 7 June 2025 (Term 2 Week 6)
Venues
Greater Western Sydney junior and senior drama ensembles

Penrith Selective High School

Sydney junior drama ensemble

Sydney North venue TBC

Performances

Greater Western Sydney junior and senior drama ensembles

LightsUP drama festival, Penrith – Thursday 19 June 2025 (Term 2 Week 8)

Sydney junior drama ensemble

LightsUP Drama Festival, Chatswood –  Wednesday 18 June 2025 (Term 2 Week 8)

NB: All LightsUP drama ensembles will be considered for the State Drama festival in Term 4 Week 2. If successful, additional rehearsals may be scheduled.

Applications

Online applications for the 2025 LightsUP Drama Ensembles are now open. Applications close Friday 28 March 2025 (Term 1 Week 9).

Students will be notified of their acceptance by Friday 4 April 2025 (Term 1 Week 10).

Closing date for acceptances is Thursday 10 April 2025 (Week 11 Term 1)

Cost

Enquiries

Lily Ferres
Arts Coordination Officer
Phone
0460 924 458
Penrith Selective High School

158-240 High St
Penrith NSW 2750
Australia

Open Map

All Arts Unit programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in the LightsUP drama ensembles, please email lily.ferres@det.nsw.edu.au so that we can assist.