NSW Department of Education

DramaWorks Newcastle

Region: Regional North Regional North and West | Newcastle

Years 7 to 12

Local arts program Drama

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

The workshops offer secondary students an experience in exploring styles and conventions of drama that are highly contemporary and relevant through access to entertainment industry leaders actively earning a living in the arts.

For many students DramaWorks is a significant stepping-stone on their journey of self-discovery and enables them to work with like-minded students in focusing on delving deeper into the development of their skills. DramaWorks provides students with the skills to successfully enrich their confidence, life skills and academic abilities.

Masterclasses are delivered by a talented team of industry professionals and give students an unforgettable opportunity to develop new drama skills to playbuild, refine and deliver a performance in a professional entertainment venue.

2024 dates

Monday 25 March to Thursday 28 March (Term 1 Week 9)
9 am-3 pm
Showcase performance Thursday 28 March 6:00 pm

How to apply

Applications will open Thursday 1 February 2024.

To apply complete the DramaWorks Newcastle online student application form.
Applications have been extended and will now close Friday 15 March 2024.
Students will be notified on their successful acceptance.

Cost

$200 per student
Payment can be made through The Arts Unit student payment portal.

Venue

Civic Playhouse, 375 Hunter Street Newcastle 2300

2024 workshops

Workshop	Practitioner
Mask, mime and movement Join Justin to devise physical theatre by drawing on Lecoq methodology using mask, mime and movement. This workshop will explore rhythm human locomotion, push and pull techniques, as well as mime techniques including fixed point, articulation and grand actions. Students will also explore dynamic and expressive mask work. Justin will provide a simple process and some basic tools to navigate the sometimes-difficult journey of group collaboration.	Image Justin Buchta Justin Buchta trained for theatre completing both the professional acting course and 2 years of LEM (Laboratory of Movement Study) under the tutelage of Jacques Lecoq in Paris. Prior to this he played the role of Harlequin in Sydney, under the direction of Richard Hayes-Marshall. He has co-directed an international ensemble of 15 theatre artists called Theatre Espiral, who performed Street Theatre, Circus, Giant Masks and Puppetry for the European Capital of Culture Porto. As a teacher-facilitator Justin taught acrobatics and stage stunts at the Actors Centre Sydney. Justin produces and tours both his one-man shows called WouldMan and CircusBox, for theatre festivals, for people of all ages.
Creating theatre that moves Join Alicia to create an original piece of theatre in the style of the Lecoq pedagogy. Develop a deeper understanding of character, dramatic motor, rhythmic mount and the dynamic of text. This workshop will equip students with the tools to invent and devise innovative and visual performances. You will explore using your body rather than the spoken text to generate meaning in the theatre.	Image Alicia Gonzalez ALICIA GONZALEZ is a dedicated actor, director and coach specialising in clowning, movement and the creation of original theatre and film. She Trained at Lecoq in Paris, she's also trained in clown with Avner the Eccentric (USA), Eric De Bont (Spain). Currently she's touring family show Holiday Island with collaborator Ali Gordon (Bunjil Place VIC, Art House Wyong, Monkey Baa, SYD). In 2021 she created and performed in the online and interactive show Clown is Sad? presented by Riverside & Merrigong Theatres. She also directed children's virtual and live stage show The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch. She wrote, directed and performed in: Macondo's Clothesline and Fred & Ginger (The Old 505 Theatre) and operetta Lemon Tree (Blank_Space Gallery).

Workshop

Practitioner

Mask, mime and movement

Join Justin to devise physical theatre by drawing on Lecoq methodology using mask, mime and movement. This workshop will explore rhythm human locomotion, push and pull techniques, as well as mime techniques including fixed point, articulation and grand actions. Students will also explore dynamic and expressive mask work. Justin will provide a simple process and some basic tools to navigate the sometimes-difficult journey of group collaboration.

Justin Buchta: Justin Buchta trained for theatre completing both the professional acting course and 2 years of LEM (Laboratory of Movement Study) under the tutelage of Jacques Lecoq in Paris. Prior to this he played the role of Harlequin in Sydney, under the direction of Richard Hayes-Marshall. He has co-directed an international ensemble of 15 theatre artists called Theatre Espiral, who performed Street Theatre, Circus, Giant Masks and Puppetry for the European Capital of Culture Porto. As a teacher-facilitator Justin taught acrobatics and stage stunts at the Actors Centre Sydney. Justin produces and tours both his one-man shows called WouldMan and CircusBox, for theatre festivals, for people of all ages.

Creating theatre that moves

Join Alicia to create an original piece of theatre in the style of the Lecoq pedagogy. Develop a deeper understanding of character, dramatic motor, rhythmic mount and the dynamic of text. This workshop will equip students with the tools to invent and devise innovative and visual performances. You will explore using your body rather than the spoken text to generate meaning in the theatre.

Alicia Gonzalez: ALICIA GONZALEZ is a dedicated actor, director and coach specialising in clowning, movement and the creation of original theatre and film. She Trained at Lecoq in Paris, she's also trained in clown with Avner the Eccentric (USA), Eric De Bont (Spain). Currently she's touring family show Holiday Island with collaborator Ali Gordon (Bunjil Place VIC, Art House Wyong, Monkey Baa, SYD). In 2021 she created and performed in the online and interactive show Clown is Sad? presented by Riverside & Merrigong Theatres. She also directed children's virtual and live stage show The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch. She wrote, directed and performed in: Macondo's Clothesline and Fred & Ginger (The Old 505 Theatre) and operetta Lemon Tree (Blank_Space Gallery).

Further information

Participating students must be available to perform in the final performance showcase which takes place on the Thursday evening from 6.00 pm at the Civic Playhouse, where we'd love to save you a seat!