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Greater Western Sydney Drama Ensembles

Region: Metro South and West Metropolitan North | Penrith
Years 5 to 12
Local arts program Public schools Drama

The Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Drama Ensembles are open to talented and interested drama students in Years 5 to 12 from NSW public schools.

In 2023 there will be 2 GWS drama ensembles -

  • GWS Junior Drama Ensemble for students in Year 5 to Year 8
  • GWS Senior Drama Ensemble for students in Year 9 to Year 12. 

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.

Both ensembles rehearse from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Penrith Selective High School on 4 Saturdays in Term 2 in preparation to perform at various metropolitan drama festivals at the end of Term 2 and early Term 3.

In 2023, to commence the drama ensemble program, a full-day workshop on Friday 5 May 2023 (Term 2 Week 2) with industry practitioners is planned.  This workshop will focus on building students' collaborative skills and teach varied approaches to devising original theatrical works.

2023 

How to apply

Applications for the GWS Drama Ensembles are now open!

Auditions

Auditions for both GWS Drama Ensembles will be held if required, dependent on the number of applicants for each ensemble.  Students are not required to prepare anything for the audition.
Please keep the following date and time free:

  • Saturday 18 March 2023 (Term 1 Week 8)  from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm - Penrith Selective High School

Notification of acceptance

  • Thursday 23 March 2023 (Term 1 Week 9)

The following dates are for all students, Junior and Senior, accepted into the GWS Drama Ensembles.

Workshop

  • Friday 5 May 2023 (Term 2 Week 2)  - 8:30 am - 3:00 pm - Penrith Selective High School

Rehearsals: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm - Penrith Selective High School

  1. Saturday 29 April 2023  (Term 2 Week 1)
  2. Saturday 13 May 2023 (Term 2 Week 3)
  3. Saturday 27 May 2023 (Term 2 Week 5)
  4. Saturday 3 June 2023 (Term 2 Week 6)

Drama Festival dates for Ensembles performances

  • LightsUP Chatswood - Wednesday 7 June 2023 (Term 2 Week 7)
  • LightsUP Penrith - Thursday 22 June 2023 (Term 2 Week 9)
  • LightsUP Parramatta - Tuesday 29 August (Term 3 Week 7)

Other performance opportunities may also occur.

Cost

  • $180 per student
  • Payment will be made to the student's school and direct debited by The Arts Unit.
  • Payment will not be required until acceptance into the program.

 

Enquiries

Anthony Vassallo
Coordinator
Email
anthony.vassallo15@det.nsw.edu.au
Jenni Bittar
Arts Coordination Officer
Email
jenni.bittar@det.nsw.edu.au
Phone
0413 972 004

Venue

Penrith Selective High School
158-240 High Street
Penrith NSW 2750
Australia

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