LightsUP Drama Festival Series

2023 dates and venues

LightsUP – Chatswood 

• Monday 5 June to Wednesday 7 June 2023  (Term 2 Week 7)
• The Concourse Theatre, Chatswood

LightsUP – Penrith 

• Thursday 22 June 2023  (Term 2 Week 9)
• Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith

LightsUP – Parramatta 

• Tuesday 29 August 2023  (Term 3 Week 7)
• The Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatres, Parramatta
• Tickets available through Riverside box office

2024 dates and venues

LightsUP – Chatswood 

• Monday 24 June to Wednesday 26 June 2024 (Term 2 Week 9)
• The Concourse Theatre, Chatswood

LightsUP – Penrith 

• Thursday 20 June 2024 (Term 2 Week 8)
• Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith

LightsUP – Parramatta 

• TBC (Term 3)
• The Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatres, Parramatta

LightsUP – Wyong

• Thursday 12 September 2024  (Term 3 Week 8)
• The Art House, Wyong

How to apply

Applications for the LightsUP Drama Festival Series 2024 will open early in 2024.

Teachers, to apply:

• Please complete the LightsUP Drama Festival Series 2024 online application form.
• Applications close Friday 24 May 2024 (Term 2 Week 4)
• Schools will be notified of application results on Friday 31 May 2024 (Term 2 Week 5)

Performance item details

Group size

• Maximum 30 students for primary and secondary groups

Performance length

• Primary school items – up to 10 minutes duration (recommended 6– 8 minutes)
• Secondary school items –up to 12 minutes duration (recommended 8 – 10 minutes)

Audition details

Schools applying to participate in the LightsUP Drama Festival series are required to submit an audition video. Auditions videos must be uploaded to YouTube or Google Drive and the video link included in the application form. When uploading your video link ensure you have the correct sharing settings to allow the panel to view. 

Criteria for selection

All application audition items will be assessed by the Lightsup Drama Festival audition panel, based on the following criteria:

• Appropriate performance length
• Consideration of the elements of drama and reflection of current syllabus outcomes
• Demonstrated excellence in performance skills
• Entertainment value
• Use of minimal scenery and props
• Appeal and suitability to an audience that may include students from Kindergarten to Year 12

Audition video resource

Please use the resource below, developed by The Arts Unit, to support the preparation and filming of your audition video.

• Filming a drama ensemble performance

Audition video tips

• Film the whole group from a fixed camera angle, not individual performers. It is important that all students are able to be viewed in the film.
• It is recommended that schools use a tripod, particularly if panning to ensure a steady image
• Ensure that the video is of sufficiently high quality to allow the panel to view the details of your work and your performers
• If needed, cover any windows or doors in the room where the audition is being filmed, to avoid outside light interfering with the visual contrast in your video
• Ensure your audition video is within the time frame requirements outlined above

Participation fee

• $15.00 per student per festival entry
• Schools will be responsible for collecting participation fees from their students and automatically debited for their participation in the festival via SAP journal entry