Drama Ensembles

Years 5 to 12

Applications for students in Years 5, 6, 7, and 8 are now closed.

Drama Ensembles develop high potential and gifted students in drama. Ensemble tutors are drawn from Arts Unit experts and industry professionals. Students perform in events such as the State Drama Festival, and potentially the Schools Spectacular.

  • Senior Drama Ensemble - Years 9 to 11
  • Junior Drama Ensembles - Years 7 and 8
  • Primary Drama Ensembles - Years 5 and 6

Drama ensembles rehearse at The Arts Unit in Lewisham during school term. Application is by audition and open to NSW public school students.

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drama students performing

How to apply

Applications for students in all years have now closed for 2023.
Applications for 2024 for senior students will open in Term 4, 2023.
Applications for 2024 for junior and primary students will open in Term 1, 2024.

Auditions

Auditions for Year 5, 6, 7, and 8 Drama Ensembles are open to all NSW public school students. Auditions will be held at The Arts Unit in Lewisham in May 2023. Preparation is not necessary.

  • 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Sunday 28 May 2023, Years 5 and 6 students
  • 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday 28 May 2023, Years 7 and 8 students

 

Weekly rehearsal times

If you are successful in obtaining a position to the drama ensembles program, a full commitment to the program must be made. 

Students will attend weekly rehearsals after school hours on Wednesdays and some Sundays at The Arts Unit, Lewisham.

Senior Drama Ensembles begin on Wednesday 1 March 2023 and finish on Sunday 18 June 2023. Senior Ensembles may have a re-rehearsal day on Sunday 15 October prior to performing at the State Drama Festival in October 2023.
Junior and Primary Drama Ensembles begin on on Wednesday 19 July 2023 and finish at State Drama Festival in October 2023.

For exact times please see the relevant ensembles page:

Fees

Fees cover hire of regular tutors and industry professionals for intensive workshops, a Drama Ensemble t-shirt, and the sourcing and supply of costumes from professional designers for ensemble performances. Students will need to cover the costs of their own travel and/or accommodation if needed. All prices include GST.

  • Weekly Drama Ensembles $385.00
     

Performance opportunities

Junior Drama Ensembles will participate in either the State Drama Festival or State Drama Festival Virtual.
 

Drama tutors

Applications for 2023 Drama Ensemble tutors are now closed.

Drama tutors work with students in the weekly drama ensembles to devise an original work for the State Drama Festival 2023.

Please see the State Drama Camp page for information about State Drama Camp tutor applications for 2023.

 

Enquiries

The drama team
The Arts Unit
Email
drama.artsunit@det.nsw.edu.au
Phone
02 8512 1175
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Programs

Senior Drama Ensembles

Drama
Years 9 to 11

Applications are now closed

Ensemble members have the opportunity to be part of exciting industry partnerships, enriching and extending their skill base in drama and fostering career pathways.

Junior Drama Ensembles

Drama
Years 7 and 8
Sydney based, weekly ensemble aims to foster the development of talented drama students. Performance and industry partnerships offer unique learning extension opportunities.

Primary Drama Ensembles

Drama
Year 5 and 6
Sydney based, weekly ensemble aims to foster the development of talented drama students. Performance and industry partnerships offer unique learning extension opportunities.

State Drama Ensemble

Drama
Years 9 to 11
An intensive program for high potential and gifted drama students from NSW public schools. Workshops are held during school holidays where students develop a work for performance at the State Drama Festival.

Drama Company

Drama
Years 10 to 12
The Drama Company extends the best performers auditioned from public schools across NSW. Company members work with industry professionals and experienced educators to create a drama work.
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Related digital resources

State Drama Festival 2021 – Virtual

Creative Resource Drama
Celebrate creativity, resilience and storytelling through drama in 2021

Tales from the Wild Bush

Creative Resource Drama
Kindergarten to Year 12 students and teachers
Fun. Playful. Engaging. Children's theatre for the digital age.

Intersection: Beat

Creative Resource Drama Film
The 2020 NSW Public Schools Drama Company, in partnership with the Australian Theatre for Young People, presents a selection of short films from Intersection: Beat.

Drama

Creative Resource Drama

The following interviews, videos, articles and activities are aimed at supporting senior drama students in the following areas:

  • character development for either scripted or unscripted performances
  • the specific voice skills for a character performance
  • costume and set design
  • theatre criticism.
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Related local arts programs

Wyong

LightsUP Play Day

Local arts program Public schools Drama
Kindergarten to Year 6

LightsUP Play Day is an outreach drama program that provides public school students Kindergarten to Year 6 with an innovative and inspiring opportunity to authentically engage in the Drama and English syllabus. The program also allows teachers to develop their understanding of h
Young

Cherry Jam

Local arts program Public schools Dance Drama Music
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A celebration of music and dance offering schools the opportunity to collaborate on combined items including a combined choir and band and showcase their own performance pieces.
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Aspire Me Drama

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A workshop program for students with an interest in drama where they will experience a variety of drama activities delivered by expert tutors.
Wollongong

Southern Stars

Local arts program Public schools Dance Drama Music VET
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An exciting arena event that promotes excellence in arts education and provides valuable performance and learning opportunities for students in the arts.
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