In 2026, we’re deepening our commitment to young artists.
We’re evolving our programs to create clearer pathways into creative practice – giving young people opportunities to collaborate, take creative risks, and make new, original work.
Our workshops remain at the heart of participation at Canberra Youth Theatre, bringing young people together with professional artists to imagine, explore, and create. We value the artistic journey as much as the outcome – a space where high artistic standards meet genuine creative exploration, and where young artists develop critical thinking, collaboration, and empathy through the art they make together.
From first explorations to deep creative investigation, our 2026 workshop pathways support young people to discover their creative voice, develop their craft, and contribute to a bold new future for theatre in Canberra.
What You Can Expect
- Weekly sessions led by professional theatre artists
- Skills training in acting, voice, and movement
- Ensemble-based theatre-making
- Creative exploration and experimentation
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Opportunities to share ideas and shape the work
- Activities that stretch imagination and focus
- Storytelling and character exploration
- Supportive, nurturing studio culture
- Balance of challenge, play, and creative risk-taking
- A sharing of work with family and community at program’s end
Program Outcomes
- Develop confidence in expressing ideas and taking creative risks
- Build resilience, focus, and creative voice
- Strengthen skills in voice, movement, character, and storytelling
- Gain performance techniques appropriate to age and experience
- Grow collaboration, communication, and ensemble awareness
- Learn to work within a committed creative team
- Experience how theatre is made—from exploration to creation to sharing
- Build creative thinking, problem-solving, and imagination
- Discover the joy and satisfaction of creating something together
- Understand the responsibilities and rewards of ensemble practice
Culture and Commitment
This model reflects Canberra Youth Theatre’s wider commitment to:
- Providing pathways into professional practice
- Removing barriers to participation
- Offering real-world creative experiences
- Championing diverse voices
- Supporting emerging artists as future cultural leaders
We collaborate with artists, schools, and community organisations to unlock access and resource young people who may otherwise struggle to find a creative pathway.
The Culture We Build Together
Participating at Canberra Youth Theatre means being part of a professional artistic community. We ask young artists to bring:
- Commitment to the work, the process, and fellow collaborators
- Courage to take creative risks and explore new approaches
- Respect for diverse perspectives, artistic choices, and shared rehearsal space
- Curiosity approaching each project as an opportunity to grow
- Professionalism meeting expectations you’d find in any theatre company
Through this shared practice, we strengthen the our arts sector, build opportunities for young artists, and celebrate Canberra’s growing creative community.
Canberra Youth Theatre provides an invaluable opportunity for young people to develop resilience, creativity, and confidence. Youth are a national treasure, and programs like this empower their voices, offering a safe and supportive space for self-expression and connection. Without it, not only are we lesser, but we rob our children of voice. Watching my child and her peers shine was inspiring – in a space in which I grew and loved 25 years ago. It highlighted the importance of theatre in nurturing individuality and collaboration.
Parent Testimony
| Term | Program | Who | Creative Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term One | Drama Workshops (Single term) | Years 4-6 & Years 7-9 | Open Access Skills & Creative Exploration |
| Term Two & Three | Ensembles (Semester) | Years 4-6 & Years 7-9 | Entry by Audition Create New Work Focus |
| Term Two & Three | Studio Production (Semester) | Years 11-12 | Entry by Audition Black-Box Production |
| Term Four | Drama Workshops (Single term) | Years 4-6 & Years 7-9 | Open Access Skills & Creative Exploration |
Workshop Fees
As we continue strengthening the artistic integrity of our programs, we’re introducing changes to our fee structure that reflect the quality of experience we provide and enable us to remunerate our Workshop Artists equitably for their work.
After several years of minimal fee adjustments, we’ve reached a point where meaningful increases are necessary to sustain the high-calibre artistic experiences our Young Artists deserve. This ensures our Workshop Artists are properly compensated not just for workshop delivery, but for the preparation, planning, and care they invest in every program.
We’re also introducing a calendar-year membership model. Membership is entirely optional — all Young Artists are welcome to participate in workshops regardless of membership status — but members will receive discounted workshop fees throughout the year.
| Membership | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Years 1 – 10 | $25 |
| Years 11 – 12 | $50 |
| Pathways Programs (18-25 years old) | $50 |
| Workshop Fees | Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| Drama Workshop (Term) | $490 | $520 |
| Ensemble (Semester) | $1,100 | $1,200 |
| Studio Production (Semester) | $1,250 | $1,350 |
Financial Support
Canberra Youth Theatre wants to make sure that every young person can participate in our programs, especially when money is tight. You can read more about how we can offer financial support on our website.
