Primary-aged programs ignite the imaginations of young people as they create spectacular worlds, tackle big ideas, discover new skills and unleash bucket-loads of energy in an inclusive, supportive environment.
Secondary-aged programs offer specialised intensives that develop performance skills and introduce young artists to new techniques in areas such as devising, movement, auditions, screen acting, musical theatre, and much more. See below for upcoming workshops and book your spot!
Imagine That!
It begins with an idea, and becomes so much more than that! This 4-day workshop allows young actors to work with a professional theatre maker to create an original performance, fuelled by the young artist’s imaginative ideas. Participants will be guided through the authentic artistic process of writing a synopsis, creating characters, collaborating with fellow actors and exploring story structure to bring to life a short original performance at the end of the final day. This workshop is designed for young actors with big imaginations.
Who You Are
Are you in Years 1–6, and ready to unleash your creativity? In this fun-filled four-day workshop you’ll be led through practical exercises and creative play, collaborating with fellow young artists to sharpen your performance skills and fire your imagination!
Meet Your Workshop Artist
Jade Breen
Jade Breen is an actor, circus artist, playwright and filmmaker based in Canberra/Ngunnawal Country. Jade has come up through the ranks at Canberra Youth Theatre, having been involved with us for over a decade! Along the way, they’ve starred on-stage in our productions of Little Girls Alone in the Woods, and Dags, and have grown up to become an accomplished and nurturing Workshop Artist to the next generation of Young Artists.
Their play Happy Meals, Happy Kids, a brave new work exploring the expectations of teenagers amidst a raging climate crisis, had its professional debut at The Q (Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre) earlier this year. Jade’s work has an urgent focus on social justice, and through their company Sunny Productions, they hope to inspire the next generations of writers to continue creating challenging and intersectional work.
Get The Details
| WHO | School Years 1-6 |
| WHEN | September 30 – October 3 9am–3pm daily |
| WHERE | Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon |
| COST | $435 |
| NOTE | Canberra Youth Theatre is transitioning to a new enrolment platform. You will need to create a Class Manager account to enrol. If you have any difficulties enrolling, please send us an email to info@canberrayouththeatre.com.au or call 02 6248 5057 |
Once Upon a Villain
Get ready to dive into the exciting depths between good and evil. This 3-day immersive workshop is designed for young storytellers eager to dive deep into the darker side of fairytales. Participants will explore the intricate layers and motivations behind the villains who add depth and excitement to beloved narratives. Without these complex antagonists, the heroes’ journeys would lack the tension and conflict that make their tales memorable. Join us for a villainous exploration into the murky world of the baddies, where we learn that every great story needs a great villain. Culminating in a mini performance for friends and family.
Who You Are
Are you in Years 1–6, and ready to unleash your creativity? In this collaborative three-day workshop you’ll be led through practical exercises and creative play, collaborating with fellow young artists to sharpen your performance skills and fire your imagination!
Meet Your Workshop Artist
Jade Breen
Jade Breen is an actor, circus artist, playwright and filmmaker based in Canberra/Ngunnawal Country. Jade has come up through the ranks at Canberra Youth Theatre, having been involved with us for over a decade! Along the way, they’ve starred on-stage in our productions of Little Girls Alone in the Woods, and Dags, and have grown up to become an accomplished and nurturing Workshop Artist to the next generation of Young Artists.
Their play Happy Meals, Happy Kids, a brave new work exploring the expectations of teenagers amidst a raging climate crisis, had its professional debut at The Q (Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre) earlier this year. Jade’s work has an urgent focus on social justice, and through their company Sunny Productions, they hope to inspire the next generations of writers to continue creating challenging and intersectional work.
Get The Details
| WHO | School Years 1–6 |
| WHEN | October 8 – October 10 9am–3pm daily |
| WHERE | Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon |
| COST | $350 |
| NOTE | Canberra Youth Theatre is transitioning to a new enrolment platform. You will need to create a Class Manager account to enrol. If you have any difficulties enrolling, please send us an email to info@canberrayouththeatre.com.au or call 02 6248 5057 |
Musical Theatre Masterclass
Come along for a full-day workshop exploring musical theatre, singing, dancing and performance. The workshop will be run by industry professional, Amy Orman, assisted by Ashleigh Maynard.
This workshop is ideal for young people in Years 7 to 10 who have some musical theatre experience or who would like to develop their skills. Participants will need to bring a water bottle, lunch, and comfortable clothing that they can easily move around in.
Who You Are
Are you in Years 7–10, and love Musicals? Ready to burst into song at the drop of a hat? This is a masterclass for all you toe-tapping, jazz-handing triple-threats who want to learn from the very best.
Meet Your Workshop Artist
Amy Orman
Ashleigh Maynard
Ashleigh is a Canberra freelance dance teacher and performer. She has trained in a variety of genres including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro and Musical Theatre from the age of 4. She has completed several exams and teaching qualifications with the Royal Academy of Dance, Acrobatic Arts and the Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing and has competed in eisteddfods in the ACT and NSW from 2013 to 2020.
Ashleigh has been a part of previous productions with Canberra Philharmonic Society such as Grease (2020), The 70th Anniversary Musical Extravaganza (2021), Cats (2023), The Queanbeyan Players production of Footloose (2023), Canberra Philharmonic Society’s Bring It On (2024) as Skylar, one of the female leads, and is currently participating in Free-Rain’s production of The Boy From Oz (2024) as one of the Dance Captains.
Get The Details
| WHO | School Years 7–10 |
| WHEN | October 11 10am–4pm |
| WHERE | Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon |
| COST | $200 |
| NOTE | Canberra Youth Theatre is transitioning to a new enrolment platform. You will need to create a Class Manager account to enrol. If you have any difficulties enrolling, please send us an email to info@canberrayouththeatre.com.au or call 02 6248 5057 |
