Drama Ensembles

Years 5 to 11

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 2024 are now closed.

Applications for the 2025 Drama Ensembles will open in Term 4, 2024.

Auditions

Auditions will take place in Term 1, 2024, at The Arts Unit, Lewisham. 

  • Auditions will be in a workshop format of warm-up, movement and improvisation skills
  • All students are to wear comfortable clothing and bring a bottle of water.

Open auditions

Primary Drama Ensembles (Year 5 and 6):
  • Sunday 18 February 2024, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
  • Sunday 18 February 2024, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday 21 February 2024, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Junior Drama Ensembles (Years 7 and 8):
  • Wednesday 6 March 2024, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
  • Sunday 10 March 2024, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Senior Drama Ensembles (Years 9, 10 and 11):
  • Wednesday 28 February 2024, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
  • Sunday 10 March 2024, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday 13 March 2024, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Callback auditions 

Students will be notified after their open audition whether or not they are invited to the callback audition. Callbacks for Primary students will occur on Sunday 25 February, 2024. Callbacks for Secondary students will occur on Sunday 17 March and Wednesday 20 March, 2024.

Weekly rehearsal times

If you are successful in obtaining a position in 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.

Drama Ensembles begin on Wednesday 8 May 2024 (Term 2 Week 2) and continue until the performances at the Drama Festival in October 2024.

Rehearsal times

  • Wednesday 4:45 pm to 6:45 pm for Primary Drama Ensembles (Years 5 and 6)
  • Wednesday 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm for Junior and Senior Drama Ensembles (Year 7 to 11)
  • All Drama Ensembles will rehearse from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday 16 June, Sunday 8 September and Sunday 20 October 2024.

For more information please see the relevant ensembles page:

Fees

Fees cover the 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 their travel and/or accommodation costs if needed. All prices include GST.

  • Weekly Drama Ensembles $395.00

Performance opportunities

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

Drama tutors

Applications for 2024 Drama Ensemble tutors are now closed.

Applications for tutors in 2025 will open in Term 4, 2024.

Drama tutors work with students in the weekly drama ensembles to devise an original work for the Drama Festival in 2024.

Enquiries

The drama team
The Arts Unit
Phone
02 8512 1175