Reasons to enrol in a WAAPA short course for school years 7-12

Reasons to enrol in a WAAPA short course for school years 7-12

Last Updated: 27 Apr 2022
Katie Hutchinson

On May 1, the Junior Academy at WAAPA is giving secondary school students the opportunity to enrol in an exciting and intensive performing program. For 8 weeks, students will establish movement skills and explore a range of acting techniques that can be applied to musical theatre, stage or screen performances.

We spoke with the short course coordinator, Dr Gabrielle Metcalf to share with us her reasons to enrol on a WAAPA short course.

What makes WAAPA's short course program different to other offerings?

“Students have the opportunity to train and perform in the studios and theatres at WAAPA, to stand where the likes of Hugh Jackman and Tim Minchin began their training. They are taught by graduates of our Acting and Music Theatre courses, industry guests and assisted by current WAAPA students.”

What do students get out of the short course programs?

“To meet and collaborate with other young people who share their passion for the performing arts, forming friendships based on a love of acting, singing or dancing. They receive world-class tuition from teaching artists who are working in the industry, enabling students to benefit from their experience and knowledge.”

Do many of the participants go on to train at WAAPA?

“Many participants from our courses go on to train at WAAPA or in Sydney and Melbourne. We have 3 students who were accepted into Waapa’s Acting courses this year, and one into contemporary music.”

Who are some of the industry guests that will be tutoring on this course?

“We have Joshua Webb, who is Musical Director on Anything Goes (playing at the Regal Theatre in June) and Ciara Taylor (who is performing in Anything Goes) working with us this year. And Christabel Ellis who was formerly head of Dance in Music Theatre at WAAPA.”

Will there be a theme applied to this short course?

“The acting course will include an ‘acting for screen’ component this term. Music Theatre students will continue to focus on their ensemble singing and dancing skills drawing on traditional and contemporary repertoire.”

Let your child discover their artistic voice and become the confident performers that you know they can be.  You can find out more about the Junior Academy at WAAPA here.

All classes and workshops follow the current COVID policies and hygiene standards.

See more performances by WAAPA here

Performing Arts WAAPA

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