Young performers in Armidale and Tamworth will get the chance to train with current musical theatre professionals these school holidays, as UpStage Australia brings its one-day musical theatre workshops to the region.
The workshops will run in Armidale on Tuesday, 29 September at the Hoskins Theatre, at The Armidale School, and in Tamworth on Wednesday, 30 September at the Capitol Theatre. Both sessions run from 10 am to 5 pm and are open to performers aged 8 to 21, from complete beginners to pre-professional level.
Director Jessica Westcott said the day builds towards a showcase performance in front of family and friends.
“Registration opens at 9:30 am, with everyone ready to begin at 10 am,” she said. “We start together with a physical and vocal warm-up, theatre games and some getting-to-know-you activities, then divide participants into age groups.”
Across the day, each group rotates through singing, dancing and acting, working towards a song, choreographed number and scene. Casting happens within the groups, but Ms Westcott said the material is structured so every participant gets a meaningful chance to perform.
A short lunchtime industry Q&A is also held for senior participants, before an afternoon rehearsal and technical run. Families are invited in from 4 pm for a 4:30 pm showcase, with the day finishing at 5 pm.
The workshops are led by teaching artists currently working in professional musicals or recent graduates of WAAPA, VCA and the Queensland Conservatorium.
“Our teaching artists bring a very current understanding of what happens in professional rehearsal rooms, auditions and tertiary training,” Ms Westcott said. “They can give young performers practical insight into the standards, discipline and collaborative skills the industry expects, while also making that environment encouraging and accessible.”
She said the program is designed to sit alongside, not replace, the work of local teachers.
“We see the workshop as complementing the excellent work local teachers already do. It gives participants a concentrated day with a new creative team and access to artists whose professional pathways may resemble the ones they are beginning to imagine for themselves.”
With age groups separated and no prior experience or prepared audition required, Ms Westcott said the pace and material are adapted to suit each room.
“A beginner is given enough structure and support to take part confidently, while a more experienced performer can be challenged through more complex vocal work, choreography, character choices and leadership within the ensemble,” she said.
“Musical theatre is inherently collaborative, so participants can work at different levels while still building something together.”
Ms Westcott said bringing the program to Armidale and Tamworth reflects UpStage Australia’s aim of making high-quality performing arts training accessible outside the city.
“UpStage Australia exists because access to high-quality performing arts experiences should not depend on a young person’s postcode. Regional families can otherwise face significant travel and accommodation costs to access this kind of intensive training in Sydney. Armidale and Tamworth both have strong performing arts communities and serve families from many surrounding towns, so they are natural places to bring the program.”
Holding workshops in both cities on consecutive days lets UpStage Australia reach more young people while using its touring model efficiently, she said.
Tickets for the Armidale workshop are available through Eventbrite, and tickets for the Tamworth workshop can be booked through the Capitol Theatre Tamworth.
“We hope they leave with stronger practical skills, greater confidence and a sense of belonging among other young people who love performing,” Ms Westcott said. “One day cannot make someone a professional performer, but it can change what they believe might be possible.”
For more information about UpStage visit their website.
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