October School Holiday Workshops

This school holidays take part in one of Jopuka’s creative workshops. Topics range from taster workshops in drama, to stand-up comedy and directing.

A range of workshops are available for ages 6 to 18. You can attend as many as you like in your age range. Read on to find out more about the what is available, and how to sign up.  

‘Lights!: Acting and Directing for the Camera

When: Monday 7 October, 10am-4pm
Tutor: Calem Madden
Ages: 11-16
Cost: $60

Spend a day with film and theatre artist, Calem Madden, learning how to work with a camera for effective storytelling on film, both as an actor and a director. Calem’s professional experience has encompassed video and media production, directing, writing, camera operating, and extensive work in post-production and editing. His diverse media and stage background has not only greatly improved and expanded his versatility behind and in front of the camera, but has also driven him to want to take the knowledge he’s collected and share it with other curious individuals.

‘Acting Funny’: Script Writing for Stand Up Comedy

When: Tuesday 8 October, 10am-4pm
Tutor: Sarah Walker
Ages: 11-16 years
Cost: $80

Are you ready to giggle, guffaw, and groan (in a good way)? The ‘Acting Funny’ workshop uncovers how to turn your punchlines into power moves, through the art of stand-up comedy!

Whether you’re already funny, or want to explore a new avenue, stand-up helps build confidence, timing, adaptability and communication skills. This workshop will help you embrace your individuality to create your own unique creative voice. Shy kids thrive in this craft, class clowns get their moment in the spotlight, and everyone learns that comedy isn’t about making people laugh – it’s about finding your voice, and owning it.

Sarah Walker is an educator with experience teaching Stand-up, Improvisation and History. She spent time overseas in the US co-directing a comedy program in 2024 and has brought her wealth of knowledge and fun approach to the craft back to Jopuka for our October Holiday workshop. This workshop will cover how to craft a good joke, effectively use callbacks, and embrace the silly. Participants will explore the fun in prop comedy, the purpose of misdirection, and the classic “rule of threes and fours”. Most importantly, they will learn how to find their comedic voice and what message they want to send the world through it.

Come spend a day laughing, growing and having fun.

Directing for Actors

When: Wednesday 9 October, 10am-4pm
Tutor: Danielle Brame Whiting
Ages: 13-18 years
Cost: $60

A director who understands the art and language of acting has the ability to help an actor explore their role more fully and elevate their performance. An actor who takes the time to understand the art and language of directing, unlocks an understanding of the bigger picture of a production and their role within it, which in turn elevates their performance and makes them a fantastic collaborator.

In this workshop participants will explore how to break down a script and prepare it for a production, how to use the stage and elements of production to fulfil their directorial vision, how to work one on one with actors to bring out their best performance, and the processes that are specific to directing for Jopuka.

Quick Bites – Taster Workshops

When: Friday 11 October
Tutors: Sarah Harrington and Danielle Brame Whiting

Quick Bite One: Auditioning for Musical Theatre

Time: 10am-Midday
Ages: 11-15 years
Cost: $20

Auditioning is a skill on its own, which  you need to practice just as much as singing, dancing or acting.

Under the guidance of talented Jopuka senior, Sarah Harrington, participants will be  provided with a space where they can practice their audition skills, without the pressure of a real audition. The workshop will include practicing scene reads and learning a short dance routine, just as you would find in most audition rooms. The tutors will help participants develop strategies to make it easier for one to perform and audition at their best.

Sarah Harrington has been a passionate participant in musical theatre her whole life. She carries with her both a passion for performance and encouraging/educating the next generation of performers. Sarah has nearly 10 years experience in theatre; being involved in 25 productions, and has studied voice and performance, ballet, jazz, hip hop, musical theatre and contemporary dance over the last 15 years.

Quick Bite Two: ‘Watch Me!’ – Acting Skills for 9 – 11 year olds

Time: 12:30 – 1:30pm
Cost: $20

Jopuka Co-Founder and Professional Teaching Artist, Danielle Brame Whiting, will run a fun workshop focusing on the fundamental skills an actor needs when preparing a role for a stage performance. Participants will leave with a better idea of how to use acting skills to develop a unique character.

Quick Bit Three: ‘Starting out’ –  Intro to Acting for 6 – 8 year olds

Time: 2-3pm
Cost: $20

Jopuka Co-Founder and Professional Teaching Artist, Danielle Brame Whiting, will run a fun workshop for young people who are interested in giving acting a try. As a group we’ll play a series of drama games that are designed to introduce skills we use when acting and help participants feel more comfortable and confident performing in a group.

How to Sign Up

To sign up for one of our workshops, visit the enrolment page and fill out the details required.

 

Supported by Create NSW and Australian Theatre for Young People through the Generator Program.