Footlights

Imagine seeing your child on stage or screen!

Footlights is is Perform Australia's acting program for 10-13 year-olds. Our weekly acting classes are available across Canberra and Queanbeyan.

In a theatre, the "footlights" are set at the base of the stage to illuminate actors from below... so this program is all about giving your child the chance to shine!

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How it works

In Footlights, you'll learn essential acting skills, including:

Line-learning
Analysing scripts for clues about your character
Creating and embodying your role
Using your voice more effectively
Sourcing props and costumes
Improvisation skills
and so much more!

Each term we explore different aspects of acting, usually with a performance outcome at the end of each term which is performed in the location where the class takes place - EXCEPT for the term of our major performance where go to a theatre and have a gala performance!

Yes, that means you'll get to act under lights and sound, experience backstage life, and learn all about what happens in a theatre.

We're still planning for 2025 so you can expect the major performance in either Term 3 or Term 4 next year.

The Footlights Program - 2025

Term 1

Imagine, Create, Collaborate
Improvisation & ensemble skills

This term, you’ll study the art of improvisation – that is, acting without a script! Fly by the seat of your pants and learn how to come up with ideas on the spot, to push a story forward and create a scene. Through acting exercises and games, you’ll explore different characters and learn how to perform original scenes with energy and imagination.

Performance: In-class performance for family at the end of the term.

TERM 2

Scene Shapers

Developing characters for performance

Every story is filled with characters – and this term, you’ll explore building characters within scenes. You’ll use observation, imagination and self-expression to develop your character’s emotional range. Plus you’ll get to perform your short play in the last week!

Performance: In-class scene presentation

TERM 3

Performathon

Live Performance On Stage at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre

"Performathon" is our annual festival of live performance, where all our classes perform on stage in a real theatre! This term, you'll be cast in and rehearse a short play, exploring how to bring stories to life in stage performance.

It's a fantastic way to apply the skills you've been learning all year, plus experience the excitement of preparing costumes, waiting backstage, performing under lights, and hearing the applause at the end of the performance!

Performance: Tuggeranong Arts Centre Theatre

TERM 4

Theatre Explorers
Discover how theatre has changed and evolved through time!

This term, you’ll take a journey through the history of theatre, exploring many different styles of performance. Plus, you’ll develop your vocal and physical expression, learn more about playing heightened emotions, and understand naturalistic acting.

In the final weeks, you’ll present scenes that show off your versatility as a performer, delivering an exciting performance that captures something special from the history of theatre.

Performance: In-class scene work presentation at the end of the term

What happens in an acting class?

If you've never been a part of an acting class before, here's what you can expect, week to week. Every week includes different educational content designed by professional actors and educators.

CHECK-IN

We begin with connection - checking in with the kids to see how they're going. This helps take the temperature of the room, as well as build friendships within the group.

WARM-UP

Like athletes, actors warm up their voice and body. We spend a few minutes preparing for the work we're about to do. Sometimes it may also involve an energiser game.

TECHNIQUE

Here students focus on the key learning for the day - it might be theory, a technique, or a performance skill to practice. This usually involves workshopping it.

SCRIPT WORK/
REHEARSAL

Depending their age and reading ability, students will often move to apply their learning to a script, either a small in-class script, or one they're preparing for public performance.

Some reasons why drama is great for 10-13 year-olds

It’s our belief that participation in dramatic art is hugely beneficial to children. In this age group, students are rapidly developing their sense of self - but also, their self-consciousness. Acting classes are a great way to let some of their inhibitions go - by participating in drama games and exercises, they build self-confidence in front of others, and with others.

In acting we speak of 'the ensemble' - the team of actors you're working with. Between age 10-13, kids increasingly value their peer relationships and it's important they learn how to work with others. Being part of an ensemble, students learn to listen, build rapport with, and respond to their fellow actors in the context of rehearsal and performance. Acting classes help kids practice skills that are transferrable to every other area of life and relationships. And how great is it to give them this gift at this age!

What parents say about our drama classes

From Emily

“My daughter Sophie absolutely loves being a part of the Perform Australia family! The classes have helped her with confidence in front of others, and allowed her to feel comfortable in expressing herself in a fun and supportive environment. Soph would love to be an actress and finds lots of inspiration in her classes from both her teacher and peers!"

From Rebecca

"Savannah joined Perform Australia at the start of this year and loves it. As a shy girl, Perform Australia classes have helped her become more confident and comfortable speaking in front of others, it has also helped her to express herself by bringing her out of her comfort zone."