Footlights
Imagine seeing your child on stage or screen!
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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:
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Line-learning
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Analysing scripts for clues about your character
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Creating and embodying your role
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Using your voice more effectively
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Sourcing props and costumes
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Improvisation skills
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and so much more!
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
Coming soon!
TERM 4
Coming soon!
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.
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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!
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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."
Class Locations
MONDAYS
BONYTHON: Bonython Neighbourhood Hub, 5:30-6:30pm
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GUNGAHLIN: Gunghalin Salvation Army Hall, 5:30-6:30pm
TUESDAYS
PEARCE: Mary Help of Christians Church Hall, 5:30-6:30pm
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QUEANBEYAN: Queanbeyan Uniting Church Hall, 5:30-6:30pm
WEDNESDAYS
HUGHES: Hughes Community Centre, 5:30-6:30pm
THURSDAYS
GUNGAHLIN: Gunghalin Salvation Army Hall, 4:00-5:00pm
FRIDAYS
GRIFFITH: Perform Australia studios, 5:00-6:00pm
MELBA: North Belconnen Uniting Church Hall, 5:30-6:30pm
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WESTON: Weston Creek Community Centre, 4:30-5:30pm
