Ensemble Theatre is proud to launch ENSEMBLE YOUTH STUDIO (EYS), a bold new initiative designed to inspire the next generation of storytellers, alongside its inaugural Winter School Holiday Drama Workshops.
Inspired by Ensemble’s history as a training ground for actors, EYS reconnects with the company’s early education foundation, creating a vibrant, future-focused space for young people to explore theatre and performance.
A Creative Home for Young Storytellers
Ensemble Youth Studio is a playful, inclusive hub where young people are encouraged to be bold, take risks, and discover the magic of storytelling. Through workshops led by industry professionals, students are immersed in a creative environment that nurtures both artistic and personal growth.
Artistic Director Mark Kilmurry said, “Ensemble has always been a place where artists are nurtured, and Ensemble Youth Studio continues that legacy for a new generation. I’m delighted to see young people discover their creativity, confidence, and passion for storytelling through this program.”
Ensemble Theatre’s Education and Community Engagement Lead, Sophie Kelly, who developed the initiative, said, “At its heart, EYS is about championing a passion for theatre and supporting the next wave of theatre makers and theatre lovers. These workshops give young people the opportunity to learn from professional artists, build confidence, and experience the unique thrill of performing on the Ensemble stage in front of family and friends. It’s about creating a meaningful first connection to theatre that can stay with them for years to come.”
The inaugural Ensemble Youth Studio program launches this July with a series of dynamic, week long workshops at Loreto Kirribilli school (just a few minutes’ walk from Ensemble Theatre) culminating in a special end-of-week performance on the Ensemble stage.
WEEK ONE:
Animal Antics Kinder – Grade 2 | Monday 6 July – Friday 10 July Get ready to stomp, stomp, squeak and fly! Young performers explore animals from classics like The Lion King, Dumbo and The Just So Stories in a fun-filled week of drama, play and craft – building imagination, teamwork and confidence. Witches, Warlocks and Wizards! Oh My! Grades 3 – 4 | Monday 6 July – Friday 10 July A magical adventure filled with spells, potions, and enchanted storytelling. Students create characters, explore movement and performance, and collaborate on a whimsical final showcase.
WEEK TWO:
Friend or Foe? Years 5 – 6 | Monday 13 July – Friday 17 July Trust no one…or can you? Dive into spies and secrets and double-agents in this action-packed five day workshop. Young performers create mysterious characters, build performance skills, then bring a thrilling spy story of their own to life. Hollywood Heroes Years 7 – 9 | Monday 13 July – Friday 17 July Lights, camera, action! Explore heroes and villains from the Golden Age to today’s blockbusters Young performers build acting skills and create dynamic characters to discover what really makes a star shine! Bookings and further information: Ensemble.com.au/youth_studio
