Students showcase their smarts on stage with ensemble theatre

04 August 2022

Students in Years 9-12 have gotten a taste of what it’s like to be a director, actor and set designer, as part of The Smith Family’s SmArts program.

two females standing outside of Ensemble theatre enterance — Serena (left) and Yashoda (right) outside of the Ensemble Theater in Kirribilli

Students in Years 9-12 have gotten a taste of what it’s like to be a director, actor and set designer, as part of The Smith Family’s SmArts program.

Sydney’s Ensemble Theatre hosted the four-day school holiday experience, which saw students attend acting, set design, and playwriting workshops – as well as backstage tours and the opportunity to watch the latest play by the theatre, ‘A Doll’s House.’

On day three of the program, students got to take part in an improv workshop on the set of the play and under the theatre lights, taking cues from professional actors and directors.

Year 10 student, Serena, said the experience gave her plenty of insight into what a career in theatre could look like.

“I’ve never done anything like this outside of school, this is my first time and I love it! I’m thinking maybe I could get into stage management when I finish school. I always thought I would be an actor, but there’s so many other things that you can do.”

Girl holding play scrpit — Serena getting into character

It wasn’t only practical elements either, with Ensemble providing plenty of information for students on how to achieve their dreams.

Vita, Programs Coordinator for The Smith Family, said it was a wonderful opportunity for students to get immersed in the art world, especially since schools and the creative arts were both impacted by the pandemic.

We had a talk about all the universities that offer stage degrees and that really interested me. It’s hard to get into, but NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) is my first option.

Serena, SmArts participant.

On the first day some students were very shy and didn’t know what to expect, but on day three they really started to come out of their shells.

- Vita, The Smith Family Programs Coordinator.

Vita The Smith Family member standing outside of the Ensemble entrance — Vita from The Smith Family

“It’s so great to be able to see live theatre again – and for our students to get to do it themselves."

“A lot of students had already expressed an interest in getting a job in the arts, be it an actor or director, but this experience has been eye-opening for them. To get to speak to people behind the scenes has given them new ideas as to what careers they could pursue.”

Art mentor is doing group discussion with group of students — Getting notes from the professionals

“It was nerve wracking at the start, but they are very cool people. Everyone at Ensemble made me feel comfortable, and it was so much fun!”

The program concluded with a performance of ‘A Doll’s House’ followed by a Q&A with the actors and director.

Students showcase their smarts on stage with ensemble theatre

Students in Years 9-12 have gotten a taste of what it’s like to be a director, actor and set designer, as part of The Smith Family’s SmArts program.

Students in Years 9-12 have gotten a taste of what it’s like to be a director, actor and set designer, as part of The Smith Family’s SmArts program.

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