The Drama Academy at NVSHS is a selective Junior Secondary pathway (Years 7-9) designed for students who demonstrate creativity, curiosity, collaboration, and a passion for performance and storytelling.
Recently introduced as part of the school's growing commitment to excellence in the Arts, the program aims to develop confident, imaginative, and reflective young theatre-makers through a supportive and challenging learning environment. Students are encouraged to explore drama as both an art form and a powerful means of communication, expression, and connection.
The program provides a rigorous and enriched curriculum for students seeking to extend their performance, devising, and theatrical skills while developing confidence in creative thinking, collaboration, and communication. Through practical and theoretical learning experiences, students engage with a range of dramatic styles, conventions, and contemporary performance practices.
This program is ideal for students who have a strong interest in drama, theatre, and creative performance, and who are ready to commit to a focused pathway that supports both artistic and personal growth.
Our Extended Curriculum
A key point of difference at NVSHS is that Drama Academy operates as a full-year subject across Years 7-9, allowing students to engage in sustained and meaningful development through the year.
This extended contact time enables students to engage deeply in:
- Performance and acting skills
- Devising and contemporary theatre-making
- Script interpretation and character development
- Improvisation and collaborative storytelling
- Theatre appreciation and analysis
- Ensemble performance and creative collaboration
Students benefit from a program that draws on teachers expertise across a range of theatrical styles and contemporary performance practices, ensuring a balanced and high-quality learning experience that supports both creative exploration and artistic rigour.
Learning extends beyond the classroom through:
- Workshops and masterclasses with industry professionals
- Excursions to live theatre performances
- Performance opportunities at school and community events
- Engagement with contemporary theatre companies and creative practitioners
These immersive experiences foster confidence, creativity, resilience, and artistic maturity, while strengthening students' connection to the wider performing arts community.
Program Requirements
Students in the Drama Academy are expected to demonstrate dedication and commitment both in and beyond the classroom.
Program requirements include:
- Active and consistent participation in all practical Drama lessons
- Commitment to rehearsals, performance preparation, and collaborative creative processes
- Participation in school Drama Troupe and performance opportunities where applicable
Pathways and Long-Term Benefits
The Drama Academy provides a strong foundation for senior studies including:
- General and Applied Drama (Years 10-12)
- Industry pathway programs
The program establishes a clear pathway into senior Drama studies, with students extending their skills through performance opportunities, workshops, and engagement with contemporary theatre practice. Some students may pursue further opportunities within theatre, performing arts, creative industries, and related fields.
Importantly, the benefits of the Drama Academy extend beyond performance pathways. Students develop highly transferable skills including:
- Creative and critical thinking
- Communication and collaboration
- Confidence and resilience
- Leadership and teamwork
- Problem solving and adaptability
Graduates of the program are well equipped to pursue a wide range of pathways, including the creative, industries, education, law, media, business, and other professional fields.
Selection Process
Entry into the Drama Academy is competitive and based on a combination of:
- Demonstrated creativity and performance potential
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Willingness to take creative risks and contribute positively within an ensemble
- Learning attitude, commitment, and willingness to grow
Audition Requirements
All applicants must complete an audition.
Applicants will be required to:
- Present a short, prepared performance piece (approximately 1 minute)
- Participate in practical workshop activities exploring improvisation, performance and collaboration
- Present a copy of their most recent school report card
Prior Drama experience is beneficial but not essential. Students with a strong interest in performance, storytelling, and creative collaboration are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Step 1: Submit a Narangba Valley State High School Enrolment Application. You must indicate your intention to apply for a Program of Excellence (POE) on the enrolment form.
Step 2: Complete the Program of Excellence (POE) Application Form (link provided following enrolment enquiry).
Step 3: Submit your audition recording and attend a scheduled live audition session as directed.
Successful applicants will be notified following the audition process.
Drama Academy Team
Guided by passionate educators with a strong commitment to theatre and arts education, the Drama Academy provides a supportive and inspiring environment for students to grow as performers, collaborators, and creative thinkers.
Through a balance of performance training, creative exploration, and authentic theatrical experiences, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, refine their skills, and develop confidence in their artistic voice. The program fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration, and curiosity, empowering students to achieve excellence both in Drama and beyond.
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Mrs Rebecca Francis
Head of Department
The Arts
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Rebecca Francis is a passionate educator with over 20 years of teaching experience and a Bachelor Education majoring in Drama. Recognised as a Highly Accomplished Teacher through her work in the Drama classroom, she has also had the opportunity to teach and work in London, bringing a broad and diverse perspective to arts education and performance practice. With a strong commitment to excellence in Drama education, Rebecca is dedicated to fostering creative, collaborative, and challenging learning experiences for students. Through active connections with arts educators and industry practitioners, she is committed to building meaningful links between the classroom, community, and contemporary theatre-making, supporting students to develop as confident, imaginative, and reflective theatre-makers.
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