intouch Magazine
- Apr 2

Autumn 2024 School Holiday Guide | April 15 - 26

DRAMA, DRAMA, DRAMA

It’s the Autumn School Holidays!

Get ready for an action-packed school break! Mini thespians across the Hunter are pulling out all the stops with engaging workshops, musicals, and plays. From recreating classics like The Jungle Book to crafting new works, these theatrical experiences promise fun, creativity, and unforgettable memories for kids of all ages.

HUNTER DRAMA HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

Hunter Drama’s popular school holiday workshops are on again this April. After a sellout season in January, Musical in a Day is back, and due to popular demand, Play in a Day has also been added to the schedule.

The workshops fill up fast with students having a blast learning performances from some of Hunter Drama’s all-time favourite musicals and plays, including Shrek, Seussical, Wild West, Time Travellers and Beauty & the Beast. This is a perfect school holiday activity that keeps students thriving in the performing arts.

There are five different one-day workshops to choose from, running Monday 15 to Friday 19 April, beginning at 10AM each day and concluding at 3PM. This program is for students from years 2 to 6. Any experience level is welcome, from beginners to experienced performers.

Every student receives a gift bag with all their resources for the day. At just $60 per day, it’s an affordable activity and a wonderful way to try out Hunter Drama and drama workshops. Creative Kids Vouchers can also be accepted, reducing the cost to just $10!

WHEN: 15-19 April | 10AM to 3PM.

WHERE: 19 Broadmeadow Rd, Broadmeadow

MORE INFO & BOOK: www.hunterdrama.com.au/school-holidays

JUNGLE BOOK | A BRAVE HEART IS YOUR BEST WEAPON

Hunter Drama proudly presents the classic adventure story The Jungle Book at the Civic Playhouse from 18 to 27 April. The Jungle Book is a firm favourite for all ages and the perfect school holiday event for the whole family. This action-packed adaptation of Monica Flory's original Rudyard Kipling story has an added emotional depth at its heart that explores Mowgli’s quest for identity and makes it a theatrical experience not to miss.

“The Jungle Book is a story that everyone knows; it’s a classic,” said Hunter Drama Artistic Director James Chapman.

“The version we are presenting this year is not the Disneyfied version. There’s no singing; it’s not a cartoon. It’s a story of identity that will appeal to every age. Young children will on stage and their parents will appreciate the piece's depth.

“Over 90 Hunter Drama students auditioned, and the 20 that have been cast fit their characters perfectly.”

The show runs for 75 minutes and is a high-energy, colourful, and exciting adventure story guaranteed to keep kids engaged and entertained until the end.

WHEN: 18 - 27 April

WHERE: Civic Playhouse

MORE INFO & BOOK: www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/what-s-on/all-shows/jungle-book

EVERY CHILD HAS THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD

Prepare to seize the day when, from 16 April to 11 May, Young People’s Theatre Newcastle Inc (YPT) proudly presents the local debut of Disney's Newsies Jr!

Inspired by the rousing true story of a newsboys strike in turn-of-the-century New York City, this exhilarating Broadway musical has thrilled and inspired young people for generations. Filled with electric dance numbers, incredible songs, and a timeless message of unity and empowerment, this production promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

The musical features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.

"Newsies Jr." follows the charismatic Jack Kelly and his fellow newsboys, who take on the powerful publishing titans at ‘The World’ in a battle for justice and fair treatment, creating a united front to fight for what's right. Filled with electric dance numbers, incredible songs, and a timeless message of unity and empowerment, this production promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Director Riley McLean has captured the overwhelming impact of media on our world, with newsprint bleeding onto the set, props, and costumes, and the ensemble building itself.

WHEN: 16 April to 11 May

WHERE: Corner Lindsay and Lawson Streets, Hamilton

MORE INFO & BOOK: www.ypt.org.au

WHALE CHORUS PRESENTS ALICE

Join the artists at Whale Chorus Theatre Company for an interactive theatre workshop exploring creative play and storytelling based on the story of Alice in Wonderland. Whale Chorus is a theatre company based in Newcastle, founded by theatre artist Janie Gibson comprises a growing chorus of emerging and established artists collaborating with the company.

In addition to creating immediate live performances, Whale Chorus is committed to nurturing the next generation of storytellers and theatre makers through our artist development and training programs.

WHEN: 18 and 19 April

WHERE: Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima

MORE INFO & BOOK: www.arts.lakemac.com.au/Events/Whale-chorus-presents-Alice-interactive-performance-workshop

PLAY IN A DAY BY TANTRUM YOUTH THEATRE

Put the drama back into the school holidays and join Tantrums' professional teaching artists to create and perform a new play in just six hours! Participants take on any role they choose—performer, designer, playwright, or everything! Tantrum’s drama workshops put you at the centre of your creative expression, supporting you to make what you want to

make! Friends and family, join us at 3PM as we debut the play! Pre-booking is essential as places are limited. This is a free workshop.

WHEN: 15 April

WHERE: Cessnock Youth Centre

MORE INFO & BOOK: www.facebook.com/CessnockYouthCentre or www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au