Hunter Drama 2026 Enrolments Open Soon
- intouch Magazine
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
Hunter Drama, the Hunter Region’s leading youth theatre and drama education company, will soon be accepting enrolments for its 2026 workshops, offering pathways in Drama, Musical Theatre, Screen Acting, and Pre-Diploma of Musical Theatre. For existing students, there are also audition-only advanced ensembles, Actors Company, Performance Troupe and the new Musical Theatre Performance Troupe launching for the first time in 2026.
Founded in 2007 by Daniel Stoddart, Hunter Drama has become a cornerstone of the region’s performing arts community, nurturing thousands of young people across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock, Maitland, and Singleton. Each year, students aged 6–18+ take to the stage in original showcases and major productions that ignite creativity, confidence, and lifelong friendships.
From local stages to the world’s biggest, Hunter Drama alumni continue to shine. Many have gone on to perform professionally, study at NIDA or WAAPA, or appear in acclaimed regional productions with companies such as The Very Popular Theatre Company, a testament to the exceptional training and opportunities they received at Hunter Drama.
Artistic Director James Chapman believes drama education offers life-changing benefits:
“Theatre training builds skills that last a lifetime - creativity, collaboration, communication, and confidence. It’s about giving young people a space to express themselves, take risks, and discover what they’re capable of.”
Every Hunter Drama student performs twice a year, and has the chance to audition for major productions staged as part of Hunter Drama’s celebrated annual season.
Students enrolling in 2026 will be part of a bold new season filled with rebellious fairytales, powerful dramas, glittering musicals, and original works created by Hunter Drama’s own team.
The 2026 season includes Once Upon A One More Time, a Britney Spears-powered fairytale musical where princesses rewrite the rules; The Bugs, a hilarious satire about ecological disaster and labour issues, with a smattering of Greek Gods thrown in for fun; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed by the Performance Troupe; Matilda JR., where Roald Dahl’s smallest heroine fights back against bullies; Clue based on the popular board game and adapted from the cult classic film; and Radium Girls, presented by the Actors Company.
Two Hunter Drama Originals, Hollyweird and Apocalypse Survival Guide, will showcase the creativity of every Hunter Drama student, offering opportunities to perform on stage in new works that challenge and inspire.
“This year, our stories roar with rebellion, heart, and a hefty dose of glitter,” says Chapman. “It’s going to be an unforgettable season, and every student has the chance to be part of it.”
Hunter Drama’s Season Subscription Program returns in 2026, offering audiences a flexible and rewarding way to experience the full year of youth theatre.
Become a subscriber by purchasing tickets to two or more selected productions in one transaction and save $10 per ticket as well as exclusive benefits, including priority access, exclusive programs, and partner discounts with Moneypenny, the Newcastle Comedy Club and Firmin Fitness & Wellness.
It’s the perfect way to save money, support youth theatre, and enjoy a year of fabulous theatrical experiences with your family. Subscriptions also make a fabulous Christmas gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.
Key Enrolment Dates
3 December 2025 – Returning students
10 December 2025 – Waitlisted students
15 December 2025 – General public
With limited places available, families are encouraged to enrol as soon as possible to secure their spot for 2026.
For full details on classes, locations, and production opportunities, visit hunterdrama.com.au.
