Education Program
At Actors Centre Australia, we champion the power of the performing arts. Through education programs especially created for high school students, we endeavour to enlighten and enrich our audiences with exceptional theatre experiences. Our workshops and performances provide a place and a platform to enhance their learning journey.
In 2024, we’re focused on two major initiatives.
Acting Unplugged — Sponsored High School Workshops
Sponsored workshops for Sydney high schools! Designed for Year 11 and 12 acting students, Acting Unplugged workshops include insights into the world of acting and the transformative power of theatre, an immersive acting experience and a Q&A.
“[ACA] ran the most immaculate workshop for our kids. The kids were entirely involved and fully committed. The thing with teaching the foundation of acting is sometimes we tend to lean on theory, but it was such a practical workshop, and that’s when the kids thrive the most.” — Teacher at a Sydney High School
“It was really fun, and made drama feel a lot more fun. It contained many good activities which helped gain our focus as well as being fun and challenging. The tutors were excellent as well, being enthusiastic and providing good feedback to us, as well as checking in. Thanks for the great time!” — Student at a Sydney High School
Learn more and register your interest.
ACA Company — Plays from the HSC Curriculum
Empower high school students for HSC success! ACA Company welcomes high school students to experience dynamic, groundbreaking works from the HSC English Curriculum—brought to life on stage!
Students enjoy top class performances by professional actors (our very own ACA graduates!) and get the opportunity to discuss the rich and relevant content.
What teachers and students have to say:
- “Thank you for a very moving and thought-provoking night in the theatre. Your actors, with both your direction and dramaturgy, did a beautiful job telling the story. The Drama students here at IGS absolutely loved the show, as did their teacher.” Adam Moulds, Drama Teacher at International Grammar School
- “Our class really appreciated how well the cast captured the rhythm and pace of the piece. It’s such a difficult thing to recreate with English students in a classroom setting. Hearing it performed ‘at pace’ helped them recognise the wit of the writing. The cast was so brilliant, and it was through this performance that our class developed a much deeper understanding.” David, Teacher at Sydney High School
- “Experiencing [the play] in real life gave meaning to those actions that in class are just words on a page. In the Q&A, I learnt about the symbolism throughout the play, the significance of the inclusion of characters and ideas, the acting process and the links to [the playwright’s] context.” Student at Sydney High School
The 2024 season featured A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
and Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett. Read a reflection on the blog
The 2023 season featured The Removalists by David Williamson, The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman, The Shape of Things by Neil LaBute and The Female of the Species by Joanna Murray-Smith.
Artistic Director
Adam Cook
The ACA Company presents productions especially created for high school audiences featuring graduates of Actors Centre Australia.
I came into the world unrehearsed but I’ve learnt a few things since then. One thing I know for sure is that there is something vital and sustaining in the joyful conspiracy of the shared imagination that is our life in the theatre, this shuttling back and forth on the bridge between reality and the world of dreams.
When the lights come up on that stage, everything will change. The air is electric with possibility.
These plays are adventures. That’s what they’re intended to be. To quote [almost] Emily Dickinson, There is no frigate like a play to take us lands away… So come with us and take a journey to undiscovered countries where the borders between dream and reality are blurred. It won’t be the same without you.
