School holiday drama camp at Burrendong

Turning up the drama over summer with ATYP

Between 9 - 13 January, Orana Arts partnered with ATYP (Australian Theatre for Young People) to offer 13-17 year olds across Regional NSW, with an interest in the performing arts, a 5-day school holiday camp at Lake Burrendong Sport and Recreation Centre. Tutors from ATYP, who are working in the arts, provided professional tuition for 24 young people over the week.

Working on character development, improvisation, storytelling and staging performances, the students devised and brought together a half-hour long theatre-in-the-round piece on the last day of camp, performed in front of parents and guests.

Here’s what some of the students had to say about this intensive drama camp opportunity:

"You'll be able to remember it (the opportunity) maybe for the rest of your life." - Ashton, Trangie, aged 13

"It is the most amazing experience. You meet so many new people, you learn so many new skills and it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You can't pass it up." - Isabella, Parkes, aged 15

"...you have industry professionals who know what they're talking about when they give you tips and stuff. You can learn something really useful." - Leo, Bathurst, aged 14

"It's an incredible learning experience and you get to meet some really awesome people." - Caitlin, Wellington, aged 16

This camp is part of performing arts program for regional youth, Not a Dress Rehearsal. It was fully subsidised by the NSW Government through Create NSW and Office for Regional Youth Holiday Break Program.

Testimonials and footage from the 2023 NaDR Summer Camp at Lake Burrendong. The soundtrack underneath this video is an original piece, written and performed by the students for the final performance.

Want to know when more opportunities like this will happen? Email us about joining our NaDR database.