Drama
Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12
Our Drama co-curricular programs are dedicated to creating rich artistic experiences and aim to provide the opportunity to extend creative talents, intellectual abilities, and people skills in a fun and nurturing environment.
Programs are delivered by MLC School’s Dance, Drama and Entertainment department and by external specialist tutors from the Speech and Drama Studio.
Dance, Drama and Entertainment
Delivered by MLC School Dance, Drama and Entertainment (DDE) Department
Delivered by MLC School Dance, Drama and Entertainment Department
Rehearsals run across Term 3 and Term 4
Performance is held towards the end of Term 4
This production will be by audition and open to students from Year 7 to Year 9. Being involved in a school production encourages students to be become part of a collaborative creative community. It aims to cultivate essential skills in drama that can have benefits to their academic, emotional, and social wellbeing as well as encouraging a greater appreciation of the arts. It allows students to develop their self-confidence, imagination, cooperation, and communication skills through performance.
Students who are offered a role must attend all scheduled rehearsals which run on:
- Monday after school for rehearsals between 3.30pm–5pm
- Select Sundays in Term 3 and Term 4
A full rehearsal schedule will be produced prior to the commencement of rehearsals which will detail student’s full commitments.
There will be an opportunity for Year 9 and Year 10 students to work as part of the backstage crew for this production. The will learn skills such as stage management, lighting operation and set construction.
Coordinator: Lisa Jinga
Places available: Varies depending on the play chosen
Time: Tuesday after school for rehearsals, 3.30pm–5pm
Select Sundays in Term 3 and Term 4
Location: Drama Theatre
There is a cost associated with this activity
Enrolment: Contact the coordinator for audition information. Auditions will be at the end of Term 2
Delivered by MLC School Dance, Drama and Entertainment Department
Rehearsals run across Term 1 and Term 2
Performance is held towards the end of Term 2
This production will be by audition and open to students from Year 10 to Year 12. Being involved in a school production encourages students to be become part of a collaborative creative community. It aims to cultivate essential skills in drama that can have benefits to their academic, emotional, and social wellbeing as well as encouraging a greater appreciation of the arts. It allows students to develop their self-confidence, imagination, cooperation, and communication skills through performance.
Students who are offered a role must attend all scheduled rehearsals which run on:
- Fridays after school for rehearsals between 3.30pm–5pm
- Select Sundays in Term 1 and Term 2
- Dress rehearsals during June long weekend (Sunday and Monday)
A full rehearsal schedule will be produced prior to the commencement of rehearsals which will detail student’s full commitments.
Coordinator: Lisa Jinga
Places available: Varies depending on the play chosen
Time: Fridays after school rehearsals 3.30pm–5pm
Select Sundays in Term 1 and Term 2
Location: Drama Theatre
There is a cost associated with this activity
Enrolment: Contact the coordinator for audition information
The Speech and Drama Studio
For enrolment and payment for all Speech and Drama Studio Programs, please click on the link here
The Speech and Drama Studio, led by Monica Brian, provides MLC School students with an onsite comprehensive speech and drama program. For the past 28 years at MLC School, Monica’s specialist knowledge of the entertainment industry in addition to her experience as an educator ensured the program’s high standard and real-life application.
The Speech and Drama Studio are proud to offer students a wide range of performance programs including Speech and Drama, Acting for Camera, Musical Theatre, Public Speaking, Script Writing and Theatresports.
The Speech and Drama team is made up of established industry professionals and highly experienced educators who are committed and passionate about providing lasting training in performance, acting, vocal skills and producing confident speakers. Each member of staff is committed to creating an empowering environment where each students’ worth, ideas and ability is recognised and cultivated. Creative talents are developed, broadened and enhanced through carefully planned lessons.
In our speech and drama program, students work in small groups of 4-5 students, or individual or duo sessions, which allows the tutor to get to know and understand each student and tailor classes accordingly. In the Junior years, we communicate with class teachers on a regular basis to sustain continuity with teaching techniques for individual students so we can provide the best possible learning environment.
Speech and drama training has consistently seen our students achieve higher results across curriculum subjects through increased confidence and skills in oral presentations, literacy, critical analysis, comprehension, greater literary knowledge, listening skills, understanding and developed vocal skills and relaxation techniques to understand and control nerves.
Speech and Drama provides lasting training that assists students during and beyond school. Our students have gone on to receive leadership roles within MLC School. Ex-students find the skills developed in their speech and drama training invaluable in their chosen careers. A number of ex-students have joined the Speech and Drama teaching team whilst studying at University. Many of our students have gone on to pursue careers in acting, presenting, journalism, speech pathology, drama teaching, CEO’s and so on, after being inspired and equipped with the neseccessary skills they have developed through their training at the Speech and Drama Studio.
Students can apply for credit points for University entry through the Elite Performers Scheme when completing Trinity College of London Grade 8 or Diploma level examinations and ASCA (Australian Speech Communication Association) Certificate of Communication or Diploma. The Diplomas are tertiary level qualifications and give the students letters after their name. Any of our programs can be used as the activity or skill for Duke of Edinburgh and/or CAS for the IB.
The Speech and Drama Studio Teaching team includes:
Monica Brian, Zuzi Fort, Ingrid Maganov, Maria De Marco, Taylor Buoro-Long, Julia Kennedy-Scott, Lisa Gorman, Georgie Saad, Rosie Meader.
The Speech and Drama Studio’s reputation of excellence continues with our students achieving highly as excellent role models for MLC School both within and beyond our School community.
Exam Achievements
Over 200 Speech and Drama students participated in the Australian Speech Communication Association (ASCA) examinations and Trinity College of London examinations achieving exceptional results with a Distinction average. Five Senior and five Junior MLC School Speech and Drama Studio students were selected for the ASCA Outstanding Achievement Awards in Excellence. Some Year 11 and Year 12 students completed their Trinity College of London ATCL Diploma and ASCA (Australian Speech Communication Assiociation) Certificate of Communication. Both of these qualifications can assist with University early entry and extra points through the Elite Performancers scheme.
Eisteddfod Achievements
Approximately 150 Speech and Drama Studio students represented MLC School at the Inner West Eisteddfod in Term 2 achieving a record number of winning place and highly commended awards in character recital, duologue/scene, improvisation, prepared speech, verse speaking and prose readings. We also had students participate in the Parramatta, Sydney and Ryde Eisteddfods placing in their categories.
Theatresports
Our Theatresports Junior and Intermediate teams represented MLC School with excellent results at the 2023 Theatresports School’s Challenges hosted by Impro Australia. Our Junior Team achieved 1st place in the Impro Australia’s Theatresports School’s Challenge. Our Senior and Junior teams also placed 3rd at the interschools Theatresports Competition held at PLC Pymble. Some students performed at the Inner West Eisteddfod placing in the Improvisation category. The Theatreports Club also performed at the Co-Curriuclar Expo.
Holiday Productions
Junior School students from Pre-K to Year 6 assisted by a talented production team of Year 7 to Year 12 students, produced several very successful holiday productions in 2023, Twisted Tales, The Jungle Book, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast.
Acting for Camera
Our current acting for camera students are having great success in the industry with many receiving audition opportunities, getting booked for work and landing quality Agents. Three students were recently cast in new Australian Dramas which will be released in 2024.
Ever watched a movie or TV show and dreamed of being a part of it? Well now you can! This program is taught by industry professionals and assist students in developing a greater understanding as to what the film industry is all about. We will cover scene work, monologues, casting types, auditions, self-taping and more! Students will work towards filming a monologue they have developed, a scene with a partner and creating an actor profile necessary for pursuing acting work.
Places are limited, so get in quick! Our current acting students are having great success in the industry with many landing quality agents, receiving audition opportunities and being cast in dramas, feature films and commericals. Join us now to start your own journey in the wonderful world of film.
Coordinator: Monica Brian
Places available: 8 students
Time: Tuesday lunchtimes. Private Lessons by appointment Location: The Speech and Drama demountable Film Studio
There are costs involved with these activities
Online Enrolment and registration here
For private and duo tuition contact to book a day and time.
Creative kids vouchers can be used for this program.
Kindergarten to Year 2
Wednesday lunchtime
Private lessons also available
The Kindergarten to Year 2 Junior Future Leaders Public Speaking Club will focus on confidence and clarity. Speaking in front of a group can be nerve-wracking, however with some simple skills your children can learn Public Speaking in a way that makes it fun. In the Junior Future Leaders Public Speaking Club students will learn to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly. They will improve their listening and speech skills and their sentence and speech structure. These skills will help students become more confident communicators, assisting them in their learning and personal communication in the future.
Year 3 to Year 5
Monday lunchtime or Monday 4.05pm–4.35pm
Private lessons available
Our Future Leaders program is specifically designed for young speakers (Year 3 to Year 5) who are keen to develop confidence, presence and social skills to assist them with speeches, debating as well as leadership skills. The sessions cover voice production, articulation, body language and control of anxiety and nervous habits, types of speeches and the correct structure as well as dynamic presentation and audience engagement. Through exercises and scenarios, students develop problem-solving tools, a questioning mind and sharp social skills.
The course will cover:
- Confidence
- Body language
- Voice
- Speech structure
- Types of speeches
- Dynamic presentation
- Engaging with the audience
- The 4C’s of public speaking
- The Ace Key
Year 6 to Year 12
Private Lessons
Nothing speaks to us more as people than passion. Immemorial trailblazers and academics, movers and shakers used passionate discourse to instigate change. The FUTURE LEADERS Public Speaking lessons will explore some famous speeches composed by civilisation’s greatest figures, allowing us to acquire persuasive and passionate vocabulary for our own creations. We will focus on the techniques used for effective public speaking. We will explore a list of literary devices and examine how the ones commonly used in writing also translate into public speaking. We will familiarise ourselves with the basics but more importantly we will immerse ourselves in the secrets of great oration including gesture, rhetoric, litotes and more.
Location: The Daphne Line Hall
There is a cost associated with these activities
Costs and Enrolment: Contact the coordinator
Monica Brian, Speech and Drama Studio Director
Enrol by clicking the link here
Combining acting, singing and dancing skills, students will learn the basics of how to be a musical theatre performer, in a weekly 1-hour session. Why stop at one skill, when you can learn two skills and add in a third skill to create what the performance industry calls a TRIPLE THREAT. This is a performer who can act, sing and dance, creating an all-round and versatile performer who is thrilling to watch. The course will culminate with an end of year Showcase. Our Musical Theatre Tutors come with a combined 50 years of experience. Musical Theatre private and duo lessons are also available. Private and duo students have the option to participate in Musical Theatre exams through Trinity College of London or ASCA (The Australian Speech Communication Association) and can work right up to an ATCL Diploma in Musical Theatre. |
Time: Friday 3.20pm–4.20pm
Location: The Daphne Line Hall
There is a cost associated with this activity
Costs and Enrolment: Contact the coordinator,
Coordinator: Monica Brian, The Speech and Drama Studio Director
Enrol by clicking the link here
*Pre-K to Year 2 group classes are included in the Pre-K to Year 2 After School Co-curricular Program. For enrolment go to MLC School Pre-K to Year 2 ASP Timetables for payment link by clicking here.
Time:
Pre-Kindergarten, Monday or Friday 2.45-3.15pm
Kindergarten, Thursday 3.15p-4pm
Year 1, Wednesday 3.15pm-4pm
Year 2, Monday 3.15pm-4pm
Location: The Daphne Line Hall
There is a cost associated with this activity
Cost and Enrolment: Via the MLC School Co-curricular Microsite.
Monica Brian, The Speech and Drama Studio Director
*Pre-K to Year 2 group classes are included in the Pre-K to Year 2 after school Co-curricular bundle. Please click here for information.
Private, duo and trio speech and drama lessons for Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2 students offer a specialised program with individual focus, enabling students to grow into confident speakers, creative thinkers, active listeners, strong communicators, accomplished performers and passionate leaders. Through acting, monologues, improvisation, and public speaking, private lessons allow young students to receive focused guidance, building a solid foundation in essential communication skills.
Topics:
Acting, public speaking, scene work, improvisation, poetry, vocal skills, movement, characterisation, vocal skills and more!
Performance and examination opportunities:
Eisteddfods and ASCA examinations.
Students in Year 1 and Year 2 have the opportunity to perform in Eisteddfods and participate in the Australian Speech Communication Association (ASCA) Examinations.
Places available: Unlimited
Time: N/A
Location: The Speech and Drama Studio
There are costs associated with these activities
Costs and Enrolment: Contact coordinator,
Monica Brian, Speech and Drama Studio Director
Enrol by clicking the link here
The Speech and Drama program covers:
- Acting
- Monologues and duologues
- Public speaking
- Scene work
- Speech confidence
- Theatre devising
- Vocal skills and techniques
- Speech theory
- Performance skills
- Social development
- Debating
- Human skills
- Impromptu speaking
- Shakespeare
- Improvisation
- Sight reading
- Characterisation
- Mime
- Poetry
- Movement
- Prose
- Preparation for Eisteddfods
- Preparation for Exams, Trinity College of London and ASCA Australian Speech Communication Association
Year 3 to Year 12 Group classes
Course Components include
Vocal Skills
Lessons commence with a physical and vocal warm-up. There is an ongoing focus throughout the year on vocal skills where students are taught how to use their natural voices effectively. Students gain an understanding of releasing tension and relaxation exercises, breathing and projection techniques, articulation, modulation, pace, resonance, vocal emotion and energy.
Improvisation and Impromptu Speaking
Improvisation promotes creativity, spontaneity, characterisation, acting technique, scene structure, risk taking, problem solving, intuition, critical thinking.
Impromptu speaking increases confidence, quick thinking, speech structure, develops public speaking skills, introductions, descriptions, explanations, storytelling, informative speeches, persuasive speeches, demonstrative speeches, entertaining speeches.
Acting and Characterisation
Students ignite their imagination by creating interesting characters and exploring physical and vocal characterisation, storytelling and scene work. They discover acting techniques, acting and reacting, active listening, collaboration and teamwork. Acting enhances confidence, develops empathy through role play and encourages focus.
Exploring Text – Poetry, Prose, Drama. Students gain an understanding and appreciation of different styles and genres of text. They learn poetry techniques and vocal skills for performing poetry, prose and drama through modulation, projection, articulation, tone and emphasis. Students develop sight reading, eye contact and communications skills. Practice with comprehension assists with understanding the meaning, mood and character. And explore physicality and space.
Public Speaking and Communication Skills
Gives students practice in different kinds of talk such as narratives, recounts, discussions, arguments, debates, informative talks. Encourages creative and spontaneous thinking and assists with articulating thoughts quickly and clearly in to spoken word. This component develops skills used to engage an audience with a strong focus on vocal skills and how the use of modulation, pause, emphasis, vocal energy and emotion will assist greatly in getting your point across. Students are equipped with skills for managing nerves.
Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 Tailored lessons for privates/duo/trio classes
Private, duo and trio lessons can be tailored to suit the needs and interests of the student.
Speech and Drama Exams
Students have the opportunity to participate in Trinity College of London or Australian Speech Communication Association (ASCA) Examinations. The exams are specifically designed to help students progress. They inspire learners and mark their achievement at each stage of their development and at all levels of competence.
The Australian Speech Communication Association (ASCA) exams are a National Examining Board, who are internationally recognised. Exams can be taken in performance or communication. After completion of Grade 8, students have the opportunity to sit for the Certificate of Communication a professional qualification where students may use the initials Cert. Comm. (ASCA) after their name.
Trinity College of London exams (Year 6 to Year 12) are an International Examining Board offered in the below areas. Students can choose which exam stream they are interested in and this can vary from year to year.
Students who have completed Grade 8 in Trinity of College of London Examinations have the opportunity to complete the ATCL Performance Diploma in Acting, Performance, Speech and Drama or Communication.
Trinity College of London ATCL Diplomas
Year 11 and 12 students have the option to complete their Trinity ATCL cDiploma in Communication Skills (Public Speaking), Performance Arts, Speech and Drama and Musical Theatre.
- ATCL Diplomas are equivalent to tertiary level study.
- Students completing an ATCL Diploma in Year 11 and/or 12 can apply for EAPL Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders Adjustment Factor program for many Universities, assisting with University entry.
- Candidates who have passed a Trinity Diploma are entitled to use the letters standing for that diploma after their name.
ATCL stands for Associate of Trinity College London.
Students must be at least 17 years of age and have completed a Grade 8 Trinity examination.
The Trinity Diploma certificates are recognised worldwide and each certificate is a fantastic achievement and can be used as support material for scholarships, universities as well as workforce positions.
Eisteddfods
Speech and Drama students have the opportunity to represent MLC School and perform in the below Eisteddfods:
Eisteddfods provide students with a wonderful performance opportunity in a fun and supportive environment and are an arena for students to put their skills into practice and gain confidence performing in front of an audience.
- Inner West Eisteddfod
- Parramatta Eisteddfod
- Ryde Eisteddfod
Time: Daytime rotational timetable (Year 3 to Year 12)
Rotational daytime classes are scheduled on a different day/time each week.
Junior – (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2) private and duo students may do rotational lessons through the school day or after school.
Senior – private, duo, trio or groups may do rotational lessons through the school day or after school.
Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2 Group Classes
Pre-Kindergarten – Monday 2.45pm-3.15pm
Kindergarten – Thursday 3.15pm-4pm
Year 1 – Wednesday 3.15pm-4pm
Year 2 – Monday 3.15pm-4pm
Year 3 to Year 12 Group Classes
Year 3 – Year 4 – Tuesday 3.55pm-4.25pm
Year 5 – Year 6 – Tuesday 4.30pm-5pm
Year 7– Year 8 – Monday 4.40pm-5.10pm
Year 9 – Tuesday 5pm-5.30pm
Year 10 – Year 12 – Rotating daytime / spares or by appointment
Other days/times may be available for group classes upon parent/carer request.
Saturday Classes – Speech and Drama lessons are available on Saturdays subject to availability
Location: Daphne Line Hall
There are costs associated with these activities
Coordinator: Monica Brian, The Speech and Drama Studio Director
Location: Speech and Drama
There are costs associated with these activities
Enrol by clicking the link here
Creative Kids voucher can be used towards tuition fees.
The Scriptwriter’s Club is for students interested in exploring and developing the techniques of script writing. Students examine writing and staging with concepts of directions, sets, scenes and continuity, and proper script formatting. They will learn about different genres and styles, the importance of characters and their voices and objectives, themes and super objectives. Students will examine how to target the audience on an emotional level and deliver a message through the use of dialogue, employing various poetic devices and literary techniques and actions. Students will utilise the skills developed and have fun writing their own scripts.
Coordinator: Monica Brian, The Speech and Drama Studio Director
Places available: 10 students
Time:
Tuesday lunchtime Year 3 to Year 5
Private lessons by appointment
Location: Daphne Line Hall
There is a cost associated with this activity (incl GST)
Enrolment: Contact the coordinator
Enrol by clicking the link here
Creative Kids Voucher can be used towards fees for this program.
Theatresports is a form of improvisational theatre that uses the format of a competition for dramatic effect. Theatresports is for all levels of experience.
Each term students work through the Theatresports handbook in addition to improvisational activities focused on increasing the girl’s confidence in performance and devising.
Improvisation is such a fun way to strengthen their communication skills while exercising their imagination and storytelling abilities. Most importantly we have fun and lots of laughs!
MLC School participates annually in the Theatresports Schools Challenge, run by Impro Australia in which they compete in teams of three to five against other schools, creating one-, two- and three-minute improvised scenes live on stage, judged and scored by improvisation professionals. Eisteddfod opportunities are also available.
Our lessons are focused on embracing mistakes, nurturing confidence and highlighting the importance of working together as a team. Oh and of course lots of laughter!
Coordinator: Monica Brian – The Speech and Drama Studio Director
Places available: 20
Time: Tuesday 3.20pm–4.50pm
Location: G33
There is a cost associated with this activity
Enrol by clicking the link here
Creative Kids Voucher can be used towards tuition fees.
Can’t put your pen down? Can’t stop crafting stories in your head? Want to use the unconventional, say the unforeseen, do the unpredictable, feel the unexpected and be surprising? Want to be a scribe, a words maestro? Then join the Writer’s club and begin your literary journey.
The Writer’s Club is designed for girls who love literature and exhibit higher language abilities with a passion for drama and creative pursuits. Members will explore various genres of writing, expand their vocabularies, learn the art of and engage in conversation and deliberation and be introduced to philosophical discussion. Each meeting will be dedicated to creating a piece of literature using our focus skill.This will be followed by self-critique and notes.
Club members will analyse a range of texts and enhance and expand their own creative aptitude through the evaluation of themes, through concentrating on the rich and intricate language of literature, and by studying and reflecting on how writers develop plot, character, place, and how they use poetic language.
The participants will learn about language conventions and ways to analyse text. They will further expand their capacity for comprehension and explore concepts of continuity and chronology. Students will use their critical thinking skills to investigate facts. They will utilise their problem-solving talents, their reasoning, critical reflection, and creative thinking as they apply pre-existing knowledge. Finally, the members will improve their social skills as they work together and evaluate the best approaches to communicate ideas clearly and effectively in an engaging and dynamic way.
Group, duo and private lessons available
Coordinator: Monica Brian
Places available: 5 students
Time: Rotating daytime or after school by appointment
Location: The Speech and Drama Studio
There is a cost associated with this activity (incl GST)
Enrolment: Contact the coordinator
Enrol by clicking the link here
Creative Kids Voucher can be used towards fees for this program.
The Speech and Drama Studio produce five holiday productions each year. These are open to MLC School and external students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6. Year 7 to Year 12 students form our Production crew gaining experience in directing, choreography, stage management, costume and set design, lighting and sound design, musical directing, and mentoring the younger students.
Students gain confidence and have lots of fun as they are taken through a rehearsal process including acting, singing, movement and dance to produce a production in five days. Students experience what it is like to be a part of a production team whether it be on or off the stage from start to finish. At the end of the five days students perform the production to family and friends.
We see an enormous increase in confidence and performance skills throughout the week. The productions provide a wonderful opportunity for students to form friendships with students in different year levels and allow every student to feel like a star!
Coordinator: Monica Brian – The Speech and Drama Studio Director
Places available: 35 students
Time: 9am-3pm. After hours care 3pm-5pm (optional)
2025 Holiday Production dates:
April Production: Monday 14 April – Friday 18 April (5 days)
July Production: Monday 30 June – Friday 4 July (5 days)
September Production: Monday 22 September – Friday 26 September (5 days)
December Production: Friday 6 December – Thursday 12 December (4 days exc. weekend)
Location: MLC School Drama Theatre
There are costs associated with these productions
Fees are inclusive of GST
Enrol by clicking the link here
Creative Kids Voucher can be used towards tuition fees.
The Speech and Drama Studio offer one-off individualised lessons taught by our team of Industry professionals if you require a one-off coaching session for a specific purpose. You can book one or several lessons or join us every week.
Get in touch if you:
- Need some assistance with presentation skills for a speech
- Have an audition coming up for a school production, external production, TV show or film
- Want to develop English speaking skills, pronunciation and vocal training
- Want to explore screen acting technique, self-taping skills and industry mentoring
- Would like to book in for a few lessons to address one specific area without committing to a whole term
- Prefer online lessons if your busy schedule doesn’t suit face to face lessons.
Coordinator: Monica Brian – The speech and Drama Studio Director
Places available: Unlimited
Time: By appointment
Location: The Speech and Drama Studio or online
There are costs associated with these activities (incl GST)
Enrol by clicking the link here
Creative Kids Voucher can be used towards tuition fees.