Each summer, Perth universities and arts companies host summer arts courses and workshops, giving students the chance to learn from professional instructors, mix with industry professionals, meet other students and get a head start in the performing arts.
We looked at courses on offer from three institutions (WAAPA, Perth Academy of Performing Arts and School of Rock), all of which have played a critical role in the careers of many renowned artists, including Eskimo Joe, Birds of Tokyo, Tame Impala, Katherine Langford, Hugh Jackman, Heather Ledger and Dacre Montgomery.
All courses are run in January 2025 and bookings are now open.
1. WAAPA
Mount Lawley
WAAPA(Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) is one of three leading performing arts universities in Australia. Students Australia-wide and across the globe battle to gain entrance into the prestigious university, with courses such as Musical Theatre, Dance and Acting accepting less than 4% of applicants per year.
Each summer, WAAPA gives year 7-12 students the chance to attend arts courses taught by its own university lecturers and industry guests. These programs provide students with training designed to push them creatively, increase their confidence and learn new skills to prepare them for a successful career in the arts. The courses are also an exceptional way to get to know the staff, talk to current students and learn everything there is to know about studying at WAAPA.
The courses for 2025 include Acting for Camera (Jan 10-16), Acting for Stage (Jan 13-17), Dance Squad (Jan 13-17), Jazz Summer School (Jan 13-15) and Music Theatre Kickstarter (Jan 6-10).
For more details, contact Gabrielle Metcalf on 08 6304 6775 or email explore.waapa@ecu.edu.au
2. Perth Academy of Performing Arts
Wembley, Woodvale & Cockburn
PAPA (Perth Academy of Performing Arts) is a tight community of teachers and performing artists dedicated to providing affordable high quality training and performance opportunities to Perth families.
Based in Wembley, Woodvale and Cockburn, students of all ages can attend classes in Acting, Film & TV, and Music Theatre. All programs are run by theatre, film and TV professional Ian Toyne who has over 10 years of teaching experience. The teaching team at PAPA have also worked closely with Katherine Langford prior to her breakthrough role in 13 Reasons Why.
For junior students (Pre Primary – Year 2), two-hour workshops are available on Jan 15 and Jan 28, which include a variety of interactive games and team building exercises, leading up to a performance for families at pick-up time.
For primary school students, there is a plethora of programs including a 2-day film workshop (Jan 6 – 7), 3-day film workshop (Jan 29 – 31), 1-day Broadway dance workshop (Jan 8 – 9), 2-day musical theatre workshop (Jan 3 – 14) and 2-day stage acting workshop (Jan 16 – 17).
There is also a 5-day musical theatre workshop (Jan 20 – 24), after which students get to perform their musical numbers at Fringe World on Saturday January 25th.
For high school students, there are two workshops: a 2-day film workshop (Jan 9 – 10) and a 5-day musical theatre workshop (Jan 20 – 24), after which students again get to perform their musical numbers at Fringe World on Saturday January 25th.
For more information you can contact 08 6185 1320 or email info@perthapa.com
3. School of Rock
School of Rock is a music school based in Jolimont providing lessons, performance programs and camps for kids aged 7-18. Their revolutionary music program aims to prepare aspiring musicians for careers in the music industry. Famous local success stories who have attended the School of Rock include Eskimo Joe, Birds of Tokyo, and Tame Impala.
This January, School of Rock is running four music camps to cater for a variety of ages, experience levels and instruments.
Rock 101 Bootcamp (Jan 13 – 16) is for ages 8-12 and takes students through a variety of musical games and activities, culminating in a performance at the end of the week for family and friends. No experience is required.
Rookies Camp (Jan 13 – 16 or Jan 20 – 23) caters for ages 5-7, introducing them to music theory and working on songs to perform at the end of the program for family and friends. No experience is required.
Green Day Camp (Jan 20 – 23) gives 11-16 year old aspiring rockers the chance to learn from skilled instructors, experience band jam sessions and prep for a showcase in front of a live audience. This camp focuses on exploring the energy and music of rock legends Green Day. Basic music theory and understanding of the student’s instrument is advised.
For more information, contact 08 9387 3918 or email perth@schoolofrock.com
