OUR story
“All the world’s a stage”
Shakespeare understood what we still see every day — that stories help us make sense of ourselves and each other, at every stage of life.
Upstage Youth Theatre was created as a place where people can explore creativity, connection and confidence through drama. While we’re best known for our work with young people, our belief is simple: the need to tell stories, be heard, and feel part of something doesn’t disappear as we get older.
At Upstage, drama isn’t about creating performers first. It’s about creating confident, curious humans — children, teenagers and adults — who feel brave enough to take up space, express ideas, and connect with others.
Our classes are practical, playful and purposeful. Through storytelling, collaboration and creative exploration, students of all ages are invited to imagine, take creative risks and discover what they’re capable of. Whether someone is stepping into drama for the very first time or returning to it after many years away, they’re met with warmth, respect and encouragement.
We place great value on creating a supportive, inclusive environment. One where people feel safe to try, fail, laugh, and try again. Growth happens when individuals feel seen and valued — not rushed or judged.
Our teaching team brings a wealth of experience across education and the performing arts, and shares a genuine love of working with people and stories. Together, we believe theatre should be meaningful, joyful, and accessible.
Upstage has been part of the Hunter Valley community for over two decades. In that time, we’ve watched children grow into confident young adults, adults rediscover their creativity, and countless people find connection through drama. That continues to be at the heart of everything we do.
Our classes are held at Upstage Studio, First Floor, 3/437 High Street, Maitland.
Classes focus on developing skills in various theatrical styles, including:
Improvisation
Audition preparation
Playbuilding
Physical theatre
Mask
Voice work & speech
Mime
Technical productions
Circus skills Performance
Script work
Stage craft
Social development
Individual tuition
Musical Theatre
Acting for the camera
A typical lesson may include a warm-up game aimed at encouraging students to mix and work together, a focus exercise teaching students to maintain concentration, an activity exploring one of the elements of drama and performance, an opportunity to create a short performance in small groups with a given stimulus and a chance to both perform in front of the class and participate as a part of an appreciative audience.
Older groups extend on these exercises as they develop performance techniques and also critique each others work. This helps students learn to understand what makes a quality performance in an environment built on trust and mutual respect.
At UpStage we recognise the sense of empowerment a student feels when they are given the opportunity to perform. Students are given the opportunity to perform every week during class and twice a year in auditioned productions which are performed in a variety of unique indoor and outdoor settings such as Maitland Regional Art Gallery and Tocal Homestead. Once a year UpStage also presents a One Act Play Festival showcasing the work of students prepared in class.
