Summer School

Welcome to our Summer School Program

Four exciting courses are on offer this coming January, all with an Australian theme.  Courses are designed for specific age groups and can accommodate students of varying experience – all you need is a passion for drama.  Each course is presented by teaching artists of the highest calibre.  Please note places are limited. Applications open Friday 14 November.

Venue for all courses:
Studio 1, MTC Headquarters
129 Ferrars Street, Southbank, 3006
Melways reference 2F A12

In courses one, two and three, there will be a short presentation for family and friends at the end of the week. At the conclusion of each course, students receive a certificate of achievement.

Course One: Where Have All the Bunyips Gone?
For those aged 5 to 8 years at 31 January 2009
Teaching artists: Kurt Geyer and Emily Taylor

A journey through the Australian Heartland and its myths and wildlife, exploring scripted prose, puppetry and play.

A call goes up from the mouth of the mighty Murray; the creatures of the Coorong Wetlands need help desperately as their home is drying up – a result of years of drought and water problems. As they set off up the Murray, a whisper becomes a rumour becomes a compelling quest to find a mythical creature called the Bunyip.

In this course, creative movement, role-play and games prompt the development of characters and scenes. This course is limited to ten participants.

Dates:                   Monday 5 January to Friday 9 January 2009
Times:                   9.30am to 12pm daily
Cost:                      $335 including a morning snack

Course Two: Commedia dell’ Aussie!
For those aged 9 to 12 years as at 31 January 2009
Teaching artists: Kurt Geyer and Emily Taylor

This course brings the comic performance style of Commedia dell’arte to the immigration gates of Tullamarine International Airport.

When a cast of characters from Rome, including the Penny-Pinching Pantalone, the Cowardly Capitano and the Cantankerous Columbina set off for a visit to Sicily, little do they suspect that they are about to embark on a short voyage around the world. On arrival at Rome Airport, their boarding passes are mistakenly issued to the wrong group. As a result, the high-powered Italian Political and Economic Council for Australian Relations heads for Sicily and our cast of crazy characters set off for Melbourne, to an International Trades Conference to be hosted by the Australian Prime Minister.

In this course, creative movement, role-play, games and mask work prompt the development of characters and scenes. This course is limited to twenty participants. 

Dates:                   Monday 5 January to Friday 9 January 2009
Times:                   1.30pm to 5pm daily
Cost:                      $335 including an afternoon snack

Course 3: From Play to Performance
For those aged 13 to 15 years at 31 January 2009
Teaching artists: Kurt Geyer and Emily Taylor

This course explores the actor’s process of taking a script from the page to performance, examining scenes from Steele Rudd’s classic On Our Selection.

Students will have the opportunity to sample each stage of a typical professional rehearsal process, including analysing the text, improvisation as a means of developing character, blocking the physical action of the scene and finally, performing for an audience. This course is limited to twenty-four participants. 

Dates:                   Monday 12 January to Friday 16 January 2009
Times:                   10am to 4.30pm daily
Cost:                      $390 including lunch

Course Four: Preparing for VCE Drama and Theatre Studies
For students who are preparing for year 11 or 12 in 2009.
Teaching artists: Diane Gavelis and Richard Sallis

This course focuses specifically on preparation for VCE Drama and Theatre Studies, in particular the Solo Performance, Monologue Performance and Performance Analysis assessment tasks. 

Students will be exposed to a range of rehearsal, development and presentation techniques, which will guide their preparation for the Solo Performance and Monologue Performance Examinations. They will also be given the opportunity to explore ensemble work and the process of devising non-naturalistic performance. 

The group will attend a performance of MTC’s production of Grace by Mick Gordon and AC Grayling, at 6:30pm on Monday 19 January 2008, in the Fairfax Studio at the Arts Centre.   This production will be used as the basis for exploring the Performance Analysis assessment criteria. This course is limited to twenty-six participants.

Dates:                   Monday 19 January to Friday 23 January 2009
Times:                   9.15am to 5pm daily
Cost:                      $410 including lunch

How to Apply

Download the brochure, complete the application form and return with your payment to:

Melbourne Theatre Company
Summer School
129 Ferrars Street
SOUTHBANK VIC 3006

To download the brochure and application form click here.

 
Conditions of Booking

Cheques/money orders made payable to Melbourne Theatre Company. If paying by credit card, fax your application to MTC on (03) 9696 2627. Full payment is required with your application form.  You will be sent a letter to confirm your enrolment upon receipt of your application form and payment.  Applications are processed in order of receipt. Course fees are not refunded unless the course is cancelled or we are unable to offer you a place. Melbourne Theatre Company reserves the right to add, withdraw and substitute artists and vary the program, should the need arise.

For all enquiries please contact MTC Education Program Bookings:
Phone: (03) 9684 4513
E-mail: schools@mtc.com.au.