NAPA News - Week 10, Term 2, 2025
FROM THE DIRECTOR
We made it! Happy holidays everybody. I hope you all have a relaxing few weeks and come back recharged for a super busy term 3. We finished off the term with a bang! Our Senior actors presented EYES TO THE FLOOR and did an absolutely outstanding job of this heavy piece of theatre. They are to be commended for their hard work on this, and we thank their awesome director Cilla Scott for guiding them so well. Thank you Miss Cilla, and great work cherubs!
QUICK REMINDERS
LOST AND FOUND HAS NOW BEEN DONATED
NO CLASSES RUN OVER THE HOLIDAYS — YOUR PARENT PORTAL WILL STILL SHOW CLASSES, BUT THIS IS JUST HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
FINAL WINTER UNIFORM ORDERS ARE NOW CLOSED
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
SAVE THE DATE — SUMMER SCHOOL IS BACK!
We are thrilled to announce that we will once again be presenting our Summer School program in association with NAPA Ensemble. The show has been chosen and we will hold auditions later in the year for the child roles and featured ensemble. All are welcome to join! Stay tuned for an exciting announcement coming soon.
Summer School dates: 17-22 JanUARY 2026
Performances: 22-25 JANUARY 2026
Auditions: TBC
HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS
We have 2 fun workshops on offer these holidays. Mr Sam’s is nearly full, so get in quick if you’d like to attend. We also have an opportunity to take class with 2 of our NAPA graduates these holidays! Nadine Chia has just graduated from the prestigious PACE University in NYC and Cooper is currently in his final year at The Conservatorium (QAEMT). All welcome!
HOLIDAY PRACTICE
Don’t forget to make the most of your online practice portals these holidays. There are practice videos up for all Broadway classes and Performance Teams, so if you don’t have the log in, please reach out for access.
WEllbeing
The Art of Journalling and the importance for A PERFORMER’S mental health
As a young performer, your world is full of movement, music, emotions, expectations, and constant feedback. You’re asked to give so much of yourself — to be expressive, adaptable, disciplined, and brave. But amidst all the rehearsals, classes, auditions and performances, it’s easy to lose track of how you’re feeling, off-stage.
That’s where journalling becomes a powerful wellbeing tool.
What Is Journalling (and Why Does It Matter)?
Journalling isn’t about writing perfect stories or keeping a strict diary. It’s about creating a space that’s just for you — to think, feel, reflect, and breathe. It helps you check in with yourself and process everything that comes with life as a performer: the highs, the lows, the nerves, the pressure, the joy.
Think of your journal as a quiet dressing room for your thoughts — somewhere backstage where you can drop the mask and be completely, honestly yourself.
How Can Journalling Help Performers?
Here are just a few ways journalling can support your mental, emotional, and creative health:
Declutters your mind – Get those racing thoughts out of your head and onto the page, especially before auditions or performances.
Builds self-awareness – Writing about how you’re feeling helps you notice patterns in your emotions, reactions, and habits.
Processes feedback – Reflect on notes from teachers or directors without letting them crush your confidence.
Celebrates growth – Document small wins and progress you might otherwise forget.
Manages nerves and self-doubt – Writing about fear or insecurity can take away some of its power.
Sparks creativity – Explore character backstories, monologue ideas, or even write from your character’s point of view.
Fosters gratitude – Writing down what you’re thankful for can shift your mindset, especially on hard days.
What Can You Write About?
There are no rules, but here are a few simple prompts to get you started:
“Today I felt…”
“I’m proud of myself for…”
“Something that challenged me this week was…”
“If my character had a secret, it would be…”
“I wish I could tell my past self…”
“A moment I never want to forget…”
You can also:
Write song lyrics or poems.
Make lists of goals, dreams, or things you love.
Reflect on performances or classes.
Doodle, collage, or mind-map.
Write letters to your future self.
Pro Tips:
Use a notebook or app that feels personal and inspiring.
Don’t worry about grammar or neatness — this is for you, not an audience.
Write in a quiet moment — after a class, before bed, or with your morning tea.
You don’t have to write every day. Even once a week can make a difference.
Keep your journal private, unless you choose to share.
Final Thought:
In a world where you’re constantly performing, your journal is a place you don’t have to perform at all. It’s a place to reconnect with your real thoughts, real voice, and real self — which only makes you stronger, wiser, and more connected when you return to the stage.
So these holidays, grab a pen. Let your thoughts wander. Honour your voice — not just the one you sing or speak with, but the one inside you.
Because your inner world deserves just as much attention as your outer performance.
CHERUB OF THE WEEK
CAITLYNN VERSTER
Please join us in celebrating our very first Cherub of the Week – Caity!
Caity is a first-year student at NAPA College and has been training with us since 2023. She is a dedicated member of our Senior Performance Teams and participates in both Broadway Extension and Senior Tread the Boards, alongside all her regular college classes.
Caity also volunteers as a student class helper and is always the first to offer a hand when extra help is needed. She consistently demonstrates kindness, respect, and professionalism in all areas of her training. Her teachers frequently commend her for being a supportive peer – not only in her performance classes but in her academic life as well.
Caitlynn is a fantastic role model for our younger cherubs, and we are so proud to name her as our very first Cherub of the Week!
PERFORMANCE TIPS
Balance Your Holidays — Stay Performance-Ready and Live a Little
School holidays are the perfect time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with the world outside the stage lights — but that doesn’t mean letting your skills go cold. The best performers know how to stay show-fit and soak up real-life experiences that make their acting, dancing, and singing more truthful and rich.
Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your break:
Stay Performance-Ready…
Create a mini home practice routine — 10 minutes a day is enough! Rotate between vocal warm-ups, monologue work, stretch/mobility, or freestyle dance.
Take a drop-in class — Try something new like acro, hip hop, or an open mic night. It’s a great way to cross-train and meet other creatives.
Film a self-tape or mini scene — Practice audition technique or create your own skit to keep your acting muscles flexed.
Join a holiday workshop — Whether it's musical theatre, screen acting, or dance intensives, workshops can inspire you and build new skills fast.
Stay physically active — go for walks, stand-up paddleboard, swim, skate, hike, play sport — it all helps your stamina and stage fitness.
…But Don’t Forget to Just Live, Too.
Do things unrelated to performing arts. Read books. Paint. Bake. Go op shopping. Visit the beach. People-watch at a café. These everyday experiences give you depth and detail to draw from when building characters on stage.
Spend time with friends and family. That connection and laughter is fuel for the soul — and essential for staying grounded in a competitive industry.
Watch good films or theatre — be inspired by other storytellers, but don’t forget to just enjoy them without analysing every moment.
Take intentional rest. Sleep in. Lie in the sun. Be bored on purpose. It’s in these slow moments that creativity often returns.
Remember:
You are more than just your training. Living a full life — with curiosity, play, and presence — makes you a better performer. So don’t feel guilty for stepping away from the stage for a few days. The magic happens when you bring real life back into your work.
So these holidays: move your body, sharpen your skills, but also breathe, laugh, explore, and live. That’s the balance of a truly great artist.
