NAPA News - Week 2, Term 1, 2025
KIM REYNOLDS
COMPANY DIRECTOR
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Week 1 done! It was an amazing week and we loved meeting all of our new families and seeing lots of happy smiling faces around the studio!
As we begin to settle into classes this week, please let Kimberley know ASAP if you need to change anything, as some student’s fees will be affected by this. Statements have now been sent and our first autopay will be processed on Monday 10th.
We currently have several classes at capacity and a few close to filling, so if there are any classes you haven’t registered for yet, get in quick! If you have missed out on a class, please join the waitlist as some trialling students may choose to drop classes this week, opening space for those on waitlists.
If you have any questions, please email our office manager Kimberley or pop into reception to see her after 3.45pm Monday-Thursday and from 9.00am on Saturdays. Please note that Kimberley should be your first point of contact for all enquiries, and she can forward any enquiries onto teachers where necessary.
QUICK REMINDERS
CHECK LOST PROPERTY - ANY ITEMS STILL REMAINING WILL BE DISPOSED OF THIS WEEK.
PARKING — PLEASE ENSURE YOU ARE NOT PARKING IN OUR NEIGHBOURS LOTS OR BLOCKING DRIVEWAYS. ANY OFFENDING DRIVERS WILL BE TOWED AT OWNER’S EXPENSE
AUDITIONS — REGISTER NOW FOR OUR FIRST NAPA ENSEMBLE HOLIDAY PRODUCTION — THE WITCHES
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
PRIVATE LESSONS AND TRINITY GUILDHALL EXAMS
Now that classes are starting to settle in, we will be confirming our private lessons for 2025. We offer a wide range of lessons in dance, speech and drama and singing, and have highly trained and experienced staff available in all areas. For all private lesson enquiries please email [email protected] and she will forward your request to the teachers who have availability in the area you are looking for.
TRINITY GUILDHALL EXAMS - These can be done in either Musical Theatre or Speech & Drama. Please note that for those doing exams you must have lessons in the following -
TRINITY GUILDHALL EXAMS - MUSICAL THEATRE
GRADES INITIAL - GRADE 4
MUST ATTEND WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSONS WITH A NAPA SINGING TEACHER, FORTNIGHTLY PRIVATE LESSONS WITH A NAPA DANCE TEACHER AND/OR PRIVATE LESSONS WITH A NAPA DRAMA TEACHER
GRADES 5-8
MUST ATTEND WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSONS WITH A NAPA SINGING TEACHER, FORTNIGHTLY PRIVATE LESSONS WITH A NAPA DANCE TEACHER, FORTNIGHTLY PRIVATE LESSONS WITH A NAPA DRAMA TEACHER
TRINITY GUILDHALL EXAMS - SPEECH AND DRAMA
GRADES 1-4
FORTNIGHTLY LESSONS WITH A NAPA DRAMA TEACHER
GRADES 5-8
WEEKLY LESSONS WITH A NAPA DRAMA TEACHER
GOOD LUCK DAKOTA!
We are sending all of our love to Dakota Chanel for her first day at ‘Annie’ rehearsals in Sydney. We are so proud of you Dakota, and can’t wait until we can see you on the big stage! For those of you who don’t know, Dakota has been a student at NAPA since she was 3 years old. She was one of our first ‘Mini Broadway’ students and is about to make her professional debut as Annie at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney. Your NAPA family is so happy for you, cherub!
UNIFORMS
Our new uniform items have been a hit and are almost sold out. However, a new batch is on the way, along with some exciting additional pieces. These will be available alongside our remaining Activated Industry uniforms, but please note that once they’re gone, they’re gone.
The current basics range - NAPA T-shirt, the new #NAPAcherub t-shirt, Boys Crew T-Shirt, Boys grey shorts and Girls black shorts will be available throughout the year. However, our first order will be placed soon, so please ensure all orders are submitted by Friday, February 14th. If you miss out, don’t worry—we will place another order later in the term.
HEADSHOTS, MODEL, PORTRAITS + DANCE PHOTOGRAPHY MARCH SPECIAL OFFER - ONE MONTH ONLY
Trina Power Creative, our trusted partner for studio promotional and production headshot photography, is offering a March Image Megadeal! Book any session for any date in March and receive DOUBLE the retouched images! Plus, enjoy an exclusive special NAPA Family Discount for even more savings.
Don’t miss out—reserve your session today!
Enter coupon code NAPAFAM20 for a sneaky 20% DISCOUNT for the month of March.
WELL-BEING
TEACHER AND STAFF RIGHT TO DISCONNECT
At NAPA we have teachers and staff who are working long hours at the studio, and most also have jobs outside the studio. We believe that all staff have the right to disconnect from work outside of their professional hours, which includes the expectation that parents respect their personal time by refraining from messaging staff on private social media or personal phones. Educators work tirelessly throughout their work day and often dedicate additional hours to lesson planning, class preparation, and professional development. However, it is essential that they also have a healthy work-life balance. By respecting boundaries and communicating through designated channels during appropriate hours, parents can help ensure teachers are able to recharge and maintain their well-being, ultimately benefiting both educators and students. Encouraging this mutual respect fosters a more positive, sustainable studio environment. If your child’s teacher has given permission for you to contact them on alternative forms of communication, please ensure that you are still respecting healthy boundaries and allowing them to disconnect in their downtime.
If you are unsure on best ways to communicate, please see below for teacher emails.
All enquiries and queries should first go through Kimberley - [email protected]
College Schooling and Student Wellbeing
AMY ELKIN — [email protected]
NAPA College Course Co-ordinator (Cert IV)
SUZANNE LEWIS — [email protected]
NAPA College Part-time Course Co-ordinator (Cert III)
MANDY MORRISON — [email protected]
NAPA Finance
KEITH REYNOLDS — [email protected]
Company Director
KIM REYNOLDS — [email protected]
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
JAEDA POWER — AACTA AWARDS and AACTA FESTIVAL 2025
Jaeda was fortunate to attend the 2025 AACTA Awards and AACTA Festival this week where she was inspired by the forerunners in the Australian Film and Television Industry. Attending various workshops and meeting the nominees including actors, directors and casting directors, she learned their creative processes and journeys to create art for film and television, both in Australia and abroad. Held annually, the AACTA Festival is such a great opportunity for those wanting to delve deeper into filmmaking and acting for film and television. A week of learning new skills and networking with other creatives, the Festival is a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for artists.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
MEET AMY ELKIN
NAPA COLLEGE HEAD OF SCHOOLING + STUDENT WELLBEING
CLASSES — JUNIOR AND PRE-SENIOR TREAD THE BOARDS, TRINITY GUILDHALL EXAMS, NAPA COLLEGE ACTING, NAPA ENSEMBLE
Meet Amy Elkin—a passionate and inspiring drama educator with nearly 25 years of experience shaping young performers on the Gold Coast. As one of NAPA’s foundation teachers, Amy has played a key role in nurturing talent, with many of her former students now shining on stages and screens around the world.
Beyond her expertise in acting instruction and curriculum design, Amy is a specialist in voice and speech training and has extensive experience in physical theatre. Her deep love for storytelling and performance extends to her work as a director, having brought countless plays and musicals to life. Our students are truly fortunate to have Amy guiding them through their Trinity Guildhall Musical Theatre and Acting exams, ensuring they develop both skill and confidence on their performance journey.
This year, Amy is thrilled to continue bringing her wealth of knowledge, creativity, and energy back to the classroom and the NAPA community.
We love having you on the team, Amy, and can’t wait to see the magic you create!
PERFORMANCE TIPS
ACTING FOR FILM—LESS IS MORE!
Acting for film is all about subtlety and truth—unlike stage acting, where bigger expressions are needed, the camera captures every tiny detail. Here are three key tips to help young performers shine on screen:
Keep It Natural – Film acting is about real emotions and authentic reactions. Instead of projecting to the back of a theatre, focus on feeling the moment and letting your expressions stay natural and genuine. The camera picks up even the smallest changes in your eyes and face!
Know Your Frame – Be aware of how close the camera is. In a close-up, a tiny movement can speak volumes, while in a wide shot, your whole body tells the story. Adjust your performance accordingly!
Listen & React – Great film acting isn’t just about delivering lines—it’s about truly listening to your scene partner and reacting in the moment. Stay present, engage with what’s happening, and let your responses feel fresh and spontaneous.
Most importantly, trust yourself! The camera loves honesty and stillness, so don’t be afraid to let your emotions do the work. Lights, camera, action! 🎬✨
