NAPA News - Week 2, Term 2, 2025
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome back to Term 2! We’re gearing up for another exciting and busy season at the studio, with lots happening across all our programs. You may have noticed some extra buzz during pickup last week – that was the adult cast of our upcoming production of FOOTLOOSE in action during a fun photoshoot for our official cast announcement, which launched recently.
It’s been such a joy to have an adult cast back in the studio, bringing energy and inspiration to our younger NAPA performers. Already this year, the NAPA Ensemble has delivered a full schedule of productions including Annie (in collaboration with our Summer School program), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and our children's holiday show, Roald Dahl’s The Witches. Relaunching the NAPA Ensemble has been a huge undertaking, but we’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved and are excited for what’s still to come.
FOOTLOOSE features many of our talented NAPA graduates and past students who’ve returned to take part in this iconic musical. Scroll down to meet our fantastic cast and grab your tickets – it’s going to be a show to remember!
Many of our classes are now at full capacity, with several others nearly full. If your child is interested in joining a particular class, we encourage you to secure a spot as soon as possible.
With so much happening this year, we know it can be a lot to take in. If you have any questions or need help navigating our offerings, feel free to email our Office Manager, Kimberley, or stop by reception to chat with her in person after 3:45 pm Monday–Thursday or from 9:00 am on Saturdays.
QUICK REMINDERS
CHECK LOST PROPERTY—LOST PROPERTY IS FULL ONCE AGAIN! PLEASE CHECK BEFORE IT’S SENT TO VINNIES
ABSENTEEISM—REMINDER TO FOLLOW OUR ABSENTEE POLICY SENT OUT IN PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS - THIS IS NOW DONE VIA YOUR PARENT PORTAL
UNIFORMS—REMINDER THAT OUR WINTER UNIFORM IS NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
DANCE TEACHER EXPO - COSTUME FASHION PARADE
A massive thank you to the NAPA students who represented us so beautifully at the DANCE TEACHER EXPO - COSTUME FASHION PARADE. Not only did they do a great job, afterwards I received multiple messages from different event staff and fellow studio owners letting me know how professional they were backstage and during rehearsal. Well done cherubs!
THE WITCHES - HOLIDAY SUCCESS!
Congratulations to the cast and crew of The Witches! This was our first year introducing children’s theatre into our program and it was a great success. This will continue in our programming next year, so keep your eye out for auditions early next year!
LIFE IS A CABARET!
In addition to rehearsing for our upcoming season of Footloose, our NAPA Ensemble team have put together a night of entertainment this coming Saturday. A night of duo delight, featuring our NAPA Ensemble Permanent Players. Stay on afterwards for a Broadway boogie as we play your favourite show tunes.
Broadway After Dark is 18+ but all are welcome at the Cabaret!
FOOTLOOSE - TICKETS NOW LIVE!
Get ready to kick off your Sunday shoes and experience the electrifying energy of Footloose the Musical like never before! This bold new production reimagines the classic story for a new generation, blending high-octane choreography, unforgettable songs, and a message that resonates louder than ever.
In a town where dancing is banned, one teenager sparks a revolution that challenges authority, ignites hearts, and proves that if there’s one worth fighting for, it’s freedom!
Don’t miss this pulse-pounding celebration of self-expression, resilience, and the unstoppable power of youth.
FEES AND PAYMENTS - REMINDER
We had a few queries around fees over the holiday break so I thought I would post this reminder here:
Our fees are calculated for a years' tuition and then divided into ten (10) monthly payments from February to November. Around the 28th of the month Kimberley will send out your statements with the coming months tuition added to your account. Please note there will be additional fees added closer to eisteddfods, concerts and performances for costumes hire fees, media fees etc.
If you have registered for AutoPay then your tuition will be taken from your nominated account on the first of each month. All other accounts will be due for payment no later than the end of the first week of each month.
If you have any questions or wish to discuss payments going forward please don't hesitate to contact our office manager Kimberley - [email protected] or stop by reception to say hi!
WEllbeing
EMBRACE YOUR UNIQUE JOURNEY
In the fast-paced world of the performing arts, it’s all too easy to compare your journey to that of others. With social media showcasing only the highlights of other performers' careers—auditions, wins, agent signings, and big roles—it can seem like everyone else is achieving more or moving faster. But remember, comparison often leads to self-doubt, anxiety, and unnecessary pressure to conform to someone else’s timeline.
The truth is, every artist’s journey is deeply personal and unique. There is no single roadmap to success, and no one path is better than another. What works for someone else may not be right for you—and that’s more than okay.
Instead of measuring your progress by someone else’s achievements, focus on your own growth.
Keep a creative journal to track your wins, however small—like nailing a difficult scene in class, getting a callback, or simply staying consistent with training. These moments are real and meaningful.
Set personal goals that reflect your own values—not what you think you “should” be doing. For example, aim to expand your vocal range, master a new accent, or create your own work, rather than chasing only external validation.
Celebrate your personal milestones, whether that’s performing in a student showcase, signing up for your first acting course, or getting through a tough audition. These are all valid and important steps.
Surround yourself with a supportive community—mentors, peers, and friends who remind you of your worth and encourage your growth, even when things feel slow.
Trust that what you’re working towards is aligned with your own purpose, and that your path will unfold in its own time. Success in the arts isn’t always about fast breakthroughs; often, it’s about showing up, staying open, building resilience, and allowing your craft to deepen without the burden of comparison.
Your journey is yours alone—and that is exactly what makes it powerful.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
FLYNN ANDERSON
NAPA Student: 2006-2018
We are thrilled to shine a light on NAPA alumnus Flynn Anderson, a true example of talent, resilience, and heart!
Flynn was a dedicated NAPA student from 2006 to 2018, immersing himself in a variety of classes including Broadway (Musical Theatre), Tread the Boards (Plays), Dance, and Performance Teams. His passion for performance and willingness to learn stood out from the very beginning.
Career Highlights:
Since graduating, Flynn has carved out an impressive and diverse career. Some of his standout achievements include:
Competing on Australian Ninja Warrior, showcasing his physical prowess and determination,
Portraying Claude Bukowski in Hair, and this week was awarded People’s Choice Award at the Dolphin Awards for an Outstanding Performance for this role.
Delivering a powerful performance as Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and
Returning to his roots as a permanent player at his beloved NAPA, inspiring the next generation of performers.
The NAPA Impact:
Flynn reflects on how his time at NAPA shaped not only his career but his life.
"My time and training at NAPA taught me that hard work and dedication will outweigh talent every day of the week. I learned the importance of resilience — setbacks don’t define you, but how you respond to them does. NAPA showed me the power of creating a positive, inclusive environment, and the importance of loving and respecting everyone you work with."
Flynn credits NAPA for instilling the values of perseverance, inclusivity, and self-belief — qualities that continue to guide him both on and off the stage.
In His Words:
"NAPA forever changed my life for the better. I am truly honoured to have made the friends and memories I keep close to my heart. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without the National Academy of Performing Arts."
We are incredibly proud of all that Flynn has achieved and grateful to have him continue sharing his passion and wisdom with our NAPA community!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
HOLLIE ANDREW
ACTING SPECIALIST AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
CLASSES — BROADWAY EXTENSION
NAPA has been proud to call the incredibly talented Hollie Andrew part of our team since 2017. After an acclaimed 15-year career that spanned film, television, and the stage, Hollie brings a rare depth of experience, passion, and creative insight to everything she does at NAPA.
A graduate of WAAPA (Music Theatre) and Flinders University (Drama), Hollie’s performance résumé reads like a who’s who of Australian entertainment. She has received awards and nominations across a wide variety of roles in:
🎬 FILM: Somersault
📺 TV: Informer 3838, Underbelly, Double the Fist, Doubletake, Supernova (Series 1 & 2), Fat Tony & Co.
🎭 STAGE: Hair (The Production Co), The Last 5 Years (Echelon), Snugglepot and Cuddlepie (Belvoir), The Sapphires (Company B/Black Swan), The Wog Boys (Australian National Tour), The Rabbits (Opera Australia)
Hollie is also a passionate filmmaker and cinematic triple threat — a director, writer, and actor. She has completed two short films and is currently in the exciting final stages of funding her first full-length feature film as Co-Director, Writer, and Actor.
At NAPA, Hollie’s students benefit not only from her incredible skill and professional knowledge, but also from her genuine dedication to nurturing young performers. Her classes are filled with energy, honesty, and a fearless creative spirit that inspires those around her.
We’re honoured to have Hollie on our faculty — and we can’t wait to see where her artistic journey leads next!
PERFORMANCE TIPS
Feedback is a Gift!
When you're passionate about performing, it’s easy to feel protective of your work — but remember: feedback is one of the greatest gifts you can receive! Every note, comment, or suggestion is an opportunity to grow stronger, sharper, and more connected to your craft.
Here’s how to make the most of feedback:
Listen with an open mind — even if it’s hard to hear.
Thank the person giving it — they’re investing in your growth!
Reflect, don’t react — take time to think about how it applies.
Apply what helps — not every note will resonate, but learning to adapt will set you apart.
Every great performer became great by being coachable. Embrace feedback, and watch yourself soar!
