NAPA News - Week 8, Term 3, 2025
FROM THE DIRECTOR
As we head into Week 8, my heart is so full. Watching our students thrive in their classes has been such a joy. This week I’ve overheard so many little voices exclaiming, “I’ve had the best day ever,” “I love it here,” and “I had the best time.” There is nothing more important than that pure joy for performing — whether it’s in the classroom, at rehearsal, or on stage. Happy kids always produce the best outcomes, and I am absolutely thrilled to see so much joy and passion shining through at the studio.
QUICK REMINDERS
LOST AND FOUND WILL BE DONATED AT END OF TERM - PLEASE CHECK
IT’S GETTING WARMER IN THE DAY BUT IT’S STILL COLD AT NIGHT - DON’T FORGET YOUR JUMPERS!
DON’T FORGET TO LOG ABSENCES IN YOUR PARENT PORTAL
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
We are thrilled to share some exciting news — NAPA College is expanding in 2026!
Do you want to train in a safe, supportive, and professional environment, while also continuing your schooling? NAPA College will soon be offering full-time training for students from Grade 9 through to pre-professional level with accredited courses for all ages.
We are also taking Expressions of Interest for:
Part-time courses for students in Grades 7 and 8
Home-schooling programs for Primary-aged students
NAPA COLLEGE FULL-TIME COURSES
CUA30120 Certificate III in Dance – 1 year
(available for students in Grades 9–10)CUA40520 Certificate IV in Musical Theatre – 2 years
(available for students in Grades 10–12)CUA50213 Diploma of Musical Theatre – 1 year
(available for students in Grade 12 and above)Emerging Artist Program – 1 year, non-accredited
(available for students in Grade 12 and above)
Our Certificate III in Dance has been carefully designed to support students aspiring to pursue a Musical Theatre qualification in their senior years. This foundation year provides intensive dance training to prepare students for the high expectations of the Certificate IV program, while also including weekly acting and singing training. The Cert III can be undertaken in either Grade 9 or 10, allowing students to transition into the Cert IV in Grade 10 or 11.
Entry Requirements
All students are required to attend an audition and interview process to qualify for entry into these courses.
If you are interested in being part of this exciting new chapter at NAPA College, please reach out to our team for further information.
PERFORMANCE TEAM CONCERT
Well done to our Performance Teams on their successful two shows over the weekend. As I said in my note above - the joy of performing absolutely shone through! So many audience members told me “My cheeks hurt! I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face the whole night”. That’s what it’s all about!
Next up for our teams is Evolution Gold Coast. Parents, make sure you’re on top of all correspondence and have noted your arrival times for the weekend.
TICKETS
Don’t forget to secure your tickets for April Aardvark and Winnie the Pooh. Both of these shows are shaping up to be amazing and we can’t wait to see the kids shine! Let’s fill the audiences for them.
Wellbeing
Navigating Performance Anxiety as a Young Artist
Stepping onto a stage, into an audition room, or even in front of your peers can be exhilarating—but it can also be terrifying. For many young performers, performance anxiety isn’t just “a few nerves.” It can feel overwhelming, even debilitating, and leave you questioning whether you’re cut out for the arts at all. The truth is: you’re not alone. Every artist, from beginners to Broadway stars, navigates anxiety at some point in their journey.
Understanding Performance Anxiety
Performance anxiety often shows up as:
Racing heart, sweaty palms, shaky hands and/or feeling numb and like all the blood has drained from your body
Forgetting lines or choreography you know perfectly in rehearsal
Negative thoughts like “I’m going to mess this up” or “I’m not good enough”
Avoiding auditions, showcases, or opportunities out of fear
These feelings are your body’s fight-or-flight response. It’s not proof that you’re failing—it’s simply your nervous system working overtime.
Strategies to Navigate Anxiety as an Artist
1. Name It, Don’t Hide It
Admitting “I get performance anxiety” takes courage. Once you name it, you take away some of its power. Talk to a teacher, mentor, or parent—chances are, they’ve been there too.
2. Shift Your Perspective
Instead of focusing on the possibility of mistakes, reframe nerves as energy. That racing heart? It’s your body giving you fuel to perform.
3. Ground Yourself
Simple grounding techniques before going on stage can help:
Take five deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth
Plant your feet firmly and feel your weight supported
Visualise a calm place or imagine a successful performance
4. Prepare and Trust the Work
Preparation builds confidence. The more you rehearse, the stronger your muscle memory becomes. Remind yourself: “I’ve done the work. My body knows what to do.”
5. Create a Pre-Performance Ritual
Athletes and artists alike use rituals to steady themselves: a warm-up song, a breathing exercise, a pep-talk, or a team huddle.
6. Detach Your Worth from the Outcome
This is the hardest—but most freeing—step. Whether you forget a line, miss a step, or land the lead role, none of it defines your value. You are more than your performance.
IT HAPPENS EVEN TO PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS
Adele
“I’m scared of audiences. I get [so] scared. One show in Amsterdam, I was so nervous I escaped out the fire exit. I’ve thrown up a couple of times. Once in Brussels, I projectile-vomited on someone. I just gotta bear it. But I don’t like touring. I have anxiety attacks a lot.”
Shawn Mendes
“Talking about the problem, putting it out there, was one of the scariest but most important things I’ve ever done… I still struggle with it but just remember every day that everyone deals with some level of anxiety or pressure; we’re all in it together.”
Ellie Goulding
“I thought I was having a heart attack… I was so scared I reached over to this woman and said, ‘I think I’m dying’.”
Final Thought
Performance anxiety can feel huge in the moment, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. With the right strategies, support, and self-kindness, you can step into the spotlight not without nerves—but with the ability to carry them with you and still shine.
Remember: your artistry is not measured by how calm you feel before stepping on stage, but by your courage to step out there anyway.
CHERUB OF THE WEEK
CONGRATULATIONS LOIS SCOTT!
This week we are celebrating Lois Scott! Miss Kim has noticed that Lois is always one of the first to put her hand up to help, whether it’s in class or around the studio. She is constantly offering assistance to her teachers and always greets everyone with a big smile. Lois works hard in her lessons, and on Saturdays she gives her time as a student helper in our Broadway Kids class. She also represents NAPA with pride in all her performing arts ventures, both inside and outside of the studio.
Congratulations, Lois – we’re so proud of you!
PERFORMANCE TIPS
Respect: The Heart of Every Great Performance
👉 A Note to Parents
Please take a moment to read this article and share it with your child. While we work hard to teach professionalism, teamwork, and respect in the studio and rehearsal room, these lessons are most powerful when they’re reinforced at home. Together, we can help our young performers grow not only as artists, but as respectful, responsible individuals who understand the value of every person involved in bringing a production to life.
When the curtain rises, the audience sees the performers shining under the lights—but what they don’t always see is the huge team working tirelessly behind the scenes to make that magic possible. As young performers, it’s so important to remember that respect is the foundation of every successful production.
Respecting the Tech Crew
The sound and lighting operators, stage managers, set builders, and crew are the quiet heroes of every show. They make sure your microphone is on, your spotlight finds you, the set changes happen smoothly, and that the story flows seamlessly. Without them, even the most talented cast couldn’t perform at their best. A simple “thank you” after rehearsals or performances goes a long way. Showing patience and kindness, especially when things get stressful, builds a team spirit that everyone can be proud of.
Respecting Costumes & Wardrobe Teams
Costumes are an essential part of bringing a character to life. Even if you don’t love the way something feels or looks, remember that a wardrobe team has spent hours sourcing, designing, or sewing it just for you. Complaining about costumes not only disrespects their hard work, but also lowers the morale of the whole cast. Instead, wear your costume with pride—it’s part of the storytelling!
Professional Attitude & Behaviour
Professionalism isn’t just for Broadway stars—it starts here, with you. Being on time, staying focused, listening to directions, and treating every rehearsal like it matters sets the tone for everyone. Respect also means encouraging your peers, celebrating their successes, and keeping a positive attitude even when you’re tired or nervous.
The Big Picture
At the end of the day, theatre is a team sport. Every person—from the lead performer to the crew member moving scenery in black clothes—plays an equally important role in bringing the show to life. Respect isn’t just good manners, it’s what makes the whole production run smoothly and makes performing an experience everyone can enjoy.
