NAPA News - Week 5, Term 4, 2025
FROM THE DIRECTOR
It’s Little Mermaid week! Our Broadway Tweens are in their final stages of rehearsal to bring this family favourite Disney musical to the stage this weekend. I was so impressed with the cast in their first tech/dress rehearsal last night and can’t wait for you all to see them this weekend. There are a few seats available across the 4 shows, so if you haven’t booked, get in quick! A big thank you as always to our amazing teachers. Miss Laura, Miss Mandy and Miss Jackie have worked hard to bring this show to life. As I type this Miss Laura is already at the studio painting sets, organising props and making sure that the show is ready to go for our cherubs. What a legend!
QUICK REMINDERS
Lots of lost property - parents please check!
Dance Concert rehearsals - please ensure you have these noted
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Respecting Our Staff’s Right to Disconnect
We hope everyone has taken the time to read our previous newsletter articles about our staff’s right to disconnect. As mentioned, parents should not contact staff members through their personal social media accounts, particularly outside of work hours.
Our teachers and team members work incredibly long days to provide the best experience for our students. When they are not at the studio, they deserve the opportunity to rest, recharge, and maintain a healthy work–life balance.
We kindly ask that, regardless of your personal relationship with our staff, you refrain from using social media to discuss work-related matters. If you need to reach someone, please do so through the official NAPA channels — such as email or by contacting the office directly.
Thank you for your understanding and continued respect for our team’s wellbeing.
mini DANCE CONCERT
The cutest day of the year is nearly here! Our Mini Concert is less than 2 weeks away and we cannot wait to see our littlest cherubs up on stage! We will have 2 performances on the 16th of November at 10am and 3pm. Performances by our Mini Ballet, Acro, Tap, Tech and Broadway classes, as well as some of our soloists and duos.
Tickets will be available from 6pm tomorrow, Wednesday the 5th of November.
Parents - please see emails from your teachers regarding extra rehearsals and presentation details.
A SPECIAL VISITOR AT LITTLE MERMAID REHEARSALS
On Saturday, our Broadway Tweens were treated to a special visit from Matt McKenzie, one of our NAPA Ensemble Permanent Players. Matt spent time mentoring Gracie, who is playing Sebastian in the upcoming show.
We’re so lucky to have such incredible mentors within our extended NAPA community! Many of you may remember Matt from his standout performance in FOOTLOOSE earlier this year. Originally from Jamaica, Matt has also played Sebastian before — a performance that earned him Best Supporting Actor at the Gold Palm Theatre Awards.
Thank you, Matt, for your ongoing support of our young performers and for always bringing kindness, generosity, and inspiration to NAPA.
NAPA ACTORS DO HALLOWEEN!
Our Pre-Senior Tread the Boards actors were recently invited to perform at the Varsity Community Halloween Event. They prepared a short, Halloween-themed play and delivered multiple performances throughout the day. We weren’t sure what to expect, but the kids played to full houses each time! It was an incredible experience for our young actors, and we couldn’t be prouder.
A big thank you to Miss Amy for directing our performers, and to Miss Alana for looking after our cherubs on the day while Miss Amy attended NAPA College auditions. Teamwork!
Wellbeing
Surround Yourself with Real Positivity — Not Just “Nice” Words
The people you spend time with can have a big impact on how you feel, how you see yourself, and even how you grow. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with people who lift you up — people who talk kindly, believe in you, and help you become your best self.
But there’s a difference between real positivity and pretend positivity. Real positivity comes from people who truly care about you — who want to see you happy, confident, and growing. Pretend positivity comes from people who only say what you want to hear. They might tell you everything you do is perfect, even when it isn’t, just to keep you feeling good in the moment.
At first, that might sound nice. But over time, it can stop you from learning new things or improving. Real growth happens when we feel supported and gently challenged — when someone can say, “You did great there, and here’s one thing you could try next time.”
Here’s what real positivity looks like:
Honesty with kindness: Friends who can tell you the truth without being hurtful.
Encouragement through effort: People who notice how hard you’re trying, not just when you win or get it right.
Support through ups and downs: Those who stand by you when things go wrong, not just when life is easy.
Respect and empathy: People who listen, care, and help you see your worth even when you doubt yourself.
And remember — being a positive person yourself matters just as much. Be that honest, supportive, kind friend to others. Lift people up, but also be brave enough to tell the truth gently when it can help them grow.
Try this reflection:
Who in your life makes you feel confident and encouraged?
Who gives you feedback that helps you learn?
How can you show the same kind of honest positivity to your friends?
Surround yourself with people who help you shine for real — not just people who say nice things, but those who want to see you become your best, happiest, and strongest self.
CHERUB OF THE WEEK
CONGRATULATIONS DAKOTA!
This week we are celebrating Dakota Chanel!
As many of you know, Dakota has been starring as Annie in the current touring production. Since the show’s Melbourne season closed, she has jumped straight back into the studio — not only returning to her training, but also giving her time and energy to help others.
Dakota has been assisting on our productions, leading activities at the Halloween disco, and stepping in to support teachers wherever needed. That’s the true sign of a NAPA Cherub! From starring role to backstage helper, Dakota shows that being a performer is about more than what happens on stage — it’s about teamwork, humility, and a genuine love for the NAPA community.
Congratulations DAKOTA — we’re so proud of you!
PERFORMANCE TIPS
Be the Kind of Performer Who Shows Up for Others
Being a great performer isn’t just about what you do on stage — it’s also about the kind of person you are off stage. One of the best ways to grow as a performer is to support other performers in their shows, concerts, and events.
When you take the time to go and watch your friends, classmates, or other local performers, a few amazing things happen:
You Learn:
Every performance teaches you something — maybe a new acting choice, a song interpretation, or a way someone handles nerves. Watching others perform helps you pick up techniques and ideas that can inspire your own work.
You Encourage:
Being in the audience for someone else’s show means so much. Your presence says, “I believe in you. I want to see you shine.” That kind of support builds confidence and makes your performance community stronger.
You Build Connections:
The performing arts are about teamwork and shared passion. When you show up for others, you build friendships and respect that often come back around when it’s your turn to perform.
You Grow Character:
Supporting others shows humility and kindness — qualities that make you not just a better performer, but a better person. The best artists lift others up, not just themselves.
Be Willing to Make the Effort:
Sometimes supporting others means going a little out of your way — travelling to another school, venue, or town to watch a show. It takes time and effort, but it shows real commitment and respect for your peers. The performers will never forget that you made the journey to cheer them on.
So next time someone in your group has a play, performance, or musical, go along if you can. Clap loudly. Send a message afterwards. Let them know you’re proud.
