NAPA News - Week 8, Term 1, 2026
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome to Week 8! It’s hard to believe we’re already here, with just two weeks of term remaining. This is always such a full and exciting time, with many of our production classes in the midst of auditions and casting their shows.
We hope our recent performance tips and wellbeing blogs around audition season have been helpful, and that you’ve been able to share some of these insights with your children. While this time brings plenty of excitement, it can also come with big emotions as our young performers navigate auditioning for the first time, adjusting expectations, or simply managing the nerves and energy that come with the process.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve placed a strong focus on supporting our students (and families) through this season, and we hope these resources have helped you feel more prepared and confident in guiding your child through both the highs and the challenges.
As always, thank you for your ongoing support of our students and community, we’re so proud of the resilience, courage and growth we’re seeing in our young performers every day as they step into these opportunities.
A reminder to ensure you are checking the NAPA calendar for all dates for the year. Have a great week all!
QUICK REMINDERS
Lost property - Please be sure to check this regularly throughout the year.
Jewellery - a quick reminder that excessive jewellery is not to be worn to any NAPA classes and that any earrings worn in dance class should be small studs or sleepers only. No other jewellery should be worn in dance classes, as this creates a safety hazard for dancers and their peers. PLEASE LEAVE AT HOME to avoid losing anything precious.
Footwear - please note that there will be strict guidelines around footwear at NAPA this year. This is for the safety of our young dancers - Jazz, Combo, Technique and Performance Team students must wear jazz shoes - Hip Hop, Tread the Boards and Broadway students must wear sneakers or jazz shoes - Ballet students must wear ballet shoes and Tap students must wear tap shoes. The only class where bare feet will be allowed is lyrical/contemporary, and we recommend students wear black dance or NAPA socks to these classes. Students will not be able to participate in class if they do not have the appropriate footwear.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
REMINDER - LAST CHANCE TO ORDER
Last chance to order new items - some basics items will remain on sale, however all items pictured below will be closed off on Saturday at midday. We recommend popping into reception and trying on, as some of the sizes are quite varied. We are still awaiting our new boys jackets, senior wide leg track-pants and senior unitards, which will hopefully be here soon. To order simply visit your parent portal and click on “Store”. A reminder that all performance Team students require the new tracksuit or Activated Industry Tracksuit (no new stock) for 2026 comps.
Orders will be closed as of Saturday 28th March.
CONGRATULATIONS BROADWAY BOUND STUDENTS
Congratulations cherubs! Meet the cast of ONCE UPON A ONE MORE TIME.
When a rogue fairy godmother introduces feminist literature, princesses begin questioning their “happily ever after,” turning the fairy tale world upside down. Once Upon a One More Time is a jukebox musical featuring 23 hits by Britney Spears, such as “Toxic” and “Oops!... I Did It Again”. It re-imagines classic fairy tale princesses who embark on a quest for empowerment after reading The Feminine Mystique.
We can’t wait to see this fun musical come to life with this fabulous cast!
NAPA COLLEGE CAMP
Every year our College students go on an adventure to the Currumbin Education and Environmental camp. They learn strategies that will help them with their training, personal growth and team bonding, and they always return with the best stories. I thought it would be the perfect idea to share some of their quotes upon returning from camp this year, along with some feedback from one of our lovely parents.
“I had the best time of my life"!”
“Best camp ever! Such an amazing experience. I’m so grateful for all of it.”
“It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.”
“My heart is bursting from all this happiness.”
and from one of our parents…
“She has reported that camp was, in her words, the best experience of her life (and I can attest that she has had some pretty amazing experiences in her short life) so I was all ears haha. From listening to her stories, I feel she has experienced growth in the following areas; perseverance, inner strength, awareness around capability (being more capable than thought), vulnerability and empathy, and teamwork.”
How wonderful to hear that our students embraced this experience and had such a wonderful time. A massive thanks to Miss Mandy, Miss Alana and Miss Amy for supporting the students through this journey. We couldn’t do it without you!
CONGRATULATIONS COURTNEY AND JORDAN!
Miss Kim and Mr David were lucky enough to see our graduate Courtney Monsma and our Mr Jordan in Side by Side with Sondheim at QPAC last weekend. The show was a wonderful collaboration of Sondheim numbers and I don’t think I’m being biased when I say that Courtney and Jordan were absolute standouts!
It was so lovely to see current and past NAPA students in attendance also. It is so important for our students to be seeing different works and supporting local theatre. I am always so happy when I bump into a NAPA cherub in the audience!
Congratulations to Courtney and Jordan on their performances. We are blessed to be able to witness your talents in our local theatre community!
Wellbeing
The Importance of Friendship in the Arts
The performing arts are built on connection. Whether it’s sharing the stage, rehearsing long hours together, or celebrating the final curtain call, the relationships we form along the way become a huge part of the experience.
This week has been a strong reminder of just how important those friendships are. We’ve seen some challenges, particularly around auditions and casting, where disappointment and heightened emotions have led to unkind comments or a lack of support between peers. It’s completely natural to feel upset or frustrated when things don’t go the way we hoped, but how we respond in those moments matters.
Being a supportive friend in the arts means celebrating others’ successes, even when you’re feeling disappointed yourself. It means showing kindness in your words and actions, both in the room and behind the scenes. Theatre is a small and interconnected industry, and the people you train alongside today may be the people you work with in the future…or even those sitting on an audition panel one day.
At the same time, we also want to acknowledge the incredibly positive moments we’ve seen this week. Some of our senior students showed genuine care and maturity in supporting a classmate who was having a difficult time. Looking out for one another, checking in, and standing beside a friend when they need it most is what a strong community is all about, and we are so proud of the compassion shown.
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate challenges alone. If you are worried about yourself or a friend, please speak to a trusted adult, whether that’s a teacher, director, or parent. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and it allows us to make sure everyone feels supported, safe, and heard.
At its heart, the arts are about storytelling, empathy, and human connection. The way we treat each other offstage is just as important as what we present onstage. Kindness, respect, and support will not only make your experience more enjoyable, but will also help build the kind of artist…and person…that others want to work with.
Let’s continue to look out for one another, celebrate each other, and create a community we can all be proud of.
CHERUB OF THE WEEK
CONGRATULATIONS, MAYA!
This week we are celebrating Maya! Maya is new to NAPA in 2026 and she is one of our first-year NAPA College Certificate IV students. Maya’s teachers have noted that she has really started to step outside her comfort zone and push herself with her acting, producing wonderful work in class. Miss Hannah is proud of Maya for the amount of new choreography she has already learned in Performance Teams. She also mentioned how she is always working hard and that her attitude in class is always positive. This is the kind of work ethic we love to see and we know that the results will speak for themselves!
Congratulations, MAYA … we’re so proud of you! ✨
PERFORMANCE TIPS
Understanding the Whole World of Theatre
When we think about theatre, it’s easy to focus on what we see on stage…the performers, the storytelling, and the spotlight moments. But behind every great performance is an entire team of people working together to bring a production to life.
From directors and stage managers to lighting and sound technicians, costume designers, set builders, and front-of-house staff, theatre is truly a collaborative art form. Every role, both onstage and off, plays a vital part in the final performance.
As performers, it’s so important to develop an understanding of these different areas. Not only does this make you a more well-rounded and adaptable artist, but it also builds a deeper appreciation for the process as a whole. When you understand how cues are called, how costumes are managed, or how lighting shapes a scene, you become more aware, responsive, and connected in your own performance.
Equally important is respect. Theatre relies on trust, teamwork, and mutual support. Taking the time to acknowledge and value the work of those around you…whether they’re backstage, in the tech booth, or helping prepare you before you step on stage…creates a stronger, more positive environment for everyone involved.
So how can you start learning more? Look for opportunities to get involved beyond performing. Volunteer to help backstage on a production, assist with props or costumes, or observe a rehearsal from a different perspective. Ask questions, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
Finding a mentor…whether it’s a teacher, director, or experienced peer…can also be incredibly valuable. Having someone guide you, answer your questions, and share their own experiences can open your eyes to new aspects of the industry you may not have considered.
You might even discover a new passion along the way. Many performers find a love for directing, choreography, stage management, or technical theatre once they’ve had the chance to explore it. These experiences not only deepen your understanding but can also expand your opportunities within the performing arts.
The more you learn about the full world of theatre, the more you realise that no role is “small” and no contribution goes unnoticed. Great performers aren’t just focused on their own part, they understand the bigger picture and celebrate the team that makes it all possible.
