NAPA News - Week 2, Term 2, 2026
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome to Term 2. We have hit the ground running, hence the late newsletter! All of our production classes are now cast for upcoming shows, and everyone is now settling into the rehearsal process. Make sure you share this week’s Performance Tips with your child on how to get the most out of the rehearsal process.
A reminder to keep up to date with all of our NAPA dates by checking our calendar. Our calendar has details for shows, term dates and public holidays. This coming Monday the 4th is a public holiday for our College students but afternoon/evening classes remain on.
Have a wonderful rest of the week and try to stay dry!
QUICK REMINDERS
please read!
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
UNIFORMS
Some uniforms are currently ready for collection, however we do have a few on back order that should be here by week 4. Kimberley will keep everyone updated with your child’s uniform availability. As we are getting into the cooler months please ensure your child is wearing our new warm-up jacket or similar to dance classes, not baggy jumpers. Tracksuit pants are only to be worn in hip hop or tap and should not be worn in any other dance classes. A reminder that excessive jewellery and hoop earrings are NOT to be worn in any classes that do dance or physical activity. This is a safety issue, and students will be asked to remove any item that is not approved by their teachers.
CONGRATULATIONS TreaD the boards STUDENTS
Congratulations cherubs! Our Pre-Senior and Senior Tread the Boards classes have now cast their shows and are already underway with rehearsals. We are so excited to see what each class brings to the stage this year. Thank you to Miss Amy and Miss Cilla for all their hard work with our young actors!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT - CONGRATULATIONS Miss Amy, Mr matt and miss kim!
Miss Amy, Mr Matt and myself have had the honour of staging Come From Away at Spotlight Theatre. The show opens this Friday and also stars many of our NAPA family, including Miss Jacy, NAPA graduates Flynn Anderson and Todd Jesson and NAPA Ensemble Permanent Players Matt McKenzie and Samantha Price.
Come From Away is a Tony-winning musical telling the true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, after the 9/11 attacks. The small town welcomes the "come from aways" (newcomers), forging lasting bonds and showing immense compassion over five days. It is an uplifting, fast-paced show about humanity, kindness, and community resilience.
We’d love to see some of our NAPA family in the audience. Tickets are selling fast, so get in quick!
CONGRATULATIONS ALEX AND ZARAH!
We’re so proud to celebrate two of our students, Zarah and Alex, who were recently recognised at Full Out Dance Competition, not just for their performances, but for the way they conducted themselves off stage.
Zarah was awarded the Jazzy Harper Award, a special honour that recognises dancers who uplift those around them. Throughout the event, she was seen cheering on fellow performers, making connections, and supporting her peers with genuine care and kindness.
Similarly, Alex was praised for dancing her heart out while also embracing the spirit of the day … enjoying time with friends, supporting others, and contributing to a positive, encouraging backstage environment. To top it off she was awarded Highest Scoring Soloist and 1st in the Championship!
Both students embody the values we strive to nurture: strong work ethic, kindness, and respect for others. Their sportsmanship, support of their peers, and positive attitude are just as important as their achievements on stage, and we couldn’t be prouder!
A special thank you to Mr Michael for going to support the girls. I know that made their day!
Wellbeing
STAYING HEALTHY IN AUTUMN
As the weather starts to cool and we move into the cozier months of the year, it’s the perfect time for performing arts students to reset their routines and prioritise their health. The change of season can bring exciting energy, but it also comes with its challenges. Lower temperatures, busy rehearsal schedules, and increased fatigue can all impact how we feel physically and mentally. Staying healthy now isn’t just about avoiding illness… it’s about keeping your instrument (your body and voice!) in top condition so you can continue to perform at your best.
One of the most important things to focus on during this time is immune support. With more time spent indoors and in close contact with others in classes and rehearsals, colds and viruses can spread quickly. Simple habits make a big difference: washing your hands regularly, staying hydrated, and fuelling your body with nourishing foods. Warm meals, plenty of vegetables, and foods rich in vitamins can help keep your system strong and resilient.
For singers and actors, vocal health becomes especially important in cooler weather. Cold air can be drying, which may lead to strain or irritation. Keeping your voice warm (literally!) by drinking warm fluids, doing gentle vocal warm-ups, and avoiding excessive shouting or whispering can help maintain vocal strength. If your throat feels tired, it’s important to listen to your body and rest when needed.
Dancers and physical performers may notice their bodies feeling tighter in colder temperatures. Muscles take longer to warm up, which increases the risk of injury if we rush into movement. Taking extra time to stretch properly, layering clothing to keep muscles warm, and cooling down thoroughly after class are all essential habits to build. Think of your warm-up as non-negotiable…it’s your first line of defence against injury.
Sleep and recovery are often overlooked but are vital during seasonal transitions. As schedules become more demanding, it’s easy to push through tiredness, but this is when your body needs rest the most. Aim for consistent sleep routines where possible, and allow yourself time to recover between rehearsals and performances. Rest is not a setback—it’s part of the process.
Finally, don’t forget about your mental wellbeing. The shift in seasons can sometimes affect mood and motivation. Staying connected with your classmates, supporting one another, and maintaining open communication with teachers can make a big difference. If you’re feeling run down or overwhelmed, speaking up is a strong and important step.
As we head into the cooler months, remember that taking care of yourself is part of being a performer. When you prioritise your health, you’re setting yourself up for stronger rehearsals, more confident performances, and a more enjoyable experience overall.
Stay warm, stay well, and keep shining on stage!
CHERUB OF THE WEEK
CONGRATULATIONS, JESSIE!
A huge congratulations to Jessie, our Cherub of the Week! Jessie is a member of our 8’s Performance Team, Dance Program and Broadway Kids class where she is playing the role of ‘Mowgli’ in The Jungle Book. Jessie has shown outstanding dedication and initiative by taking the time to learn the entire show and already confidently knowing her role… an incredible effort that truly sets her apart.
She consistently arrives at every lesson prepared and ready to work, bringing with her a fantastic attitude and exemplary behaviour. Jessie’s commitment, focus, and positivity make her a wonderful role model for her peers.
We are so proud of the effort you’re putting in, Jessie… keep up the amazing work! 🌟
Congratulations, JESSIE… we’re so proud of you! ✨
PERFORMANCE TIPS
Getting the Most Out of the Rehearsal Process – Learning Through Doing
As rehearsals begin, it’s easy to think the goal is to get everything “right” as quickly as possible. But the truth is, the rehearsal process isn’t about perfection, it’s about growth. The best performers understand that you don’t learn a show by watching, waiting, or worrying… you learn by doing.
“Learning through doing” means fully participating in every moment of rehearsal, even when things feel unfamiliar or challenging. It’s about giving things a go, making mistakes, adjusting, and trying again. That’s where the real progress happens.
In early rehearsals, you might not feel completely confident with choreography, lines, or vocals and that’s completely normal. Instead of holding back, lean in. Mark the movements, speak the lines, try the harmonies. Even if it’s not perfect yet, your brain and body are starting to build the connections you need. Every time you actively try, you’re one step closer to mastering it.
It’s also important to stay engaged, even when you’re not the focus. Watch others rehearse, listen to direction, and mentally run through your own parts. You’ll often pick up valuable notes that apply to you as well. Being present and observant is a powerful way to keep learning, even from the sidelines.
Preparation plays a big role too. Coming to rehearsal with lines reviewed, choreography practiced, or music listened to means you can spend more time doing rather than catching up. It allows you to take creative risks, explore your character, and refine your performance instead of just trying to remember what comes next.
Mistakes are a crucial part of the process. Rather than feeling embarrassed or frustrated, try to see them as feedback. Every missed step or forgotten line is simply showing you what to work on. The more you’re willing to try … and sometimes get it wrong … the faster you’ll improve.
For older students especially, stepping up when others are away or unsure is another way to learn through doing. Volunteering to run a scene, help a peer, or try a different role builds confidence, adaptability, and leadership skills.
Finally, remember that effort and attitude matter just as much as talent. Showing up ready to participate, staying focused, and giving your best each rehearsal will always take you further than waiting until you feel “ready.”
Rehearsals are your training ground. They’re where you experiment, grow, and discover what you’re capable of. So don’t sit on the sidelines of your own learning … jump in, give it a go, and trust that every step forward (even the messy ones) is helping you become a stronger performer.
Keep showing up, keep trying, and most importantly…keep doing!
