Kids drama classes in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie for ages 8-17.
Term 1 workshops in Hamilton & Rathmines.

Drama workshops done the right way.

Our weekly drama classes in the Hunter region train participants in devised theatre techniques and original performance making. Using drama exercises, including improvisation, character building, story structure and theatre craft, our teaching artists guide Tantrum participants to investigate, interrogate and explore the world around them, channelling these ideas into bold original theatre.

Our workshops are inclusive and non-competitive environments, prioritising well-being, creative expression, and fun. We have a reputation for being a place where participants find belonging.

Our workshops are also less high-pressure than others in the region: we have no uniforms or rewards systems. Instead, we provide a carefully structured environment, facilitated by our professional teaching artists, that encourages participants to express themselves and be heard.

Our Tantrum participants are new artists: engaging in purposeful play to develop skills in communication, acting, collaboration, critical thinking, and performance. We don’t train actors – we nurture makers, story-tellers, critical thinkers and artists.

Our weekly workshops are led by professional actors, writers, film makers, directors, and producers who are working in the industry, and overseen by our Creative Director Nel Kentish who has a Master of Arts Practice (Performance) and has been a maker and director of theatre with young people for over 15 years.

Our facilitators have current First Aid training, and current NSW Working With Children Checks.

Tantrum artists have the opportunity to create and perform up to three new theatre works during the year, which are developed both in our weekly workshop programs and through opting in to project-specific performance ensembles.

In 2026, Tantrum is turning 50 years old. We are celebrating this milestone by creating an original intergenerational performance work called Press Play.

The Press Play Ensemble will be the lead devisers on the project, working with Creative Director Nel to shape the show and perform lead roles in the production.

Expressions of interest for the Press Play Ensemble will open in 2026.