After-School
Drama Workshops
Fun kids’ drama classes in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie for ages 5-17.
Drama workshops done the right way.
In a Tantrum drama class, kids learn how to use their imaginations to make original performances, using fun drama exercises that build skills in improvisation, acting and story-telling.
Led by professional artists, Tantrum’s inclusive drama workshops are playful, non-competitive environments where young people are encouraged to express and be themselves.
Tantrum is also celebrating its 50th birthday this year! That’s 50 years of arts programs that help young people grow in confidence, connection, and creativity
Book your free trial now!
Weekly Schedule
Hamilton Community Hive
Ages 5-8: Mondays 4.00 pm – 5.00pm (starts 20 July)
Ages 8-12: Thursdays 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm
Ages 13-17: Tuesdays 4.00 pm – 5.30 pm
Rathmines Theatre
Ages 5-8: Mondays 4pm – 5pm (starts 20 July)
Ages 8-12: Wednesday 3.45 pm – 5.15 pm
Ages 12-14: Wednesday 3:45pm – 5:15pm (starts 22 July)
The Place Charlestown Community Centre
For adults with disability
Wednesdays 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
Learn more about Accelerate here
If these days don’t work for your family, let us know by joining our waitlist. If there is enough interest, we will open a new workshop.
2026 Term Dates
Term 1
Term 2
Term 3
Term 4
Price
$295 per term* for 90 min classes (ages 8-12 / 13-17) and Accelerate Ensemble.
How to Enrol
Register for a free trial here.
Or, enrol online for a term of Tantrum’s weekly drama workshops through the Tantrum Youth Arts Portal. If you are a new customer, you will need to create a log in. Please get in touch if you have any difficulties creating your log in or completing an online enrolment.
Once you complete your enrolment(s) you will receive an invoice for workshop fees prior to the start of Term. Fees can be paid via credit/debit card and direct deposit.
New Accelerate Ensemble participants must register for a free trial before enrolling for the term.
Discounts and Payment Options
We accept Creative Kids Vouchers. You can redeem your voucher after you enrol. Information about how to do this is provided in your enrolment confirmation email.
We offer flexible payment plans to all families. Information on how to set up a payment plan is provided in your enrolment confirmation email.
We offer discounts for multiple siblings. 10% off for 2 siblings, 20% off for 3 siblings, 25% off for 4 siblings or more. These discounts are applied to your invoices automatically.
OPEN Scholarships are available for young people experiencing disadvantage. Find out more here.
Social Stories
About our workshops
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 Facilitators are Teaching 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.
Performance Opportunities
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.
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.
Tantrum’s Lake Mac Workshops are supported by Lake Macquarie City Council.
