fbpx

Drama, Musical Theatre & Voice Classes in Newcastle

Based at our Newcastle studio, Hive Performing Arts is a hub of activity for budding performers and musicians, offering skill development in Drama, Acting and Musical Theatre as well as piano and voice with highly skilled performing arts teachers. 

2024 Productions

Term Classes

Join a world of creativity, imagination and fun!

Performing Arts Classes

5-16 years

Drama Classes

Drama at Hive is focused on developing authentic acting skills using the face and body to express a range of emotions through expression and movement. In class, students are guided by our experienced actors and drama tutors, to work together with other students, create scripts and scenes and build confidence.

Class Location:
All Drama classes are held at our studio in Charlestown, Newcastle. 

Class Duration:
1hr

Class Fee:
$22/class ($220/10 week term)
Payment can be made upfront or monthly installments

Performance Opportunities & Fees:
Hive Drama students will be showcasing 2 performances, in term 1 and term 3 at Hunter theatre. Find out more about each of the performance dates and fees.

Class Uniform:
Student are required to purchase a Hive performing arts t-shirt to wear to class weekly. Purchase from the Hive SHOP. 

Makeups:
2 makups classes are available for Performing Arts students per term. Notify your absence no less than 2 hrs before your class (via the Client Portal) to receive a makeup token. Makeups have no expiry, however may only be accessed while you are enrolled.

9-16 Years

Drama Performance Troupe

Students will continue to develop, grasp and explore the understanding of characters, script work and stage craft. Working towards two performances per year in term 1 and term 3. Students will build on the skills they have started to develop in the fundamentals of acting, stage awareness, improvisation and development of characters. 

Entry Requirements:
Entry by audition – submit a 1min monologue audition by video.  Students need to have demonstrated consistent development of drama skills within group and individual environments within ‘Drama Basics’ program and must be interested in and comfortable with reading & memorising basic scripts.

Please see below the link to the class application form, if you would like to apply.

Class Location:
All Drama classes are held at our studio in Charlestown, Newcastle. 

Class Duration:
1hr

Class Fee:
$25/class ($250/10 week term)

Performance Opportunities & Fees:
Hive Drama Performance Troupe students will be showcasing 2 performances, in term 1 and term 3 at Hunter theatre. Find out more about each of the performance dates and fees.

Class Uniform: 
Student are required to purchase a Hive performing arts t-shirt to wear to class weekly. Purchase from the Hive SHOP. 

Makeups:
2 makups classes are available for Performing Arts students per term. Notify your absence no less than 2 hrs before your class (via the Client Portal) to receive a makeup token. Makeups have no expiry, however may only be accessed while you are enrolled.

5-16 Years

Musical Theatre Classes

In Musical Theatre, the three great performing arts of singing, dancing and acting combine to create one vibrant performance experience. In each class, students learn to sing and refine their singing technique; learn dance movements and choreographed sequence for each song; act out scenes, try out characters and learn their part in the class performance.

Class Location:
All Musical Theatre classes are held at our studio in Charlestown, Newcastle. 

Class Duration:
1hr

Class Fee:
$22/class ($220/10 week term)

Performance Opportunities & Fees:
• Hive Musical Theatre students will be showcasing 2 performances, in term 1 and term 3 at Hunter Theatre.

Find out more about each of the performance dates and fees.

Class Uniform: 
Student are required to purchase a Hive performing arts t-shirt to wear to class weekly. Purchase from the Hive SHOP. 

Makeups:
2 makups classes are available for Performing Arts students per term. Notify your absence no less than 2 hrs before your class (via the Client Portal) to receive a makeup token. Makeups have no expiry, however may only be accessed while you are enrolled.

3 – 5 YEAR OLDS

Preschool Performing Arts

Perfect for the budding performer! 
We harness imagination to begin your childs’ creative journey with a fusion of dance, singing and drama.
Focusing on the foundational skills of emotional intelligence, collaborative creative thinking and self-regulation, we use sensory play, dance, movement and theatrical games to build their confidence to perform.
These vibrant class experiences with their new friends aim to develop a lifelong love for the performing arts.

Our Preschool Performing Arts class is available for:
• 3.5-5 year olds (this is a drop-off/pick up class)

Class Duration:
45 min

Class Location:
All Music classes are held at our Charlestown studio in Newcastle.

Class Fees:
Term Upfront: $23/week ($230/10 week term)
Monthly Flexi Plan: $26/week ($260/10 week term)
Multi-Class Discount:
2 preschool classes/week/student/$44*

* excludes Bee-School

Class Uniform: 
No uniform required. 

Unlimited Makeups:
Unlimited makeups are available for 0-5 year old classes. Notify your absence no less than 2 hrs before your class (via the Client Portal) to receive a makeup token. Makeups have no expiry, however may only be accessed while you are enrolled.

5 – 16 YEAR OLDS

Major Productions

Hive has an exciting line up of 2 major productions in 2024! Check out details of upcoming productions and audition dates! Auditions are open to all students aged 5-16.

The Little Mermaid Jr | July 4th – July 7th, 2024

Seussical Kids | December 12th – December 15th, 2024

Learn From Industry Professionals

Danny Folpp | Bach. Music

Danny has been performing on stage for the last 15 years. Having studied at the Australian Institute of Music with industry professionals...
Danny has been performing on stage for the last 15 years. Having studied at the Australian Institute of Music (Musical Theatre) with industry professionals, he has grasped the absolute desire to continue his pursuit on stage and as a creative. Most recent performances with Metropolitan Players include SHREK (2022), PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT (2021) and BEAUTY & THE BEAST (2019).
Performing in The Very Popular Theatre Company’s CHESS starring David Harris and Sylvie Paladino (2021) and BILLY ELLIOT (2023).
Chookas Entertainment’s COMPANY (2023), CHICAGO (2022) and Opera Hunter’s YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (2021).
Danny will be performing in March 2024 at the Civic Theatre Newcastle in the Very Popular Theatre Company’s SUPERSTARS concert featuring Marina Prior and Sylie Paladino.
Recent directing credits include LEGALLY BLONDE (2023), 12 ANGRY MEN (2023), JERRY’S GIRLS (2023) and SHREK JR (2023)
Danny is thrilled to be directing ANNIE in 2024 with Chookas Entertainment, and Directing and performing in Catch Me If You Can with What Theatre Company.
His latest venture is founding What Theatre Company. Built for budding performers of all ages to hone their craft in performing arts.
Chauntelle O'Brien | Dip. Musical Theatre

Chauntelle has obtained her Diploma of Musical Theatre, Diploma of Elite Performance (Dance), Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media...
Chauntelle has been dancing for 27 years in styles such as Classical Ballet (BBO & RAD), Jazz, Tap (LGTDA & BBO), Contemporary, Show Girl and National Character. Chauntelle successfully created and operated CADA (Chauntelle Alydia Dance Academy) for 6 years and has been a dance teaching for 16 years at various studios. During this time she obtained her Diploma of Musical Theatre, Diploma of Elite Performance (Dance), Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (The Actor’s Program), Diploma of Dance Teaching and most recently Certificate IV in Leadership and Management.
Chauntelle has been an active member of the entertainment industry from a young age, showing an interest in acting and dancing. Since then, she has gone on to be involved in commercials, short films, music videos, theatre productions and musicals.
Some notable roles include Janet Van de Graaf from “Drowsy Chaperone” (2023), Yvette from “Clue” (2023), Miriam from “Fly By Night” (2016) and Sandra from “Trevor” (2017). Other production she has been in are Legally Blonde, Shrek, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Young Frankenstein.
She has also had the pleasure of choreographing ”Witches of Eastwick” (2023), Jerry’s Girls (2023), “Shrek JR” (2023), “Urinetown the Musical” (2022), City of Newcastle Drama Association Award Ceremony (2021) and “Stepping Out” (2019). In 2024 she is looking forward to choreographing “Catch Me If You Can” for What Theatre Company and “Bonnie and Clyde” for Stand and Deliver. 
Her latest venture is founding What Theatre Company. Built for budding performers of all ages to hone their craft in performing arts.
Beth Peach-Robinson | Bach. Music

Originally from the UK, Beth began her training at Cardiff University, obtaining a Degree in Music. She then went on to study Musical Theatre...

Beth is a singer and actress with a passion for Early Years Education.

Originally from the UK, Beth began her training at Cardiff University, obtaining a Degree in Music. She then went on to study Musical Theatre at the Royal Academy of Music in London. After graduating she went on to tour the UK and Internationally with multiple musicals.

She has previously taught Musical Theatre for the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, where she realised the joy in sharing her skills and love for music and performing with children.

Since moving to Australia Beth has fronted a local function band performing at weddings and music venues across the Hunter.

Beth has two beautiful children who are her inspiration, and further sparked her love for early childhood development. Beth feels so lucky to be a part of the Hive team, getting to do what she loves everyday with such a wonderful community of families.

Francesco Bertoni

Francesco started performing at the age of 12 in Italy. He studied throughout the years singing, acting, dancing, piano and drums...

Francesco started performing at the age of 12 in Italy. He studied throughout the years singing, acting, dancing, piano and drums.

He successfully graduated in musical theatre at the Bernstein School of Musical Theatre (Bologna, Italy). He then performed in a range of shows on national tours for 2 years before moving to Paris to become a parade character performer in Disneyland Paris for 4 years.

In local theatre he appeared as Tyler in “Merrily we roll along”, Paul in “Company” and Lewis in “Pippin”. He is also a member of the Newcastle Chamber Choir since June 2022.

Meet the Full Performing Arts Team

Chauntelle O’Brien

Danny Folpp

Francesco Bertoni

Beth Peach-Robinson

Eloise Sheean

Rebecca Hrobat

Bridget Ponmon

Shuna Mackay

Bonnie McPeak