A Storytelling and Drama Workshop for Ages 5 to 8

Wednesday 22 January, 2025 | 10am | GPAC Function Rooms 1 and 2

Do you like making up crazy, imaginative tales? Do you enjoy pretending you are a whole other character in a whole other place and time? How about meeting new friends who like doing the exact same thing?  

Em Chandler invites you to join an adventure that explores the ins-and-outs, ups-and-downs, sideways and crossways of fairy tales and fables. From ‘the rule of three’ to the ‘clock striking midnight,’ creatures that shift shape and misfit monsters who are not what they seem.  

Storytelling is as old as time, and a wonderful way of opening the door to self-expression and confidence. To bounce ideas off other children and to belong.    

Em Chandler (she/they) is a lauded storyteller, magician, and theatre-maker, bringing her unique repertoire of spells, stories and songs to intimate community events and major festivals.  

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time, Mary Poppins, is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! 

Friday 23 August| 7.30pm | GPAC Main Theatre

Saturday 24 August| 1.30pm | GPAC Main Theatre

Saturday 24 August| 7.30pm | GPAC Main Theatre

Sunday 25 August| 1.30pm | GPAC Main Theatre

Friday 30 August| 7.30pm | GPAC Main Theatre

Saturday 31 August| 1.30pm | GPAC Main Theatre

Saturday 31 August| 7.30pm | GPAC Main Theatre

Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft.  

Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.  

The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. 

Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. 

Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything Can Happen if You let it”.  

For the first time, the VCAA is bringing Top Class concerts to regional Victoria. Audiences will enjoy a selection of top performing VCE Drama, Theatre Studies, and Dance students from 2023. 

Concert | Tuesday 16 April | 10am | GPAC Main Theatre | From $12.00

This dynamic concert features breath-taking dances, and original and scripted dramatic monologues that demonstrates the imagination and originality of emerging Victorian dancers, actors, and theatre makers. 

Top Class Regional 2024: Dance, Drama and Theatre Studies is sure to be a mesmerising concert representing young dancers, actors, and theatre makers from across Victoria. The concert features a range of VCE VET Dance styles; both VCE Dance Skills-based and Composition solos; and a range of VCE Drama and Theatre Studies monologues, designs, and interpretations. 

Compered by curriculum experts, the concert provides a range of examples of top performing students and insights into preparing for VCE performance examinations. This is an opportunity to enjoy a brilliant and eclectic concert suitable for all ages. 

Full program will be available in mid February 2024. Visit: www.vcaa.edu.au/seasonofexcellence 

Part of the VCE Season of Excellence 2024, presented by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. 

VCE Inspo Forum | Tuesday 16 April | 12.30pm | GPAC Little Theatre | Free

Want to get your VCE studies off to a flying start? This specially developed forum features guest artist Andi Snelling and a Q & A panel including VCE Top Class alumni and a curriculum expert.    

The VCE ‘Inspo’ Forum consists of an insightful thirty-minute Ted Talk-style session by special guest artist Andi Snelling. Andi will provide specific examples from their own work and crucial strategies to generate, explore and consolidate elite creative ideas from their inception.   

This will be followed by a fifty-minute Q & A session, where students and teachers can directly engage with an experienced panel featuring VCE Top Class student alumni, a curriculum expert, and special guest artist Andi Snelling.   

Facilitator, Andi Snelling:

Andi Snelling is a multi-award-winning performer, writer, director, and dramaturg. She is a gifted creator, physical artist and actor known for her raw honesty, quirky humour, and no-holds-barred performance style. Andi was an Australia Council for the Arts Future Leader 2022 and is a highly sought-after speaker and facilitator. 

Top Class Regional 2024: Music is sure to be an incredible concert representing young musicians and composers from across Victoria. 

Concert | Tuesday 16 April | 4pm | GPAC Main Theatre | From $12

For the first time, the VCAA is bringing Top Class concerts to regional Victoria. Audiences will enjoy a selection of top performing VCE Music students from 2023. 

This dynamic concert features incredible students performing a range of styles, genres and instrumentation. Top Class Music is an opportunity to see and hear some of Victoria’s finest up and coming musicians. 

The concert presents various instruments, interpretations and styles by soloists and groups, as well as original student compositions. Compered by curriculum experts, the concert provides examples of top performing students and insights into preparing for VCE performance examinations. This is an opportunity to enjoy a brilliant and eclectic concert series suitable for all ages. 

Full program will be available in mid-February 2024. Visit: www.vcaa.edu.au/seasonofexcellence 

Part of the VCE Season of Excellence 2024, presented by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. 

VCE Inspo Forum | Tuesday 16 April | 2.15pm | GPAC Little Theatre | Free

Want to get your VCE studies off to a flying start? This specially developed forum features guest artist Dr. Adam Starr and a Q & A panel including VCE Top Class Music alumni and a curriculum expert. 

The VCE ‘Inspo’ Forum consists of an insightful thirty-minute Ted Talk-style session by special guest artist Dr. Adam Starr. Adam will provide specific examples from their own work and crucial strategies to generate, explore and consolidate elite creative ideas from their inception.   

This will be followed by a fifty-minute Q & A session, where students and teachers can directly engage with an experienced panel featuring VCE Top Class student alumni, a curriculum expert, and special guest artist Dr. Adam Starr.   

Facilitator, Adam Starr:

Dr Adam Starr has taught in the Bachelor of Music Degree at Melbourne Polytechnic since 2012, lecturing in Composition, Composition for Media, Music Technology in Composition, Arranging, Performance, Career Strategies in the Music Industry, Ensemble and Guitar. 

Immerse yourself in one of the most unique productions touring the world. Celtic Illusion, the Irish dance and Grand Illusion sensation that has taken Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Canada and the USA by storm and will tour nationwide in 2024.

Wednesday 10 July 2024 | 7.30pm | GPAC Main Theatre

Even fans who have seen our previous shows won’t dare miss the 2024 tour that is set to raise the bar once again. This exhilarating production has broken barriers by fusing unparalleled art forms and is more spectacular than ever before.

A breathtaking array of experiences, fusing Irish Dance, Magic and influential flavours of Fosse, Michael Jackson, with a Broadway style. Celtic Illusion is a show like no other.

The show features new spellbinding illusions and choreography, alongside a musical score that will either make you cry or send shivers down your spine.

Starring the multi talented former lead dancer of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance and Star Illusionist Anthony Street, with Georgia May, a marvel in both dance and Illusion. These impeccable performers lead a cast of champion dancers recruited from renowned productions across the world, such as Lord of the Dance and Riverdance, into a theatrical masterpiece that will have you mesmerised from the moment the curtain is raised.

Celtic Illusion will surpass your expectations and leave you wanting more.

Don’t hesitate, and book now to know the hype of one of the largest and most unique Dance and Illusion shows in the world.

Celtic Illusion is not to be missed!

Join us and our talented community members as they take to the stage to perform their chosen dramatic monologue in the relaxed open-call session 'An Evening of Monologues' with local music duo 'Ally Row.'

Sunday 24 September | 7pm | GPAC Foyer

What are monologues I hear you say! Funny or serious, dramatic monologues (or speeches) in a play are delivered by a single character directly to the audience or other cast members to highlight significant moments in a play. 

An Evening of Monologues, held in the GPAC foyer, takes all this and wraps it up in an event which is sure to bring laughter, joy, and maybe mind tingling moments.

Spend an evening supporting local creatives accompanied by a beverage or tasting platter from The Benjamin at GPAC.  Book a seat now, places are limited!

 

About Ally Row:

Currently living in Rural Gippsland, Ally Row are an indie pop-folk/country-folk duo that are breaking the barriers of genres with toe-tapping yet emotive music. 

The multi-instrumentalists perform velvety harmonies alongside blissful guitar and piano, with modernised elements of banjo, harmonica and stomp box. Together, the two-piece band create a powerful synergy with heartfelt memorable originals that will get you dancing. 

For the, Mumford and Sons, The Lumineers, Sons of the East, The Civil Wars and Of Monsters and Men fans out there.... Ally Row are the next artists to follow. 

Not wanting just to watch? Well, we’d like to hear from you! Express your interest to perform in the open-call session An Evening of Monologues, click the Expression of Interest Form above and follow the submission instructions!

An Evening of Monologues Expression of Interest Form

A monkey? A unicorn? What can you see? Learn to transform scraps and junk into shadow puppets!

Sunday 24 September | 2:15pm | GPAC Town Hall Studio

Over the past 12 years, Jeff Achtem has been doing puppetry, clowning and visual storytelling around the world. Jeff has a diverse background of training in clown, mime, puppetry, street performance and filmmaking.

A great experience to enhance your children's imaginations and get them thinking outside the box. Jeff allows working time during all of his workshops to ensure that his students receive one on one assistance, strengthening their memory and skills; making it easier to replicate puppetry at home.

The kids will love interacting with Jeff and being a part of a theatre play. They also get to show off their very own shadow puppet creations!

Come and join Jeff as he teaches the art of play and theatre using shadow puppets!

A mother’s hope, a woman’s grief – in a world of wondrous stars. 

Friday 22 September | 8pm | GPAC Town Hall Studio

Experience the playwriting phenomenon, Where Worlds Might Exist by Christine Davey where the mysteries of grief, trust, hope and longing are intertwined.

Pandi’s two children have been missing for twenty years. Kaz thinks she knows where to find them. As the Cassini Space Mission slides into the rings of Saturn, two women down here on earth try to piece together the disjointed fragments of their lives. They are out with lanterns looking for themselves. This funny, thoughtful, poignant new work incorporates text, movement and image in a hybrid tale of love.  

‘Writer Christine Davey is a phenomenal playwright. She infuses clever humour into this powerful story of grief, loss, and hope. This story is about fathers, mothers, daughters, friends, destruction, reconstruction, birth, death, and every liminal space between.’ 

Alongside Where Worlds Might Exist, Christine Davey is hosting a Playwriting Workshop: Story Telling. Check out this link to find out more info and to book with a special promo code if you register for Where Worlds Might Exist!

“If you want your kids to have fun at the theatre and fall for all its magic, get them to a Listies show as soon as possible... Nobody else makes Shakespeare this fun.” Daily Review

Friday 22 September | 11am | GPAC Main Theatre 

A very cheeky, very clever, utterly irreverent riff on Hamlet – made especially for children. Australia’s favourite kidult comedy duo, The Listies, are back with their hilarious adaption of Shakespeare’s classic. Hamlet is already full of things kids love in a good story: ghosts, castles, sword fights, bodily fluids and spooky stuff. Add to the mix some supersonic gags and expertly timed stage magic and you have a brilliantly disguised Shakespearean tragedy for everyone aged five and over. 

Hamlet: Prince of Skidmark is a side-splitting adventure that shatters the fourth wall and glues it back together with supersonic storytelling, silliness and plenty of interactivity. Spoiler alert: everyone dies at the end–including the audience! 

Regarded as one of the best contemporary plays ever written 

Saturday 23 September | 7.30pm | GPAC Main Theatre 

Rediscover one of the greatest plays of the 20th Century as Hearth Theatre presents an intimate new production of Arthur Miller’s heartbreaking masterpiece Death of a Salesman. 

Written in 1948, Arthur Miller’s iconic and celebrated play of Death of a Salesman addresses loss of identity and a man’s inability to accept change within himself and society. The play is a montage of memories, dreams, confrontations and arguments, all of which make up the last 24 hours of Wily Loman's life.  

Featuring an extraordinary ensemble of Melbourne actors and directed by Christopher Tomkinson, renowned as one of Australia's finest theatre actors, Paul English takes on the iconic and monumental role of Willy Loman, “a salesman with his feet on the subway stairs, and his head in the stars.”   

Originally from the stages of Broadway in 1949, now reinvented by Hearth Theatre and showing at Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, the Death of a Salesman is a play that has touched the lives of many throughout the ages.