top of page
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
  • Youtube

STUDIO CLASSES

We combine weekly lessons with competitions, original productions, specialist workshops and carefully supported industry opportunities. Each experience gives students the chance to put their training into practice, discover new strengths and grow as performers.

​

Weekly lessons are the foundation of everything we do. Students explore a broad range of skills, build their performance fitness and develop the discipline needed for productions, competitions and industry opportunities.

​

OnStage Campionships

The OnStage Championships are Upstage’s own performing arts competition, adjudicated by external judges who are industry professionals. OnStage gives students a clear goal to work towards, the opportunity to perform and valuable feedback to help them improve. 

Our coaches provide all drama scripts and guide students through every aspect of competition preparation, including:

Understanding the text and analysing the character.

Developing characterisation, interpretation and expression.

Improving diction, projection and vocal delivery.

Planning movement and using the performance space effectively.

Preparing a confident slate — the introduction before an item.

Rehearsing, refining and polishing the work for competition.

Vocal preparation includes song selection, vocal technique, interpretation and performance presentation.

 

OnStage training takes place on Saturdays and selected Friday afternoons from March to May, in addition to regular weekly lessons. A detailed schedule is provided to parents.

actress
Original Film and Recording Experiences

We give students the opportunity to experience filmmaking through our partnership with Kingdom Productions, South African industry leaders in film. Working with an experienced production team, students discover how a film is made and how acting for the camera differs from performing on stage. They learn about preparation, taking direction, continuity, teamwork and the discipline of working on a film set.

​

Following the success of The Major Production, our next original film, planned for February 2027, will be a musical featuring at least four original songs. Our vocal students will go into a professional recording studio to record the songs for the film, gaining practical experience in vocal recording, microphone technique and ensemble work. These projects allow students to contribute to an original production, experience the creative process and see their work brought to life on screen. 

​

South African Championships of the performing Arts

The South African Championships of Performing Arts (SA Championships) is one of South Africa's most prestigious and recognised national performing arts competitions, bringing together thousands of talented young performers from across the country to compete at the highest national level in acting, vocals, dance and modelling.

​

Students must first compete in the Gauteng Provincial Championships and qualify for selection to represent their province at the National Championships, where they have the opportunity to compete for medals, special awards, prestigious national titles and the honour of being recognised among South Africa's top young performers.

Participation is a significant commitment and requires dedication from both students and parents. Our coaches provide comprehensive preparation, including item selection, scripts, choreography, performance development and extensive additional training, primarily on Saturdays.

 

GPAT - Global Performing Arts Tournament

The Global Performing Arts Tournament (GPAT) offers qualifying students an exciting opportunity to compete internationally, challenge themselves against talented performers from other countries and gain valuable experience on an international stage.

 

Theatre Productions

Our theatre productions bring acting, singing, movement and storytelling together, giving students the experience of working as a cast towards a shared performance. Students develop stagecraft, learn to sustain a character, respond to cues and build the stamina required for live theatre. They also discover the responsibility each performer carries within a production and the importance of supporting the whole cast. In November 2027, we will stage a Broadway musical, with Saturday rehearsals during October and November.

 

Specialist Workshops

Throughout the year, we offer workshops that broaden students’ skills and introduce them to different areas of the performing arts which may include:

  • Stage and special effects makeup.

  • Stage fighting and stage combat.

  • Musical theatre, including singing and choreography.

  • Mime performance.

  • Scriptwriting, improvisation and theatre sports.

Workshops give students the opportunity to try something new, learn specialist techniques and develop greater versatility as performers. Topics, age groups and schedules are shared with parents throughout the year.

 

Industry Opportunities through ARC Agency

We are partnering with ARC Agency to provide a safe, supported route into suitable part-time industry work for interested students. Our approach allows young performers to gain experience while still being children, with space for school, family, friendships and their ongoing training. Students do not need to pursue a full-time professional career to benefit from an appropriate industry opportunity.

 

Together with ARC Agency and parents, we review proposed opportunities and contracts to ensure that arrangements meet legal requirements, prioritise students’ safety and wellbeing, and offer a beneficial experience.

Our focus is on age-appropriate work, responsible representation and opportunities that support each child’s development.

WHAT OUR PARENTS SAY

The way our children grow, blossom and shine under your guidance is simply beyond words. 🙏🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💗 ~ Sheree Roux

​

​

Outstanding show, such amazing talent! The cast was brilliant and it's so special to see the kids in the “smaller” roles be inspired to grow and reach for the stars! ~ Chantal Lawson

Jill Avis, Donnaley Parker, Joshua Parker, you are amazing - what a show, such talent - thank you for everything you do for our kids ❤️❤️❤️ ~ Tamilla Busansky

​

 

Magical Production. Thank-you Thank-you Thank-you Jill, Josh & Dons 🎭🕺🕺🏾💃🏽💃🤩🌟 It was a spectacular performance, so glad we watched both shows !!! Giving kids a chance to perform, shine with fellow peers is so special 💖💙 ~ Lara Murphy

JOIN NOW

SUBSCRIBE

Thanks for Signing Up!

bottom of page