November workshops
Series
Something wonderful is happening this November…
Three Weekends. Three very different creative experiences. One big invitation to get involved
From travelling through time to singing your heart out and embracing the unexpected, our November workshops are all about creativity, connection and having a go, and there’s literally something for EVERYONE.
Whether you're a familiar face at Upstage or joining us for the very first time, there's a place for you.
Explore the workshops below and come and play!
What on earth Happened? A Time Travellers Workshop
Nov 14 | 2.00 - 3.30pm (90 mins)
Upstage Studio, Maitland
Ages: 8 - 14
Duration: 90 mins
Early Bird: $29 (until 1 November)
General Admission: $35
A history workshop for curious young minds…
Does your child love Horrible Histories? Can they tell you more about Ancient Egypt, medieval battles or the Titanic than you ever wanted to know?
Perhaps they're fascinated by historical mysteries, ancient civilisations or the wonderfully weird things people got up to in the past.
If you've got a young history enthusiast in your house, we may have found their people!
Join us for a 90-minute adventure into the past, where curious minds can share their discoveries, ask big questions and explore some of history's most fascinating (and occasionally ridiculous!) moments.
There'll be mysteries to unravel, ideas to debate and opportunities to bring history to life through storytelling, imagination and a little creative problem-solving.
No tests. No homework. No pressure to perform or know all the answers.
Just curiosity, conversation and the chance to meet other young people who find history every bit as fascinating as they do.
This special taster workshop is a sneak peek at a brand-new weekly Time Travellers program we're hoping to launch at Upstage in 2027.
Nov 14 | 2.00 - 3.30pm (90 mins)
Upstage Studio, Maitland
Meet Your Workshop leader: Andrew Coates
Andrew has been teaching History for over 30 years and holds a Master's degree in History.
He loves nothing more than a good historical mystery, an unexpected discovery or a lively discussion about why people did the things they did.
With Time Travellers, Andrew hopes to create a place where young people can indulge their curiosity, share their passions and discover that history is anything but boring.
Sing with Slapdash Choir
November 21 | 2.00 - 4.00PM
Bolwarra Public School, Bolwarra
All ages
Duration: 2 hours
Early Bird: From $19 (until 8 November)
General Admission: From $25
Family Tickets: $89 Early Bird / $99 General
Under 3s: Free
Big voices. Little voices. Absolutely everyone welcome!
When was the last time you sang your heart out, just for the sheer joy of it?
Not because you were particularly good at it. Not because anyone was listening. Just because singing feels GOOD!
Join Elliot Peck from Slapdash Choir for two glorious hours of music, laughter and the simple pleasure of making a joyful noise together.
Slapdash is exactly what it sounds like. Spontaneous, playful and a little rough around the edges. As Elliot puts it, it's like throwing together a meal with whatever you can find at the back of the fridge and discovering that it actually tastes delicious!
And that's the magic of Slapdash Choir.
No auditions. No sheet music. No experience necessary. And absolutely no pressure to be perfect.
You'll learn songs by ear, gradually piecing together different parts until the whole room is filled with delicious harmony.
Bring your kids, your partner, your parents, your grandparents, your best mate, or just bring yourself!
Whether you're a seasoned singer, a shower superstar or someone who's been told they can't hold a tune, there's a place for you here.
Because singing together is about so much more than hitting the right notes. It's about letting off creative steam, connecting with your body, sharing a laugh and experiencing that wonderful feeling of belonging.
All ages welcome! Children must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Family tickets available.
Meet Your Workshop Leader: Elliot Peck
Elliot runs Slapdash Choir in Sydney and Wollongong, bringing people together through the shared joy of singing.
His philosophy is wonderfully simple: everyone can sing, and everyone should!
His choirs are casual, playful and gloriously inclusive. He's even had one-year-olds and 100-year-olds singing in the same group!
Elliot believes that singing together is one of the most accessible ways to express ourselves, connect with others and feel good.
And with Slapdash Choir, enthusiasm matters far more than perfection.
Off Script - Improv & Comedy workshop
November 28 | 1.00 - 4.00PM
Upstage Studio, Maitland
Ages: 16+
Duration: 3 hours
Early Bird: $59 (until 15 November)
General Admission: $69
Places are limited. Say YES and book your spot!(Ages 16+)
No scripts. No pressure. No idea what's going to happen next!
Leave the script at the door and discover the magic of making it all up on the spot!
Join David Summers for a playful, high-energy, three-hour improv and comedy workshop where spontaneity rules, mistakes are celebrated and the best moments are the ones nobody saw coming.
Whether you're a complete beginner, a curious first-timer or someone who simply wants to rediscover the joy of play, this workshop is for you.
Together, we'll explore the art of thinking on your feet, trusting your instincts, letting go of overthinking and saying that all-important YES!
Expect plenty of laughter, unexpected discoveries and the wonderful freedom of not having to get everything right.
No props. No scripts. No experience necessary.
Just bring your wonderful self, a willingness to have a go and perhaps a sense of humour!
Because sometimes the most wonderful things happen when we throw away the plan!
Meet Your Workshop Leader: David Summers
David Summers is a graduate of the prestigious Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), holding a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting), as well as a Diploma of Education.
With extensive experience in improvisation, clowning, mime, mask work and physical theatre, David brings a wonderfully playful and adventurous approach to his teaching.
His training includes Viewpoints, Suzuki and Butoh, alongside intensive work with physical theatre company Zen Zen Zo and ongoing improvisation training in Brisbane and Newcastle.
David has performed in and directed productions across Brisbane and Melbourne, including work at La Mama Theatre and the Arts Theatre.
He believes in the power of play, creative risk-taking and discovering what happens when we stop worrying about getting things right.