We foster a supportive, collaborative and trusting environment where young people can take creative risks, feel comfortable, and make work they’re proud of.

We:

• we improvise and play theatre games

• we write, create stories and build new worlds

• we move, we dance — experimenting with movement and composition

• we build atmosphere through music, voice, rhythm and audio experiments

• we make — designing props, objects, costumes and set elements

Young people can contribute in the ways they feel most at home — performing, writing, drawing, designing, building, composing, or supporting the ensemble’s ideas.

Expect to:

• invent characters, scenes and worlds

• experiment with form (how a performance works, not just what it says)

• collaborate, problem-solve and make new friends

• build and refine material toward showings and performance outcomes

Above all: this is their space — to have a lot of fun, laugh, feel confident, and be supported.

We begin by building a strong ensemble — getting to know each other through games, improvisation and collaborative making tasks. From there, we look for what the group genuinely cares about: the stories they’re drawn to, the questions they want to explore, the kinds of worlds they want to build.

A theme emerges from the ensemble — then we dive in. We generate material through improvisation, writing, movement, sound and design experiments, and gradually shape it into scenes, characters, images and performance structure.

Term 1 ends with an in-studio showing for friends and family at the workshop hub. Term 2 builds on and refines that material, culminating in a fully staged production in a professional theatre with lighting, sound and the full shabang!

All groups share the same UNDERARTS approach — collaborative performance-making — but the structure and level of independence is tailored to each age range.

Thursdays | Brunswick (Balam Balam Place) 4-6pm: 7–10 year olds

A high-imagination, high-support room. Lots of theatre games, fast improv, story-building and hands-on making — with clear frameworks that help young artists turn wild ideas into scenes.

Thursdays | Brunswick (Balam Balam Place) 4-6pm: 11–15 year olds

More autonomy, more experimentation, more refinement. We play too — but we also edit, shape and compose: performance structure, atmosphere, sound, movement, text, objects and design. A great fit for pre/teens who want to make work that feels original and “theirs”.

Note: The two Brunswick workshops run simultaneously in separate rooms with different teachers

The program is led by Ahmarnya Price and Allison Wiltshire — two artists and facilitators with a shared passion for helping young people tell stories, take creative risks, and make something entirely their own. With backgrounds in theatre, visual art and community practice, they’ve worked across Australia and internationally in youth and professional arts contexts — from Arts House and Next Wave to St Martins and Back to Back Theatre.

Ahmarnya and Allison’s workshops are playful, collaborative and inclusive. They combine performance, writing and design in ways that encourage curiosity, empathy and imagination — creating a space where every participant can contribute, experiment, and shine.

UNDERARTS is for the creative, the curious, and anyone who loves stories, characters, and making things come to life.

It’s for young people who enjoy drawing, acting, writing, crafting, imagining new worlds — or simply trying something different. This is a space to experiment, play, and connect with others who share your spark.

Our workshops are offered in age-based groups (7–10, 8–12, and 11–15) so activities and facilitation can be tailored appropriately — while keeping the same UNDERARTS approach: collaborative performance-making with lots of ways to contribute.

UNDERARTS welcomes people of all abilities, identities, and backgrounds. We’re committed to creating a space where disabled and/or neurodivergent participants, LGBTQIA+ young people, and those from culturally diverse communities feel safe, seen, and supported.

Our facilitators are experienced in working with diverse ensembles and support each participant to contribute in their own way — whether through performing, writing, designing, building, composing, or supporting the group’s ideas.

No prior theatre experience is required — just imagination, curiosity, and a willingness to try something new.

Term 1 (8 weeks)

Full fee: $272

Concession: $200

Sibling discount: 10% off the total amount (applied to the full purchase)

Accessibility is important to us - if the cost of the classes or workshops are too high, please get in contact with us at hello@underarts.com.au

What age group are the workshops for?

We offer two weekly workshop groups:

• 7–10 years (Brunswick, Thursdays 4–6pm)

• 11–15 years (Brunswick, Thursdays 4–6pm)

Each group is facilitated in an age-appropriate way, while keeping the same UNDERARTS approach: collaborative performance-making with lots of ways to contribute.

Do participants need any theatre experience?

Not at all. UNDERARTS is designed for all experience levels. Whether your child loves acting, drawing, writing, crafting, music/sound, or simply imagining new worlds — there’s a role for them.

Can my child try a class before enrolling?
Yes — we offer a free trial class for new families. Register your details and we’ll be in touch to arrange a trial before you commit.

What do participants need to bring each week?

A water bottle and comfortable clothes they can move and create in (and that can get a bit messy). We’ll let families know if there’s ever an optional costume/prop item to bring from home.

What about food?

We provide light snacks each workshop (usually fruit and bread, and sometimes a sweet treat). During registration we ask about allergies and dietary requirements, and we plan snacks with this in mind.

What do you provide?

We provide core creative materials for devising and making, including craft and prop-making supplies and basic costume/set elements.

What are the facilities like?

We’re lucky to work in a welcoming, state-of-the-art community arts space with modern facilities (including air conditioning/heating and great amenities):

In Term 2, enrolled families will receive details about the professional theatre venue for the final staged production.

How big are the groups?

We keep groups capped at 16 participants with two facilitators to ensure a safe, connected ensemble and strong facilitation.

Is there a performance outcome? Can families attend?

Yes. Term 1 includes an in-studio showing at the workshop hub for friends and family. Term 2 builds on and refines the work, culminating in a fully staged production in a professional theatre with lighting and sound — families and friends will be invited.

What is your approach to child safety?

UNDERARTS is a Child Safe Organisation, committed to providing a secure, respectful and inclusive environment. All facilitators hold current Working With Children Checks and follow child-safety and duty-of-care procedures, including risk management, supervision and consent protocols.

My child has access needs — can they take part?

Absolutely. UNDERARTS is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Please let us know any specific needs during registration (or email us privately) so we can ensure the right supports are in place.

Do we have to enrol for Term 2 now?
Enrolments are by term. Term 2 is a continuation of the creative process, so continuing is recommended, but not required.