Over four playful, imaginative and collaborative days, participants will create their own performance alter-ego: a heightened character, future icon, pop star, strange celebrity, glamorous monster, fashion creature, hero, villain, quiet mystery, or something completely new.

Inspired by performance art, cabaret, pop music, runway, costume and The Huxleys’ spectacular creative world, participants will work in small groups to devise short performance segments for a public event at Brunswick Ballroom.

We’ll explore what it means to transform: through clothing, movement, sound, stage presence, persona and imagination. Participants will invent characters, develop performance ideas, make costume pieces, create group moments, experiment with lip-sync and music, and build an original cabaret-style event together.

The final performance will be a public, segment-based show featuring mini performances, runway walks, audience awards, character moments and strange surprises. Audience members will also be invited to dress up in their grandest finery, weirdest looks, future fashion, or whatever makes them feel spectacular.

The workshop takes place at Balam Balam Place across all four days. On the final afternoon, we’ll walk around the corner to Brunswick Ballroom for rehearsal, stage time and the evening performance.

Expect to:

• Imagine and create an original alter-ego character

• Explore costume, fashion, fabric, accessories and visual identity

• Work with pop music, movement, gesture, lip-sync and stage presence

• Create mini performances, runway moments and cabaret segments

• Collaborate with other young people in small groups

• Receive creative mentoring and feedback from The Huxleys

• Perform on stage at Brunswick Ballroom for a public audience

• Laugh, play, dress up, take creative risks and make something unforgettable

There will also be an optional supervised trip to local Brunswick op shops, where participants can search for costume pieces, fabrics, accessories and character inspiration. This is included in the workshop fee.

Our days move between making, imagining and resting — giving participants time to focus, collaborate and recharge.

9 – 10am | Calm Start
A gentle beginning to the day with drawing, crafting and quiet creative activities for those using optional morning supervision.

10am – 12:30pm | Workshop Session One
Warm-ups, theatre games, performance exercises, character development and group devising.

12:30 – 1:15pm | Lunch Break
Supervised lunch and rest time at Balam Balam Place.

1:15 – 4pm | Workshop Session Two
Afternoon creative development, including costume-making, movement, music, rehearsal, performance experiments and small-group work.

4 – 5pm | Cool-Down & Supervision
A relaxed end to the day. Participants using optional afternoon supervision will watch an age-appropriate G or PG-rated film or screen material connected to the creative themes of the workshop.

We are incredibly excited that this workshop will include special mentoring and performance support from iconic Naarm/Melbourne artists The Huxleys.

The Huxleys are internationally recognised artists known for their visually spectacular work across performance, photography, costume, film, drag, queer culture and live art. Their practice celebrates transformation, fantasy, glamour, humour, beauty and the power of making yourself into art.

Across the week, The Huxleys will join the workshop in three special ways:

• On Monday afternoon, they will visit the group in costume for a private performance, artist talk and Q&A.

• On Wednesday afternoon, they will return to offer advice, feedback and creative support as participants develop their characters and performance segments.

• On Thursday evening, they will perform alongside the young people as part of the final public event at Brunswick Ballroom.

This is a rare opportunity for young people to work alongside professional artists whose practice opens up exciting possibilities for costume, character, performance and self-expression.

This workshop is designed for the creative, the curious, and anyone who loves characters, costume, music, performance, and making strange ideas come to life.

It’s for young people who enjoy dressing up, acting, drawing, writing, crafting, moving, making things, imagining new worlds, or simply trying something different — a space to experiment, play, and connect with others who share their spark.

Participants don’t need previous theatre experience, but they do need to be willing to participate, try things, work with others, and contribute to the final performance in some way.

There are many ways to take part. Some participants might love performing centre stage, while others may be more comfortable contributing through costume, writing, movement, character ideas, making, design, group scenes, or smaller performance moments.

Participants will be divided into age-appropriate groups for parts of the program, ensuring activities are suitable and supportive while still coming together to build one shared performance event.

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, making, moving, imagining, or helping shape the world of the show.

No prior theatre experience is required — just imagination, curiosity, and a willingness to give it a go.

The program is led by Allison Wiltshire, alongside a team of professional artists and facilitators including Ella Harvey, OPAL from Golden Scissor Puppets, and Noemie Huttner-Koros.

Together, the facilitation team brings experience across theatre, performance-making, costume, puppetry, design, youth arts, visual storytelling and collaborative creative practice.

The workshop will be playful, supportive, ambitious and hands-on. Participants will be guided through performance games, devising tasks, costume experiments, character development, music-based exercises and group performance-making.

The facilitation team will support each young person to find their own way into the work — whether they love being on stage, prefer making costumes and props, enjoy writing and ideas, or want to build confidence across the week.

The workshop also includes special guest mentoring from The Huxleys, who will visit across the week and perform as part of the final public event.

$450 per participant
10% sibling discount (e.g. $810 for two siblings)

The workshop fee includes:

• Four days of creative workshops

• Optional supervision hours

• Professional artist facilitation

• Special guest mentoring from The Huxleys

• Costume and art-making materials

• Optional supervised op shop trip

• Participation in the final Brunswick Ballroom performance

We know every family’s situation is different, and we don’t want cost to stand in the way. We’ve worked to make the program as accessible as possible, but if price is still a barrier, please reach out at hello@underarts.com.au — we’ll do our best to find a solution together.

What age group is the workshop for?

The workshop is open to young people aged 9–18.
While this is a broad age range, participants will be divided into age-appropriate groups for parts of the program. This means activities can be tailored to different ages, while still allowing the whole ensemble to come together for the final performance event.

Do participants need any theatre experience?

Not at all. The workshop is designed for all experience levels.
Whether your child loves performing, dressing up, drawing, making, dancing, writing, music, comedy, fashion, or simply imagining new characters and worlds, there will be a way for them to take part.

What kind of performance will they make?

The final show will be a cabaret-style performance event inspired by drag, runway, talent shows, pop concerts, variety nights and live performance.
Participants will create short segments, mini performances, runway walks, character moments, group numbers and audience interactions. It will be playful, theatrical and full of personality.

Will The Huxleys be teaching the whole workshop?

The Huxleys will be involved as special guest artist mentors and performers.
They will visit the group on Monday afternoon for a private performance, artist talk and Q&A; return on Wednesday afternoon to offer feedback and creative support; and perform as part of the Thursday evening public event.
The full workshop will be led by the UNDERARTS facilitation team.

What do participants need to bring each day?

Participants should bring:

• A packed lunch

• Snacks

• A water bottle

• Comfortable clothes they can move and make in

• Clothes that can get a little messy

• Any costume pieces, accessories, fabrics or visual inspiration they may already have

More detailed information will be sent to families before the workshop begins.

What do you provide?

We provide creative materials, including costume-making supplies, fabric, craft materials, basic props and performance-making resources.
The workshop fee also includes the optional supervised op shop trip, where participants can source costume pieces, fabrics and accessories for their alter-ego characters.

Is there an op shop trip?

Yes. There will be an optional supervised trip to local Brunswick op shops as part of the workshop.
Participants will search for costume pieces, fabric, accessories and character inspiration. This activity is included in the workshop fee.
Families will receive more detailed information before the workshop.

What are the facilities like?

The creative workshops will take place at Balam Balam Place, a community arts hub in Brunswick with workshop spaces, kitchen facilities and areas for breaks.
The final performance will take place at Brunswick Ballroom, a professional live performance venue with lights, sound, stage, seating, food and drinks available for audiences.

Is lunch provided?

Participants should bring their own lunch, snacks and water bottle each day.
On Thursday evening, there will be a supervised dinner break at Brunswick Ballroom before the final performance. More details will be provided to families closer to the workshop.

How big is the group?

The workshop is capped to make sure participants are properly supported and have enough space to create, rehearse and be seen.
Participants will work in smaller age-appropriate groups for parts of the program, with facilitators supporting each group.

Can I come to the final performance?

Yes. The final performance is a public event at Brunswick Ballroom on Thursday 9 July.
Doors open at 6pm and the performance begins at 7pm.
Families, friends and members of the public are welcome. Audience members will be invited to dress up in their grandest finery, weirdest lewks, future fashion or anything that makes them feel fabulous.

Do audience members need tickets?

Yes, the final performance will be a public ticketed event at Brunswick Ballroom.
Ticketing information will be released separately.

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 access needs during registration so we can discuss how best to support your child’s participation.

What if we need to cancel?

Full refunds are available up to two weeks before the workshop start date. After that, partial refunds may be possible depending on the circumstances.