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YOUR COURSE TUTOR
Elise Prosser
Elise Prosser (located in Coffs Harbour) is a passionate playwright, director, and drama teacher, passionately advocating for the arts as Head Teacher CAPA here in Coffs Harbour. With a Bachelor of Education (K–12) from UNE, majoring in Drama and English, and further studies at NIDA and UNSW, Elise has dedicated her career to sharing the power of performance and creativity with young people.
Her teaching experience spans a range of schools, and she currently teaches drama at the Harbour Performing Arts Centre. She was also the founder of the Brightstars Inclusion Drama Program in Taree, which was created to ensure that drama is accessible to all of the community, embracing the superpowers people bring with them.
Elise believes that theatre and drama are more than just subjects - they are tools for confidence, self-expression, and connection. She is passionate about helping every student see that the world can be theirs, and that the stage, in all its forms, offers endless opportunities to grow, discover, and shine.
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This immersive workshop is designed to give young people a chance to:
Explore theatre-making in a supportive, collaborative space
Build confidence in voice, movement, and characterisation
Learn valuable drama skills while having fun
Work as an ensemble to create a brand-new original musical in just one week
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Participants should bring each day:
Comfortable clothing suitable for movement
A plain white shirt that can be drawn on/modified for costuming
A water bottle and packed lunch/snacks
A notebook and pen/pencil for script and character work
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No prior experience required – absolute beginner’s welcome
Enthusiasm, creativity, curiosity, and willingness to collaborate are all that’s needed
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NOTE: THIS IS A PLAN ONLY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Day 1 – Ensemble & Ideas
Morning
Welcome, introductions, and orientation
Icebreakers and ensemble games to build trust and confidence
Physical warm-ups and voice projection basics
Introduction to improvisation and physical theatre techniques
Afternoon
Brainstorming themes and possible storylines (guided discussions & group mind-mapping)
Small-group improvisations to explore potential scenes
Day 2 – Characters & Script
Morning
Character development exercises: role-on-the-wall, hot seating, and emotion walks
Creating distinct physicalities and voices for characters
Exploring elements of Drama to deepen character authenticity
Afternoon
Collaborative scriptwriting: drafting short scenes and dialogue
Songwriting workshop: lyric creation & rhythm exercises
Voice & singing masterclass (ensemble songs + solo opportunities)
Reflection: pinning down our cast list and character map
Day 3 – From Page to Stage
Morning
Staging and blocking the first scripted scenes
Introduction to stagecraft entrances, exits, and using the performance space
Movement workshop: dance sequences, physical theatre, and ensemble choreography
Afternoon
Refining character backstories and motivations
Layering text with movement and song (integrating all elements)
Small-group rehearsals of key scenes with director feedback
Day 4 – Rehearsals
Morning
Full warm-up (physical, vocal, ensemble connection)
Scene run-throughs with script in hand
Music rehearsal: harmonies, timing, and blending voices
Afternoon
Choreography refinement and transitions between scenes
Rehearsal of the opening and closing numbers
End-of-day dress run without costumes to test pacing
Day 5 – Final Performance
Morning
Dress rehearsal in full costume, props, and staging
Technical run: sound and transitions
Afternoon
Ensemble pep talks and relaxation exercises
Showcase performance for family and friends 🎉
Celebration and certificates of participation