Acting & Musical Theatre

CIA MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE LAB

Weekly Performance Program | Thomas Dixon Centre

Sunday afternoons
Venue: Studios, Thomas Dixon Centre
Open to all ages
Cost: $200 + GST (8 hours’ tuition – see Term 2 Class Schedule below)

This is not a casual musical theatre class.
This is for students who live and breathe musical theatre.

The CIA Musical Theatre Performance Lab is a high-energy, performance-based weekly program created for passionate performers who want to train across acting, singing and dancing — all in one place.

Each term, students work intensively on material from a wide range of musicals. Classes focus on:

Monologues
Scripted scenes
Choreography
Vocal technique and harmonies
Performance confidence

Throughout the program, the emphasis will be on storytelling, ensemble work and stage presence. Students learn not just what to perform, but how to perform with clarity, commitment and confidence.

Training is led by an exciting mix of industry-trained musical theatre professionals, giving students exposure to different styles, techniques and performance expectations.

Across the year, this work builds toward a full end-of-year show, in which students present all of their scenes and song-and-dance numbers, polished to an incredibly high standard.

Join the Performance Lab to become the very best performer you can be.

TERM 2 CLASS SCHEDULE

Sunday 26 April

4.00 – 5.00 pm (after Footloose masterclass)

Sunday 3 May

3.00 – 5.00 pm

Sunday 17 May

4.00 – 5.00 pm (after Footloose auditions)

Sunday 24 May

4.00 – 5.00 pm (after Footloose rehearsal)

Sunday 7 June

3.00 – 5.00 pm

Sunday 14 June

4.00 – 5.00 pm (after Footloose rehearsal)

MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION: FOOTLOOSE

Years 5+

Rehearsals: May – August
Performances: Sunday 2nd August
Venue: Thomas Dixon Centre, West End
Cost: $500 + GST (please contact [email protected] if you would prefer to pay in 2 instalments)

In 2026, CIA will be producing one major musical and we’re going big.

Footloose is a high-energy, story-driven production packed with iconic music, dynamic choreography and powerful ensemble work. This full-scale musical is designed for students in Year 5 and above who are ready to challenge themselves, grow in confidence and experience what it’s like to be part of a professional-style theatre production.

Students will be cast in both featured and ensemble roles, ensuring strong stage time, character development and meaningful performance opportunities for every participant.

Rehearsals run from May to August, culminating in full-scale performances at the Thomas Dixon Centre, complete with professional lighting, sound and screen projections.

This is CIA’s flagship musical for 2026 – a bold, exciting and unforgettable theatre-making journey,
where music is loud, movement is fearless and confidence takes centre stage.

FOOTLOOSE Audition Prep Masterclass

Years 5+

Date & Time: Sunday 26th April, 9.00 am – 1.00pm
Venue: Thomas Dixon Centre, West End
Cost: $90.00 + GST = $99.00 (6hrs of tuition)

Before you “cut loose”, give your audition skills a boost!

This Musical Theatre Masterclass is a full-day intensive designed to give performers the ultimate preparation for Footloose auditions just a few weeks later (on Sunday 17th May). It’s a high-energy, 80s-infused workshop designed to give your acting, singing and dance skills a major upgrade.

While this masterclass is not compulsory for students auditioning for Footloose, it offers the best possible preparation for those wanting to walk into the audition room feeling confident, capable and completely performance-ready.

On the other hand, you don’t have to be auditioning for Footloose to attend. This is also a fantastic standalone opportunity for any young performer wanting to sharpen their skills and build confidence using material from a rockin’, feel-good show.

Participants Will Work On:

Audition song preparation and vocal technique
Dance combinations in the style of Footloose
Character development and monologue tips
Audition etiquette and how to stand out (for the right reasons!)
Individual feedback from specialist tutors

Students will train with experienced industry professionals in a supportive environment that challenges and inspires.

Whether you’re preparing for a Footloose audition or simply looking to level up your musical theatre skills, this masterclass will leave you feeling focused, fearless and ready to perform.

Spots are limited. Book early to avoid missing out!

BROADWAY BOOTCAMP

Years 2-12

Date: Sunday 26 April
Time: 1.30 – 4.00 pm
Venue: Thomas Dixon Centre
Cost: $70 + GST

Lift your performance skills to the next level in just one afternoon!

Spend this intensive Sunday session with some of Australia’s most in-demand musical theatre professionals. Working alongside their peers in separate age groups, students will hone their acting, singing & dancing skills as they work on iconic numbers from beloved musicals, The Lion King, Moana, and SIX.

Whether you’re a musical newbie or a Broadway fanatic, you’ll find this workshop to be the most high-energy “technique tune-up” around.

(If you’re in Year 5+ and up for a double dose of musical theatre fun, join us earlier in the day for our Footloose-themed Audition Skills Masterclass!)

CIA EISTEDDFOD – Poetry

Years 1-8

Date: Saturday 16 May
Venue: Studio 4 – Thomas Dixon Centre, West End
Cost: $30 + GST

Celebrating confident speakers, expressive performers and creative young voices.

CIA Eisteddfods provide the opportunity to perform on stage in a supportive and encouraging environment. Students present a piece in front of family and peers, and an experienced adjudicator awards places and provides constructive feedback to every performer.

These friendly competitions are designed to build confidence, develop speaking skills and celebrate creativity. The CIA Eisteddfods are suitable for all experience levels, with many students taking part for the first time.

In our Poetry Eisteddfod on Saturday 9th May, participants will perform a poem of their choice.

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Years 1–3: 1.00 – 2.00 pm
Years 4–5: 2.15 – 3.30 pm
Years 6–8: 3.45 – 5.00 pm

Additional CIA Eisteddfods will be held on the following dates:
Public Speaking – 25 July 2026
Character Recitals & Duologues – 23 August 2026
(Entries for these events will open later in the year.)

Why Participate?

Taking part in CIA Eisteddfods helps students:

Build confidence performing on stage
• Strengthen public speaking and presentation skills
• Develop creativity and performance technique

Suitable pieces will be provided where needed, and all preparation is covered during class time, so students are fully supported. Students are guided step-by-step in class, making this a wonderful first performance experience for many children.

PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP –
“Find Your Voice”

Years 5+

Date: Sunday 24 May
Time: 2.00 – 4.00 pm
Venue: Thomas Dixon Centre
Cost: $60 + GST

Speak up. Stand out. Be heard.

Ready to build confidence and captivate any audience? This dynamic workshop will help students master clear communication, persuasive speaking, and stage presence. Learn how to structure ideas, control nerves, and deliver with impact through fun, practical activities.

Whether you’re preparing for speeches, auditions, or school presentations, this class will empower you to express yourself with authenticity and confidence.

Step forward, find your voice, and make it count.