Helping Brisbane Teenagers Find Their Voice Through Drama
The teenage years are a time of change, self discovery and growing confidence. For many Brisbane families, drama becomes a powerful way for young people to explore who they are while developing skills that extend well beyond the stage.
Play on Stage’s teen program, The Next Act, has been created to support this growth through a structured, term-based acting experience designed especially for secondary school students who are ready to deepen their creative practice.
Building Confidence and Self Expression
Drama offers teenagers a safe space to be seen and heard. Through character work, scene study and performance, students learn how to speak with clarity, presence and purpose.
These experiences often translate into greater confidence at school, in social settings, and in everyday communication. For teenagers who may be shy or uncertain, drama can provide a supportive pathway to self expression without pressure to perform in a single way.
Strengthening Emotional Awareness and Empathy
Acting encourages young people to step into perspectives beyond their own. Exploring different characters and stories helps teenagers understand emotions, motivations and relationships in a deeper way.
This process supports emotional intelligence and empathy, both of which are essential skills during adolescence. Drama classes also allow students to reflect on their own experiences through creative work, helping them process feelings in a constructive and expressive environment.
Developing Collaboration and Creative Thinking
Theatre is a collaborative art form, and drama classes teach teenagers how to work as part of an ensemble. Students learn how to listen, respond and build ideas together while respecting the contributions of others.
Creative problem solving becomes part of every rehearsal, whether refining a scene or shaping a performance. These skills support teamwork and adaptability, which are valuable across academic, social, and future professional settings.
Supporting Discipline and Commitment
Regular rehearsals and performance goals help teenagers develop focus and commitment. Working towards productions across the year teaches time management and resilience, especially as students balance school, family and creative interests. The structured nature of a term based program provides consistency while still leaving room for imagination and play.
A Place to Take the Next Act
The Next Act is Play on Stage’s dedicated teen ensemble program for students in Years Seven to Nine and Years Ten to Twelve. Running on Tuesday evenings at the Paddington studio, the program offers experienced facilitation, a welcoming environment and three performance opportunities across the year. For Brisbane teenagers who love drama and are ready to grow their skills with intention, The Next Act offers a meaningful next step on and off the stage.