Our Programs.
Dreamhouse Ensemble (For ages 12 – 21)
The Dreamhouse Ensemble is a group of young theatre-lovers, who attend weekly classes throughout the year. The sessions aim to enrich their performing arts skills, as well as building lasting social connections. There is a focus on having fun through theatre games, the exploration of improvisation, text work and developing skills in devising, writing, voice and movement. This work is applied directly into the annual full-length production, which is performed mid year in a short season, for the general public. Play selection and most casting occurs at the end of the previous year, which is a great time to join, although not essential. Rehearsals begin in term 1 and take place during the weekly classes (currently Wednesdays 4-6pm) and on some weekends.
Additional performance opportunities exist for selected ensemble in an annual story telling project, local festivals and special events.
Ensemble members are also encouraged to pursue interests in all areas of theatre production; so alongside acting technique, we provide workshop opportunities with professional artists in design, puppetry, scriptwriting, sound, lighting and more. Our ensemble come from a range of backgrounds, attend a variety of local Peninsula schools, and may or mayn’t have prior performing, or drama experience.
We have two teen ensembles, based in Rosebud and Hastings.
New weekly workshops in Hastings starting in February 2023!
“Being apart of Dreamhouse makes me feel safe and like I’m at home because I’m surrounded by people who care and uplift me. It feels like a community because we all work and blend together so well. Every time I’m at Dreamhouse it’s always positivity and encouragement which has made me become more confident in general. It means so much to me because it’s allowed me to engage with a wide range of people from the Peninsula who are my age and have similar interests to me” – Tui.
School Holiday Workshops (For young people aged 12- 21)
Throughout the year, Dreamhouse offers school holiday workshops, for both ensemble members, and other young people interested in developing their performing arts skills. The workshops are run by industry professionals, and in the past have covered the areas of improvisation, stage combat, puppetry, devising, acting for screen, physical theatre/clowning and script-writing. Participating in workshops is a great way to get a taste of what Dreamhouse Theatre is like, and is perfect for first-time drama students to learn some basics of acting and stage craft. For more experienced students, it is a great way to further hone their skills.
‘Little Big Dreamers’ drama workshops (For ages 5-12)
Weekly drama sessions provide an opportunity for children to express their creativity through games, telling stories, creating scenes and characters, exploring movement and spontaneity, building confidence and friendships. Led by professional teaching artists, experienced in working with young people, this program gently introduces the fundamentals of drama to children, through structured activities and games that spark imaginations, nurture creativity and connection. Two sessions are available: 5-8yrs and 9-12yrs.
Currently held at the Red Hill Mechanics hall, Mechanics Rd Red Hill Tuesday afternoons, during school terms.
5-8 year olds: 4:00pm – 4:45pm
9 -12 year olds: 4:45 -5:45pm
” I love drama. We have so much fun and it makes me feel really happy!” – Fin 10
“I feel like I’m a real puppy Mum – woof woof! I get to play make believe with my friends” – Iris 7
School Holiday Workshops (For children 5-11)
Holiday workshops for younger people are always fun filled, and imaginative. Teaching artists guide participants to find their creative voice and confidence through play, telling stories, creating scenes, exploring props and costumes, building characters, and working collaboratively.