The Twyford presents
AUTUMN HOLIDAY BREAK PROGRAM
DRAMA: 13 – 14 April 2026 in the Foyer/Theatre
BALLET: 16 – 19 April 2026 in the Hall
FREE
Jump onto stage with these two great school holiday programs! This program is supported by The NSW Government’s Office for Youth.
This FREE program provide workshop tuition, a healthy drink and food.
A free bus fare is available for travel with Sapphire Coast Buslines public bus services if needed – please ensure you tick this option when booking your workshop ticket – you will be sent a pass by email to show the driver. For public bus timetables please visit Sapphire Coast Buslines. Please note there are NO bus services on Sunday 19 April and bus services on Saturday 18 April may be more limited.
DRAMA FOR BEGINNERS AGED 12 to 18: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Mon 13 and Tue 14 April 2026
- This program is for young people new to drama and acting. It runs for 6 hours per day over 2 days and includes lunch.
BALLET FOR BEGINNERS AGED 12 to 18: 10.15 am to 12.30 pm Thu 16 – Sun 19 April 2026
- This program is for beginners or those returning to ballet after a break. It runs for 2 hours per day over 4 days and includes morning tea.
Please bring socks (ordinary socks, NOT non-slip socks). No need to bring ballet shoes unless you have some already.
MORE INFORMATION
Drama Program
6 hours per day over 2 days for ages 12 to 18. Includes lunch.
Tutor: Lis Shelley BA Grad Dip assisted by Angi High
Lis Shelley is the Manager of The Twyford venue and has been Artistic Director of StageFlight since 2012. She was a Producer/Director/Performer with Footprint Theatre 2009-2019 and has performed and directed with other theatre companies in the region. Lis has written and directed plays in Canberra and the Illawarra and coordinated the Short & Sweet Play Festival in Merimbula in 2013. She is a film maker and founding member of Far South Film and has tutored film making and acting workshops in the region since 2010. She was Director of the Far South Film Festival from 2020-2024.
The drama program is designed for young people with no previous experience in drama. Drama is a way for youth to connect with others outside the school environment and “find their tribe” in a theatre context. Workshops begin with games and warmups for voice, body and breathing that enable the participants to focus and manage stress through self-awareness and concentration. Participants work in groups or pairs improvising and using short scripted scenes to try out different styles of acting as they gain confidence. The final part of the workshop will reflect on the skills learned and a chance to do a mini performance.
Ballet Program
2 hours of class per day over 4 days for ages 12 to 18. Includes morning tea.
Tutor: Veronica Valderrama assisted by Mica Mahani
Veronica Valderrama started dance lessons at the age of six and at fifteen was admitted to the Instituto Superior de Arte, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She danced with the Teatro Colón Company and in 1997 began a twelve year career with the National Mexican Ballet in Mexico City as a soloist and member of the corps du ballet. In 2009 she moved to Australia and now brings her passion and art to the Far South Coast through the En Pointe Far South Coast Dance Centre. In 2019 she gained her Professional Dance Postgraduate Teaching Diploma with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD).
BEGINNER BALLET (Part I of the Class – 1 hour each day)
Designed especially for students who are new to ballet or returning after a break. This class provides a supportive and encouraging environment where students can build confidence while learning the foundations of classical ballet. Ballet offers many benefits for teenagers, both physically and mentally. Students will:
- Develop correct posture and body alignment
- Improve strength, flexibility, and coordination
- Build core stability and overall muscle tone
- Increase balance and body awareness
- Enhance musicality and rhythm
- Gain discipline, focus, and perseverance
- Grow in self-confidence and self-expression
At this age, ballet is not only about technique — it also helps students manage stress, improve concentration, and develop resilience. The structured nature of ballet training encourages commitment and personal progress, while still allowing creativity through movement.
No previous experience is required. Each class includes barre work, centre practice, and simple choreography, allowing students to gradually build technique in a safe and progressive way.
This class is perfect for teens who would like to:
- Try ballet for the first time
- Improve their technique for other dance styles
- Support gymnastics or other sports training
- Simply enjoy moving in a positive and welcoming space
BALLET FITNESS: (Part II of the class, 1 hour each day)
PBT (Progressive Ballet Technique) Is a specialised, innovative body-conditioning program designed to enhance dancers’ technique, strength, and alignment through muscle memory. In the workshop, the students will have the opportunity to learn the foundation exercises.
This program is supported by The NSW Government’s Office for Youth
