Classes: The School at AIPA’s classes are structured and follow a syllabus with proven learning goals and outcomes allowing primary aged students to take charge of their development and explore the arts while feeling challenged and supported. Within this age group we offer different class levels to allow those who are more advanced to push forward, and those who have a recently discovered a passion for acting, singing or dance, to start classes and not get left behind. Classes can be taken as singles (choose one or a combination of after school classes), a combo (such as Triple Threat – drama, dance and singing), or our Talent Development (TD) and Development courses (Acting in Motion, Film Stream, Industry Foundation Course – IFC, Performance Stream, PPMT Musical Theatre Repertoire) for students who have demonstrated a high level of skill and dedication. NEW IN 2025, Dance Extension and Vocal Extension can be taken as stand-alone classes, to round out your training or as an extension to dance, singing and performance programmes such as Musical Theatre and Performance Stream. Regular feedback gives parents peace of mind that their child is happy, being challenged at the correct level, and is building a foundation for the performing arts and life. These classes teach confidence, team skills, leadership and listening skills within each discipline and children leave fulfilled and happy.
- 4.00 – 5.00pm Drama
- 5.00 – 6.00pm Jazz
- 4.15 – 6.15pm PPMT Musical Theatre
- 6.15 – 7.15pm Dance Extension
- 7.15 – 8.15pm Vocal Extension
TUESDAY
- 4.00 – 5.00pm Film Stream
- 5.00 – 6.00pm Song and Dance
- 5.00 – 6.00pm Boys only – Funk and Stunt
WEDNESDAY
- 4.00 – 5.00pm Acrobatics & Tumbling
- 5.00 – 6.00pm Contemporary (Ballet technique)
- 6.00 – 7.00pm Extension acro/tumbling
THURSDAY
- 4.00 – 5.00pm Hip Hop
- 5.00 – 6.00pm Tap – Glenwood Syllabus
- 6.00 – 7.00pm Tap exam class
FRIDAY
- 4.00 – 6.00pm Triple Threat
Two 60 minute classes that rotate between singing, dance and drama
SATURDAY
- 9.00 – 12.15pm Performance Stream Junior. 6 x 30 minute classes : ballet, drama, hip hop, singing, jazz, and tap
- 9.00 – 12.45pm Performance Stream Junior. 7 x 30 minute classes : ballet, drama, hip hop, singing, jazz, tap, tap exam class
- 9.00 – 1.00pm Acting in Motion (AIM)
- 1.30 – 6.00pm Industry Foundation Course (IFC) Junior/Intermediate
- 1.30 – 6.00pm Performance Stream Junior/Intermediate. 4 x 1 hour classes : contemporary technique (ballet), Commercial Jazz, Commercial Hip Hop, Musical Theatre Song & Dance (traditional musical theatre) and Drama.
OR SEARCH BY CLASS / DISCIPLINE DANCE
- Jazz – Monday, Saturday
- Commercial Jazz – Saturday
- Song & Dance – Tuesday, Saturday
- Ballet – Wednesday, Saturday
- Acro & Tumbling – Wednesday
- Tap – Thursday, Saturday
- Dance (jazz, hip hop/performance) – Friday
- Hip Hop – Thursday, Saturday
- Commercial Hip Hop – Saturday
- Dance Tech – Tuesday
- Contemporary, Ballet technique – Wednesday
- Musical Theatre performance – Monday
- Cheer – Wednesday
DRAMA
- Drama – Monday, Friday, Saturday
- Acting for Screen – Tuesday
- Film Stream – Tuesday
- Musical Theatre performance – Monday
SINGING
- Song & Dance – Tuesday, Sat
- Singing – Friday (as part of TT)
- Musical Theatre – Monday
- Vocal Extension – Monday
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS 2025 A-Z
ACTING FOR SCREEN
Tuesday 4.00pm – 5.00pm
Acting for Screen is perfect for young actors who want to be on television and see their work on the big screen. Students learn audition technique and the staff coach them on pieces, which are then taped and played back to the class. Screen acting is very popular with this age group because they understand the concept of being on television and in a movie and want to explore what it takes. The class fitness and team skills. Students start with a stretch and warm up. They learn technique, skills and tricks and finish each class with different routines throughout the year to show parents at open focusses on age-appropriate material from television shows that they watch, as well as original content. Each student’s work is shown at AIPA’s Film Night where they can get dressed up, walk the red carpet and have their photos taken before going into the cinema and watching their work on the big screen. Students enrolled in this class can be represented by the Agency at AIPA if they would like to be submitted for paid television and film work, or they can simply take it to have lots of fun each week! (Advanced students see Film Stream)
ACTING IN MOTION (AIM)
Saturday 9.00 – 1.00pm (Age 8 +)
Saturday 1.30 – 6.00pm (Age 8 +)
Ages 8 - 20 years. Students are placed into ensembles based on experience, skill, age and ability.
Acting in Motion is an opportunity for students to explore their craft in an ever-changing industry. Whether it be for stage or screen, AIM students are taught how to explore situations and material to tell a story. We encourage them to get out of their heads and into the audiences’ senses with regular performances, both inhouse and staged. This is a physical course where you learn by ‘doing’, not sitting, and taking notes.
Within core subjects the tutors have modules that they can select from to build on and enhance the students already evident skills, specific abilities, experience and needs to ensure maximum growth and enjoyment. Students will also have guest teacher modules.
Classes are taught by some of the best tutors in the Australian industry who have extensive bodies of work and proven credits and success (See staff bios). Actors will be cast into ensembles and will work through different modules of the syllabus that build on each other. Students are given the opportunity to be represented, with the agency actively looking for opportunities for each student. Casting professionals & directors will visit classes and events to offer advice and interact with students, keeping them connected to the industry that they are training for. If you are looking for a challenging, professional course where you can fail safely, take risks in performance, find yourself, and find your voice, we are waiting for you.
ACROBATICS & TUMBLING
Wednesday 4.00pm – 5.00pm
Acrobatics and Tumbling is another physical ‘all-body’ movement class loved by both sporty kids and those who enjoy ballet. Students are spurred on each week to gain new skills that they can then build on. Each new skill (or part thereof) is rewarded with positive reinforcement which builds self-confidence and a willingness to try new things. The class incorporates elements of tumbling, fitness and acrobatics. Acrobatic classes include strength and stretch components to develop endurance and flexibility. Tumbling classes are dedicated to drills and progressions to develop power tumbling skills including back handsprings, aerial cartwheels and more. Students learn skills and then put them together to create routines/demonstrations throughout the year to at open days and the annual concert (Term 4). Friends and sport teams can definitely attend the classes together and we encourage a fun, supportive, inclusive environment.
ACROBATICS & TUMBLING
EXTENSION CLASS
Wednesday 6.00pm – 7.00pm
Our current General Acro class follows a structured, consistent format designed to develop foundational skills. However, we recognise that every student progresses at their own pace, and to better support individual growth, the acro and tumbling extension class was launched as a more personalised acro class. The extension class will be based on each student’s unique level and abilities. Rather than adhering to a more fixed format, the teaching staff tailor the program to meet the specific needs of each student, helping them advance from where they are. This approach allows for a more flexible and specialised training experience, ensuring that each student can focus on the skills that will benefit them most.
I believe this will create an engaging and supportive environment for all students, leading to quicker progress and greater confidence in their abilities. Please note, students attend the acro and tumbling class for their age group prior to attending this class.
BALLET
Wednesday 5.00pm – 6.00pm
The afternoon class is designed for primary students who would like to pick up ballet or get back into it after a break. Most dance schools offer ballet for this age group with an exam focus so this class fills the gap. Both boys and girls love this class as it introduces them to ballet in a supportive and friendly environment. Students learn the terminology and steps throughout the year, as well as routines to show parents at open days and the annual concert (Term 4). As students’ progress through the syllabus, they will be graded into classes that will allow them to develop at the correct level of skill and interest. Some children just love to dance ballet without the pressure of exams and this class caters for them, by working through the syllabus and TSAA completing an internal assessment. Others love the challenge of completing exams and these children can add a private or two semi-private lessons to their classes and go for an RAD exam in semester two. Ballet is the foundation of all performing arts and we strongly encourage each child to take a weekly class.
JUNIOR CHEER - NEW IN 2025
Wednesday 5.00 – 6.00pm
This class combines dance and traditional cheerleading skills into energetic routines set to music. Cheerleading promotes fitness, self-esteem, and teamwork for all skill levels and is one of the fastest growing co-ed sports. We recommend students in this programme enrol in Acrobatics and Tumbling class on Wednesday afternoons.
DANCE EXTENSION - NEW IN 2025
Tuesday 6.00 – 7.00pm (term one)
Tuesday 6.00 – 7.30pm (from term two)
This class is in addition to Performance Stream Dance classes in Commercial Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary. It can also be taken as a stand alone class and will focus on developing technique, core strength, fitness, endurance and agility. Designed to improve the dance development of all round Triple Threat students to a professional level, it will cover all styles of dance. For actors and singers wanting to improve dance technique call the office for options.
DRAMA
Monday 4.00pm – 5.00pm
Friday as part of Triple Threat programme
Every child should be offered drama in their formative years. These classes for primary school aged students are aimed at fostering and encouraging creativity and developing directing skills and ensemble play. Students are able to read and this opens up a world of new material from published plays and radio plays to draw on, create from, and perform. Students start each lesson with diction and intonation – which helps them with their speech and confidence. Children explore improv – which teaches them quick thinking skills, mime – that encourages them to use non-verbal skills, and play building – which teaches them team skills and memorisation. Students will show their parents their work at open days and the annual drama night (Term 3). As students’ progress through the syllabus, they will be graded into classes that will allow them to develop at the correct level of skill and interest.
FILM STREAM (TD)
Tuesday 4.15pm – 6.15pm
Film Stream is designed for students who love to act, love film, and have indicated that they would like to be involved in films and television production. Classes are streamed into age group, experience, and ability. This course is hands on and students will have weekly homework that needs to be completed in order to stay in the class. Students shoot pieces each term that are then shown at film nights throughout the year and can be shared with family and friends. Students receive IMDb credits for the short films and web-series made, giving them a solid foundation in screen and helping them to actively build their resumes. Film streams levels allow students to work through the syllabus which is built on industry standards and taught by industry professionals.
HIP-HOP
Thursday 4.00pm – 5.00pm
Hip Hop is the class for kids with loads of energy and those who prefer physical ‘all body’ movement. Kids who love soccer, basketball and football love this class as it helps them develop skills for their sport as well as enjoy dance. It is one of the most popular classes for this age group for good reason. Hip Hop allows a combination of dance moves they see in music videos and freestyle moves – allowing true self- expression. TSAA’s Hip Hop curriculum works on gross and fine motor skills, strength, coordination, confidence, days and the annual concert (Term 4). As students’ progress through the syllabus they will be graded into classes that will allow them to develop at the correct level of skill and interest. Friends and sport teams can definitely attend the classes together and we encourage a fun, supportive, inclusive environment.
INDUSTRY FOUNDATION COURSE (IFC)
Saturday 1.30 – 6.00pm (Technique)
Industry Foundation Course (IFC) – Primary Ages 8 - 12 years
If you are passionate about musical theatre performance and know that you are destined to be a professional performer, you need to be trained by people who are auditioning, touring and performing in pro-am and professional shows. You want to learn from people who are as invested as you are and have a genuine interest in seeing you succeed. With great shows coming to Sydney, who will be looking for children to play the junior roles – NOW is the time to train, build relationships and get audition ready! IFC teaches you how to apply for open calls, compete at auditions, and have the correct audition etiquette so you are confident but not precocious. You’ll learn how to sustain a performance, so you can give to each audience. Classes are performance based and include Dance Audition (choreography), Stage Performance & technique (acting), Vocal technique & performance (singing) and Dance technique (Cardio, leaps, turns & stretch). Designed by working professionals in the Australian and touring show industries, the classes follow a curriculum with measurable learning goals and regular performances. Within each ensemble, there are levels and performers are assessed twice a term so that they can tick off skills and move to the next level. Saturday classes ensure a thorough training ground for the industry. The pre-professional masterclasses on a Monday afternoon, introduce students to different members of the professional industry who are currently in shows playing in Sydney. Prepare pieces for vocal night (term 2) drama night (term 3), concert (term 4)
JAZZ
Monday 5.00pm – 6.00pm
Friday as part of Triple Threat programme
If you have a primary aged student who has told you that they want to dance but has never danced before or is returning to dance, these classes are a perfect choice. Taught by experienced teachers who can teach at an ‘open’ level, students can progress as quickly or slowly as they need to. The main focus is to foster a love of dance in each student as well as building their confidence and skills so that they can begin to catch up to their peers. Jazz is a great class for this age group as it works on students gross and fine motor skills, coordination, confidence, fitness and team skills, all while teaching a classical funky style of dance in a fun and supportive environment. Students start with a stretch and warm up. They then complete corner and technique work, and finish with routine building so that they have something to show parents and friends throughout the year at open days and the annual concert (Term 4). Friends and sport teams can definitely attend the classes together and we encourage a fun, supportive, inclusive environment.
PERFORMANCE STREAM PRIMARY
Saturday 9.00 – 12.15pm Performance Stream Junior. 6 x 30 minute classes : ballet, drama, hip hop, singing, jazz, and tap
Saturday 9.00 – 12.45pm Performance Stream Junior. 7 x 30 minute classes : ballet, drama, hip hop, singing, jazz, tap, tap exam class
Primary aged children love to create performances and learn skills that can be used across their lives and activities.
Kids these days want to do everything, but the juggle and running around (trust me I’m a parent) is hard! That’s why we have taken 27+ years of experience to design a programme that teaches a well-rounded performing arts experience where classes complement each other. Students complete 6 x 30-minute classes in ballet, drama, hip hop, singing, jazz and tap (with the option of adding a tap exam class) all in one morning or choose to add a tap exam prep class – it’s a young performers (and a busy parents) dream, giving them solid skills and technique so that they can perform in school talent quests, in the living room or with further training, audition for professional shows coming to Sydney. There is an option to swap out one class in the stream with a 30-minute private (one-on-one) piano, guitar, or singing lesson (at an additional cost).
Covering the School at AIPA’s curriculum teachers will cover both technique and performance material and your child will come home with new friends and lots of things to show you. Your child will take part in vocal night in (term 2) drama night in (term 3) and the annual concert in (term four) so you can see what they are learning. Performance Stream Junior is great for building confidence, team skills, friendships, fitness and just letting your child express their creativity.
PERFORMANCE STREAM
Saturday 1.30 – 6.00pm
Years Three – Year Twelve (Streams divided by age, experience and ability)
Performance Stream has been running at AIPA for twenty years and has turned out some wonderful performers who have gone on to study fulltime at WAAPA, VCA, NIDA, NYU (New York), UCLA (California), RAADA (London) and other world renown schools. Students have also gone on to Australian tours of professional shows such as RENT, Mamma Mia, Sound of Music, Little Women, Billy Elliot, Jersey Boys and many others. Performance Stream is designed for intermediate to advanced Primary and High School Triple Threat Students who want to train in an all-inclusive and supportive environment with great teachers. This four hour programme includes one hour of (Contemporary technique (ballet), Commercial Jazz, Commercial Hip Hop, Musical Theatre Song & Dance (traditional musical theatre) and Drama). An additional acrobatics skills elective is offered during the week and Tap on Thursday nights is strongly encouraged. A great programme for aspiring performers interested in a Musical Theatre or acting career. This programme is divided into grades by skill and previous experience/demonstrated ability. Prepare pieces for vocal night (term 2) drama night (term 3), concert (term 4)
PPMT - Musical Theatre Performance
Monday 4.30 – 6.30pm
The only weekly course of its kind in Australia, PPMT is designed to give musical theatre performers the opportunity to learn from working industry professionals. Taught in four-week modules, the course moves at a quick pace to teach essential recall and performance skills. “Learning by doing, everyone gets the opportunity to show what they can do”. If you love musicals, then this class will be heaven for you! No favourites, no politics, each module brings in two new professionals from a new show to work with you and give you ideas and experience. This is a great way to build relationships in the industry and see how possible and rewarding a professional career in musical theatre can be. Prepare pieces for vocal night (term 2) and concert (term 4)
SONG & DANCE
Tuesday 5.00pm – 6.00pm
If you have a child who sings in the back of the car, in the shower, into their hairbrush, or loves the school choir and wants more, then you really need to enrol them in this class. Working with like-minded creatives, girls and boys can sing their hearts out. Students begin with a high energy vocal warm up. They learn about scales and intervals – training their inner ear. They participate in rhythm exercises and then move on to learning age-appropriate songs throughout the year to show parents at open days, vocal night (Term 2) and the annual concert (Term 4). Friends can definitely attend the classes together and we encourage a fun, supportive, inclusive environment. Choreography (kids can sing along to) is designed for all songs learned allowing every piece learned to become a performance in itself.
SINGING
Friday As part of Triple Threat programme
If you have a child who sings in the back of the car, in the shower, into their hairbrush, or loves the school choir and wants more, then you really need to enrol them in this class. Working with like-minded creatives, girls and boys can sing their hearts out. Students begin with a high energy vocal warm up. They learn about scales and intervals – training their inner ear. They participate in rhythm exercises and then move on to learning age appropriate songs throughout the year to show parents at open days, vocal night (Term 2) and the annual concert (Term 4). Friends can definitely attend the classes together and we encourage a fun, supportive, inclusive environment.
TAP
Thursday 5.00pm – 6.00pm
Tap is cool. Tap Dogs, 42nd Street, and numerous other live shows have brought back tap as a dance style that everyone wants to learn and master. It’s a great way to let loose, burn energy, get fit and express yourself physically. Tap is the ideal discipline for goal orientated students. Students can see, feel, and hear their achievements – which satisfies all types of learners (visual, auditory and kinaesthetic). Kids who love soccer, basketball and football love this class as it helps them develop foot skills for their sport as well as enjoy dance. TSAA’s Tap curriculum works on gross and fine motor skills, strength, coordination, confidence, fitness and team skills. Students learn technique, skills and tricks and finish each class with different routines throughout the year to show parents at open days and the annual concert (Term 4). As students’ progress through the syllabus, they will be graded into classes that will allow them to develop at the correct level of skill and interest. TSAA follows the Glenn Wood Tap syllabus. Students who show application and dedication can add a private or semi-private lesson each week and complete an exam if they want to.
TRIPLE THREAT
Drama, Jazz & Singing.
Friday 4.00 – 6.00pm
“Triple Threat” is an industry term meaning “all-rounder”. Performers in musicals such as “Hamilton”, “Come from Away”, & “School of Rock” are all triple threats. They can sing, dance and act – and that’s what our skilled and fun teachers will teach you to do. The three classes are taught one after another, and the teachers work collaboratively to make sure that each skill taught can be used in a performance piece at the same time. Classes perform at the end of vocal night (term 2), drama night (term 3) and annual concert (term 4) for family and friends. This course is a great starting point for those who want to move into vocational courses or students who want to do it all, but have a busy lifestyle. Contact the AIPA office for order of classes.
VOCAL EXTENSION - NEW IN 2025
Monday 6.00 – 7.00pm (term one)
Monday 6.00 – 7.30pm (from term two)
This class is in addition to Musical Theatre Monday and Performance Stream singing classes. It will focus on developing technique and student’s repertoire. It allows for individual development and offers an open audition once per term where students prepare a song and receive critique/feedback from an industry professional. Designed to improve the vocal development of all round Triple Threat students to a professional level. Come to class and build your book of songs!
The School at AIPA’s 2025 classes and courses are highly responsive to students’ needs and the ever-changing industry. We are focussed on the students and their individual growth. We set the bar high and then encourage students to push it to where it could be. We want them to discover their potential, define it and explore further. Where can they take themselves and their audiences creatively?
Our vision for the next decade is to create an environment that simulates the situations and places they will be going into. Theatres, sets, studios – the future. The attainable future for those who want to achieve. We train creatives and performers alike to question what an artform can really be and then take us there. If you can’t see yourself being involved in any other industry, then AIPA is the place for you in 2025 and beyond.
REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TRIAL
Please Register for a trial class using the following LINK
All classes from 4 – 6pm are open for trials from Monday 2 February to trial.
Students trialling extension classes, will trial from Monday 9 February.
If you have any questions about these classes or would like to enrol your child please contact the AIPA office
Phone : 02 9966 5013, 0412 736 974 Email : theschool@aipa.com.au
