KIDS – Film & TV Acting

FOR: Grades 3-6
COST: $300
DATES: TBC
DURATION: 12 hours
TEACHERS: TBC
LOCATION: Arts and Cultural Exchange, 8 Victoria Road Parramatta 2150

BOOK NOW

Course overview:

In this 2-day holiday workshop, students will learn how to act in front of a camera. They will be given a script and be required to memorise lines and rehearse with a scene partner. On the second day, they will film these scenes in front of a camera and then watch back over them with their classmates.

Each student will take home a recording of their scenes.

Course outline:

Get ready for a cinematic journey as we present the Young Stars TV/Film Acting Course—an exciting 2-day experience crafted to unlock the on-screen potential of your young actor. Here’s a glimpse into the action-packed program awaiting your child:

Day 1: Lights, Camera, Action!

Morning Session: On-Screen Basics

  • Icebreaker Games: Energise the group and foster a positive, collaborative atmosphere.
  • Introduction to On-Screen Acting: Explore the unique techniques required for film and TV.

Late Morning Session: Camera-Ready Skills 

  • Camera Awareness: Learn the essentials of working with camera angles and framing.
  • On-Screen Movement: Dive into practical exercises to master movement and positioning.

Lunch Break: 

  • A chance for the kids to recharge and share their excitement.

Afternoon Session: Script and Scene Exploration 

  • Script Analysis: Break down scenes for film and TV understanding.
  • Mini Scene Rehearsals: Apply new skills in short, playful scenes.

Day 2: Becoming On-Screen Stars

Morning Session: Filming Fun 

  • Set-up and Filming: Kids will get hands-on experience in front of the camera.
  • Guided Filming: Instructors will provide tips on adapting performances for the screen.

Late Morning Session: Playback and Review

  • Screening Scenes: Enjoy watching the filmed scenes as a group.
  • Peer Feedback: Encourage constructive feedback from peers.

Lunch Break:

  • Another opportunity for the kids to enjoy lunch and share their on-screen experiences.

Afternoon Session: Red Carpet Showcase

  • Full Scene Rehearsals: Put together all the elements for a final showcase.
  • Parent Preview: Parents are invited to witness the on-screen magic their young actors have created.

Course Features:

  • Professional Guidance: Our experienced instructors have a background in TV and film, ensuring your child receives industry-relevant training.
  • Safe Environment: Your child’s well-being is our top priority. We provide a secure and supportive atmosphere.
  • Fun Learning: Through games, exercises, and hands-on activities, we make learning TV/Film acting skills an enjoyable experience.

Get ready for your child to take their first steps into the world of on-screen acting! Enrol now and let the cinematic adventure begin!

Outcomes:

  • Unlock imagination and creativity
  • Improve peer interaction and collaboration
  • Learn to memorise scripts
  • Learn how to apply adjustments and direction to a performance
  • Perform a script with confidence in front of a camera
  • Develop camera-acting skills

Teacher:

Monica Kumar.

Monica Kumar is an actor, writer NSW Approved Secondary teacher. Currently playing Padma in the Apple TV+ series Shantaram, as well as Renuka in the ABC and Showtime series Wakefield. Her latest writing credits include one of Flying Bark’s upcoming children’s animated series.

She is also the co-creator of the ABC iView series Carpark Clubbing. Winner of The Digital First Initiative by Create NSW. Winner of Best Writing at Stareable Festival in New York City, where she was also nominated for Best Actor. Carpark Clubbing was also, nominated for Best Australian Comedy at Melbourne Web Festival, and, winner of Best Ensemble Cast at Die Seriale Festival.

She also performed in Belvoir St Theatre’s Counting and Cracking. Winner of Best Main-stage Production at the 2019 Sydney Theatre Awards. And Winner of 2019 Helpmann Awards, including Best Play and Best New Australian Work. Her other credits include: Don’t Forget to Go Home directed by Sundance Ignite finalist, Victoria Thompson. Nina, directed by Poora Raj, and Discovery Channel’s drama series, Deadly Women. Flight Paths, directed by Anthea Williams. Intersection, directed by Katrina Douglas, and Gravity Guts, directed by Erica Lovell. Nominated three times at the 2019 Sydney Fringe Awards including Best in Theatre.

Monica also has experience in radio and voice-over. Lending her voice for production companies AHM, Uncanny Valley and the radio station, 2BS Gold.

Important information:

  • Please read our Centre Policies.
  • Please wear comfortable loose clothing and appropriate footwear.
  • Should you be late in picking up your child, please call 1300 828 144.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are your classes organised?

We organise our Term classes into the following groupings:

Young Kids - Grades K-1

Kids - Grades 2-3

Pre-Teens - Grades 4-5

Teens - Grades 7-9

Senior Teens - Grades 10-12

You can enrol your child into either a weekday/weeknight or weekend session.

My child is mature for their age. Can they be enrolled in the Grade above?

We strongly encourage your child to enrol in their school grade level.

Should we find that your child is exceeding the expectations of the teacher and is clearly showing signs of advanced acting ability, then we will talk with you about moving them up a grade level.

My child has no acting experience. Are term classes suitable for them?

Absolutely. PAC welcomes students from all acting backgrounds; from those who have never acted before to those who are signed to agencies.

Our passionate and observant teachers ensure that every lesson caters to the needs of each individual student and closely monitors each student’s progress to make sure that they feel comfortable but also challenged.

Do you offer weekend classes?

Yes! PAC is proud to offer weekend classes. Visit the upcoming course schedule to learn more.

Do you offer free trial classes?

We offer Free Trial Classes at scheduled times throughout the year. Please see our Free Trial Class Page for upcoming dates.

For those who are unable to attend a trial class, we invite you to book and pay for the Term classes and should your child not enjoy the first lesson of the term (we’re pretty confident they will though!), then we will happily refund the full amount of the course if you've notified us within 24 hours.

I want to enrol more than one child. Do you offer a sibling discount?

Yes. PAC is proud to offer a 10% discount to the sibling of a full-paying student.

Does PAC offer payment plans?

PAC's policy is that full payment is to be made before the commencement of a course. We are happy, however, to discuss a payment plan with families who might be experiencing temporary financial hardship. 

Can I redeem my Creative Kids voucher at PAC?

Yes! PAC is a proud service provider of the NSW Government's Creative Kids voucher. This will give a parent $50 off the course fee. This is for use once a year for one child. For more information on how to redeem this voucher, visit the Service NSW website.

What should my child wear to class?

We encourage all students to wear loose and comfortable clothing to all lessons so as to free their ability to move and explore.

If your child does not have time to get changed from their school uniform for an after-school class, then we suggest the girls wear tights or leggings under their school dresses so as to not inhibit movement.

My child is running late to a class. What should I do?

In the event of running late to a class, please call the centre on 1300 828 144 and inform management. Alternatively, send an email to info@parramattaactorscentre.com.au

My child can’t make their allocated session. Can they make up their missed class in another session?

On the rare occasion that your child cannot make class one week, they can attend one of the other timeslots allocated for their age group (should there be another timeslot scheduled).

Can my child start your classes in the middle of a term?

In order to get the most out of the course, students are strongly encouraged to attend all 10 classes scheduled for the term.

For this reason, we do not take enrolments after the commencement of the first lesson.

Am I allowed into the studio with my child during a class?

Sometimes, having people in the room with them can make a child feel self-conscious. For this reason, we kindly ask that no parent or guardian be in the room with the teacher and students during a class. The exception is during the end of term open performance where parents and friends are invited to watch and support the students.

Do your teachers have Working With Children checks?

Absolutely. Your child's safety is our number one priority which is why we ensure that all of our teachers not only have WWC checks but that they have a combination of arts and education experience.

Can my child bring food and drink into the studio?

No. The only drink allowed into the studio is water.

Where do you run the acting classes?

Our classes are mainly run out of the Arts and Cultural Exchange (ACE) in Parramatta.

The address is 8 Victoria Road, Parramatta. Corner of Victoria Road and Villiers Street.

If you're driving:

We recommend parking in the carpark of North Parramatta McDonalds next door and walking over.

If you're catching public transport:

ACE is a 15-20 minute walk from Parramatta train station. Walk all the way down Church Street until you hit Prince Alfred Park. Cross diagonally through the park and ICE will be on the corner across Victoria Road.

On the rare occasion, classes are held at PHIVE 5 Parramatta Sq, Parramatta. Parents will be notified of this change in venue in advance.

Will my child receive a certificate at the end of the term?

A student will receive a Certificate of Participation at the end of Term 2 and again at the end of Term 4.

This is our way of congratulating those students who have stuck with us over two or more terms, and invested time and energy into developing their acting skills.

What are your 2024 term dates?

Our Term classes run in line with school terms.

The Term dates for 2024 are as follows:

Term 1: Monday 29 January – Saturday 6 April 2024
Term 2: Monday 29 April – Saturday 6 July 2024
Term 3: Monday, 22 July – Saturday, 28 September 2024
Term 4: Monday 14 October – Saturday 21 December 2024

My child wants to turn acting into a career. Do you offer any industry advice?

Of course. Our co-founder, Nisrine Amine, is both an educator and working actor giving her plenty of insight into the acting industry.

Feel free to organise a meeting with her to chat about your child's needs.

Her email is nisrine@13.210.12.134.

Is PAC affiliated with any acting agencies?

Although PAC can suggest names of Sydney Acting Agencies to keen students, they are not affiliated with any of them.

Any advice or recommendations given by the team at PAC regarding acting agencies are personal opinions of the team members themselves.

While staff at PAC may pass on audition notices to actors, they in no way receive payment (monetary or otherwise) for doing so.