Be the first to find out what’s happening at the Isaac Theatre Royal and receive weekly e-newsletters with access to competitions, pre-sale opportunities and special offers. It’s free so sign up now.
Thu 24 July - Sun 27 July 2025
Dracula’s: Sanctuary
Auditorium, Isaac Theatre Royal
Mon 13 April - Wed 15 April 2026
Isaac Theatre Royal & Canvas Bag Drama School present...
April School Holiday Drama Workshops
Don't be so (Melo) - Dramatic
The Gloucester Room, Isaac Theatre Royal
Are you a brave Hero, a courageous Heroine, a cunning Villian... or maybe a loveable rouge?
Workshops Info
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION
Thursday 12 March, 10am - Sunday 15 March, 11:59pm
GP ON SALE
Monday 16 March, 10am
CLASSES
- Class 7 - 10 Years | 9am – 3pm (Mon & Tue), 9am – 4pm (Wed)
- Class 11- 17 Years | 9am – 3pm (Mon & Tue), 9am – 4pm (Wed)
EARLY BIRD COURSE FEES
- Workshop Fee (no lunch) - $225.00 incl. GST
- Workshop Fee (three lunches included) - $285.00 incl. GST
REGISTRATION CLOSES
Wednesday 8 April, 9am
Join us these school holidays for a fun-filled drama adventure as we dive into the exciting world of melodrama - where heroes are bold, villains are dramatic, and every story is full of big laughs and big moments!
Over three creative days, young performers will:
-
Invent colourful characters
-
Act out classic tales
-
Explore the playful style of traditional melodrama with a modern twist!
Through drama games, storytelling, and performance activities, students will:
-
Build confidence
-
Learn new acting skills
-
Have loads of fun inside the Isaac Theatre Royal!
The workshop is led by Canvas Bag Drama School tutors Caitlyn and Andrew, under the creative direction of Course Director Harry Lawrence, giving students the chance to learn from some of Christchurch’s most passionate theatre tutors.
Perfect for young creatives who love acting, storytelling, and using their imagination!
Come along, make new friends, and discover the joy of theatre these holidays!
Meet the Tutors
Andrew Gilbert
Class 7 - 10 Years | 9am – 3pm (Mon & Tue), 9am – 4pm (Wed)
Andrew has a keen interest in improvisation, and encourages imagination and quick thinking within conventional storytelling structure, and improvisation itself. As a deep appreciator of storytelling, Andrew encourages his students to find the patterns within all stories, and to understand the rules of regular storytelling so that they may be broken in interesting ways!
Caitlyn O'Rouke
Class 11- 17 Years | 9am – 3pm (Mon & Tue), 9am – 4pm (Wed)
Caitlyn began her theatre training with Harlequin Players before performing a variety of roles with Riccarton Players. As an accomplished singer, she was part of the specialist music programme at Burnside where she sang in the Bel Canto choir and performed in several Showbiz productions. She has worked as a director for Canterbury University groups Musoc and Dramasoc, and led improvisation workshops with SayWhat.
Harry Lawrence
Course Director
Harry is an actor, director and playwright who has been in performing arts circles by the time he could talk. Harry's fundamental approach to teaching is that it must always be led with joy. Young actors spark the real creatives in themselves when they shed off the weight of doubt and self-consciousness and embrace deliberate expression, foolishness and joy. While performing is a discipline and requires discipline, joy is what inspires children and young people to grow in confidence, personal expression and belief in their own ideas and creativity.
Workshop Dates
Mon 13 April 2026
Tue 14 April 2026
Wed 15 April 2026
Performance, Gloucester Room
Donate
By donating to the Isaac Theatre Royal, you are helping us with the costs involved in the maintenance and development of the Theatre. Your assistance will ensure she maintains her unique place in our arts heritage as one of the most prestigious and illustrious venues in Australasia for many years to come.
Donate
By donating to the Isaac Theatre Royal, you are helping us with the costs involved in the maintenance and development of the Theatre. Your assistance will ensure she maintains her unique place in our arts heritage as one of the most prestigious and illustrious venues in Australasia for many years to come.
Donate
By donating to the Isaac Theatre Royal, you are helping us with the costs involved in the maintenance and development of the Theatre. Your assistance will ensure she maintains her unique place in our arts heritage as one of the most prestigious and illustrious venues in Australasia for many years to come.
