UpStage High School is a program that specifically targets regional and rural High Schools in NSW, and aims to increase access to music, dance and drama programs across a range of formats. Instead of a set program, UHS is created in collaboration with each school we visit, and the teaching artists we employ for each tour are chosen specifically for the needs of the school. For instance, one school might need us for a HSC Drama intensive, in which case we bring out legendary professional Actors from Sydney Theatre Company (as an example). In another case, a school told us they wanted to build up their band program and so we brought out professional drummers, guitarists and songwriters to help them get started. One of our most popular programs is a “Yr 9&10 Elective CAPA try-out”, where we invite year 8 kids to trial music, dance and drama with our tutors across a full day to encourage them to choose those electives.

Whatever you need us for, we can create. Our primary goal is to fill the gap of teaching that regional and rural high schools experience in Creative and Performing Arts, but also to be an inspiration for the kids at those schools and a resource for the teachers there. Our feedback speaks volumes, read on below: