School Incursions

‘A big thank you! The kids loved it and it was the perfect launch into our production. The others teachers have also all passed on really positive feedback and enjoyed it too. So thank you so much. Particularly for how you adapted it to suit our needs too!’ Grade 5/6 Teacher. Leading Teacher.

Yesterday I had the honour of working with the entire grade 5/6 level leading up to their auditions for their school production of ‘The Jungle Book’.

It was wonderful as always to get an insight into another wonderful school community (this time in the leafy Greensborough) …a beautiful group of hard working and caring teachers, walls adorned with First Nations languages; and a group of excited and enthusiastic young people.

We worked on Dr Seuss’ philosophy (which greatly underpins all my work as an Acting Coach) which is that ‘there is no youier you than you!’ ie cultivating the individual artist; as well as characterisation (including body language, gesture, facial expression and voice); script detective work (so we know what the writer and director is asking us to do) annnnnd confidence.

Thank you Greenhills PS for having me and good luck with the show!

SCHOOL INCURSIONS AND YEAR 12 DRAMA EXAM/ AUDITION TUITION

Kate is available for school incursions leading up to productions, to teach acting skills for the camera or general drama work for wellbeing and fun. She also teaches year 12 students leading up to their exams and auditions for drama schools such as NIDA, VCA and 16th street Actors Studio (full time course).

Kate has a Masters in Education (Melbourne University, High Class Honours) and teaches the next generation of teachers at MGSE (Melbourne Graduate School of Education, Melbourne University). Kate is currently on the board of the Australian Children’s Theatre Foundation and has been invited in 2023 to teach the next generation of Directors at Swinburne University (how to work with actors).

She works as a specialist teacher for the peak body for Drama Education, Drama Victoria. She delivers programs for regional and metro students (and their teachers) so that ALL students have access to Drama, no matter their socio-economic circumstances.

Her work as an Acting Coach for children has seen her running Youth Programs for acting schools such as 16th Street Actors Studio and TAFTA, workshopping and filming self tapes for young actors (8-18 years old) and is recommended by casting agents such as Oh Jackie O and Centrestage.

In 2023 Kate has been invited to write the Education Pack for Victorian Opera and Opera Australia’s Idomineo (alongside the wonderful Tim Ryan), and Galileo (alongside Tim Ryan and Claire Wearne). She will continue this work in 2024.

Kate has been the Head of Drama and a Language & Literature specialist at Australia’s first progressive school Preshil, The Margaret Lyttle Memorial School.

She use’s contemporary contexts and stimuli pertaining to the world of young people today. She promotes creativity, critical thinking, concept and inquiry-based learning which she believes contributes to a holistic educational and well-being practice.

Her work as an innovative teacher of Language and Literature and Drama was recognised by Victoria’s Independent School’s body in 2018. ISV filmed her teaching practice as part of a project that aims to start conversations with and between teachers regarding their current innovative practices in curriculum and pedagogy. She was also invited to speak at the World Drama Education Congress in Iceland in 2022, the New Zealand Drama Conference 2022 and was a Keynote speaker at the 2023 Victorian Drama Conference.

Kate has designed and taught specialist programs such as ‘The Artistry of Science’ for Victoria’s Arts Learning Festival. Here she facilitated workshops on those fundamental questions that unite the sciences and the arts.

Kate has been a guest director for regional schools such as Alexander Secondary College; taught acting for the camera at TAFTA for secondary schools; and offers private tuition for those students undertaking VCE Drama or the International Baccalaureate program DP Theatre. She also offers tuition to those wanting to audition for acting schools here and across the globe such as NIDA , VCA , and WAAPA.

Kate Ellis joins the ACTF board


ANNOUNCEMENT! Been desperate to say something but can now finally announce… I am now on the board of trustees for the incredible Australian Children’s Theatre Foundation (ACTF).

I went to my first meeting the other day and was that chuffed to sit as equals beside people who’ve made and are making huge contributions to the arts, specifically the dramatic arts. We also had Junkyard Beats come to our meeting to talk about how they used the funds provided by the ACTF this year… yas!

Can’t wait to read applications over the holidays and work with the board and artists next year. Insert :-)HAPPY FACE

ABOUT THE ACTF

The Australian Children's Theatre Foundation (ACTF) supports the delivery of arts-based programs into primary schools across Victoria as well contributing towards the commissioning of new theatre works for young people aged between 6 and 11. Regional Arts Victoria’s Arts & Education program brings inspiring arts experiences to children and young people throughout Victoria.

Every two years the ACTF commissions a work in development aimed at primary aged school students. This $20,000 commission must meet the ideals of the foundation and becomes part of the Arts & Education Program the following year.

The ACTF is a proud partner of Regional Arts Victoria’s Arts & Education program and supports schools across Victoria to access to the program. We provide subsidies of up to 75% for schools affected by low socio-economic circumstances; remoteness; high numbers of students for whom English is not their first language; bushfire or other disaster; and schools with specific learning needs. To see if your school is eligible contact the Arts & Education team at Regional Arts Victoria.

https://www.actf.org.au/