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!

Idomeneo - Vic Opera and Opera Australia Edupac goes live!

Idomeneo is a most incredible Opera by Mozart. It is on now at the Palais in Naarm/ Melbourne and will have its Sydney season at the Opera House.

It was such a pleasure to work with Tim Ryan (Vic Opera Education Manager) on this wonderful edupac/ resource for all patrons including school audiences.

And go see the opera!

I was at opening night and it was fantastic!

Directed by the amazing Lindy Hume

https://www.victorianopera.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Victorian-Opera-2023-Idomeneo-Education-Resource_FINAL.pdf

Idomeneo EduPac by Kate Ellis (and Tim Ryan)

A Year of Lanyards

This year I have had the incredible privilege and pleasure of presenting in Iceland, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and my home city of Naarm (Melbourne).

In Iceland I presented at the World Drama Education Congress, championing the work of actors and encouraging the integration of acting skills such as intimacy, pleasure, sensitivity, play and communication in schools education.

In Aotearoa and Naarm (Melbourne), I presented with my incredible colleague Nick Waxman on our work with Drama Victoria and the Department of Education through the Positive Start ‘Bring the Drama’ Initiative. On both occasions we had the opportunity to introduce to people from all over the world, the wonderful education resources we have put together so that ALL kids and teachers have access to drama education (see https://vimeo.com/channels/dramavictoriapresents/page:3 )

I have worn a lot of lanyards, met a lot of incredible people, and spent time in environments we should all be so lucky to have access too.

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/