Upstage Youth Theatre - Maitland, NSW

Tuan Nguyen

My son, Ben, had an incredible time at the HVGS drama club! Every week, he came home with stories about the fun activities and new skills he was learning. The environment was both engaging and supportive, which made him look forward to each session with excitement.
A special shout-out to Ann, who truly made the experience exceptional. Her warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine care for the kids shine through in every class. We couldn't be happier with the impact this club has had on Ben, and we highly recommend it.

Fy C

Our entire (blended) family have been lucky enough to experience the magic of Ann and the Upstage family.

What truly sets Upstage apart is its sense of community. Here, every student is not just a face in the crowd but a valued member of a tight-knit family.

Through our children's and our own experiences, we've seen firsthand the transformative power of Upstage. From timid beginners to confident performers, each student embarks on a journey of self-discovery that extends far beyond the stage.

In a world filled with noise, Upstage stands as a beacon of authenticity and creativity. If you're looking for more than just a drama school, but a home where your artistic soul (and your kids!) can flourish, look no further.

Kylie Harris

Upstage Review

We are the Harris-Payne family from East Maitland, and we would like the world to know what a wonderful company Upstage Youth Theatre is and what it has done for us.

Our daughter, Antoinette (Netty), spent seven transformative years at Upstage. She not only performed in productions but also blossomed into a confident, eloquent public speaker and advocate for all things drama. This personal growth and development were not just a result of her time on stage, but also the nurturing environment and the guidance of the Upstage team.

We chose this local drama group because we admire Ann's philosophy and her talented band of highly skilled teachers. Ann and her team have an intuitive way of tapping into the unique talents of each individual student, enabling them to shine while providing a safe and supportive environment without the excessive "drama" that can come from creative arts spaces. Students form lifelong connections with fellow budding thespians, never feeling they are competing for roles but rather working together to produce great theatrical art.

Despite taking a break from Upstage to focus on her Higher School Certificate, Netty's connection with the program remains strong. She's eagerly looking forward to returning for one-on-one tutorials in preparation for her HSC Drama Course. This decision is a testament to our trust in Ann and her team's ability to bring out the best in Netty as a performer.

We highly recommend Upstage Youth Theatre, as it has provided a wonderful space for our daughter over the years to grow as an individual performer and understand the dynamic requirements of working in a successful professional production. Ann has encouraged Netty to understand all aspects of this creative process, which has enabled her to also write and direct and understand the importance of all elements of the backstage crew.

Overall, if you are looking for a space for your child to feel valued, develop a holistic understanding of all aspects of the dramatic process, and form strong bonds with fellow like-minded creative souls, Upstage Youth Theatre is the place for you.

Dr. Kylie J Harris (PhD) & Mr. Lewis A. Payne

Patrick O'Brien

Ann and the Upstage team are brilliant. Their charm and humour are underpinned by experience and professionalism, providing a wonderful and empathic space for all who are moved by the magic of theatre. I speak as a parent and participant of the Upstage experience and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Renee Wilson

After seeking out drama classes for primary age, we found the right fit at Upstage Youth Theatre. The Junior Actors Ensemble classes have been a weekly magnet for fun, friendships and independence. Above all, an inclusive space for building confidence through creative collaboration, under the guidance of a truly wonderful teacher.

Kimberlie Hayward

My daughter has been attending upstage for years and she LOVES it! Great classes from Ann and her team

Tinkabeltika

Very professional productions crafted with humour and intelligence. The students here are so lucky to have such an opportunity for training and performance with exceptional teaching.

Hannah C

I find myself looking forward to Tuesday at Upstage as it always brightens up my week and gives me a chance to let loose from all responsibilities of yucky adult things.