How do you turn a script into a fully realised production? How does that character you love, grow from words on a page into a three-dimensional being? How do actors and directors do what they do?

State Theatre Company South Australia’s Summer and Winter Schools are an exciting opportunity for young people (ages 15-18) to receive practical experience in creating theatre from recognised artists in the industry. An integral part of our State Educate program, Summer School provides excellent preparation for students undertaking drama at a SACE 1 – SACE 2 level or for those looking to further their theatrical skills.

If you have any questions, please email education@statetheatrecompany.com.au.

The 2024 Winter School will be held from 8 July to 12 July 2024.

Winter School for 2024 will be run by Rachel Burke, who starred in our season of Dictionary of Lost Words. Rachel will work with students to deepen their knowledge of finding character, analysing scripts, devising and developing scenes. Participants will work on building ensemble skills, finding their courage to create and understand the work.

Rachel Burke is a graduate of Flinders University Drama Centre in South Australia. Since graduating in 2015, she has performed in Macbeth, A Doll’s House, In the Club, Sense and Sensibility (State Theatre Company South Australia ensemble), Jasper Jones and Decameron 2.0 (State Theatre Company South Australia); Angelique (isthisyours?); Cranky Bear and The Lighthouse (Patch); Limit, Red Sky Morning (State Theatre Company South Australia Umbrella show); Tartuffe (State Theatre Company South Australia/Brink); The Wolves (RUMPUS) Speak Out (ActNow); Foolz (Flinders University)and This Storm (The Unrest Cure).Her puppeteer credits include the Australian and USA tours of Bluey’s Big Play (Windmill Theatre Co/HVK); Beep (Windmill Theatre Co) and Beep and Mort (Windmill Pictures). She directed Di and Viv and Rose (RUMPUS), worked as Assistant Director on Girls & Boys (State Theatre Company South Australia); As One (Tiny Bricks) and Love and Information (Flinders Drama Centre) and was an Intimacy Consultant on Requiem (Adelaide Festival).

The 2024 Summer School will be held from 2 December to 6 December 2024.

Quotes from Past Students

“I had such an amazing time … and I am soo thankful I got the opportunity to do it and meet all the amazing people that were involved. This experience has  helped me realise that you dont have to be 100% perfect at everything, you just have to try 100%, learn and have fun.” 

“I really enjoyed improvising and using my imagination. Writing a script and performing in front of everyone was great. I loved meeting new friends, I just loved the whole week.“