MLT's Play in a Week
A School Holiday Drama Programme for ages 8–12
Mana Little Theatre’s Play in a Week is a fun, fastpaced school holiday drama
experience designed to build confidence, creativity, and collaboration – all while
putting on a real show in just one week!
Across five engaging days, children explore acting, storytelling, and performance
skills, then bring it all together in an original theatre production to share with family and friends.
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Programme Details
- Dates: Wednesday 15 – Sunday 19 July 2026
- Time: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Age Group: 8–12 years
- Cost: $200 per child
- Location: Mana Little Theatre
- Final Performance: Sunday at 2:30pm, open to family and friends-seats are limited!
- Drop-off: 9:15–9:50am
Pick-up: By 4:15pm at the latest
What Your Child Will Learn
Our programme supports children of all experience levels – no previous drama
training is required.
Storytelling Skills
- How stories are told on stage
- Using voice, facial expression, and movement to bring characters to life
- Exploring emotions and how to show them physically and visually
- Building vocal confidence, clarity, and projection
Confidence & Collaboration
- Developing stage presence and focus
- Learning to work respectfully and safely with others
- Strengthening listening skills and group awareness
- Building self-confidence in a supportive, inclusive environment
How a Real Theatre Works
- Children will gain hands-on experience of what it’s like to perform in a working
theatre, not just a classroom or studio. - Performing on a real stage with theatre lighting and sound
- Learning how lighting, sound cues, and technical timing support a live performance
- Understanding the roles of people behind the scenes and how everyone works
together - Practising backstage etiquette, including:
- How to behave safely and respectfully backstage
- Waiting quietly in the wings
- Listening for cues and instructions
- Supporting fellow performers during a live show
- This gives children an authentic theatre experience and helps them feel confident, prepared, and professional on performance day.
What They’ll Create
- An original theatre show written especially for the programme. Every child will have a speaking role and a character to perform
- A fully staged performance at the end of the week
- A sense of pride from accomplishing something big together
- This is a chance for children to see how teamwork, creativity, and practice come
together in a real theatrical experience.
Who’s Teaching?
Our programmes are led by a dedicated team of:
- Qualified education and health professionals
- Experienced theatre practitioners and enthusiasts
- Staff who are police vetted and experienced working with children and young people
There is a minimum of 4 staff on site each day for up to 20 children, ensuring a strong adult-to-child ratio.
This allows us to provide close supervision, extra support where needed, and a safe,
wellmanaged environment, while also enabling staff to split into smaller groups, support backstage and technical learning, and give each child personalised guidance throughout the programme.
More information about tutors will be shared on our social media pages closer to the
programme start date.
What to Bring & Wear
Wear:
- T-shirt and leggings / shorts or other comfortable clothing
- Sneakers or gym shoes (lots of movement involved!)
Bring:
- Water bottle
- Any required medications
- A packed lunch (we have a fridge but no cooking facilities)
Provided by Us:
- All costumes and performance materials
- Afternoon tea each day
How Parents/Caregivers Can Help
We’ll provide guidance and support during the day, but parental support at home makes a huge difference:
- Help your child learn their lines
- Encourage them to practise what they’ve learned
- Cheer them on as performance day approaches!
Why Choose Play in a Week?
- Builds confidence and communication skills
- Encourages creativity, teamwork, and self-expression
- Safe, supportive, and welcoming environment
- A full theatrical experience — in just one week
Your child doesn’t need to be loud, confident, or experienced — just curious and willing to have a go.
Ready to Enrol?
Spaces are limited to ensure a supportive group size. This programme only has 20
available spaces.
For enrolments and updates, visit our website or follow Mana Little Theatre on social
media.
If you have any questions feel free to email us at manalittleplayers@gmail.com
We can’t wait to bring the drama (the fun kind!) to your school holidays
Application Form