TERM CLASSES - TEENS (GRADES 7-9)
For emerging storytellers finding their voice and confidence.
The Teens program challenges young creatives with deeper skill-building, real techniques and meaningful creative projects. They feel supported, inspired and taken seriously — exactly what this age group needs.
Applications for Term 2 are now open!
Real creative skills
Stronger confidence + independence
Craft foundations for screen + storytelling
Creative risk-taking
Work they feel proud to share
WHAT TEENS GAIN
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Our Acting program for Teens and Seniors focuses on developing confident, truthful performers who can bring characters and stories to life for both stage and screen.
Through scene work, improvisation, and practical exercises, students explore the craft of acting in a supportive environment that challenges them creatively while building strong technical foundations. Each term introduces new approaches to performance and storytelling, helping students deepen their understanding of character, emotion and collaboration.
Guided by industry professionals, students develop the skills actors use to prepare for rehearsals, auditions and performances while building the confidence to share their voice and creative ideas.
Throughout the program, students will:
• Explore script analysis and scene study, understanding how relationships and objectives drive a story
• Strengthen voice, physicality and presence to communicate clearly and authentically
• Develop spontaneity and adaptability through improvisation and ensemble work
• Build skills in character creation, exploring backstory, motivation and emotional truth
• Practice performing for both stage and camera, including blocking, timing and screen awareness
• Learn to give and receive constructive feedback, developing reflection and resilience as performersFor students with prior training or industry experience, a Professional stream is available. Entry is by audition and offers more advanced work in characterisation, text analysis and audition preparation.
We meet students where they’re at, whether they’re stepping into acting for the first time or refining existing skills. Over time, students develop stronger technique, greater confidence and a deeper connection to storytelling.
Term 2 class times:
Please see our term classes timetable below. -
Our Animation program for Teens and Seniors focuses on developing the drawing, design and creative thinking skills that form the foundation of great animation.
Students learn how professional animators transform simple ideas into expressive characters and compelling visual worlds. Balancing technical training with creative exploration, the program encourages young artists to think like animators while developing their own visual style.
Each term introduces new techniques and creative challenges, helping students gradually refine their drawing skills while building the confidence to design original characters and tell stories through images.
Throughout the program, students will:
• Strengthen drawing fundamentals including line, shape, perspective, value and edge (LSPVE)
• Explore simplified anatomy and stylisation to create expressive characters
• Practice character design, developing ideas from rough sketches to refined concepts
• Experiment with multiple mediums including pencils, markers, pastels and digital tools
• Use Procreate on iPads to connect traditional drawing with digital workflows
• Apply industry-style creative processes including ideation, refinement and execution
• Collaborate through brainstorming sessions, peer feedback and portfolio reviewsWe meet students where they’re at, welcoming all levels of experience. Over time, students develop stronger technical skills, a sharper artistic eye and a growing portfolio of original character designs.
Term 2 class times:
Please see our term classes timetable below. -
Our Filmmaking program for Teens and Seniors explores how stories move from idea to screen.
Students learn the language of cinema through hands-on projects that combine writing, directing, filming and editing. Working both individually and in small teams, they develop a deeper understanding of how visual storytelling works while gaining practical experience with filmmaking tools and techniques.
Each term introduces new filmmaking concepts and storytelling approaches, helping students gradually build their skills as directors, writers and visual storytellers.
Throughout the program, students will:
• Explore the foundations of cinematic storytelling including structure, character and conflict
• Analyse film language including shot types, camera movement, editing and pacing
• Practice translating scripts into visual sequences through storyboarding and planning
• Experiment with directing actors and staging scenes for the camera
• Develop editing awareness, understanding how cuts and pacing shape a story
• Collaborate on short filmed scenes and creative group projects
• Share work and reflect through peer feedback and creative discussionsWe meet students where they’re at, welcoming all levels of experience. Over time, students build both technical filmmaking skills and the confidence to tell stories that reflect their own ideas and perspectives.
Term 2 class times:
Please see our term classes timetable below. -
Our Photography program for Teens and Seniors helps students move beyond casual snapshots to develop a thoughtful and intentional approach to image-making.
Students explore how composition, light and perspective can transform everyday moments into powerful visual stories. Through creative challenges and practical exercises, they refine both their technical skills and their ability to communicate ideas through images.
Each term introduces new photographic techniques and storytelling approaches, helping students deepen their creative voice while developing confidence behind the camera.
Throughout the program, students will:
• Refine composition techniques including rule of thirds, framing, balance and leading lines
• Develop stronger observational skills, exploring patterns, textures and visual storytelling in their environment
• Build working knowledge of camera settings such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO
• Experiment with perspective, scale and focal length to influence the mood of an image
• Create image sequences that communicate themes, stories or emotions
• Explore ethics and responsibility in photography including consent and representation
• Participate in group critiques and presentations to strengthen communication and creative reflectionWe meet students where they’re at, whether they’re new to photography or building their portfolio. Over time, students develop technical confidence, creative independence and a distinct visual perspective.
Term 2 class times:
Please see our term classes timetable below.
“My daughter has done acting classes elsewhere for a year to build confidence, but now it feels like the right time to focus on real technique. She’s excited to join YAS, and to explore animation as well.”
— Father of recently enrolled TeenTerm Details
TERM 2: April 27 - June 27 2026
LENGTH: 9 weeks
CLASS SIZE: 10 max
CLASS DURATION: 2 hours
*Professional Stream Acting: 3 hours
COST: $385 per term
*Professional Stream Acting $440
10% off your total tuition when:
- You enrol in 2 or more classes in the same term
- 2 or more young people from the same family enrol in the same term
TERM 2 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
WHY CREATIVITY MATTERS AT THIS AGE
Confidence to take risks
Trying out performance, creating artwork, or experimenting with new media helps teens learn to trust their instincts and handle feedback or mistakes constructively.
Communication and Collaboration
Group projects teach Teens how to listen, contribute and adapt. These habits translate directly to success in high-school teamwork, leadership and future workplaces.
Emotional Literacy
Creativity gives safe ways to explore identity, process emotions, and gain empathy for others, skills that matter for mental health, relationships, and leadership.
Academic & Career Flexibility
Skills like visual thinking, storytelling, editing, and design are increasingly valued in many fields — not just in the arts, but in media, tech, marketing, education and more.
Stronger Academic Outcomes
Research shows creative thinking improves literacy, numeracy and standardised test performance by boosting confidence and a sense of control over learning.
Problem Solving and Adaptability
According to the ABS, creatively engaged teens show stronger problem-solving, adaptability and social connection — traits essential for thriving in school and in future careers.