Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)

22/06/2026

Another amazing day Down South!

This workshop was the ‘Actor’s Craft’ led by Asha Cornelia Cluer and Sarah Bowers. The group explored Stanaslavski and Laban techniques before applying their discoveries to scene work.

These artists created such a supportive and nurturing space - thank you for your generosity ⭐️

And of course, thank you again to ‘Saltwater’ and City of Busselton for championing the arts through this incredible partnership.

🎭⭐️

22/06/2026

Alumni from Western Australia’s leading arts institution, the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) naturally featured as winners, with Phil Walleystack leading the charge – Walleystack studied the Aboriginal Theatre course at WAAPA, where he received training in traditional Aboriginal dance and music, alongside contemporary genres like jazz, ballet and tap performance.

Also coming away with a win was WAAPA PhD graduate and researcher W. Sze Tsang, stage name samarobryn. Their song fragments II won the award in the Experimental category, following a win in the same category in 2025 with the song Echoes in Flight. Tsang’s PhD thesis in Music Composition was completed in 2023 and awarded the WAAPA School Research Medal, the ideas of which were incorporated into this latest track, constructed from 12 composed fragments and field recordings from nature. Their contribution to the local music scene is immense, regularly performing locally, creating soundscapes for the State Library, and working on various Blue Room Theatre shows as a sound designer.

Singer-songwriter Persia Najafzadeh (PERSIA), winner of the Song of the Year Award in the Hip-Hop/RnB category with the song Sanctuary Stay also hails from WAAPA, graduating in 2023 from the Contemporary Music program and receiving a recital prize. The win follows a 2025 nomination for the WAM Awards R&B/Funk/Soul Act of the Year and a Triple J debut for her song No Hero. Najafzadeh credits WAAPA with allowing her to explore different genres and consolidate her connection to R&B and Soul, where she clearly thrives. PERSIA has taken to the stage this year at RTRFM’s In The Pines, the WAM Song of the Year Awards Night, and last year’s Perth International Jazz Festival.

19/06/2026

We loved working with The Smith Family to deliver their smARTS program this week to 18 Dance students from Girrawheen SHS. Students enjoyed 4-days of classes and workshops in our stunning new city campus with our wonderful staff and students. We look forward to seeing some of these talented dancers continue their training at WAAPA in the near future.

19/06/2026

“Shakespeare is too often treated as something reserved for the “smart kids”. For many of us, our entire experience of Shakespeare amounts to a few compulsory weeks in Year 9 English before we leave it behind forever – a confusing whirlwind of unfamiliar language that never quite comes alive. What I admire most about Tom Healey’s production of Romeo and Juliet is that it refuses to accept that this is how Shakespeare should be experienced.
This is Shakespeare for everyone.

I attended the schools’ performance, with numerous school groups filling the theatre, and spent almost as much time watching the audience as I did the stage. What struck me was the diversity of those attending. Students from a wide range of schools across Perth filled the theatre. Yet regardless of background, there were no yawns, no glazed expressions and no restless fidgeting. Instead, students were engaged, laughing, reacting to the action and leaning into the story.

Before the performance even began, a heartfelt Welcome to Country set an authentic and respectful tone for the afternoon. Rather than feeling procedural or rehearsed, it felt genuine and sincere, creating an immediate connection with the audience.

The ensemble is consistently strong, with several performances standing out."

Shakespeare is too often treated as something reserved for the "smart kids". For many of us, our entire experience of Shakespeare amounts to a few compulso...

18/06/2026

Ever wondered how theatre magic comes to life?
Check out this fantastic prop designed by Set & Costume student, Daisy Chirchman for WAAPA’s production of Romeo and Juliet at the Heath Ledger Theatre. This incredible piece was brought to life by our talented Props and Scenery department, showcasing the creativity, craftsmanship and problem-solving skills that happen behind the scenes.
We think it looks amazing!

Interested in building the worlds audiences experience on stage? Why not join the fun?

Applications are now open for:

🎭 CUA50420 Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services - Construction and Design study option)

🎭 CUA60220 Advanced Diploma of Live Production and Management Services - Props and Scenery study option

LiveProduction TechnicalTheatre StudyAtWAAPA

16/06/2026

Indeed, in true Shakespearean fashion, this production leans into using the theatre itself as a setting. There’s no curtain – the audience watches the crew clean fake blood off the stage at interval; prop shelves are in full sight – they’re the backdrop to the action. After all, Romeo and Juliet is not realistic, it’s symbolic. Humanity has not outgrown the enduring themes of the urgent passion of youth, the tragedy of missed chances, and of social conflict. WAAPA’s third year acting students show us that there’s life still in Shakespeare for new audiences when done right. And they’ve done it right.

Thanks Seesaw Magazine 🙏

Only 3 shows left. Don’t miss out. Book now!

WAAPA’s Romeo and Juliet reimagines Shakespeare with contemporary energy, strong performances and theatrical intelligence at Heath Ledger Theatre, Perth.

15/06/2026

🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆

14/06/2026

A caption if you need info:

WAAPA comes to the South West!

A big day in Busso! An amazing group of artists spent the day singing, improvising and creating a piece from ‘Come From Away’ with WAAPA Grads Sarah Bowers and Amy Fortnum.

This was held in the brand new ‘Saltwater’ and is proudly supported by City of Busselton.

Next week the workshops series return with the ‘Actor Craft’. Check out the WAAPA website for more info ℹ️

⭐️🎭