YPT Family: Meet our new tutor, Tynan
3-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, August 2025
Pictured: Tynan at YPT performing at the LSP Season Launch (above) and Tynan performing over the years (below)

YPT is thrilled to welcome Tynan to our Team. Tynan comes to YPT with a wealth of experience as a singer and musical theatre performer and infectious personality is the perfect fit for our community. Having completed his Bachelor of Music (Musical Theatre) at the Australian Institute of Music as well as touring professionally with the Taste of Ireland AUS/NZ Tour, Tynan is so passionate and knowledgeable and lives and breathes music. Tynan grew up training on the Central Coast with many credits with companies such as Gosford Musical Society and Red Tree Theatre. Tynan is currently Musical Director for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. in Gosford and recently shared his lovely voice with the YPT audience at our Lindsay Street Players Launch.

We asked Tynan to share with us more about her love of theatre with the below questions.

Describe what you do as a creative in one sentence?
Tynan: I’m a performer, teacher and presenter who’s adored music and musical theatre my whole life, so I’ve made it my job!

What is your favourite theatre memory?
It’s so hard to pick just one…a recent standout is singing solo to a sold-out crowd in the State Theatre, as part of a touring production. The sheer wall of cheers that hit me after I finished is an experience I will never forget.

What inspires you to do theatre?
I love the thrill of discovery! Seeing new approaches to character, voice, choreography or tech is like I’m watching a magic trick – I’m just left to wonder “how did they do that?”.

What are you excited about teaching YPT students?
There’s such a diversity community of people at YPT, with students from all different backgrounds. Being able to guide students to whatever their artistic goals may be is truly an honour, and I love seeing the unique aspects that each student brings to their lessons and performances.

What do you love about theatre/dance/drama?
I love how the performing arts can completely transform people’s self-confidence. It’s so heartwarming to watch people be given a voice who may not have felt they could speak otherwise.

What is your favourite play or musical?
Ooh…this changes all the time. My favourite musical at the moment is Come From Away, not only for its incredible story and score, but also for how the sense of community resonates throughout the rehearsal process. It’s a technically challenging show with a lot of moving parts, so everyone needs to work closely and supportively – just like the plot of the show!

What is one piece of advice you could give to any YPT student?
Don’t be afraid to be daring! Stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new things means you can find enjoyment in brand new experiences…and you’ll meet amazing new people doing it.

Are you excited to be apart of YPT Tutoring Team?
Absolutely! I can’t wait to meet everyone and be a part of this amazing community!

Tynan will be working with students in Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with Private Singing Lessons and Musical Theatre sharing his skills with the next generation of young performers. 

YPT Family: Meet our new tutor, Brea
3-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, August 2025
Pictured: Brea at YPT (above) and Brea performing over the years (below)

YPT is thrilled to welcome the Brea to our YPT Team. Brea has a wealth of knowledge in performing arts and we know she is going to be wonderful role model for our students. Brea has plenty of onstage experience and has a particular love for Screen Acting. Brea has also spent lots of time offstage and has a wealth of knowledge in this area, particularly in regards to photography and videography and is passionate about telling stories through visual media. Brea has tutored students of all ages in Drama schools around the area. Brea is passionate about the arts and working with young people and we are so excited to have her!

We asked Brea to share with us more about her love of theatre with the below questions.

Describe what you do as a creative in one sentence?
Brea: I’m a storyteller at heart; whether it’s acting for stage or tv & film, directing or being behind the camera – bringing people together, celebrating humanity & sharing stories that truly resonate with our community.

What is your favourite theatre memory?
When I was little, my mum took me to see Annie the musical & I wore a gold locket just like Annie’s. I even got to meet the actor playing Annie & we held up our lockets together — a total “core memory” moment! Years later, Annie became the first lead role I ever played & I knew then that I wanted to inspire others not just on stage, but in the moments in-between.

What inspires you to do theatre?
Honestly? The little version of me who made an audience laugh for the very first time while playing a pirate. That feeling of bringing joy to people & the sense of belonging you find in theatre is what keeps me inspired.

What are you excited about teaching YPT students?
I’m excited to teach performance skills, yes where my desire is to encourage them to build their own creative toolbox for approaching their craft to enjoy the whole process (not just the performance) & most importantly… have fun! But my hope & dream is to teach them how to be “culture carriers” who lift each other up, grow together & have each other’s backs on & off the stage.

What do you love about theatre/dance/drama?
It’s in my bones. I grew up with it, so it feels like home & that’s exactly what I want my students to feel too. I love how theatre blends music, song, movement & expression to bring people together in ways nothing else can. We each have something to bring to the table, so I’m all about the inclusivity that theatre cultivates. 

What is your favourite play or musical?
If I had to pick just one, The Wizard of Oz wins every time (Judy Garland will always have my heart). But my car karaoke is 90% Waitress, so you’ll probably catch me belting the entire show from start to finish if you catch me at the traffic lights.

What is one piece of advice you could give to any YPT student?
Don’t be afraid of growth. You don’t have to be the funniest or the fastest with clever ideas. Rather have assurance that consistency is your best friend. You might not always get “the part,” but you always have a part in shaping the culture around you & being consistent in your craft & in your own character.

Are you excited to be apart of YPT Tutoring Team?
Absolutely! I have the fondest memories of seeing shows at YPT as a kid, including The Wizard of Oz (of course). I still remember exactly where I sat, the glow of the lights, and the magic of watching people I knew transform on stage. I can’t wait to give our students that same spark, to inspire them, champion their dreams & speak life into them in ways they’ll carry through their whole career, just like I had growing up.

Brea will be working with students in Tuesday and Wednesday Drama Classes sharing her skills with the next generation of young performers. 

YPT Family: Meet our new tutor, Tessa
3-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, August 2025
Pictured: Tessa at YPT (above) and Tessa performing in recent productions (below)

YPT is thrilled to welcome the Tessa officially to the YPT Tutoring team. Tessa was a participant in our Beginner Tutor Program is 2024 and is a former YPT student having participated in Think Beyond Drama and Musical Theatre as well as Dance and Private Singing. Tessa most recently was in our production of Into the Woods on as Rapunzel and has worked on the production team of our last three primary school productions; The Shoemaker’s Secret, Stinky Cheese Man and A Pocketful of Stories. We love that for some students Tessa has been involved in every show they have performed in. Tessa has now joined our tutoring team officially and is working with our Tuesday students.

We asked Tessa to share with us more about her love of theatre with the below questions.

Describe what you do as a creative in one sentence?
Tessa: I love exploring all areas of theatre; Acting, dancing, singing, tech and directing. 

What is your favourite theatre memory?
There are so many! I would probably have to say rehearsals for A Chorus Line at YPT in 2022. It was a really fun show and my first time in a senior show

What inspires you to do theatre?
When I was younger, I was really inspired by the senior students and my tutors. Now what inspires me is the chance to be that person for someone else. 

What are you excited about teaching YPT students?
I’m really excited to help students grow not only as performers, but as people. Drama has played a huge role in building my own confidence and I hope to support others in the same way. 

What do you love about theatre/dance/drama?
I love storytelling aspect and being creative. I also love being around other people who love to be creative. 

What is your favourite play or musical?
It would probably have to be Mamma Mia

What is one piece of advice you could give to any YPT student?

Take advantage of every opportunity YPT offers – There are so many amazing opportunities to explore different sides of theatre, and you never know what you might end up loving!

Are you excited to be apart of YPT Tutoring Team?
So excited! 

Tessa will be working with students in Tuesday Drama Classes sharing her skills with the next generation of young performers. 

Spotlight On: A Wonderland Trip to London & Paris 
3-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, April 2025
Written by: Chelsea Willis
Pictured: Brielle McGugan wearing Mad Hatter’s Hat at the Storytime Museum.

In January this year, 42 YPT students had the opportunity to visit England and France through our Performing Arts Overseas Tour Adventure. Just before the travellers embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, several student found out they had been cast in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. which is currently playing at YPT. Not only was this so exciting for the student to have been cast, and many in dream roles, but the trip to England and France was perfect timing as there was many Alice in Wonderland themed adventures as part of the intinerary.              

Part of the trip was visiting OxFord where Lewis Caroll, the original creater of Alice in Wonderland wrote many stories. Here we learned about Lewis’s life in Oxford, visited Christ Church College and Oxford University and even got to see the gardens where the ‘Real Alice’ played. It is believed Alice in based off the Dean of Christ Church College at the times daughter, and watching her play in the grounds of the college. It is also believed that the rabbit hole inspired by a door in the College itself. We also saw the famous stain glassed window and visited the Alice Shop in the Town Centre.

We also had the opportunity to visit the Storytime Museum in Oxford. The museum was all about storytelling, and it was super interactive, which made it even better. We had some really wholesome and creative moments there—it was like stepping into a whole world of imagination and learning about stories in all different forms. Lastly, we made it to Disneyland in Paris and were delighted by the Alice in Wonderland section, we loved the Tea Cups especially and meeting the characters.

We asked some of the students cast in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. how this experience overseas helped them prepare for rehearsals. 

Q. What was it like being able to visit the home of the ‘Real Alice’ before beginning the rehearsals for Alice in Wonderland JR.
Brielle (Mad Hatter): I’ve always loved the story of Alice in Wonderland so when I found out that I was going to the sites of inspiration for the whole story I was extremely excited. I found out I was in YPT’s production of Alice in Wonderland JR. a week before we left for Europe so it made it even more special and especially that I get to play my childhood dream role the Mad Hatter.

Liam (Cheshire Cat): Visiting the places where Alice lived was amazing, being able to visit the place of the “Real Alice” gave me a different perspective of the story of Alice in Wonderland JR. I felt like I was meeting her in person and I felt the story that she put together, it gave me and understanding of the story and feeling Alice put in her story.

Daphne (White Rabbit): By learning the history and origin behind Alice in Wonderland I have been able to see the world Lewis Carrol based his novel on and the personal context he creatively moulded the dramatic characters around. By visiting Christ Church and Oxford I have been able to draw inspiration from the home of the “Real Alice” and use those memories in my characterisation of the White Rabbit. I have brought the little White Rabbit toy, that I bought at Oxford from the Alice in Wonderland shop, along to each of the performances and I now see it before each shows and is a lovely reminder about the memories we created there.

Gabe (Caterpillar): Visiting Oxford and Christ Church Cathedral before starting rehearsals for Alice in Wonderland JR. was a truly surreal and inspiring experience. Walking through the same halls and gardens that Lewis Carroll once did, and seeing the places that sparked his imagination, gave me a much deeper appreciation for the story we’re bringing to life. Knowing that the “Real Alice” lived and played in those very spaces made the world of Wonderland feel more tangible and alive. It reminded me that behind every whimsical character and curious adventure is a real human connection—and that’s something I carry with me in my portrayal of the Caterpillar. Being there before rehearsals made me feel more rooted in the heart of the story, and more grateful to be a part of a production that brings such timeless wonder to the stage

Q. How did you experiences seeing the story in different formats help you shape your character to perform in Alice in Wonderland JR. 
Brielle (Mad Hatter): I really loved seeing the Alice in Wonderland themed section of Disneyland and really put me into Wonderland giving me a sense of what my character would feel like living in the really unusual world.

Liam (Cheshire Cat): The Storytime Museum helped me figure out the structure of story as well as Alice in Wonderland JR., it helped me figure out the personalities of my part in the play. Seeing experiences (especially in Disneyland) in first person really help me figure out the world of Wonderland and how it feels to be in it. Seeing these places really sorted out what was and wasn’t right for my character in the play.

Daphne (White Rabbit): One of my favourite parts about Disneyland was the parade throughout the streets, and I remember seeing Alice dancing so cheerily and interacting with other characters like the mad hatter and seeing the curiosity in their characters. At the Storytime museum in London we saw a colourful room with the dimensions warped and objects scattered in odd places demonstrating the oddness and different kind of story that Alice in Wonderland JR. is. By seeing these examples of Alice in Wonderland I have been able to draw inspiration from them and use them when I’m performing and envisioning this huge world that has been created.

Gabe (Caterpillar):Experiencing Alice in Wonderland JR. in various formats—such as at Disneyland and the Storytime Museum—allowed me to see how each adaptation brings its own unique energy and style to the characters. These differences helped me realize that there is room for creativity and interpretation when bringing a role to life. As the Caterpillar, I chose to portray the character with a bold, jazzy flair—combining a sense of sass, confidence, and a touch of diva-like presence. I wanted my version of the Caterpillar to be both fierce and memorable, using expressive movement, attitude, and vocal tone to create a strong personality. Let’s just say I wasn’t afraid to strike a pose and free from the chrysalis. Watching different versions of the story gave me the confidence to explore this interpretation and fully commit to a performance that was both theatrical and true to the whimsical world of Wonderland. It helped me realize that in a place where nothing is quite what it seems, sometimes the best way to stand out… is to lean in—antennae, attitude, and all.

You can catch Brielle, Liam, Daphne and Gabe along with 68 other cast members in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. playing until May 24 at YPT Theatre.

Tickets at ypt.org.au/bookings 

Spotlight On: The Maddest of Hatters, Jonah
2-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, April 2025
Written by: Chelsea Willis
Pictured: Jonah Thompson, Onstage as the Mad Hatter in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. 

The Mad Hatter, is one of the most recognisable characters in Alice in Wonderland. Quirky, eccentric and a little mysterious, the Mad Hatter is a audience favourite during Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. The role is played by two YPT student’s Jonah Thompson and Brielle McGugan who alternate in the role. We recently spoke with Jonah about his experience playing this iconic role.

JONAH THOMPSON
Now in Year 10, Jonah has been with YPT since early primary school and is an excellent student in both Drama and Tech Classes. Jonah has previously performed in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and has been backstage on many shows, most recently the very difficult production of Into the Woods, where he navogated the tech for the complicated music score. Jonah was a finalist in our YPT Remembers Reuben Scholarship in 2022. Jonah is known around YPT for making up crazy and imaginative character stories, and has many character voices in his back pokcet to share with us all. Jonah also recently joined us on our Performing Arts Tour to England and France and enjoyed getting inspiration for his character at places like Disneyland and the Storytime Museum.

Q. Who is the Mad Hatter?
Jonah: The Mad Hatter is actually a long-lost prince from a far away land who ran away to Wonderland to begin the tea revolution. On the journey he found this rabbit looking thing and gave it some magic tea to bring it to life. Together the Mad Hatter and the March Hare created the Underground Tea Society and have daily Unbirthday parties at their house, far away from the Queen of Heart’s castle.

Q. What makes the Mad Hatter so mad?
Jonah: The Mad Hatter’s years of tea experimentation and innovation have resulted in his body becoming 65% tea instead of water, thus he is nearly tea and that’s why he is mad.

Q. What has the rehearsal process been like for Alice in Wonderland?
Jonah: The rehearsal process for Alice in Wonderland has been a lot of fun and I’ve enjoyed working with the directors and all the cast members. We spent most of term one working on the show and I think that it has turned into an entertaining and in places, slightly unhinged production.

Q. How would you celebrate your own Un birthday?
Jonah: Well, I like to start my Un birthday with a large-scale tea party, then I usually head off to some exotic country for a little brunch and sightseeing. Then I duck into Wonderland to have lunch with some friends then I’ll hopefully be back home in time for another tea party to end off the day.

Q. Why should people see Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR?
Jonah: I think that people should come see Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. at YPT because I’m in it, but seriously it is a very fun show, and it would be great if you could come and support the cast and crew as we have all worked very hard to make this fantastic production a reality.

Come along and see Jonah along with 71 more YPT students in our most recent YPT Production!
Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. runs until 24 May at YPT Theatre. Tickets from $25 – book at ypt.org.au

Spotlight On: Our Wonderful & Curious Production Assistants, Tahlia and Sienna 
3-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, April 2025
Written by: Chelsea Willis
Pictured: Tahlia Budden and Sienna Hawes on the set of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. 

For each of our YPT productions, YPT engages students to join the creative team as Production Assistants. This is a role on the creative team, where the students get to work along side the adult members of the creative team to lead the students through the production process. Tahlia Budden and Sienna Hawes are the Production Assistants on Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR, and they have been exceptional members of the team. From leading fun and effective warm-ups, to helping with singing and chorey and helping backstage, they have been such an important part of the team.

Tahlia and Sienna are both Think Beyond Students at YPT and have both graced our stage many times themselves, which is such valueable knowledge on the team. You will catch them both on stage later in the year in Animal Farm Find out more about their experience on Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. below.

Tell us what a Production Assistant is?
Tahlia: Being a Production Assistant means getting a behind the scenes look at how a show is brought to life. I’ve had the chance to help teach choreography, lead warm-ups, and even help come up with choreography. It’s been an amazing opportunity to learn from everyone and how much work and creativity goes into making a show.
Sienna: Productions Assistants help with all sorts of things throughout the production. We’ve helped with choreography (even helping choreograph some dances!), teaching the cast parts of the blocking/choreo, helping backstage, leading warm ups and revision.

What has been most rewarding about being involved in Alice in Wonderland?
Tahlia: The most rewarding part has been watching the production grow from the very beginning. As well as getting to see the cast develop their characters and grow as an ensemble. While also getting to work close with such talented directing team and seeing their ideas come to life.
Sienna: I have absolutely loved being a part of a production team for the first time! I’ve learnt so much about directing and staging productions in a way that engages the audience and cast. The most rewarding part so far has been either teaching the cast dances/leading the revising process or helping backstage and seeing the magic come to life!  

What have you learned from this experience that will help you with your own performance?
Tahlia: This was my first time being a Production Assistant, and I’ve absolutely loved it. I’ve learned so much from everyone involved from the directing team to the cast. By being apart of the audition process and witnessing the cast grow, I’ve been inspired by the commitment and growth of acting throughout the production which i can inspire from for my own performance.
Sienna: I’ve learnt that performing isn’t always about how much talent you have, it can be more about the energy and life you bring to the character, as well as your commitment to the production and your character’s intentions. It was also really beneficial to see the audition process from the other perspective, as you see the director’s put their trust in the role they truly believe you will excel at. 

Alice in Wonderland is such a classic and fun story. Are there any moments people should look out for?
Tahlia: Definitely! The directors have come up with some really creative concepts that will keep the audience engaged in the magical world. They’ve added little details that ranges from the set to characters swapping items throughout the show. So make sure to be on the look out those.
Sienna: Look out for all the objects switching between characters and the hints to Alice’s bedroom through the set pieces! The show is designed for the audience to take their own perspective of Alice’s story.

Why should people come and see Alice in Wonderland?
Tahlia: People should come and see the show because the cast and directing team have poured so much hard work, passion, and creativity into it. It’s a performance full of energy, and imagination, as Alice dives into her world of imagination. Perfect for families and friends to come see.
Sienna: The directors have such a fun take on the story, plus the set is absolutely awesome (we have a slide!). The cast is super talented and have brought so much of their own character, making it so different to other productions of Alice.

Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. runs until 24 May at YPT Theatre. Tickets from $25 – book at ypt.org.au

Top 5 Musical Theatre Albums as voted by YPT Kids!

2 minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, August 2020

We love Musical Theatre here at YPT! See below for our Top 5 Musical Theatre Albums as voted by YPT students.

1. Hamilton
Winner of 11 Tony awards including Best Musical and Best Score, Hamilton has been an international mega-success and our students have been loving it since Day 1. This revolutionary album is a must listen to for all, whether you like Musical Theatre or not. Hamilton is based on the life of Alexander Hamilton, an American founding father and uses a mix of genres to create a dynamic musical!

2. Come From Away
Come From Away is an incredibly heart-felt musical, about a small town called Gander dealing with the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Also winner of Best Score at the Tony Awards, this Musical was one of the shows our students saw on our 2019 Performing Arts Trip to the UK. If you haven’t listen to this album, well you’ve been living under a rock… (pun intended)

3. Hadestown
Also winner of Best Score at the Tony’s, Hadestown is the story of the greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and going to the underworld. The beautiful score captures your attention and as a mostly sung through production, you can listen to majority of the show by listening to the cast recording.

4. Les Miserable
Our kids love a classic! Les Miserable, which is celebrating 45 years as a musical is a favourite of our YPT kids. This completely sung through musical, set in 19th Century France is also a Tony Award Winner for Best Score and an international success.

5. SpongeBob the Musical
This fun family friendly show is often a favourite in Musical Theatre Classes. The 2016 show will have you smiling for days. The interesting part about this show is that each song is written by a different composer and explores many different genres and all 20 of the composers were nominated for Best Score at the Tony Awards. Don’t be a simple sponge, get onto this cast album!

We hope you enjoyed our Top 5 Albums as voted by YPT Kids. Happy Listening!

10 reasons every kid should do Drama!

3-5 minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, July 2020

Drama students and drama teacher know that the theatre is a place of creativity, belonging and fun. Aside from being an activity that we love, drama develops important life skills and strong personal qualities. Whether you’re into Shakespeare or Hamilton, drama classes teach you valuable lessons that extend way beyond the auditorium seating. Here’s 10 reason why every kid should do drama!

1. BEING CONFIDENT
   Would you stand on stage in front of a large group of people and sing, dance or act? I am guessing for most of you it would be no. But for a drama student, absolutely, it’s the best part! Drama gives student’s confidence to shine, it develops them not just as performers but as people and allows them to trust their instincts and believe in themselves.
2. WORKING AS A TEAM
   Or as we call it in the theatre an ‘Ensemble’.  Team work makes the dream work in all areas of life areas of life and the collaborative nature of theatre is no different.
3. RESILIENCE
   Every drama kid has missed out on a role they really want to play. Whether it’s the lead role in a production or the ‘leader’ in a class game, drama students learn to grow, cope with rejection and try again next time.
4. HUMILITY
   And not only did that disappointed kid deal with not getting their dream role, they also happily are cheering on the person who did.
5. COMMUNICATION
   Drama students learn how to get their chosen message to others through verbal and non verbal communication. They have to negotiate in group work, make decisions and problem solve. Sounds hard? Not at all, in Drama it’s part of the fun!
6. CREATIVITY
   Drama keeps your imagination active well past your years of playing tea parties in the backyard.
7. ACCEPTING FEEDBACK
   Every drama class gives students both direct and indirect feedback on our performances. Not only do drama students learn to accept feedback, they learn to apply it. Its’s called taking direction in the theatre, and it is a valuable life lesson.
8. EXPRESSING EMOTIONS
   Drama would be a whole lot less dramatic without emotions. Imagine watching a play where no one expressed any emotion! Boring! Not only do drama students learn about emotions they learn to express them onstage and then talk about it!
9. BREAK FROM SCREEN TIME
   Drama is all about being in the moment, with so much screen time for children, drama is a welcomed and entertaining break and time to play and create!
10. FRIENDSHIPS
    Drama friends are friends for life. Not only drama friends will the share a love for theatre but they will accept and respect each other. Drama creates powerful bonds and that’s why theatre’s are more like a homes. It’s a community. It’s a family. And that’s the real theatre magic.

If you are looking for Drama Classes for your child. Look no further than Young Peoples Theatre. We are not-for-profit community organisation that has been providing high quality and affordable tuition for over 70 years. Enrol or enquire at ypt.org.au/theatreschool