PYT Fairfield is proud to present a modified after-school creative program called Junior Ensemble, replacing our regular Pilots – After School drop-in drama classes.

Junior Ensemble will present four annual modules, one per term, over eight weeks, building 21st-century learning skills across the four cs – communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. Each module is outcomes-based, so students can expect to deliver an outcome at the end of each module.

As Junior Ensemble is no longer a drop-in workshop, all students will need to register to attend each module. Students can choose as many or as few modules they would like to attend, with commitment expected across the eight weeks.

Junior Ensemble will continue to take place from 4.30-6.30pm on Tuesdays. See below for the module timetable.

Please note that our in-school Pilots Drama Classes will continue as normal.

Term 4, 2024 Module

Introduction to Acting for the Stage

This FREE eight-week course for high school students will provide a holistic introduction to acting and performing for the stage. Participants will learn about proper vocal technique, movement, characterisation, stage presence and bringing scripts to life on stage. 

At the end of the term, participants will perform in a showcase for parents, friends and industry professionals.  Additional outcomes include improved confidence, literacy, creativity, discipline, industry knowledge and ability to give and receive feedback. 

Timeline

Outcome
Students will perform in a showcase to parents, friends and industry professionals. The showcase can be recorded as evidence of their learning and ability. 

Age
Students in Years 9-12 (or 14-18 years of age)

Cost
Free, capacity is strictly limited

Where
Fairfield School of Arts
19 Harris Street, Fairfield

Facilitators

Bina Bhattacharya – Head of Program and Creative Producer of Youth and Emerging Artist Programs

Bina Bhattacharya is an AWGIE-nominated feature film writer and award-winning filmmaker from Campbelltown in Sydney’s southwest. Her debut feature film as writer and director, “From All Sides”, starring Max Brown, Monique Kalmar and featuring Rebekah Elmaloglou, was selected for Queer Screen’s prestigious “Goes to Cannes” showcase at Marché du film and is scheduled for release in 2025 with Screen Inc. 

Bina was one of eight writers for the anthology film ‘Here Out West’ which was the opening night film of the Sydney Film Festival 2021. She directed the music video for ARIA-nominated Punjabi-Australian singer Parvyn’s single ‘What You See’, which was featured in Rolling Stone India. Bina works as a Creative Producer – Youth and Emerging at PYT Fairfield – Western Sydney’s leading professional theatre company with a focus on youth where she uses her skills as a writer, dramaturg and director to shape new theatre works with multicultural young people from Western Sydney. She runs a production company, Gemme de la Femme Pictures, with her husband, creating narrative and factual content that reflects modern, diverse Australia. Bina is also a prolific public speaker, panellist and moderator, having appeared
on Weekend Sunrise, the ABC and live events across Sydney. She also works regularly as a script doctor and editor for screen projects in development.

Neda Taha – Lead Facilitator

Neda Taha is a Tongan-Iraqi interdisciplinary artist hailing from Western Sydney with core practices in dance, theatre and community engagement. From her street hip-hop roots with The Pioneers dance crew, to her captivating performances in Sydney’s prestigious venues like the Sydney Opera House, Neda’s talent knows no bounds. As a creative producer and advocate for the arts, she is dedicated to empowering young people from Western Sydney and encouraging their involvement in the vibrant arts community.

Most recently, Neda Directed her first full-length work, Tuan’s Party, as part of the prestigious PYT Company’s 2023 program, showcased the brand-new work Pioneers as part of 2023 Sydney WorldPride and premiered the same work as part of the City of Sydney 2024 Art & About program. She performed in Tahlila – Lullabies Under the Stars for Bukjeh Theatre at the Way out West Festival for Children, and has been a facilitator for PYT’s Pilots program since 2022.

Nandika Nellicka – Facilitator

Nandika Nellicka is an emerging Indian-Australian artist from Western Sydney, with a background in dance, music and acting. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Social Science at Western Sydney University while pursuing experience in acting and singing.

Nandika has participated in community performances from a young age and is currently part of PYT Fairfield’s 2024 Ensemble. In 2023 she performed in Tahlila – Lullabies Under the Stars for Bukjeh Theatre at the Way out West Festival for Children, and has been a facilitator for PYT’s Pilots program since the start of the year. She has also performed as a singer at PYT’s Piano Lounge and as an actor in the short film Waves (Dir Cristobal Olguin, 2023)