Why Adelaide Theatre Academy?

Why choose Adelaide Theatre Academy?

Here are 5 reasons….

Peace of Mind

Your safety and well being is important to us. Therefore, all our teachers genuinely CARE and teach in a nurturing and supportive environment.  All teachers hold First Aid certificates, Police Clearances and receive ongoing training, mentoring and support from our management team.

“I wish to congratulate your staff on the performance in the Fringe Parade. I value Theatre Bugs professionalism, care of the students and dedication to ensuring they have fun while being safe and feeling confident. I am thrilled that my children are involved.”

Sylvia (parent of Mia and Jonah)

 

Skills for Life

At Adelaide Theatre Academy, you will not only learn skills in dance, singing and drama. You will also learn to trust your own ideas, develop perseverance, empathise with others, work with peers to achieve a common goal and feel confident in your own ability. Most of all, you will develop the confidence you need to be able to tackle the unexpected, challenging and exciting situations that you are confronted with in life.

“I would just like to say a massive thank you. Over the years I have attended Theatre Bugs I have developed so many new skills, friendships and discovered my passion. I will always look back and know that Theatre Bugs helped shape and educate me. You are to be congratulated on creating an environment where kids feel comfortable, learn skills, friendships and are encouraged to live their dreams.”

Erin (former student, 16 yrs)

 

Non-Competitive Environment

At Adelaide Theatre Academy, we strive to make you feel proud of your own personal achievements. We do not offer exams or competitions – instead you are involved in regular exciting performances where each individual can shine and develop skills at their own pace.

“It’s great to see the kids really involved in something where they
 don’t have to win or be the best. Instead the kids just have fun and
enjoy the moment while learning and developing skills, confidence
and self-esteem.”

 

Unforgettable experiences

Our students are involved in at least three performances each year, which often involve special costumes, lights, sets, programmes etc to give the shows a really exciting feel. In addition to this, students are also often invited to participate in additional optional events such as TV work, charity concerts, Adelaide Fringe events, Christmas pageants, modelling and more!

“I was so impressed with the end of year show.  Amy has only been attending this term and she was worried she wouldn’t remember her lines.  We were thrilled with the quality and how it all came together and are looking forward to Amy returning next year!”

Kerry (mother of Amy)

 

We understand families

At Adelaide Theatre Academy, we understand the needs of families. We know families are busy so we do not expect you to sew costumes. We know that you need to budget carefully, so we don’t charge for any of our ‘in house’ class performances. We also understand that family time is really important so we encourage the whole family to attend our performances – from baby brothers to great grandmas – everyone is welcome!

“Thanks so very much for bringing such enjoyable experiences to our daughter over such a long period of time, and enjoyable experiences to us, the parents, who get to enjoy quality productions with our kids in it!”

Rachael (mother of Isabella)

12 years or younger?

Every child is a star at Theatre Bugs

At Adelaide Theatre Academy, you'll shine!

Our History

1998

Joni launched her new performing arts school ‘Joni’s Theatre Bugs’ and conducted acting classes at St Ignatius School Hall, Norwood on Tuesday evenings. Several students were cast in a new DVD series called, ‘The Fairies’.

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1999

Classes moved to the Odeon Theatre Rehearsal Room. Holiday programs commenced.


2000

Theatre Bugs website was born! Joni moved to Sydney for 12 months – classes in Adelaide were taught by other teachers and a part-time administrator came on board. Joni also ran classes in Sydney. ‘Combo’ classes were introduced. First public performances of ‘Alice In Wonderland’ and ‘Aladdin’.


2001

Moved into our own premises in Church Ave, Norwood. Joni moved back from Sydney.

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2002

Opened classes in the hills at Stirling East Primary School, these classes were later moved to the Aldgate Memorial Hall where we still run classes every Wednesday evening. Launch of ‘Bugs Management’, a casting agency for students at Joni’s Theatre Bugs.


2003

Expanded premises at Norwood to include a bigger waiting area, kitchen and offices. Opened classes at Unley.


2004

Terese (Office Manager) started working for Theatre Bugs! 

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2005

Joni had her first baby, Amelie!


2006

Performed with Peter Combe at the Elder Park Carols by Candlelight. Opened classes at Glenelg and Golden Grove.


2007

Expanded premises in Norwood to include a second teaching space (the ‘Rainbow Room’). Introduced ‘Busy Bees’ classes. Branding change and name change to simply ‘Theatre Bugs’.


2008

10 year celebrations. Introduced Theatre Bugs parties.

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2009

Opened ‘Bugs Café’ at Norwood premises.


2010

Opened classes at Aberfoyle Park.


2011

Messenger Business Award Finalist - ‘Recreation and Leisure’ category.


2012

Messenger Business Award Winner – ‘Recreation and Leisure’ category. Classes commenced at Port Adelaide. Production of ‘Bugs TV’ video clips.


2013

Production of ‘Bugs TV’ video clips and concert video with Peter Combe.

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2015

Performed with Peter Combe at the Elder Park Carols by Candlelight.


2016

Moved Norwood premises to 79 Beulah Rd. Branding change.


2017

Joni employs Michael Eustice as the new General Manager.


2018

After 20 years, Joni sells Theatre Bugs and Adelaide Theatre Academy to Michael Eustice and Libby Drake. Michael takes on his new role as Managing Director and Joni agrees to continue as our first Patron. 

Meet our team

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Billy-Rose

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Emma

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Hannah

Olivia - Headshot

Olivia

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Alexia

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Jasmine

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BW Alice

Alice

BW Brant

Brant

BW Caley

Caley

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Cassandra

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Cassidy

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Georgia B

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Jayden

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Nikki

Join our Classes

At Adelaide Theatre Academy, we have a variety of classes where you can learn to sing, dance and act.

Everyone is a star!

Holiday Programs

Looking for something fun to do in the school holidays? Make friends while taking part in acting, drama and singing workshops. At the end of the one week program, students perform to family and friends. 

A great way to keep active!

Our professionally trained teachers adapt their lessons to suit your specific needs.

You can learn to learn to sing, dance or act at your own pace, in a safe, one-on-one friendly environment.

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Our Accolades

Our Partners

Adelaide Theatre Academy acknowledge the generosity of our partners.
If you are interested in partnering with us, we welcome a conversation.