In this hands-on arts learning experience, students will: 

Work with Arts Centre Melbourne Creative Learning facilitators to explore what an identity as an artist and creative looks like, how it encompasses or enhances certain elements of personality, creativity and community. 

Engage in a creative workshop with Sonya to develop skills in giving identity to characters across comedy and drama on stage and screen. 

About Sonya 

Sonya Suares is an award-winning actor, director, dramaturg and arts leader. An honours graduate of Melbourne University and WAAPA, she has led companies, campaigns and festivals for more than two decades, including founding Australia's beloved Sondheim repertory company, Watch This. As a teacher and guest artist, Sonya has worked at WAAPA, VCA, NIDA Open, CollArts and Monash University, teaching courses in contemporary and heightened text including Shakespeare; acting for camera; monologue preparation, and music theatre. She works consistently on new Australian writing with leading organisations like Belvoir Street Theatre, Melbourne Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre Company, Polyglot Theatre, Lonely Company, Antipodes Theatre, The People and Hayes Theatre Co. 

Eligibility 

Academy at Arts Centre Melbourne is a school holiday program for high-ability students in Years 4-12, supported by the Department of Education, Victorian Government, through the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series. Attending students must attend a Victorian Government School (not a Catholic or Independent school). 

This program is targeted to students whose school reports show high-ability in The Arts. Read more here.

Arts Centre Melbourne acknowledges the support of the Department of Education, Victoria, through the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series.