What Theatre Company

STUDIO HIRE

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We have 3 spaces available

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Email: whattheatreco@gmail.com

CLASSES

Singing - Acting - Dance

Group Workshops - Audition Prep

HSC Tuition - Private Lessons

Ph: 0493 391 669

Email: whattheatreco@gmail.com

Location: 25/12 Templar Place,

Bennetts Green NSW 2290

About US

What Theatre Company opened in 2023 with a goal to provide high quality training to those 16yrs and over.

The company also debut their highly successful concert “Showstoppers” at the Civic Playhouse

In 2024 What Theatre Academy was launched to further performing arts training to students aged 3yrs to adults.

In May of 2024 will see What Theatre Company produced their second show “Catch Me If You Can” the musical

Danny Folpp

Danny has been performing on stage for the last 15 years. Having studied at the Australian Institute of Music with industry professionals...

Danny has been performing on stage for the last 15 years. Having studied at the Australian Institute of Music (Musical Theatre) with industry professionals, he has grasped the absolute desire to continue his pursuit on stage and as a creative. Most recent performances with Metropolitan Players include SHREK (2022), PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT (2021) and BEAUTY & THE BEAST (2019).

Performing in The Very Popular Theatre Company’s CHESS starring David Harris and Sylvie Paladino (2021) and BILLY ELLIOT (2023).

Chookas Entertainment’s COMPANY (2023), CHICAGO (2022) and Opera Hunter’s YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (2021).

Danny will be performing in March 2024 at the Civic Theatre Newcastle in the Very Popular Theatre Company’s SUPERSTARS concert featuring Marina Prior and Sylie Paladino.

Recent directing credits include LEGALLY BLONDE (2023), 12 ANGRY MEN (2023), JERRY’S GIRLS (2023) and SHREK JR (2023)

Danny is thrilled to be directing ANNIE in 2024 with Chookas Entertainment, and Directing and performing in Catch Me If You Can with What Theatre Company.

His latest venture is founding What Theatre Company. Built for budding performers of all ages to hone their craft in performing arts.

Chauntelle O’Brien

Affil. ATOD, BBO Diploma of Dance Teaching,

Diploma of Elite Performance (Dance), Diploma of Musical Theatre

AASCF Accredited Level 1 &2

Chauntelle has obtained her Diploma of Musical Theatre, Diploma of Elite Performance (Dance), Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media...

Chauntelle has been dancing for 27 years in styles such as Classical Ballet (BBO & RAD), Jazz, Tap (LGTDA & BBO), Contemporary, Show Girl and National Character. Chauntelle successfully created and operated CADA (Chauntelle Alydia Dance Academy) for 6 years and has been a dance teaching for 16 years at various studios. During this time she obtained her Diploma of Musical Theatre, Diploma of Elite Performance (Dance), Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (The Actor’s Program), Diploma of Dance Teaching and most recently Certificate IV in Leadership and Management.

Chauntelle has been an active member of the entertainment industry from a young age, showing an interest in acting and dancing. Since then, she has gone on to be involved in commercials, short films, music videos, theatre productions and musicals.

Some notable roles include Janet Van de Graaf from “Drowsy Chaperone” (2023), Yvette from “Clue” (2023), Miriam from “Fly By Night” (2016) and Sandra from “Trevor” (2017). Other production she has been in are Legally Blonde, Shrek, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Young Frankenstein.

She has also had the pleasure of choreographing ”Witches of Eastwick” (2023), Jerry’s Girls (2023), “Shrek JR” (2023), “Urinetown the Musical” (2022), City of Newcastle Drama Association Award Ceremony (2021) and “Stepping Out” (2019). In 2024 she is looking forward to choreographing “Catch Me If You Can” for What Theatre Company and “Bonnie and Clyde” for Stand and Deliver.

Her latest venture is founding What Theatre Company. Built for budding performers of all ages to hone their craft in performing arts.

Bonnie McPeak

Lilly Grant

ATCL Diploma, Cert III in Theatre & Screen

Bonnie completed vocal training with the exceptional Kim Hornby, in addition to her Trinity College Musical Theatre London ATCL Diploma and Certificate III in Theatre and Screen. She has experience in choreographing multiple local junior musicals as well as performing in a number of productions herself, such as; Ariel in the Little Mermaid Jr, Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde Jr and Sue Snell in Carrie. She has also been lucky enough to work with iTheatrics in New York on multiple occasions for High School Edition development workshops and High School Edition Choreography DVD’s. Most notably as Cassie in the A Chorus Line High School Edition choreography DVD.

Dancing for most of her life with Newcastle Dance Academy, Bonnie completed Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) classical ballet exams from grades Primary to Intermediate. Through NDA she also competed in many dance eisteddfods with both group and solo performances. Bonnie has also been a featured dancer in the City of Newcastle Drama Awards and Starstruck.

Bonnie is excited to share her passion and experience of the performing arts with students.

Lilly has been dancing for 19 years and singing and acting for 14. Lilly has trained in dance styles including Jazz (Comdance), Ballet (RAD), Tap (PDA), Hip-Hop, and Contemporary. Lilly has completed the Grade 7 jazz exam for Comdance and up to grade 6 ballet exams with RAD. As well as dance exams, Lilly has completed up to grade 7 in trinity classical singing exams and is currently working towards grade 8.

Lilly has performed in many musicals in the Newcastle area including Jerry’s Girls (Metropolitan Players), Witches of Eastwick (Stand and Deliver Productions), Showstoppers (What Theatre Company), and a variety of musicals at Young People’s Theatre. Lilly will also appear in What Theatre Company’s 2024 productions of Catch Me If You Can.

Lilly has worked with children from the ages of 5 to 12 through work in after school care and is working towards becoming a high school teacher.

Ph: 0493 391 669

Email: whattheatreco@gmail.com

Location: 25/12 Templar Place,

Bennetts Green NSW 2290

Dance

At What Theatre Company, our focus is on developing technique for all ages who are looking to continue their dance training or discover their love for it

Tap - WTA also trains through ATOD for our tap syllabus. Tap is a great way to have fun and keep fit, students also have the opportunity to sit for exams and progress through the levels. These classes are for all skill levels whether you are just beginning your tap journey or you have been tapping for years.

Jazz Technique - We train through ATOD once again for our Jazz foundations to build technique and skills. Our Junior and Intermediate students delve into our JFH classes, which are a combination of Jazz, Funk and Hip Hop. WTA teaches students technique required for JFH while incorporating fun modern moves seen in the industry today.

Classical Ballet - At WTA, we train classically through the Australian Teachers of Dancing (ATOD). We teach the basic technique and fundamentals of Ballet, in which students have the opportunity to sit for exams. Classical Ballet requires determinations, dedication and discipline to progress through the levels.

Contemporary - Working on contemporary fundamental skills, this class is for beginners to anyone with previous training. Contemporary blends different techniques for varying genres of dance. It is a very ‘free’ style and allows you to develop great technique and explore new boundaries for your own personal body movement.

Stretch & Strengthen - Working on increasing flexibility, body conditioning and strength to assist with dance technique.

Private Lessons - Want to work one-on-one on your dance technique or have an audition coming up that you want to prep for? Book in for a private lesson.

Acting

Drama - Ignite creativity and build confidence with our dynamic after-school drama class for ages 7-17. Through engaging activities and games, students develop fundamental acting skills while exploring creativity and imagination in a supportive environment. Our experienced instructors foster collaboration, teamwork, and inclusivity, culminating in performance opportunities.

Musical Theatre - Elevate your passion for performance, learn new techniques, and let your creativity shine in a supportive and engaging environment. Join us for an enriching journey where performers of all levels come together to expand their musical theatre dance skills and embrace the magic of the stage.

Private Acting Tuition - Want to work one-on-one to hone your craft? Work on your cold reading skills? Perhaps some accent training or audition preparation?

Whether it’s a particular monologue, current script you’re working on or particular character work, the one-on-one classes give you the freedom and time to explore and delve into the craft.

Acting 101 (1 hour class) for any skill level, - we will explore characters, intent, subtext and the fundamentals of scene work as each week progresses whilst adding new tools and skills for implementation in an audition to performance level.

Vocal Lessons

Singing / Coaching Lessons (1/2 hour and 1 hour classes) whether you’re after the basic fundamentals of the voice and singing, or even looking to expand your current extensive repertoire. Our Singing / Coaching lessons are designed personally for you and will guide you with the right tools and techniques for simply singing at home or preparing 2 contrasting audition pieces.

Vocal Groups (5yrs - 9yrs) - Our vocal groups are designed for our younger performers concentrating on Pitch matching and learning the fundamentals of singing.

Ph: 0493 391 669

Email: whattheatreco@gmail.com

Location: 25/12 Templar Place,

Bennetts Green NSW 2290

2024 Workshops

Term 2 2024

Join our dynamic workshops tailored for young minds aged 7-16, where imagination takes centre stage! Delve into the enchanting world of drama, literature, and performing arts, where every child can shine.

Danny Folpp will lead the workshop in a 5 week program 10:30am-12pm on Wednesdays from May 8th through to the final workshop on June 5th

Danny has been performing for over 15 years and teaching in the Newcastle area for the last 3 years. Specialising in ages 7 and up.

Most recent credits are Superstars (featuring Marina Prior, Sylvie Paladino, Chloe Zuel and Joshua Robson), Billy Elliot, Shrek, Beauty & The Beast and Chess all at the Civic Theatre, Newcastle.

Currently, he is directing 2024 productions of The Little Mermaid Jr, Annie and Catch Me If You Can and previously directed Shrek Jr, Legally Blonde, Company, and more. His theatre/training company is called “What Theatre Company” which specialises in private lessons, group workshops and performance opportunities.

Through engaging activities and expert guidance, your child will:

Explore the magic of storytelling.
Cultivate confidence and communication skills through fun drama exercises and role-playing.
Discover the thrill of performance, from acting to improvisation, in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Foster teamwork and collaboration while creating memorable experiences with peers.

Whether your child dreams of treading the boards or simply wants to explore their creative side, What Theatre Company’s workshops provide the perfect platform to flourish. Don't miss this opportunity to spark their imagination and unleash their potential!

Enrol your child today and let their journey into the world of drama, literature, and performing arts begin!

Term 2 2024 dates and times:

Wed May 8th - 10:30am-12pm - The Lion King
Wed May 15th - 10:30am-12pm - Mary Poppins (Pamela Lyndon Travers)
Wed May 22nd - 10:30am-12pm - Oh The Places You'll Go (Dr Seuss)
Wed May 29th - 10:30am-12pm - Winnie The Pooh (A.A Milne)
Wed June 5th - 10:30am-12pm - Beauty & The Beast

Cost: $20 per student per 1.5 hour workshop. $90 if booking for all 5 classes. Workshop spots are limited to 15 each week.

Location: What Theatre Company Studio - 12 Templar Place, Bennetts Green

For bookings, or more information, please contact Danny at whattheatreco@gmail.com or 0493 391 669

Ph: 0493 391 669

Email: whattheatreco@gmail.com

Location: 25/12 Templar Place,

Bennetts Green NSW 2290

UPCOMING SHOWS

1 - 4 MAY 2024 - CIVC PLAYHOUSE

TICKETS - ON SALE NOW

Based on the hit film and the incredible true story, Catch Me If You Can is the high-flying musical comedy about chasing your dreams and not getting caught. Nominated for four Tony awards, including Best Musical, this delightfully entertaining show was created by a Tony Award- winning "dream team," with a book by Terrence McNally (The Full Monty, Ragtime) and a swinging score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray).

Seeking fame and fortune, precocious teenager, Frank Abagnale, Jr., runs away from home to begin an unforgettable adventure. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination and millions of dollars in forged checks, Frank successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer – living the high life and winning the girl of his dreams. When Frank's lies catch the attention of FBI agent, Carl Hanratty, though, Carl pursues Frank across the country to make him pay for his crimes.

PREVIOUS SHOWS

16 DECEMBER 2023 - CIVC PLAYHOUSE

Experience the magic of Showstoppers, a musical theatre showcase night that promises an unforgettable journey through enchanting melodies and captivating performances.

Step into a world where talent meets passion, and the stage comes alive with the splendour of music and dance. Be prepared to be whisked away on a mesmerizing adventure as the spotlight shines on exceptional performers who will steal your heart with their soul-stirring renditions. From beloved classics to contemporary hits "Showstoppers" curates a diverse repertoire that appeals to every musical taste.

Immerse yourself in the theatrical extravaganza, as seasoned professionals and rising stars unite to deliver an evening of sheer entertainment.Experience an unforgettable showcase featuring two captivating acts of solo, duo, trio and ensemble performances, bringing to life the beloved showstopper hits from musical Theatre.

Ph: 0493 391 669

Email: whattheatreco@gmail.com

Location: 25/12 Templar Place,

Bennetts Green NSW 2290

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