Go to home page

ACT UP! 2026

ACT UP! 2026

Page content:

WHAT IS ACT UP! 2026?

ACT UP! returns in 2026 as Canberra Theatre Centre’s annual performing arts showcase for Years 7–12 students across the ACT and regional NSW. Now in its 12th year, the program invites students to create and perform an original 5–10 minute work inspired by a shared stimulus, developed in class with support from CTC’s industry teaching artists.

Open to students of all abilities, ACT UP! fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence while aligning with curriculum outcomes. The program aims to strike a balance between challenging students to create truly extraordinary work and providing a supportive and inclusive environment for young artists to explore their creative practice.

ACT UP! culminates in a live performance on the Playhouse theatre stage, offering students a powerful opportunity to share their voices with the community at one of Australia’s major theatre venues.

Check out this year’s program as featured on ABC News.


KEY INFORMATION

  • Performance dates: Thursday 21 & Friday 22 May, 2026
  • Students devise original performances based on the theme and stimulus material
  •  Schools are invited to enter up to 3 performance groups
  • Years 7 – 10 can perform for a maximum of 5 minutes
  • Years 11 – 12 can perform for a maximum of 10 minutes
  • Kickstarts with a Teacher Professional Learning Workshop and Information Session
  • Performances are developed in class during Term 1 and 2 with additional incursion support from CTC Teaching Artists
  • During the ACT UP! 2026 Performance Days (May 21 or 22), students and teachers will spend the day at CTC engaged in a range of activities, and then perform on The Playhouse stage in an evening show open to the public

For more detailed information, please see the ACT UP! 2026 Information Handbook or contact the CTC Education Team: education@canberratheatrecentre.com.au

PARTICIPATION FEE

Participation fee = $50.00 (ex GST) per participating student.
Participating and supporting teachers are free of charge.

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

ACT UP! 2026 is designed to be used in conjunction with curriculum and assessment tasks. It supports learning in:

Australia Curriculum | The Arts | Drama: Year 7 – 10
ACT BSSS | Arts | Drama | Specialised Drama
Board of Studies NSW | Creative Arts | Drama Stage 6 | Drama Years 7 – 10

Access the full Curriculum Information here.

ACT Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) Accreditation
ACT UP! 2026 is a professional learning opportunity for teachers. It is TQI accredited for 8 hours.

REGISTRATION HAS NOW CLOSED

Registration for ACT UP! 2026 has now closed. Please contact jena.prince@act.gov.au if you would like to discuss options for a late registration.

Before you email, please read the  ACT UP! 2026 Information Handbook. Schools must be able to commit to all key dates, expectations and logistics to participate.

My Account