The day will be held at Excelsia’s new Macquarie Park campus, and looks to be jam-packed with campus tours, creative workshops and open panel discussions around developing a career in the performing arts. Come for the whole day or pick and choose the sessions that’s best for you. Either way, this is an event aspiring young Christian artists won’t want to miss.

Special guest lecturers will include international film star and third year acting teacher Jay Laga’aia. Bringing a wealth of experience to the “Acting for Screen” workshop, Laga’aia has worked in theatre, film and television for over 20 years. Some of his credits include Star Wars Episode II & III, Lion King the Musical, Wicked the Musical, Play School and his own network show Jay’s Jungle.

Jay is passionate about empowering and encouraging the next generation of young Australian actors and is excited to continue working with Excelsia to invest in the future of performing arts. When not performing in Broadway musicals or acting on the silver screen, Jay has spent his career touring to high schools throughout NSW to help music and drama students achieve the best results out of their HSC performances. It is this wealth of knowledge and passion in seeing young artists reach their full potential that Jay will be bringing to Excelsia’s Open Day on September 1.

For aspiring musicians and worship leaders, the day will also include a “Songwriting” workshop with the renowned Shannon Saeid as he walks students through the fundamentals of crafting memorable lyrics and melodies with hooks which stick in the listener’s head.

A complimentary lunch at midday will be provided for all who attend, accompanied with live music performed by some of Excelsia’s current students and alumni. This will be a chance to not only meet fellow artists, but speak with Excelsia’s lecturers and current students about campus life and studying in performing arts degrees.

This will be an invaluable opportunity …

An afternoon “Set and Props Creation” workshop will be run by John Allan Sullivan who is an Excelsia alumni with extensive experience working behind the scenes in both Australian TV and theatre.

Students will have the opportunity to try their hand at set design and experience the practical building of small props all under the guidance of John’s expertise. This will be an invaluable opportunity for students interested in working in the manufacturing and building side of the entertainment industry, which holds excellent career outcomes and opportunities for young creators.

Alternatively, high school students and their parents can attend the “My Creative Career” open panel discussion, with the opportunity to hear from current Excelsia lecturers and special industry guests. The panel will include: Fiona Gentle, acclaimed puppeteer who’s worked extensively with the Jim Henson Company; MC Hau, ARIA winner, radio presenter and one half of hip-hop act Koolism; Dr Lotte Latukefu, classically trained Opera singer and Head of Performing Arts at Excelsia College; and Dr Mark Seton whose academic work has focused on artist wellbeing and mental health. This will be an invaluable opportunity to hear from four artists who come from varied backgrounds and have each had long lasting careers in the performing arts.

The day will wrap up with the opportunity for drama students to hear more about Excelsia College’s exclusive Oz to LA program. Participants will get a first-hand account from current Excelsia students about their own experience spending three months in Hollywood training at prestigious The Acting Corp and find out more information about how to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Register now for Excelsia College’s 2018 Open Day. For further information about Excelsia’s Open Day, 2019 Early Offer Auditions or studying Performing Arts, contact the Student Advisor.

Cameron Lyon