Drama, Musical Theatre & Voice Classes in Newcastle
Based at our Newcastle studio, Hive Performing Arts is a hub of activity for budding performers and musicians, offering skill development in Drama, Acting and Musical Theatre as well as piano and voice with highly skilled performing arts teachers.
2023/24 Productions
Term Classes
Join a world of creativity, imagination and fun!


Learn From Industry Professionals

Danny Folpp
Danny has been performing since age 20 at various theatre stages across the globe. Studying at the Australian Institute of Music – Bachelor of Music major in Music Theatre.
His first role was Robbie Hart in The Wedding Singer Musical which projected his passion for theatre and purpose for teaching. Notable roles include The Beast (Beauty And The Beast), Roger Davis (Rent), Gaston (Beauty And The Beast), Danny Zuko (Grease), Sky Masterson (Guys And Dolls), Rapunzel’s Prince (Into The Woods), Benny (Rent), The Monster (Young Frankenstein), Sir Robin (Spamalot)
Danny has been blessed to work with some of the best professionals the industry has to offer and recently performed in Chess with David Harris, Silvie Paladino, Marty Worrall and Amy Vee. Also recently assistant directing Priscilla and Be More Chill at the Civic Theatre and Civic Playhouse. Directing for 2022 the play – Keeping Up Appearances with Metropolitan Players.
His goals and aspirations for the future are solidified by his friends and family’s support as he strives for future opportunities and has begun directing and teaching.

Chauntelle O’Brien
Chauntelle has been dancing for 26 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 teach 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) and Diploma of Dance Teaching, she is currently completing her Certificate IV in Training and Assessing.
Chauntelle has appeared in TV Commercials, Short films, Music videos as well as various shows around Newcastle including Priscilla (Metropolitan Players), Young Frankenstein (Opera Hunter), Fly By Night (Regional Institute of Performing Arts), Alice in Slasherland (Regional Institute of Performing Arts )and Trevor (Regional Institute of Performing Arts) Chauntelle also had the pleasure of choreographing for the City of Newcastle Drama Association Awards Ceremony in 2021.

Francesco Bertoni
Francesco started performing at the age of 12 in Italy. He studied throughout the years singing, acting, dancing, piano and drums.
He successfully graduated in musical theatre at the Bernstein School of Musical Theatre (Bologna, Italy). He then performed in a range of shows on national tours for 2 years before moving to Paris to become a parade character performer in Disneyland Paris for 4 years.
In local theatre he appeared as Tyler in “Merrily we roll along”, Paul in “Company” and Lewis in “Pippin”. He is also a member of the Newcastle Chamber Choir since June 2022.
Performing Arts Classes
5-16 years
Drama
Drama at Hive is focused on developing authentic acting skills using the face and body to express a range of emotions through expression and movement. In class, students are guided by our experienced actors and drama tutors, to work together with other students, create scripts and scenes and build confidence.
Class Location:
All Drama classes are held at our studio in Charlestown, Newcastle.
Class Duration:
1hr
Class Fee:
$22/class ($220/10 week term)
10% multi-class discount per student attending 2 or more Performing Arts classes
Class Uniform:
Student are required to purchase a Hive performing arts t-shirt to wear to class weekly. Purchase from the Hive SHOP.
5-16 Years
Musical Theatre
In Musical Theatre, the three great performing arts of singing, dancing and acting combine to create one vibrant performance experience. In each class, students learn to sing and refine their singing technique; learn dance movements and choreographed sequence for each song; act out scenes, try out characters and learn their part in the class performance.
Class Location:
All Musical Theatre classes are held at our studio in Charlestown, Newcastle.
Class Duration:
1hr
Class Fee:
$22/class ($220/10 week term)
10% multi-class discount per student attending 2 or more Performing Arts classes
Class Uniform:
Student are required to purchase a Hive performing arts t-shirt to wear to class weekly. Purchase from the Hive SHOP.
5 – 16 YEAR OLDS
Productions
Hive has an exciting line up of performances in 2023! Check out details of upcoming productions for students in our Performing Arts program.
AUDITION FORMS FOR ‘THE LITTLE MERMAID JR’ ARE NOW AVAILABLE! CLICK THROUGH

3.5 – 5 YEAR OLDS
Preschool Performing Arts
Our newest Performing Arts class is for students ages 3.5-5. Each week, students will be taken on a journey through imagination, interaction, multi-sensory experiences and movement. A fusion of dance, drama and musical theatre activities, students will develop skills in coordination, confidence, creative thinking, and training their musical ear.
Class Location:
All Performing Arts classes are held at our studio in Charlestown, Newcastle.
Class Duration:
1hr
Class Fee:
$22/class ($220/10 week term)
10% multi-class discount per student attending 2 or more Performing Arts classes
Class Uniform:
Student are required to purchase a Hive performing arts t-shirt to wear to class weekly. Purchase from the Hive SHOP.
Performing Arts Team

Chauntelle O’Brien

Danny Folpp

Francesco Bertoni

Bridget Ponmon

Shuna Mackay

Bonnie McPeak
Get to Know Hive
Our 2 Week Trial Pass is the perfect way
to find the right class fit for your child at Hive.
Attend any* 2 Group classes within 2 weeks for just $25.
*Not applicable to the Bee-School program
(3 hour session for $49)
OR Visual Arts (2 classes for $49)
Let's Start a Conversation
Call Us: 1300 03 03 79
8 Frederick Street, Charlestown, NSW 2290, Australia