Darlo Drama

Darlo Drama® is one of Australia's leading acting schools for adult beginners, established in 1992 and based in Sydney, New South Wales. Known for its signature acting lessons, Darlo Drama provides a welcoming space for adults of all ages and backgrounds to discover confidence, creativity, and community through the craft of acting. The school has gained recognition as a leading institution for non-professional actors and continues to support learners with programs designed to nurture creativity through play and discovery. Glen Hamilton is the current owner and director of Darlo Drama.
==History==
Darlo Drama was founded with the goal of providing adult learners with opportunities to engage with acting in a non-professional setting. The school grew in popularity due to its inclusive approach, offering classes to individuals regardless of their prior acting experience.
By 2023, Darlo Drama expanded its reach beyond its Darlinghurst headquarters to regional locations such as the Central Coast, Penrith, and Campbelltown, allowing more people to participate in its programs. That same year, Darlo Drama hosted over 450 beginner and advanced actors and held more than 70 performances, drawing an audience of over 3,500 people.
In 2024, Darlo Drama launched a part-time program for advanced actors, continuing its tradition of offering robust training for adult learners. The new program was designed to help mature actors hone their skills and gain experience in real-world performance projects, further bridging the gap between amateur and professional training in Australia.
==Programs==
Darlo Drama offers a range of acting courses tailored to adult beginners and more advanced learners. Courses are available in various formats, from trial classes to full-length programs designed to accommodate individuals who want to develop acting skills at their own pace.
===Signature Programs===
===Trial Classes===
Darlo Drama's 2-hour Trial Class is an introduction to Beginners Acting for adults, offering a glimpse into the school's fun and nurturing approach before committing to the full Level One course. These classes, held in various locations, provide a safe space for participants to enjoy themselves, meet new people, and connect to their creativity.
===Level One - The Monologue===
This foundational course starts gently, creating a safe environment for participants to play, explore, and build confidence through fun games, trust exercises, and improvisation. Over time, the group becomes more comfortable and spontaneous, developing self-expression techniques, learning how to present confidently, overcome stage fright, and connect with an audience. The course covers key topics such as creativity, presenting, voice and movement, improvisation, and script work. One of the unique aspects of Level One is the opportunity to work with experienced tutors who are leaders in acting and adult education. By the end of the course, participants perform a monologue, showcasing their newly developed skills in character development, voice projection, and performance.
===Level Two - The Scene===
This course builds on the skills developed in Level One. Students work with a scene partner, exploring dialogue and interaction on stage. The course emphasises scene work, character development, and collaboration with fellow actors. Through games, improvisation exercises, and scene study, students deepen their understanding of acting techniques and the dynamics of working with another actor. By the end of the course, participants perform a scene with a partner, integrating stagecraft and direction.
===Level Three - The Story===
Level Three prepares students for more advanced performance, focusing on ensemble work and script analysis. The course is open to those who have completed Levels One and Two or similar programs elsewhere. Participants learn about the processes involved in theatre production, from rehearsal to performance. The course culminates in two performances, allowing students to build stamina and performance skills across multiple shows.
===The Play (Advanced)===
This course focuses on the rehearsal and performance of a contemporary play, staged in the Darlo Drama Theatre. It is open to students who have completed Levels One, Two, and Three or similar courses elsewhere. Participants work with experienced directors to develop advanced acting techniques, blocking, and script interpretation. The course includes three performances, offering participants the opportunity to refine their acting craft over multiple shows.
===Part-Time Program (Advanced)===
Darlo Drama's part-time advanced program spans two terms, totalling over 200 hours of classes and performance projects over six months. The program is divided into two terms: "Develop and Extend the Actor's Process" in Term 1 and "Apply and Refine the Actor's Craft" in Term 2. This comprehensive training is designed to equip advanced actors with the skills necessary for professional-level performance.
==Corporate Program==
In 2023, Darlo Drama launched Darlo Drama Corporate, a program designed to use performance and acting skills to drive professional growth and corporate efficiency. The corporate program offers a variety of workshops, team-building activities, and custom training sessions aimed at improving leadership, communication, and collaboration within the workplace.
The corporate workshops focus on enhancing professional development through acting techniques. These sessions help participants build key skills in communication, leadership, creativity, and teamwork, which are essential for improving overall corporate performance.
Example sessions in 2024 include Leadership Communication, Presentation Skills, and Creativity, Connection, and Teamwork.
==Philosophy==
Darlo Drama believes that acting should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or experience. Glen Hamilton, the owner and director of Darlo Drama, emphasises the importance of providing mature actors with opportunities to participate in actor training. He argues that mature learners are often more financially stable, resilient, and better able to draw from life experiences—giving them a competitive advantage in the industry. The school has positioned itself as a leading advocate for the inclusion of older actors in the performing arts, challenging the industry's tendency to focus on younger talent.
==Leadership==
Glen Hamilton, the current owner and director of Darlo Drama, has played a pivotal role in shaping the school's inclusive philosophy and developing its curriculum. Hamilton's approach to actor training emphasises the importance of real-world performance experience, and his advocacy for mature actors has made Darlo Drama a unique voice in the Australian performing arts landscape.
==Recent Developments==
2023 Expansion: Darlo Drama expanded to regional locations in 2023, offering acting trial classes and Level One courses in the Central Coast, Penrith, and Campbelltown.
2023 Corporate Program Launch: Darlo Drama Corporate was launched to provide performance-based training solutions for businesses, focusing on team-building, leadership, and communication skills.
2024 part-time Program Launch: The school introduced a part-time advanced actor training program aimed at mature learners, furthering its mission to provide accessible, high-quality acting education for adults.
==Awards and Recognition==
Darlo Drama has been recognised as a finalist in the Performing Arts category local business awards in both 2023 and 2024, highlighting its contribution to the arts and its success in providing high-quality acting education for adults.
==Trademark and Registration==
Darlo Drama® is the registered trademark of Darlinghurst Drama Pty Ltd, based in Sydney, NSW. Edu.au has been issued to Darlinghurst Drama Pty Ltd T/A Darlo Drama, and is registered by Education Services Australia Limited.
Category:1992 establishments
Category:Television shows set in New South Wales
Category:Drama schools in Australia