Canvas Bag Drama School

Welcome to Canvas Bag Drama School, located at Christchurch, Halswell Road, 450. As an establishment and point of interest in New Zealand, we are dedicated to nurturing the creative minds of children and young people through the power of storytelling and drama.

At Canvas Bag Drama School, we believe in the magic of stories. From traditional fables to modern day tales, we immerse ourselves in these narratives and transport ourselves into the characters' shoes. In our classes, students have the freedom to become anyone or anything, from a mystical mermaid to a fearsome ogre.

Our classes are designed to be both structured and fun-filled, creating a social environment where students can develop positive self-worth and confidently express their thoughts and feelings. Through extensive use of improvisation and role-play, we encourage our students to unleash their imaginations and explore the depths of their creativity.

But we don't stop at just experiencing stories - we empower our students to create their own. Through exploring characters and delving into their motivations, we guide them in crafting their own scripts and narratives. Whether it's a genie trapped inside a lamp or an erupting volcano, the possibilities are endless.

Our classes are intense, energetic, and move at a fast pace. We believe in generating enthusiasm and initiative through various games and skill-based tasks. Our passionate tutors write plays each year, incorporating ideas generated by the students themselves. These original scripts are then rehearsed and performed to a public audience, showcasing the students' talent and hard work.

To enhance the immersive experience, we provide costumes, props, and musical instruments as tools for the students to experiment and create their own stories. Laughter and fun are always present in a Canvas Bag drama class, making it the highlight of the week for many students.

Canvas Bag Drama School was established in 1995 by educator and writer Felicity Williams, with the aim of providing children and young people with a high-quality after school activity that fosters inquiry, creativity, imagination, and most importantly, fun! In 2016, we underwent a rebranding and became Canvas Bag Drama, solidifying our commitment to the performing arts.

Our main Merivale Campus is located in Christchurch, New Zealand, on the grounds of Rangi Ruru School. In addition, we have campuses in South Brighton and Halswell. Over the past 25 years, we have had the privilege of witnessing hundreds of children and teenagers benefit from our classes, which encompass the full spectrum of performing arts.

Our curriculum is divided into four terms, each with a unique focus. In Term 1, we concentrate on voice and movement techniques, scene study, and improvisation. Term 2 delves into storytelling, characterisation, and the exciting task of devising an original script for our public performances in September. Term 3 offers Canvas Bag Theatre, a rigorous rehearsal and performance curriculum. Finally, in Term 4, we hone in on television and media, further developing presentation and storytelling skills, with a special focus on comedy and absurdist theatre.

At Canvas Bag Drama School, we believe in the transformative power of drama and the arts. Join us on this creative journey and let your imagination soar. Enroll today and discover the joy of storytelling at Canvas Bag Drama School.