Canvas Bag Drama School

Welcome to Canvas Bag Drama School, located at Christchurch, Pine Avenue, 212. As an establishment and point of interest, we specialize in taking stories of all kinds, from traditional fables to modern day tales, and immersing ourselves within them. At our school, you have the opportunity to become anyone or anything, whether it be a mermaid or an ogre.

Our classes provide a structured and fun-filled social environment, where we extensively use improvisation and role-play to develop positive self-worth and the ability to confidently express thoughts and feelings. Through these activities, we create our own stories and scripts, exploring various characters along the way. From genies in lamps to erupting volcanoes, the possibilities are endless.

Our classes are intense, energetic, and move at a fast pace. Designed to generate enthusiasm and initiative, we incorporate various games and skill-based tasks to keep the learning experience engaging. Our dedicated tutors write plays each year, using ideas generated by the students in class. These original scripts are then rehearsed and performed for a public audience, allowing our students to showcase their talent.

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

Our main Merivale Campus is located in Christchurch, New Zealand, on the grounds of Rangi Ruru School. Additionally, we have campuses in South Brighton and Halswell. Canvas Bag Drama, formerly known as Mozarts Drama School, was established in 1995 by educator and writer Felicity Williams. Our goal has always been to provide 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. Our classes are now held in The Theatre, located on the grounds of Rangi Ruru High School in Merivale, Christchurch. In 2017, we expanded our reach with a satellite campus in South Brighton, and in 2018, we did the same in 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. In Term 1, we focus on voice and movement techniques, scene study, and improvisation. Term 2 is dedicated to storytelling, characterisation, and devising an original script for our public performances in September. Term 3 offers Canvas Bag Theatre, where students engage in rigorous rehearsal and performance activities. Finally, in Term 4, we delve into television and media, further developing presentation and storytelling skills. Comedy and absurdist theatre also take center stage during this term.

Join us at Canvas Bag Drama School, where imagination, creativity, and self-expression are nurtured in a vibrant and supportive environment. Discover the joy of storytelling and performance, and unlock your full potential as a performer. Enroll today and embark on an exciting journey of self-discovery through the world of drama.