Theatre Bugs: Fun, and Spreading Among the Young

Those of us who love the theatre know there's nothing like starting early with the 'theatre bug', as many call it. A performing arts school in Adelaide is spreading the bug among youngsters and it seems there’s a lot more buggy business planned for everyone involved.

Over the past 27 years, proudly South Australian performing arts school Theatre Bugs has welcomed more than 30,000 young people through its many doors, creating a joyful and safe environment where children from toddlers to the brink of adulthood can build confidence, express creativity, and discover a love of the performing arts.

Transformative journeys at Theatre Bugs give great joy to all who teach at the school. Terese Papps, Theatre Bugs’ Operations Manager said, ‘Our classes are about more than singing and dancing. They’re about belonging, believing in yourself, and learning to work as a team. Watching a child step into the spotlight for the first time is a joy that never fades.’

Theatre Bugs’ Managing Director Michael Eustice said, ‘We know of children who arrived with us too shy to speak in class, but who, over time, have become confident young performers capable of captivating a full theatre audience. Some began with crippling anxiety and struggled even to make eye contact, but through gentle encouragement, consistent structure, and creative expression, they’ve blossomed into articulate, self-assured teenagers and young adults. At Theatre Bugs, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow in confidence, creativity, and resilience through the performing arts. We’re not just training performers; we’re helping young people develop life skills that will stay with them forever.’

Michael went on to say, ‘We’ve also been privileged to work with many children on the autism spectrum. In a number of cases for these students Theatre Bugs has become a second home; a place where they feel safe, accepted, and empowered. Through drama and movement, they’ve not only improved communication and social interaction skills, but have also found a unique outlet for their creativity, and a stronger sense of identity. Parents often tell us that the progress their child has made at Theatre Bugs has flowed into school, friendships, and family life, helping them thrive far beyond the stage.’

Theatre Bugs’ performance group classes have expanded significantly, with the children now regularly performing at public events, festivals, and local theatres, giving students real-world experience.  Week-long theatre programs out to regional South Australian locations also  occur. In the last couple of years they’ve taken the joy of theatre to children in Port Neill, Ungarra, and Bordertown.

Managing Director, Michael Eustice is excited for the future because Theatre Bugs continues to spread and develop, including with a July production of Frozen Jr. at the Goodwood Theatre with a talented cast of young performers.