Established in 2006 by founders Amy-Louise Anderson, Lynn Dyer and Kim Reynolds, in response to the growing need for a production-based training institution on the Gold Coast that lays the foundation for a career in professional acting. A growing number of parents and students are looking for a more serious approach to a training institution.  To this demand, our focus is to assist the talented and dedicated students who wish to seek employment in the theatre and entertainment industry, whilst still offering classes to instill a love for this art form and improve creative and communication skills.

N.A.P.A. is different from other training institutions in that we relate our training to a specific performance context rather than repetitive exercises and games that are not related directly to a performance experience. We believe that students develop greater performance skills through rehearsal and performance rather than isolated lessons.  All classes are therefore given performance opportunities with high expectations.

Students are encouraged to participate in social events and excursions to performances as well as offering free admission to any N.A.P.A. matinee productions.  This helps to create a close working team and a passion for the Performing Arts. The greater their involvement, the greater the chance our students have of growing to be well balanced adults. Boredom and lack of motivation is proven to be one of the main causes of poor behaviour. We aim to offer interstate and international performance tours as opportunities arise.

Parents play an important role at the Academy.  Many very talented parents have offered their services  and talents in costume construction, set art work, front of house, prop construction, canteen and bar operations.  This has been invaluable to our operations and greatly appreciated.  Encouragement and support for our students by parents is vital to their success and goes a long way in building parent/child relationship.

Education Queensland and the Principal of Merrimac SHS, Chris Tobin, have offered their support to N.A.P.A. by providing the use of the facilities at Merrimac State High School. Situated on Dunlop Court, Mermaid Waters on SE Queensland’s Gold Coast, the facilities provide large performance spaces, a dance studio, technical equipment and even a pool to cool off during those long hot rehearsals and after show pool parties. Students of Merrimac who have earned a Cultural Scholarship to the school, receive a term’s free tuition at N.A.P.A.  In partnership with Merrimac High our goal is to provide quality training and preparation for future pathways.