Confidence first
Every class is built around confidence, creativity, and the joy of learning a craft.
About the Academy
Twenty years of performing arts on the South Coast.
The largest privately owned performing arts academy in the Illawarra — based at Anita’s Theatre Complex in Thirroul, about 15 minutes from Wollongong CBD.
Founding & Today
From 75 students to over 250.
A creative home for the Illawarra community — built on the belief that taking part in the arts changes the way young people show up in the world.
The Academy of Music Dance Drama was founded in 2004 by performing arts educators Ruth and Barney Ellevsen. Their vision was a proper, qualified performing arts academy on the NSW South Coast — a place where music, dance and drama could share one roof and one community.
In 2018, Brett and Maree Lucas took over the school. Brett holds a performance degree from the Victoria College of the Arts and an MBA with a focus on social impact. Before running the Academy, he performed with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the State Orchestra of Victoria, the Australian Ballet, and the Australian Opera. Maree brings deep experience in Performing Arts and Early Childhood Education.
Under their leadership, enrolment has grown from 75 students to over 250, making the Academy the largest privately owned performing arts academy in the Illawarra region.
“While not everyone is destined to be a great artist, taking part in the arts can help students to develop a variety of life skills off the stage.”
What we stand for
Values that shape every class.
Community before competition
We celebrate progress at every level — from a child's first lesson to a senior student preparing for the stage.
Real performance opportunities
An annual production, Showcase Concerts, eisteddfods, and pathways into Schools Spectacular and AMEB.
Qualified, working educators
Tutors and dance/drama teachers with industry experience plan an individualised program for every student.
Our Home
Anita’s Theatre Complex, Thirroul.
Our studios are located inside Anita’s Theatre Complex on Lawrence Hargrave Drive — the historic heart of Thirroul, a coastal village on the NSW South Coast. We’re about fifteen minutes from Wollongong CBD and minutes from Thirroul Station.
It’s a fitting home for a performing arts academy: purpose-built spaces, a proper theatre on site, and a neighbourhood that loves the arts.
Plan your visitAddress & contact
Unit 12B, 264 Lawrence Hargrave DriveAnita’s Theatre Complex
Thirroul NSW 2515