Welcome to SDTAWA!
The Speech and Drama Teachers Association of Western Australia (SDTAWA) is dedicated to promoting excellence in speech and drama education across the state. Our association brings together passionate educators committed to nurturing the communication and performance skills of students of all ages.
Become a member today
Join us in our mission to empower students through the transformative power of Speech and Drama. Together, we can inspire the next generation of confident and expressive individuals who will make a positive impact on our society. Let your voice be heard and your talent shine with us!
hIGHLIGHTS
NOTEABLE EVENTS FROM OUR YEAR…
pERTH sPEECH AND dRAMA fESTIVAL
The Festival is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Speech and Drama Teachers Association. We pride ourselves on providing an opportunity for all students to develop strength of character, build resilience and achieve personal performance goals.
Awards for Excellence
The SDTAWA ‘Awards of Excellence’ are awarded to the top performing students in Speech and Drama Examinations each year. Candidates are considered for an Award of Excellence if they achieved an A+ in a Speech and Drama Exam with any recognised examining body. These exceptional exam results represent an outstanding level of skill development and candidates who are awarded are well deserving of this formal recognition.
WAAPA Poetry Speaking Awards
SDTAWA is proud to have a long and valuable connection with the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA.) For over a decade, SDTAWA has sponsored an annual award of $1000 for the two most outstanding poetry performances from second year acting students. SDTAWA is passionate about this important relationship with WAAPA, and the valuable support of the states most prestigious performing arts academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SDTAWA?
SDTAWA is the acronym for the Speech and Drama Teachers Association of Western Australia. SDTAWA, established in 1930, is the registered association for teachers of Speech and Drama in Western Australia. Its members include teachers practicing privately and/or within the Department of Education WA, as well as retired Speech and Drama teachers, senior level students of Speech and Drama and those with a particular interest in the teaching of Speech and Drama.
For more information see the ‘About Us’ section of the website
Who can join SDTAWA?
SDTAWA has three levels of membership; Full Membership, Country Membership and Associate Membership. Associate Membership and Country Membership of SDTAWA is open to all those with an interest in Speech and Drama teaching and learning, including senior students. Full Membership of SDTAWA applies to those who are qualified to teach Speech and Drama (or equivalent) and who are, or have been, involved in teaching Speech and Drama (or equivalent). Every new member is ratified by the SDTAWA Council.
For more information see the ‘Become a Member’ section of our website.
What is Speech and Drama and why study it?
Speech and Drama is a fun, dynamic and creative subject, studied by students of all ages.
Lessons will develop essential communication skills, building confidence and self-esteem.
Through creative drama activities, Speech and Drama lessons help students develop a sense of self and explore their unique voice and what it is they want to say. Lessons provide an essential communication toolkit, so that students can confidently share their individual voice with the world.
Lessons use literature as a springboard for poetry and prose performance preparation and Drama activities, while practically based elocution exercises improve minor speech impairments, such as clarity and appropriate tone. In addition to voice and speech work, a Speech and Drama teacher also develops performance skills in a diverse range of performance genres such as acting, mime, creative movement, storytelling, public speaking, poetry and prose recitation.
Speech and Drama builds and improves life skills such as teamwork, leadership, cooperation, collaboration and presentation skills. It encourages imagination and creativity, helps boost confidence and establishes a strong sense of commitment and ownership of tasks and decisions. Speech and Drama programs will develop strong public speakers and instils in students a love of drama, literature and speaking.
What is a typical Speech and Drama curriculum?
There is no prescribed curriculum. Instead, each teacher has their own program and method of teaching.
Lessons are comprised of active and energetic drama games, poetry and prose performance, script work, improvisation, and group-devised drama. A practically based elocution component develops an articulate, clear and confident speaking manner.
Lessons are designed to expose students to a variety of rich and interesting literature and develop a love of reading and the spoken word. Through carefully guided sessions, students will develop collaboration and leadership skills, organisation and memorisation skills, time management and problem-solving techniques along with resilience and poise.
While there is no Speech and Drama curriculum, there are a number of examining bodies and Speech and Drama Teachers will likely teach in a method that prepares students for these exams. For more information on these exams please see the ‘Useful Links’ section of the website.
I have no experience in acting or public speaking, can I still become a student of Speech and Drama?
Students of Speech and Drama come from all walks of life and have a diverse experience of Speech and Drama and different levels of competence in the area. We welcome everyone no matter what stage you are at including English as a Second Language (ESL) students.
Are Speech and Drama lessons just for children?
No. Speech and Drama lessons are available to people of all ages and abilities. Our teachers are all qualified professionals capable of teaching a diverse range of participants no matter what their age and ability. Some teachers do have areas in which they specialise e.g. children and young adults; mature age students; adults in the business sector. The ‘Find a Teacher’ section of the website will help direct you to the appropriate teacher for your needs.
What performance opportunities are available for students of Speech and Drama?
A vast range of performance opportunities exist for students of our members. Some of these include:
– Preparation and performance in the AMEB, Trinity College of London, Oracy Australia and other examining bodies or Speech competitions.
– Participation in the Annual Perth Speech & Drama Festival. This Festival is open to students of full members of SDTAWA. This is a unique, yet friendly Festival that recognises excellence in the performance of language, literature and drama within a nurturing, yet competitive environment.
For more information see the ‘Calendar’ Section of the website. Individual and group performance opportunities may also be provided by your Speech and Drama teacher within their own studio setting.
How do I find a Speech and Drama teacher?
Please visit the ‘Find a Teacher’ Section of this site.
How much are the fees that Speech and Drama teachers charge? And what are the payment options?
There is no published scale of fees. Individual teachers will advise you of their fees and their preferred method of payment. The fee may depend on whether you require individual or group lessons, and the level of examination you are preparing for.
What is the difference between a speech pathologist and a Speech and Drama teacher?
A Speech Pathologist deals with voice and speech irregularities or ‘abnormalities’ within a clinical setting. Patients are often referred by a GP, a School Screening Programme, Occupational Therapist or a Speech and Drama Teacher.
A Speech & Drama teacher deals with ‘normal’ voice and speech and aims to embellish through strategies that enhance quality of voice, confidence and clarity in communication.
What careers are there in Speech and Drama?
Students of Speech and Drama can become actors and teachers of Speech and Drama, but these are not the only job opportunities. Speech and Drama builds confidence and creativity and plants the seed for strong communication and public speaking skills. These life skills underpin a diverse range of careers and fields such as law, politics, medicine, teaching & lecturing, media, amongst many others.