29 years of dancing, singing and acting
The BCMA opened in 1995, initially providing tuition in instrumental music. Over time this has expanded to include all facets of the performing arts and we now deliver classes in voice, dance, drama and music to over 400 students each week. We pride ourselves on offering Ballarat the unique opportunity to have all elements of the performing arts at the one great place.
I was trained in classical piano and voice, played trumpet, french horn, drums and keyboard & was raised in a musically involved and theatre oriented family. This opened doors to the world of the performing arts and, in particular, the stage, to me. It has always been a part of my life. I now love the balance of being a performing arts teacher, business manager, and mother of five and I am just as excited to welcome students to the centre today as I was all those years ago when this journey began.
My own performance background includes many years of onstage musical theatre productions, along with live performances for both public and private events. I have directed and choral directed many theatre productions and enjoy working with all people involved in this industry. My choral direction of BLOC Music Theatre’s production of The Sound of Music was celebrated with a nomination for the Victorian Guild awards, followed up with nominations for my direction of Australia's Premier performance of the new musical Battle of Boat in 2018. Through the BCMA I have directed and produced over 60 productions including musicals, ballets, plays, dance recitals and our full End of Year Productions.
At the BCMA we offer many styles & levels of classes and are able to tailor an individual combination of classes to suit each student. Offering everything under ‘one roof’ means that we have the flexibility to provide options to follow a particular path or to support a change of direction. Our unique training experience in the arts means students can explore new classes, challenges and styles and have a positive and enriching performing arts journey.
Whether attending the BCMA purely for fun or to pursue a career in the performing arts, every student can realise their potential and develop their skills, abilities and talents when receiving our expert tuition. Our highly trained teachers strive to enhance the experience of each student and maximise every students’ potential. The atmosphere at the BCMA is vibrant, professional, educational, friendly and fun. We are a welcoming community and endeavour to create positive experiences for students and their families whilst instilling a life-long love of the performing arts.
The BCMA is not only home to fantastic performances and opportunities, teaching and learning; it is also the home of an incredibly supportive and accepting community; of which I am very proud. For 29 years it has provided a place for people to come and express themselves through the performing arts and, in the process, develop lifelong friendships. A place where everyone is accepted and can be themselves.
We look forward to welcoming you into our community.
Paula Heenan – Director
The BCMA Offers:
- Three fully air-conditioned dance and drama studios
- Six music rooms for private tuition
- Student lounge with study areas, couches, tea and coffee for parents
- Costume department
- End of year Spectacular/Show
- Three mid year Musical Theatre performances
- Mid year and end of year Music/Voice Soirees
- We offer exams to students in the following syllabi:
- Classical Ballet – Cecchetti method
- Tap & Jazz – ATOD (Australian Teachers of Dance)
- Drama – Trinity College of London
- Music instrumental and Voice – AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board)
