About Us

Canberra's Leading Speech and Drama Academy

Drama Stars Academy has a successful performance history of over 25 years and is one of the most popular Speech and Drama Academies in Canberra. Currently over 250 students and so rapidly growing, DSA have to introduce new classes to meet demand. DSA was originally established in 2000 in Melbourne and later moved to Canberra in 2008.

At Drama Stars Academy our teachers believe everyone has untapped potential and it takes the right positive environment, nurturing and encouragement for them to SHINE to their full potential. We offer what every kid, teen, adult and aspiring actor wants and needs.

Drama is more than just reading scripts and rehearsing lines. It is about practicing and polishing life skills of being articulate, creative, confident, and being able to think and speak on your feet. The social and performance skills our Star’s develop through Drama, prepare them for the stage and beyond. We welcome you to join our drama family of over 250 students and growing!

At Drama Stars Academy there are no administration fees and you can

enrol on a term by term basis.

We understand that finding the right drama school is a big decision. Come and try a no-obligation FREE try class at our fabulous and unique STUDIO-THEATRE in Mitchell, complete with its own stage, pro-lighting and hundreds of props and costumes.

We welcome beginners to experience a warm, inclusive environment, where everyone SHINES! You will have found, not just a thriving Speech and Drama Academy, but a Drama family. We know you will just love it!

Our Team

Donna Larkin

Donna Larkin is a passionate and award winning Primary School Teacher, with over 30 years of experience teaching Drama, both in the classroom and at Drama Stars Academy. Donna founded Drama Stars Academy in 2000, in Melbourne and brought the school with her when she moved to Canberra in 2008.

Donna has had an unwavering passion for the arts since she was born. She is a trained public speaker, drama teacher, primary teacher, dancer and calisthenics teacher. Donna has the tools, experience and knowledge to unlock each Star’s potential in a nurturing, safe environment. In 2012, Donna was the winner of the ‘A Day Made Better’ competition, for being the most passionate and inspirational teacher in the ACT.

Donna believes in holistically changing the lives of her students and giving her Star’s the skills to achieve success in life.

Katy Larkin

Katy has been a part of Drama Stars Academy since the age of 2. Katy dedicates her time to sharing her passion for the arts with her DSA students and believes every child is capable of success. She is an award-winning Rostrum public speaker reaching the Semi-finals twice and ranking in the top 12ACT Rostrum Public Speakers. She is an experienced actor, singer and dancer, trained in all three styles and has performed in over 30 musicals and productions.

Katy has also been in commercials – most recent being the ‘Weet-Bix Go’ TVC. At DSA, Katy has been a valued and loved drama teacher for over 4 years. Katy has completed a double major in drama and is currently studying the Bachelor of Primary Education (Creative Arts) at University of Canberra.

Kieren Larkin

Kieren has been acting since the age of 3, studying drama and film acting for over 15 years. At the age of 15, Kieren appeared in his first tv commercial and later appeared in print media.

At college, Kieren completed a double major in drama. Kieren’s face may be familiar to you as his face is currently on the back of a bus in Canberra. Kieren currently teaches the ASD Boys classes, Senior Impro and Performance Classes. He is a kind and fantastic role model. Kieren has performed in many productions including ‘Goldilocks’, ‘Evita’, ‘Le Miserable’ and ‘The Sound of Music’.

He has also performed as a lead in Wakakirri and 4 Limelight productions. In 2011, Kieren won the prestigious ‘Excellence in the Arts award. Kieren believes in the importance of Drama and the many social, emotional and physical benefits children gain from attending Drama Stars Academy.