Stories from the Reef Theatre making and STEAM workshop
Term 2 & 4
Primary School: Early Stage 1 – 1, Years K – 2
Learning areas: Creative Arts, Science, Geography
A theatre making and STEAM workshop inspired by the Sydney Opera House Artificial Reef Project, students learn about sustainability and marine habitats. Learning through theatre play and combining drama, storytelling and movement the workshop teaches students about the science and marine life of the Harbour.
| Term | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Term 2 | Monday 10 June 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 2 | Tuesday 11 June 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 2 | Wednesday 12 June 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 3 | Monday 8 September 2025 | 9:30am, 12pm |
| Term 4 | Monday 4 November 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 4 | Tuesday 5 November 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Term 4 | Wednesday 6 November 2025 | 10am, 12:30pm |
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 25 students | $375 |
| 25 - 35 students | $525 |
Minimum group rates may apply for classes with less than 25 students. Ratio required for supervision is one teacher per 15 students.
The only authorised ticket agency for this event is the Sydney Opera House. For more information about Authorised Agencies, see the frequently asked questions below.
Arts Assist: The Arts Assist ticket and travel subsidy program provides the full cost of the Creative Learning program ticket and $5 per student toward travel costs. Find out more about Arts Assist.
- Audio loop available
- No language barrier
We cater to students of all needs and will make every effort to accommodate any special requirements or access adjustments your students may have. All of our venues are wheelchair accessible with dedicated wheelchair positions and companion seats. Please let us know on the booking form how we can assist in making your excursion as enjoyable as possible and we will be in touch. Alternatively, you may call Creative Learning on +61 2 9250 7770 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm AEST) or email creativelearning@sydneyoperahouse.com.
Social Story: A social story provides information about what to expect when attending a venue or show. It has short descriptions with images. Download the Centre for Creativity Social Story (PDF).
Find out more about accessibility at Sydney Opera House.
This workshop will be held in the Centre for Creativity.
Run time: This program runs for approximately 90 minutes. Event duration is a guide only and may be subject to change.
Materials: All materials for this workshop will be provided.
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Download our Child Safety Policy (PDF).
Student in KindergartenWhere does the ink go when the octopus puts it in the ocean?
Useful information:
Inspiring sustainability through creativity
In this fun and engaging workshop exploring Sydney Opera House’s Artificial Reef Project and the habitat it provides for the marine life of Sydney Harbour, students learn through a series of creative activities while engaging in imaginative theatre play.
In collaboration students create their own underwater world using recycled materials in new and unusual ways. Using drama, storytelling and movement they discover characters one might encounter in the Artificial Reef, performing imagined narratives and stories together, culminating in a short performance.
The foundation of the workshop explores underwater ecosystems, sustainability, and plastic waste. It increases students' sensitivity and understanding about healthy harbours, and our relationship to caring and protecting our natural environments.
In this workshop, students:
- Learn about the ecosystems of Sydney Harbour surrounding the Sydney Opera House and how artificial reefs are made and work to support new aquatic growth.
- Collaborate with peers to create characters, small artworks and storylines that culminate in a short play or presentation.
- Develop their ability to express themselves and communicate thoughts about their relationship to the natural world, including describing observable features of living things and their environments.
- Learn about the ways the Sydney Opera House, and other organisations, can contribute to positively impacting the environment and community through sustainability projects.
Stories from the Reef is a Creative Learning Workshop developed by Sarah-Vyne Vassallo with the Creative Learning Team at the Sydney Opera House
Thank you to The Greatorex Fund for enabling the development of STEAM creative learning programs in the Centre for Creativity
Gallery
Photo credit: Cassandra Hannagan
Gallery
Plan your visit
Venue information
Please ensure that your group arrives at the venue 30 minutes prior to the performance start time. Latecomers may only be admitted to a performance during a suitable break, and in some cases, may be excluded. Please call the Creative Learning team on 02 9250 7770 to notify us if you are running late.
Your safety and security is paramount to us during your visit to the Opera House. Therefore, all items larger than the dimensions of a standard A4 piece of paper must be checked in to the cloakroom. As they have limited space, we ask that teachers and students do not bring large bags/backpacks to the performance. Some bag trolleys may be available for your school in the Western Foyers. Please ensure that any prohibited items are left at home (e.g. scissors).
Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch and snacks, however you’ll find food and drinks outlets on the lower level of the concourse.
Please note food and drink are permitted inside the foyers, but only bottled water in the venues.
We recommend that students take their meal breaks on the Monumental Steps/Forecourt or in the Botanic Gardens immediately adjacent the SOH precinct. In inclement weather, there is ample room to take breaks underneath the Monumental Steps. In situations of particularly poor weather, breaks can be had in the Western Foyer. We ask that you please limit this to an as needed basis to avoid foyer congestion for other members of the General Public. There are several food and beverage options on site, as well as food and beverage options close by in Circular Quay.
Getting here
We are a 15-minute walk from Circular Quay, the closest station for public transport via train, bus and ferry. To view timetable information and ensure your public transport needs can be met, please check the Transport NSW website.
Buses and coaches can’t park onsite at Sydney Opera House. Large buses must disembark passengers on Macquarie Street in the allocated drop off zone. Please contact City of Sydney to confirm bus and coach set down areas. We recommend allowing an additional 10 minutes for walking from Macquarie Street.
Frequently asked questions
Please ensure that your group arrives at the venue 30 minutes prior to the performance start time.
If you are late, we will seat you as soon as possible, but please be aware that some events have lock out periods where late comers cannot be admitted until a suitable break in the performance. Occasionally this is not until the interval, and in some instances late comers won’t be admitted at all.
Yes, use this information to prepare a risk assessment and risk management plan. Teachers undertaking a risk assessment and risk management plan should be aware that Sydney Opera House cannot complete the risk assessment for them.
Food and drink are permitted inside the foyers, but not in the venues.
Please contact our Creative Learning Ticketing Specialists on 02 9250 7770 as soon as possible to advise if your group can no longer attend.
The Opera House is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children that visit or engage with us. Read our Child Safety Policy.
The Opera House has also developed a Child-friendly Code of Conduct to engage with our youngest visitors.
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Arts Assist
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Schools Tour
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