Why choose Theatre Bugs for your child with so many activities on offer these days?
Here are 5 reasons….
The safety and well being of your child is as important to us as it is to you. Therefore, all our teachers genuinely CARE about the children and teach in a nurturing, supportive environment. All teachers hold First Aid certificates, Police Clearances and receive ongoing training, mentoring and support from our management team.
“I wish to congratulate your staff on the performance in the Fringe Parade. I value Theatre Bugs professionalism, care of the students and dedication to ensuring they have fun while being safe and feeling confident. I am thrilled that my children are involved.”
Sylvia (parent of Mia and Jonah)
At Theatre Bugs, your child will not only learn skills in dance, singing and drama. They will also learn to trust their own ideas, develop perseverance, empathise with others, work with peers to achieve a common goal and feel confident in their own ability. Most of all, they will develop the confidence they need to be able to tackle the unexpected, challenging and exciting situations that they are confronted with in life.
“I would just like to say a massive thank you. Over the years I have attended Theatre Bugs I have developed so many new skills, friendships and discovered my passion. I will always look back and know that Theatre Bugs helped shape and educate me. You are to be congratulated on creating an environment where kids feel comfortable, learn skills, friendships and are encouraged to live their dreams.”
Erin (former student, 16 yrs)
At Theatre Bugs, we strive to make children feel proud of their own personal achievements. We do not offer exams or competitions – instead children are involved in regular exciting performances where each individual can shine and develop skills at their own pace.
“It’s great to see the kids really involved in something where they don’t have to win or be the best. Instead the kids just have fun and enjoy the moment while learning and developing skills, confidence and self-esteem.”
Our students are involved in at least 3 performances each year, which often involve special costumes, lights, sets, programmes etc to give the shows a really exciting feel. In addition to this, students are also often invited to participate in additional optional events such as TV work, charity concerts, Adelaide Fringe events, Christmas pageants, modelling and more!
“I was so impressed with the end of year show. Amy has only been attending this term and she was worried she wouldn’t remember her lines. We were thrilled with the quality and how it all came together and are looking forward to Amy returning next year! ”
Kerry (mother of Amy)
At Theatre Bugs, we understand the needs of families. We know you are busy so we do not expect you to sew costumes. We know that you need to budget carefully, so we don’t charge for any of our ‘in house’ class performances. We also understand that family time is really important so we encourage the whole family to attend our performances – from baby brothers to great grandmas – everyone is welcome!
“Thanks so very much for bringing such enjoyable experiences to our daughter over such a long period of time, and enjoyable experiences to us, the parents, who get to enjoy quality productions with our kids in it!”
Rachael (mother of Isabella)
12 years or older?
Journey to the centre of the stage at Adelaide Theatre Academy
Our History
1998
Joni launched her new performing arts school ‘Joni’s Theatre Bugs’ and conducted acting classes at St Ignatius School Hall, Norwood on Tuesday evenings. Several students were cast in new DVD series The Fairies.

1999
Classes moved to the Odeon Theatre Rehearsal Room. Holiday programs commenced.
2000
Theatre Bugs website was born! Joni moved to Sydney for 12 months – classes in Adelaide were taught by other teachers and a part-time administrator came on board. Classes also ran in Sydney by Joni. ‘Combo’ classes were introduced. First public performances Alice In Wonderland and Aladdin.
2001
Moved into our own premises in Church Ave, Norwood. Joni moved back from Sydney.

2002
Opened classes in the hills at Stirling East Primary School, these classes were later moved to the Aldgate Memorial Hall where we still run classes every Wednesday evening. Launch of ‘Bugs Management’, a casting agency for students at Joni’s Theatre Bugs.
2003
Expanded premises at Norwood to include a bigger waiting area, kitchen and offices. Opened classes at Unley.
2004
Terese (Office Manager) started working for Theatre Bugs!

2005
Joni had her first baby, Amelie!
2006
Performed with Peter Combe at the Elder Park Carols by Candlelight. Opened classes at Glenelg and Golden Grove.
2007
Expanded premises in Norwood to include a second teaching space (the ‘Rainbow Room’). Introduced ‘Busy Bees’ classes. Branding change and name change to simply ‘Theatre Bugs’.
2008
10 year celebrations. Introduced Theatre Bugs parties.

2009
Opened ‘Bugs Café’ at Norwood premises
2010
Opened classes at Aberfoyle Park.
2011
Messenger Business Award Finalist - ‘Recreation and Leisure’ category.
2012
Messenger Business Award Winner – ‘Recreation and Leisure’ category. Classes commenced at Port Adelaide. Production of ‘Bugs TV’ video clips.
2013
Production of ‘Bugs TV’ video clips and concert video with Peter Combe.

2015
Performed with Peter Combe at the Elder Park Carols by Candlelight.
2016
Moved Norwood premises to 79 Beulah Rd. Branding change.
2017
Joni employs Michael Eustice as the new General Manager.
2018
After 20 years, Joni sells Theatre Bugs and Adelaide Theatre Academy to Michael Eustice and Libby Drake. Michael takes on his new role as Managing Director and Joni agrees to continue as our first Patron.
Join our Classes
At Theatre Bugs, we have a variety of classes where your child can learn to sing, dance and act.
Every child is a star!
Holiday Programs
Looking for something fun for your child to do in the school holidays? Holiday programs are a great way to keep active, make lots of friends and take part in acting, drama and singing workshops. At the end of the one week program, students perform to family and friends.
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Our Partners
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If you are interested in partnering with us, we welcome a conversation.