“I learnt that it’s ok to make mistakes and when we make mistakes in drama it’s funny, which has taught me that there’s nothing wrong with mistakes” – Rosie, age 13 (Essendon)
Dare to Try. Dare to Play. Dare to Be You.
Speaking up, asking for help, or putting your hand up with an idea — it all takes guts. That fluttery, scary-but-exciting feeling when you try something new? We love that. Because that’s where the magic happens. And hey, sometimes it flops. That’s okay too — because real courage is about getting back up and daring again (and again). That’s what Dare Drama is all about – feeling the fear but doing it anyway.
Our drama classes in Melbourne’s northern suburbs are relaxed, recreational, and all about building confidence — for kids, teens, and adults. With weekly classes in Essendon, Coburg, Craigieburn, and Sunbury, we help students slow down, tune into their emotions, and feel brave enough to speak up at school, at work, or anywhere life happens.
We’re not a talent school — no auditions, no pressure. Just everyday people (little and big!) who love a good laugh, a creative challenge, and a friendly, non-competitive space to give drama a go. Whether you’re a natural performer, someone wanting to build confidence, or just still figuring out what lights you up, Dare Drama classes are here for it.
Our students learn skills they can use in real life — public speaking, clear communication, teamwork, quick thinking, and (most importantly) not taking themselves too seriously. Adults in the workforce also learn stage etiquette and improv skills to boost presentations and client interactions — with a little sparkle and humour thrown in.
Our curriculum is fresh, fun, and constantly evolving, with input from the most important people — our students. We also collaborate with other creative brains both here and overseas (like Drama Notebook, and Theatrefolk) to keep ideas flowing and classes exciting.
Why do we love Triangles?
Because triangles are strong, steady, and stand tall under pressure — just like our students. The triangle in our DARE logo leaps out of the box, proud and playful. If you feel like a square peg in a round hole, then…
Come be a Triangle with us!
“DARE Drama is next level” – Inge, 16 (Mill Park)
Joanna Melo Howard – Chief Executive Drama Queen and Director
Hi! Thanks so much for taking the time to read over our site and a little about my background. I’ve been teaching both children and adults since 2003, and teaching Drama since 2010. My formative drama teaching years were spent managing an International Drama School in Perth and then Melbourne, and the experience made me realise that I have a passion to help people of all ages develop a sense of self belief and to let go of their self doubts.
I have an appreciation for well placed apostrophe’s (!!!) as well as other grammatical goodies, and spent 10 years teaching English as a foreign language after completing my CELTA in Sevilla, Spain. While in Spain, apart from perfecting my siesta skills, I also headed Government Funded Language Immersion summer camps for 500 children at a time (ermahgerd). I’ve also been a Theatresports judge at a yearly Interstate Highschool Competition – so fun!
A love of putting on interactive events to remind stressed and busy ‘grown ups’ that play is an important part of life, led me to complete a BA of Events, Sports, and Recreation Management through Edith Cowan in Perth (graduating Dux of my class, thank you very much). One of my personal projects is being part of the international group of Insecurity Guards as ‘Officer Sparkles’. Along with a couple of other IGs, I was flown to Christchurch, NZ in early 2019 to patrol a community street festival where we spent the three day event asking people to write down their insecurities and deposit them in the Insecurity Safe™ which was later ceremoniously burned. (This is a powerful experience that we still offer so if you’d like to have Insecurity Guards patrolling your next event, please get in touch -yay).
I started Dare Drama as a way to continue my confidence coaching through drama – there are few things sadder to me than a child or adult standing on the sidelines of life, too afraid or self conscious to take hold of and enjoy opportunities that are presented. I believe that kind, confident people inspire others and if we can all accept everyone’s “weirdness”, including our own, then wouldn’t the world be a better place?
I hope to see you soon round the studios!
– Joanna (aka Sparkles)
When I first heard of drama i thought ‘Hmmmmm not for me’ but after watching that play I’m like ‘I’ve gotta have a go! That was so much fun’.” – Small sibling of a Dare Drama student (Homeschool Group)
Testimonials
“I’ve never come across a teacher that I like. You, you’re ok.” – Mason, 15 (Craigieburn)
Congratulations on an outstanding presentation.
I love your attitude with the children like when you said not to compare them because they were all here for their own reasons. By you putting the children first has really allowed them the confidence and support to excel in their performance. I have not seen any other program – in the arts, sport, or any other sector – that provides such a wonderful environment for kids to learn and grow.
And I have to say, every parent knows that when there is a kids performance, it’s great to see your own kid but then having to sit through every other kids’ performance is usually pain staking. But not a Dare Drama performance! Last night I legitimately enjoyed and laughed through the whole show! Those kids are legends and I can’t wait to see them all preform again next time!
Thanks for a wonderful year and an exceptionally enjoyable show!
– Morgan, Tiny Triangle parent.
Dare Drama is fantastic for kids who don’t have a good drama program at their school, or are not being chosen for whatever reason to be in their primary school play. They only get one opportunity each year and once it is gone, it is gone.
Jo assesses the kids at Dare, and each one gets a speaking role. They have a good experience and gain confidence in the process. It’s worth paying the money for as it also means they have improved social and performing skills (and it doesn’t rely on their primary school).
– Amanda, Tween Triangle parent.
“THANK YOU to you, Joanna, and the utterly amazing young people in D’s class. He told me how supported and safe he feels in being able to express and present his creative ideas without judgement or negative criticism from anyone around him.
Well done to you for establishing and providing such a genuine, respectful and positive creative culture”.
– Amy, Tween Triangle parent.
“Drama came into B’s life when he could not find an activity that he was good at! He stuck at this and thoroughly enjoyed each class. I can’t put into words how much these classes have helped B especially with his ADHD. It was the first activity I felt at ease dropping him off too and know he could ‘fit in’, my heart was no longer in my mouth.
Your passion and devotion to all your students is an absolute credit to you and I hope you know the difference you a make. You have been a big part of who he is, so thank you, Joanna”.
– Sue, Teen Triangle Parent
“Congratulations on an outstanding performance. I have not seen any other program – in the arts, sport, or any other sector – that provides such a wonderful environment for kids to learn and grow.”
– M, Tiny Triangle Parent
“Dare Drama’s program has been wonderful for my child’s confidence and self-esteem. I really appreciate their focus on inclusivity and being true to oneself. Highly recommended.”
– Kara, Tween Triangle Parent
“Joining an acting class as an adult is a really daunting thing! Especially never having done it before. Jo was so welcoming and made starting out much less scary. Everyone in the class was so nice too! I joined the class as I thought improv might help with social skills and reducing social anxiety. I very quickly started to notice a change in my social interactions. Developing the openness to really listen and get out of my own head has been invaluable. Personal growth aside. Tuesday nights are now my favourite night of the week! If I had one complaint it would be that I just can’t get enough of that sweet sweet drama!
– Kirsty, Top Triangle
