We Create Drama Wherever We Go
WAITING IN THE WINGS – October-November 2025
Thanks to the generous support and sponsorship of the Khula Cape Foundation we were able to introduce our new 2026 Westlake Drama Kids to the basics of performance and theatre. We explored expression, movement, voice, storytelling, theatre etiquette and Shakespeare fun facts — building confidence, creativity, and connection.
We first met Diego back in 2019 — a bright-eyed Grade 5 learner at Westlake Primary School who joined our very first Drama for Kids programme. From the moment he stepped into the room, we knew he was something special.
At just 10 years old, Diego was the kind of kid who didn’t wait to be asked — he carried bags, poured juice for his peers, handed out worksheets, and threw himself into every drama exercise with heart and hustle. That spirit hasn’t wavered.
By 2021, he was on stage in our debut performance for the Shakespeare Schools Festival. By 2024, he had completed the Waterfront Theatre School’s recreational programme, where he was accepted alongside five other Westlake learners we had the privilege of mentoring. Thanks to the Fondazione Labia, he fulfilled his dream of challenging himself through the performing arts.
But Diego’s story doesn’t stop with the arts.
Now preparing for matric in 2026, Diego has already stepped into civic leadership as part of the City of Cape Town’s Junior City Council. True to his roots, he’s poured his passion into founding his own NPO: Raising Leaders of Tomorrow Foundation — focused on youth upliftment in his beloved Westlake community.
Armed with creativity, compassion, and the leadership skills he’s grown over the years, Diego is now building youth development programmes inspired by his journey with us and the Waterfront Theatre School.
This is what impact looks like. This is the power of drama.
We’re proud to walk this path with Diego — and we’re just getting started.
Collaboration. Support. Community.
Watch this space.
At the Westlake Community Centre on 12 July, something truly special happened.
Our Hilltoppers Seniors Club took to the stage at the AGM to share the talents they’ve been nurturing in our weekly Expression Sessions. Every Tuesday, this lively group comes together to explore movement, mime, music, and drama — and their showcase proved just how powerful that journey has been.
From heartfelt acting scenes to joyous singing, dancing, and expressive mime, the Hilltoppers held the room with confidence and grace. It was more than just a performance — it was a celebration of empowerment, dignity, and self-worth through the performing arts.
We couldn’t be prouder of the spirit and growth this group brings to every session. They are living proof that creativity has no age limit — and that expression is a powerful tool for connection, joy, and self-belief.
Bravo, Hilltoppers, Bravo UP Foundation, NYC!
Here’s to many more Tuesdays filled with laughter, courage, and performance magic, made possible by the wonderful support of the UP Foundation, NYC.
Westlake Primary has been part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival (SSF) journey with us since 2021 — and each year, we challenge ourselves to raise the bar. This year? We went all out.
Our 2025 production, Much Ado About EVERYTHING, was a bold and playful tribute to the world of Shakespeare — weaving together iconic characters and scenes in a way that was fresh, funny, and full of heart.
But the real magic? It was a collaborative performance between Westlake Primary and Grassdale High, brought to life on stage at the Star Theatre, Homecoming Centre. Presented in two acts, this “double whammy” allowed for exciting cross-pollination between primary and high school performers, building bridges of creativity, mentorship, and mutual inspiration. Double whammy too, as our heartfelt thanks go to the Fondazione Labia and the UP Foundation, NYC whose generous support and partnership with Circle Productions, allows these dreams to come true.
The result was electric — a celebration of young voices, bold choices, and what’s possible when we dream together.
And this is just the beginning.
Watch this space… exciting new things are on the horizon.
WESTLAKE PRIMARY SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB 2024
(est. 2019)
HILLTOPPERS SENIORS CLUB, WESTLAKE COMMUNITY 2024
(est. Jan 2024)
There is no age restriction when it comes to the joy of expression and learning through the arts
GRASSDALE HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB 2024
(est. 2023)
SISONKE YOUTH FESTIVAL – WESTLAKE COMMUNITY
We Draw on our 30+ years of community theatre and share our love and passion for all things theatre in our programmes.
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Respecting our costumes Looking after props Working together Always doing our best 
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THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT THIS YEAR!
OUR ON STAGE PERFORMANCE ROCKED THE HOUSE
Westlake Primary School took to the stage again this year in a vibrant, colourful, and energetic version of Julius Caesar that we set in an energy company called Power Absolute, and where Caesar hoped to become the new CEO. Things did not go his way!
Thank you to the Fondazione Labia, our primary funder, for their continued support of our drama programmes and annual Shakespeare Schools Festival production and to the UP Foundation, New York and Methodical Investment Management, Cape Town, whose support helped with the drama bridging programme, costumes, refreshments and transport. Without this support and the incredible school – kids, teachers, and principal we work with, this could not happen.
Costume Call for Westlake Primary at the Shakespeare Schools Fest 2024
We are thrilled to be working with the good folks at UP, who recognise the work we do through the medium of the dramatic arts. UP is currently assisting us with three new projects in 2024.
Jerry Posman is the founder and current CEO of the UP project – Unleashing Potential (UP) – and has enoyed a meaningful career in education, focussing on upliftment, growth, and entrepreneurial development in marginalised communities. We are extremely happy to have Jerry and Mel on board with us as we launch these pilot projects.
Grassdale High, Grassy Park – Extramural drama classes, supporting the existing performing arts programme (dance)
Sisonke Youth Performing Arts Programme, Westlake Community – In partnership with the Westlake United Church Trust and The Dance Project
The Hilltoppers Seniors Club, Westlake Community.
As part of learning new skills with the Santa Senior Shoebox Project, these seniors enjoy theatre fun and games with us. There is no age restriction on playing, learning, and having fun.
In the Community Hall in Westlake. (photo credit: A Gorman Photography)
Circle Productions will be adding other communities/projects/opportunities in the latter half of the year. We love to see the enjoyment, personal growth and upliftment that programmes like ours bring to young and old.
Love Letters by A R Gurney is a beautiful play which is nostalgic, funny, and moving.
The play was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and has been performed on Broadway and on the West End and in other cities with an array of brilliant actors playing Andy and Melissa.
The timing of this production could not be better as we kick off the month of Love.
The company comprises seasoned actors David Muller and Suzi Gehr with direction by Celia Musikanth.
Sit back and let the beautiful words of Love Letters wash over you.
This is such a happy occasion as we award our drama kids with their Circle Production Certificates and the Certificates from the Shakespeare Schools Festival.
At our Certificate Hand Over party 19 September, Tracey Petersen, Principal of Westlake Primary School and Mia Rogers representing the Fondazione Labia, handed out the Certificates. A certificate from the Shakespeare Schools Festival was also handed out. The children were excited to get both!
We love these children and cant wait to get started again at this extraordinary school. These pics are courtesy A Gorman Photography
Westlake Primary’s third appearance at the Shakespeare Schools Festival was a huge success. Our drama kids enjoyed showing off their skills – all that they had learned on our drama programme Jan – May 2023.
These 11- and 12-year olds took on “The Seven Ages of Man”, a speech from As You Like It – and relished bringing some local flavour, lingo and dance moves to their interpretation.
A special treat was having 6 past learners from Westlake Primary join us in a guest appearance segment of our production.
It was a special journey for all of us and we say a huge thank you again to the Fondazione Labia and Westlake Primary School for sharing the vision.
In the end, however, it is all about the learners. Thank you! You were incredible.
WATCH OUR VIDEO – Tony Mittelmeyer videographer. The first few seconds the stage is dark. Don’t panic you have not lost the image, it is intentional. Enjoy.
