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Why I Built PerformX
One performance made a change in my life. This is why I decided to create PerformX.
Hi, and thanks for being here.
I wanted to share a bit about where this all started, not just PerformX, but the belief behind it.
I grew up in government housing. Money was tight which meant the opportunities my parents could give me were even tighter and I never quite felt like I fitted in. I wasn’t the loudest, I wasn't sporty or the most confident and was through the early years of high school badly bullied. I was just a kid trying to figure out where I belonged.
Things started to change in Year 9 when I joined a school pantomime of Aladdin. I was one of only three boys in the cast and I copped plenty of teasing for it. There were moments I nearly walked away. But Mrs Blair our school Drama Teacher gave me a shot and that belief planted a seed that’s stayed with me ever since.
Now, as a parent, I’ve seen the best and the not so good side of the performing arts world. I’ve seen incredible teachers and environments that lift young people up. But I’ve also seen the other side — unclear pricing, surprise costs, elitism and teaching approaches that don’t feel right or put young people first.
I’ve also sat in professional auditions with my daughter and watched kids crumble the moment they didn’t make it past the first round. I’ve seen professional organisations handle this well, with heart, care and compassion. And I’ve seen others do it in a way that could shatter a young person’s confidence for life.
That never sat right with me. With years of experience leading national business units and mentoring teams across industries, I knew we could build something different - something that put young people first and reflected what I knew other parents were feeling too. Something that could help prepare young people for the challenges of life whether in performing arts or business.
There are many great programs out there and we’re proud to be part of a community that cares about helping young people grow.
We're just doing it a little differently. That’s why I started PerformX.
In many ways, leading large business teams and building culture in the corporate world taught me that the same skills needed on stage, communication, presence, confidence, resilience are the same ones that help people thrive in life and in work.
That’s why PerformX isn’t just a performing arts program it’s a people development experience wrapped in creativity. We’re helping young people find their voice, carry themselves with confidence and learn to collaborate whether they end up on stage or in the boardroom.
We will never compromise on quality. Every PerformX class is led by a team made up of working professionals in the arts, guiding students with real-world insight, passion and care.
PerformX is built on mentorship, trust and belonging. It’s about creating real opportunity right here in Wyndham for families, for kids, and for passionate professionals who shouldn’t have to travel across the city to do what they love and earn an income from it.
(And yep — that’s me in Year 9. Awkward, inspired, and maybe wearing girls pyjamas.)
-Aaron
Founder - PerformX School of Performing Arts
