Performing Arts
Footscray City College
The year that was
by Emily Unt Wan, Drama and Theatre teacher
What a massive year it has been in the performing arts! Take a deep breath, because I’m going to take you on a rollercoaster ride through 2017.
In Term 1, the year 12 Theatre Studies class presented the play “Away” by Michael Gow.
In Term 2, we saw the year 11 Theatre Studies class present “Antigone” by Sophocles (and adapted by Emma Schmidt).
In Term 3, we showcased the talents of our actors, singers, dancers, musicians, technical and backstage crew in “Bye Bye Birdie”, enjoying yet another sold-out season of our school musical, as well as the largest student involvement seen in my time at FCC.
We also witnessed a spectacular treatment of “Summer of the Seventeenth Doll” by the year 11 Theatre Studies class.
In Term 4, our year 12 Music and Theatre Studies students completed their performance exams and proved to us all once again that they are talented, hardworking and dedicated artists and designers.
But these are just the big events!
On top of this, the Music department has put on numerous concerts and soirees, highlighting the vast talents of our instrumental music staff and their students. They have held lunchtime concerts, class performances and even an impromptu rendition of “Sons of the West” after the great win by the Doggies!
The junior Drama department has produced a variety of small plays and performances witnessed by parents and friends. They have created hideous monsters with our year 7 horror makeup classes and taught students how to perform in an ensemble. Our year 9 Drama class produced a stunning Epic Theatre performance, presenting it at Sunshine Gallery and the Centenary Art Show. The year 10 Drama class presented an adaption of Shakespeare’s classic “Hamlet” and a small group of year 9 and 10 students attended and performed in “The Suitcase Series” at The Malthouse Theatre.
And next year? Well, it will be just as amazing!
Thank you so much to any parents, friend or teacher who has contributed in some way to the performing arts this year. It has been a wild ride!
Backstage crew
by Emma Pook and Holly Golz, Year 7
Holly and I have always enjoyed music, and being a part of theatre. Being a part of the musical was important to us, because we loved the atmosphere, and the people. We were very nervous to start, because we were new in year 7 and felt intimidated.
We started helping in backstage rehearsal, and people were extremely welcoming. We had to make different props and clothing, as well as find them, and people were very lovely and generous. Everybody was willing to help us, and were open about everything. At times it was stressful, and we had to be committed but we knew it would be worth it. At times we had to stay after school, and come in on weekends to help out.
Backstage included painting the stage, getting all the clothing ready and more. When the show was open to the public, backstage helped with tickets, selling food and programs. Throughout the show, backstage made quick transitions with props, so the audience didn't see us. Holly and I are so happy that we joined the great community of theatre people, and becoming friends with higher year levels felt like a privilege. We learnt a lot, and we are definitely going to be back next year.
