ONE ACT PLAYS

🎭 One Vision, One Ensemble

Earlier this year, the School Troupe set out with plans to develop two separate performance pieces. However, as the year has unfolded, it has become increasingly clear that many of our ensemble members are balancing significant commitments both within and beyond the school, including a wide range of cross-curricular activities, school production work, sporting commitments, part-time jobs, and other external responsibilities.

In response to this, the decision was made to refine our focus to a single devised work for the festival season. Rather than dividing time and creative energy across two projects, the ensemble has chosen to invest fully in one piece, allowing for deeper exploration, stronger ensemble cohesion, and a more ambitious artistic vision.

Importantly, this shift is not a reduction in output, but a refocusing of intent. Building on reflections from last year, the cast were not content to remain within familiar or “safe” approaches to theatre. Instead, they have actively challenged themselves to create work that feels distinctive and immediate, extending beyond text and performance to incorporate live music and practical theatrical effects as essential storytelling elements.

Rehearsals have been progressing strongly, with early run-throughs already producing moments that have left audiences visibly moved. The ensemble is developing a clear and confident theatrical identity, marked by risk-taking, precision, and a growing trust in both the material and each other.

Our first performance will take place at the VDL One Act Play Festival, hosted by Eltham Little Theatre, on Saturday 1st August in the 10am session, where we will perform third out of five works.

The festival brings together a strong program of youth theatre groups, including Eltham High, Eltham Little Theatre, and the Wangaratta Players Youth Group, offering a full day of performance and artistic exchange between emerging artists from across Victoria, before moving on to the adult plays.

The adjudicator for this festival is Louise Siverson, and she brings extensive experience in Victorian theatre practice and arts leadership. As the current patron of the Victorian Drama League, she has been deeply involved in supporting and advocating for community and educational theatre, with a long-standing focus on ensemble development, artistic growth, and strengthening theatre practice across the state.

Following the festival season, both originally planned works will still be shared with audiences later in the year, ensuring students have the opportunity to present the full scope of their creative work once festival commitments have concluded.

As rehearsals continue, the focus remains on refining detail, strengthening transitions, and fully realising the atmosphere and emotional truth of the piece. What is emerging is a work shaped by collaboration, ambition, and a willingness to step beyond comfort into something more daring.

🎭 One Act Plays Ensemble

Year 8

🌟 Ava Davarkhah

🌟 Freya Green

🌟 Ryan Prest

Year 9

🌟 Janussha Balasubramanian

🌟 Sienna D’Amico

🌟 Charlie Glenn

🌟 Ren Martin Webb

🌟 Kai Thulke

Year 10

🌟 Oliver Bain

🌟 Ari Cooper

🌟 Callum Eade

🌟 Emma Hade

🌟 Tahlia Hickey

🌟 Makenzie Holscher

🌟 Violet Lardner

🌟 Evie Nugent

🌟 Ben Seymour

Year 11

🌟 Hue Martin Webb

🌟 York Newell

John Jennings and Narelle McGrotty