Arts Academy
Ripple Fest
As part of Ripple Fest, a vibrant multi-arts festival uniting the communities of Rochester and Echuca, select students from the Arts Academy and St Joseph’s College chose to bring the Yorta Yorta creation story to life through puppetry and performance on Saturday 24 May.
Guided by the storytelling of respected Elder Uncle Des Morgan, this special event was dedicated to the young people of the Echuca region and to all descendants of the Yorta Yorta Ancestors.
"This is the creation story of Dhungala, the Murray River, one of our most sacred sites and a place of immense cultural, spiritual and historical significance. Dhungala gives us life. It was gifted to us by Biami, the great creator spirit. Biami is the creator of all things Yorta Yorta, from the sky above to the earth below." - Uncle Des Morgan
The performance was held at the Aquatic Reserve, where a spectacular fusion of light, puppetry and sound ignited the storytelling experience, creating a moving tribute to Country, culture and community.
Ripple Fest was a four-day celebration of creativity, connection and community across Rochester and Echuca. With a strong focus on collaboration and cultural expression, the festival provided a dynamic platform for our young artists to engage with storytelling through multiple art forms highlighting the power of visual art, music, dance and performance to bring community and Country together.
Special thank you to the following staff and students who gave up their time to participate in the festival and helped make it such a special experience.
- Charli O'Donnell
- Payntten Cassidy
- Sam Bux-Viane (Drums)
- Noah Makepeace (Didgeridoo)
- Lily Warren
- Lochie Gunther
- Macy Kean
- Willow Joyce
- Elizabeth Sutton
- Raudan Bray (led the procession of the Serpent)
- Aunty Vicki Walker
- Thomas Dicker
- Bianca D'Souza
- Bradley Clark
- Cassie Leopold
- Alisha Ryan
The Spectacle of Dreams
Year 7 Dance & Vocal Audition
This is your chance to be part of The Spectacle of Dreams — a major Arts Academy production featuring music, movement and magic!
We are holding a Cattle Call Audition for the junior campus students to join the Lion Ensemble for the bold and empowering “Roar” scene featuring Rosa 2. And also the opportunity to audition for the vocal ensemble for the show.
We are looking to cast approximately 5 dancers and 5 singers for the show.
🗓️ Dance Audition Date: Thursday 5 June
🕒 Time: 3:45pm – 4:30pm
📍 Location: Presentation Space
📋 Dance Audition Requirements
You do not need to bring choreography.
What to Bring
Comfortable activewear suitable for dancing
Water bottle
Hair tied back
A focused and positive attitude
The audition will include:
A physical warm-up
A short choreographed movement sequence
Group improvisation based on character movement (lions)
You’ll be assessed on:
- Ability to take direction
- Physical storytelling
- Ensemble timing and energy
- Stage focus and commitment
🗓️Vocal Audition Date: Tuesday 10 June
🕒Time: 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM
📍Location: Presentation Space
📋 Vocal Audition Requirements:
Your performance will be assessed on pitch, projection, emotion, and ensemble awareness. No backing track is required — backing tracks will be supplied on the day.
- Preparation: Familiarise yourself with the songs listed below and prepare a verse and chorus from either “This Is Me”, “Roar” or "Don't Stop Believing"
- Performance: Be prepared to sing selected excerpts during the audition.
- Attire: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for movement.
- Materials: Bring a water bottle and a positive attitude!
Please fill in the form to register your interest.
If you have any questions, please contact Cassandra Leopold or Alisha Ryan from the Arts Academy team.
Alisha Ryan and Cassie Leopold
Arts Academy Leaders