Performing Arts 

2024 Performing Arts Captains

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected as the Performing Arts Captains for 2024:

- Charlotte Antonopoulos

- Jeremy Coath

- Logan Papenfuss

- Kesiah Rawlings

It was a field of very strong applicants this year and students were selected on application, interview, attendance, attitude and staff vote. Thank you to everyone who applied.

Congratulations Beryl Birrell!

This year, Beryl Birrell was awarded the title of Drama Victoria Legend status for her work as a Drama educator for 30+ years. This award recognises the longevity of teachers within the Drama fraternity and their incredible commitment, perseverance, tenacity and creativity demonstrated over their career. In recognition of this milestone, recipients of this award took part in a 30 minute video interview which becomes part of the Drama Australia Memories and Memorials Archive (MAMA) project. Beryl was also recognised at a ceremony at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education.

Get Technical!

On Thu 30 November, Year 9-12 Theatre students attended the behind the scenes event of Moulin Rouge: Get Technical!

This was a once-off event that unpacked the various technical aspects of the touring performance of the Moulin Rouge. During the session our students were treated to a preview of the Performance and received live demonstrations of various production roles, including lighting, set, sound, costume, props and WHAM (wigs, hair and makeup) design.

Some of the highlights were:

• Watching a live demonstration of the Stage Manager calling the very complex lighting cues for a number in the show.
• A preview of the crew executing insanely quick costume and wig quick changes.
• And the Q&A with the crew who answered questions and gave advice to students interested in pursing a career in the Theatre.

The bus was abuzz on the way back to school as we all left feeling rather energised and inspired!

Combined Schools Concert

On Wed 29 November, our Symphonic Band and String Orchestra combined with students from Bairnsdale Secondary College and Vermont Secondary College for a day of workshops that culminated in our first ever Combined Schools Concert last night, to a sell out audience! Afterwards, we were treated to a performance by the Knox Wind Symphony.

Thank you to everyone who came along to watch and support the students and staff, it was a fantastic experience for all involved.

Thanks also to the Parents of Performing Arts for running front of house and selling refreshments.

Christmas Raffle Winner Announced!

The Parents of Performing Arts are very pleased to announce the winner of the 2023 POPA Christmas Raffle! A huge congratulations to Tracey Sutton who is the winner of a 4-night stay at 'The Hive at Hepburn'!

Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets in this fundraiser. Together, we raised over $2800 towards equipment for the students in Performing Arts program.

The winner was selected by random number generator. 

Missed out? Why not go to the website and look at booking a great Hive @Hebpurn holiday for you and your friends?

https://www.stayz.com.au/holiday-rental/p9191235

The Parents of Performing Arts would like to take the opportunity to once again thank The Hive at Hepburn for this generous donation and thank our community for their support throughout 2023.

2024 Instrumental Music

Year 7 Enrolment

Please take a moment to read the attached 2024 Instrumental Music Handbook, which outlines all aspects of our program including the list of fees/contributions. 

Should you have questions or wish to discuss instrumental lessons in 2024, please email the Music Office on 9881 7149. 

All students commencing Year 7 in 2024 will participate in an Instrument Trial Day  on Friday 2 February. This is a great opportunity for students to try all instruments that are available to learn at the College. 

After Trial Day, students will have the opportunity to enrol in our program.

Payments for the 2024 Instrumental Music year will appear on your Compass portal at the end of January and payment must be received (or a payment plan commenced) by Sunday 17 March, 2024. 

It's a Wrap!

What a phenomenal year for Performing Arts at Wantirna College. Despite the cancellation of Music Camp and some other unexpected challenges,  our students have really impressed us with their ability to show understanding and be supporting whilst having fun and continuing to strive.

In particular, once again, our College Production and Gala Concert were highlights of the College Calendar and I am proud of all students who have participated or performed in any of our numerous events.

Some of our valued staff are moving on to other opportunities.  While this is sad we wish them all the best and are looking forward to welcoming our new staff to you at the start of Term 1.  We are excited about the year to come.

I'd like to take the opportunity to thank the Parents of Performing Arts Committee for all their amazing hard work and support throughout the year.  Also, we'd like to thank all staff who have continued to support the Performing Arts program, in particular Mr Kevin Murphy, Mr Andrew Lewis and Mr Peter Cameron.

Wishing all our community a safe and happy holidays (don't forget to practice!).  Looking forward to seeing you all in 2024.

Danny van Bergen

Leader of Performing Arts