Arts News
By Julia West - Faculty Coordinator: The Arts
Pippin
It has been a busy term in the Arts with concerts, musicals and plays in rehearsal or performed to supportive audiences over Term 2. Pippin, the musical was performed over three nights to family members and friends of Loreto College and St Patrick’s College, at the Mary's Mount Centre (MMC) in early May. The Performing Arts staff are incredibly proud of the achievements of the students who rehearsed over many months and with extra hours spent learning lines, songs and choreography. Year 12 student Emily who played Pippin, was on stage for most of the show, demonstrating commitment and dedication throughout. It was a magnificent performance, well done Emily!
Reflection by Milly - Year 12
Stepping into my final year at Loreto College, I had the privilege of joining the Pippin production as part of the ensemble. Throughout the show, I took on many roles – a peasant, a soldier, a sustainability advocate and a farmer – each one teaching me something new and helping me grow in confidence. Rehearsing every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday was demanding, with new songs to learn, vocal warm-ups to master and choreography to refine, but every moment was worth it. At first, I was incredibly nervous. Everything felt new and unfamiliar. But by the time the final performance ended, I walked off stage in tears – not from sadness, but from overwhelming gratitude. I was so thankful that I had taken the leap and became part of something so special.
What I will carry with me forever is not just the experience of performing, but the incredible people I met along the way. The friendships I formed, the laughter backstage, the shared nerves and the collective joy made this journey unforgettable. Even when things became stressful and emotions ran high toward the end, I would do it all again in a heartbeat with the people I now proudly call my friends. One of my favourite moments was performing in Glory, where I helped dress the King and prepare him for battle – a number that was as fun as it was chaotic. It’s a memory that still makes me smile. Pippin will always hold a special place in my heart. The show, the cast, the lessons and the friendships are treasures I will cherish long after my time at Loreto.
We would like to thank Loreto College staff, Lindy Crowe Procaccino, Director and Choreographer, Assistant Directors and Loreto Alumni, Roise Bathurst, Morgan Pengelly and Ashley Keem. A big thank you to past Loreto College staff member, Claire Canavan, who acted as Stage Manager and kept students focused and on track before and during production week. Loreto College staff Stephanie Greet’s lighting design was a sensation with student lighting crew Rebecca, Isabel and Bella assisting and operating. Thanks to Musical Director Simone Jans and the ever-present and patient Sound Engineer Ian Stowe. Thank you also to the Director of Operations, Dean Pepplinkhouse and Performing Arts Officer, Sam Marks, for your consistent support. We are so very fortunate to have these incredible people whose goal is to create a safe, engaged and professional experience for Loreto College and St Patrick’s students. Thank you!
Year 10 Drama Performance
Congratulations to the Year 10 Drama class and Drama Teacher, Ms Stephanie Greet on their recent performance. The students learned the production roles of acting, directing, set and prop design and costume to interpret a script and perform it for an audience. The cast was wonderful in their rendition of troubled parents, close friends and neighbours, and the unusual characters. The gothic style and often comical and heartfelt performances were thoroughly engaging.
We’d also like to thank the St Patrick’s College community, both students and teachers, who attended. Their support was warmly welcomed.
The Year 10 Drama course supports students with skills and knowledge of drama and theatre studies. In performing scripted plays in Year 10, it provides important experience for students who wish to undertake Unit 1 & 2 Theatre Studies in VCE.
