Dance and Drama Faculty

From the Co-Curricular Manager of Drama

Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) Intersection Playwright Festival

This term, our Year 10 Drama Elective class took part in the Intersection Playwrighting and Performance Festival. This is a program run by the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP). The journey began in our classroom, where groups selected a script written by up-and-coming ATYP playwrights, cast characters, blocked scenes, and filmed their performances to send to the company to be part of a selection process. 

It was an amazing opportunity for the whole class to work with fresh material from young, contemporary Australian playwrights. Out of the entries from our school, my group was chosen to represent our class and perform live at the Intersection Festival at The Rebel Theatre. 

The chosen group consisted of: Tahlia, Scarlett and Lucy (C10);  George and  Isaac (G10). 

On the day of the festival, we headed into the ATYP studios for an intensive day of theatre. We kicked off with a valuable 45-minute workshop with an ATYP director, whose professional tweaks and advice completely transformed and elevated our piece. We spent the rest of the day rehearsing using his feedback, refining our performance until 6:30pm, and sharing dinner together. By the time we took the stage alongside other schools, the intense experience had brought us closer together, and we had really grown as a group as well as performers. Working so closely with an Australian director and performing new and original material was an invaluable experience for all of us. Thank you to Ms Wenman for the opportunity and for an amazing experience! 

by Tahlia (C10) 

Acting for Camera Workshop 

This term, students in our Co-Curricular Drama program have been enjoying an exciting Acting for Camera workshop series led by industry professional and actor Markus Hamilton. Across two practical and engaging sessions, students have explored the unique skills required for screen acting, including camera awareness, continuity between takes, naturalistic performance, and creating authentic characters through connection for on screen performing. Through hands-on activities and personalised feedback, students have gained valuable insight into the professional world of film and television acting while building their confidence as performers and learning mechanises in screen acting and audition preparation. 

Having the opportunity to learn from a working industry professional has been both inspiring and rewarding, providing students with a memorable experience and a deeper understanding of the many pathways available within the performing arts industry.

Thank you so much to Markus for his time, and genuine interest and care in working with our students, giving them insights, advice, and practical skills used in working in the industry.