how to succeed...

In great company!

Timothy Roach

Head of Learning - Performing Arts

The Whole School Production has once more come to an end! Bleary-eyed, we packed up the truck and brought all our props, costumes, sets and equipment back to school. Slowly but surely, costumes are being returned, set pieces are being packed down, and the Theatre storeroom becomes a little bit more full!

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying was a fantastic performance; we’ve received an amazing amount of positive feedback on the show. The students came together so strongly in the week of production, and the backstage team, orchestra, and on stage cast did a remarkable job to handle everything that was thrown at them. Despite a few technical and elevator-related issues, everyone has said how professional our high-school production was, and more importantly – how far our students have come in terms of developing their skills and abilities in all aspects of theatre-making.

And now,  we look ahead to the Junior Production, Aladdin!

Aisha Tabit

Backstage Crew - Small Props

What I love about production is how united you feel with the people around you. You’re all in this show together, with a common goal of putting on an amazing show. And that moment when you finally deliver that goal is incredibly fulfilling, exciting, as well as scary. It’s what all the rehearsals and hours of dedication have been leading up to and it’s such an explosion of joy. Even in a role which people would consider minimal – like mine, in backstage – being a part of an amazing show and knowing you’ve contributed something special is a truly incredible feeling.

I can’t stress enough how much I encourage younger year levels to at least give Production a shot while you have time. You won’t regret it, it will be an unforgettable experience!

Lindel Bell

Production Assistant

I was especially struck by the proficiency of the Backstage Crew this year.  All were incredibly focused and disciplined in their responsibilities and all did a fabulous job without fuss. Fitting and caring for personal microphones, managing an abundance of  small props, working follow spots, manning the audio desk, setting so many scene changes on stage as well as pulling the rag - the show definitely could not have gone on without them. This team really earned their curtain call!

And what were the Crew up to during the show?

Click on this gallery to see....

Of course, the best Orchestra ever have their own traditions in the pit...

And see  all the fun of being backstage...

So long, farewell...

One sad part of production is saying goodbye to those Year 12 students participating in their last high school production. 

These are the 'elders' of our company - they have spent years learning the ropes, challenging themselves and encouraging their fellow company members.  These students have become the backbone of the production company - continually demonstrating high work practices, showing leadership and teamwork skills, mentoring younger peers and  providing valued assistance to the production team.  Known for their commitment and dedication to the production process,  these students have well-earned the respect of their peers and will be sorely missed by all.

As always,  we remind them that the door is always open if they choose to return to Production as a community member and volunteer in the future (and we quietly cross our fingers that they will!)

Josh Sim

Year 12

Orchestra - Trombone

I’ve been involved in Production since Year 7 and feel privileged that I have been able to be part of the Production community.

Over the years I’ve seen the program grow and improve, and it has been a great opportunity for me to experience and develop different skills. I have participated onstage, backstage and in the orchestra over a number of different shows.

Production is hard work and you do need to be committed, but the rewards far outweigh this effort. I recommend it to everyone to take part!

Jude Angove

Year 12

Orchestra - Assistant Conductor

This year’s production has been simply amazing.  Amazing students, amazing staff, and most importantly for me, amazing opportunities!

As Assistant Conductor for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, I want to express how proud and grateful I am to have been given the opportunity to learn from, and conduct alongside, Kathleen McGuire.

This experience has taught me so many things - from how to do the basic conducting patterns all the way through to managing both the students on stage and in the pit.

To be Assistant Conductor this year, my final year at Brunswick, was a dream come true. It was not only a milestone in my own musical career, but for the school as well.   If you think about it,  in the periods that I was up and conducting the show, almost the entire musical was being run by the students alone -  covering all areas including lighting, music, sound and of course, on stage! Students really step up and assume a lot of responsibility for the production - but without the expertise, dedication and guidance of  our wonderful teachers  throughout the years, How To Succeed simply wouldn’t have succeeded at all!

Robert Stagg

Year 7

Backstage Crew - Stage Crew

Painting and constructing the set was so much fun, however by the end of it I was fairly certain that I would never want to paint another circle in a super-long time! I also really enjoyed working with Bernie Venville (parent). I even got to use tools and help with the main construction elements of the set.

When I first arrived at the theatre, it was extremely daunting. The big lights and curtains were a little bit scary and all the props we had to arrange and set up were completely overwhelming. The first thought that popped into my head was ‘what if I mess something up?’ but all my fellow backstage members were reassuring and felt the same way. We did our very first practice run through only two days before our first show, so we had a lot to figure out. It was really fun seeing all the sparkly and flamboyant costumes. I really enjoyed working with the cast to help them understand where and when things went on and came off. The backstage crew became quite a close working team. Even now that the production has finished, we still say hi to each other in the school grounds and have a chat. 

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying was my first high school production and it definitely wont be my last!

Welcome Back...

It is tons of fun to have alumni back to help with Production, and this year we were pleased to welcome Antonio Cowell (Supervision, Backstage, Make-up/Hair), Gabriel Taburet (Orchestra), Josh Calwell (Coach), Kiana Carta Davis (Coach, Supervision, Backstage, Make-up/Hair), Elena Caffrey (Supervision, Backstage, Dresser) and Cameron Cassidy-Rickard (Coach).  Not only is it a treat to share their company and maintain friendships, it is also a wonderful example of how the BSC experience extends beyond the educational to embrace the whole person and their special place in our wider community.