Performing Arts
Diary of Anne Frank
This year’s College Play opens next Wednesday night, 17 October at 7.30pm. It is the well-known story of the Frank family hiding away from the Nazis, above a warehouse during World War II. Mr Mike Arthur has taken on the directorial responsibilities for this play which also has a 7.30pm performance on Thursday 18 October while the final performance on Friday 19 October commences at 3.30pm.
The Diary of Anne Frank will feature Year 10 student, Stephanie H as Anne, while Year 11 students, Cameron M and Calista W will play her parents. There are ten students in the cast with technical support coming from the Year 10 Theatre Studies class. Tickets are $16.50 adults and $11.00 concession plus booking fees, while a family of four is $50 inc booking fees. Go to trybooking.com
Festival of the Arts
Along with a large display of Visual Arts and Technology, the final week of October includes two great concert experiences. On Tuesday 30 October from 4.00pm - 7.00pm, the annual Twilight Concert will be held on the lawn in front of the Administration building. In conjunction with the College Open Afternoon, students from most year levels in the school will be featured on the outdoor stage, starting with our Primary Choir, Songsters.
This year, we are also combining it with an Instrumental Music Concert in the P33 Music Room, where students who have taken private lessons this year will perform. Meanwhile, some performers from both concerts will also rotate around onto a small stage set up in the Food Technology Dining Room where the Hospitality Group will be serving afternoon tea.
Entry to all three performances is free. A bbq will be held on the lawn area, an ice-cream van will be in attendance as will Cafe2U coffee van. So, plan an afternoon of great entertainment where you can have a picnic and make the most of hopefully some beautiful weather.
Director’s Choice Gala Concert
On Thursday 1 November, I will be presenting some of my favourite acts from throughout the year, as well as a couple of surprises, in this annual showcase concert. Students are invited to perform in this concert which aims to provide the breadth of Performing Arts experiences across the year from Media, Music and Theatre. Tickets are $10 each or ‘4 for the price of 3’ and are now available from trybooking.com.
VCE Students
Over the coming two weeks, we will be farewelling our Year 12 students. During some lunchtimes next week, short film projects submitted for major assessment by our VCE Media students will be shown in the Chapel and Performing Arts Centre. The Theatre Studies students had their stagecraft examination earlier this week and now await their results. While our VET Music students will present their programs for assessment in two weeks time. They are in the final stages of preparation.
Some of our current Performing Arts students started at Aitken 13 years ago, the same year that I commenced and I have watched many of them develop into fine performers and wonderful ambassadors for the Performing Arts at Aitken. We wish them all well for whatever lies ahead but know that, like so many before them, once you are a part of the Performing Arts family at Aitken, you are always part of the Performing Arts family.
In particular, I would like to acknowledge the contributions of our two Performing Arts Captains, Caitlin C and Caitlyn R. They have proven to be wonderful role models and supportive of events.
Mr Michael Cooper
Director of Performing Arts