Performing Arts

Performing Arts  Matters

I begin this week's article by farewelling Mr Paul Taylor. Paul has been teaching mainly in the areas of Stage 3 and 4 at SPX on a part time basis. He has formed some very strong connections with his students over his time here and I’m sure that the boys will be disappointed to see him go. Paul is moving on to a full time position at The King's School as the Head of Strings. This is a great achievement for Paul and a great opportunity for him in this area where he has a particular passion. We wish Paul well for the future.

This has been a very busy term and I am so thankful for everyone’s contribution and efforts. From the 85th Anniversary Concert to Eisteddfods, performing arts is well and truly back on the map. Next term we will be returning to contributing to the life of the College through performances at award ceremonies and, of course, farewelling our Year 12 students at the Twilight Concert in Week 7. This will feature all our groups with senior students and I would like them to be able to present multiple items. The Year 12 students will also receive a presentation from PAPA for their efforts over time at SPX.

I sent an email to Year 5, 6 and 7 regarding the formation of 2 training groups for boys interested in learning a musical instrument. We are focusing on violin and flute as we need to develop students in this area. If you and your son are interested, please email me and I can add their names to my list.

Term 3 Calendar

Sunday 24/7 – Drama Showcase 1.00 pm

Monday 25/7 – PAPA meeting 7.00 pm

Friday 5/8 - Academic Awards at the Concourse

Thursday 25/8 – Splinters, Splashes Stage and Sound

Friday 2/9 – Twilight Concert (Senior Focus)

Tuesday – Sports/Extra Curricular Colour Awards at the Concourse.

Week 9 – Climate Change Movie TBA

Week 10 – Internal Graduation

Mr Anthony Timmins - Performing Arts Coordinator

Drama Matters

Year 10 Elective Drama

Year 10 Elective Drama have just completed their design unit for Term 2. This consisted of learning about the elements of design in theatre and how to write a concept / rationale and present a promotional copy for a theatre company. Each student chose a theatre company to profile that would fit with the target audience of the play “Stories in the Dark”. A design folio was also completed during this time. 

Junior Drama Ensemble

Students from the Junior School created and wrote their own performances in their  Junior Ensemble sessions. Drama encourages students to explore ideas and concepts that interest them. This allows students to work through real life issues and problems in a safe and creative way. Our Junior Ensemble rehearse every Friday morning from 7.30 am with ex-student and budding actor Sam Schyvens. Take a look at the dynamic photos to see the students explore the Elements of Drama and in particular focus, relationships and the use of space. 

Year 10 Elective Drama Excursion

Year 10 Elective Drama will attend the Sydney Theatre Company's production of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall in the evening on Thursday 23 June.  

Please also see attached the permission slip.

The Australian Institute for Performing Arts (AIPA) 

In 2021 The School at AIPA ran a residential performing arts camp.  At camp they shot two short films. - Harrison Hooper (Year 9 St Pius X student) was the lead in MUTED.  Directed by first time director Stef Dawson (The Hunger Games Series), MUTED was edited in New York.  Here is a trailer for the film: Muted short film trailer  https://vimeo.com/720464811/56d60ce708 

The School at AIPA will run another performing arts camp these holidays (11 – 15 July). Anyone interested in acting or making films, their information and enrolment online is below https://www.performingartscamps.com.au/

Ms Penny Lindley - Drama Teacher