WHAT'S ON AT WHSC
Production Camp - Student Report
Last term we had our production camp. This is a great opportunity for the cast to not only finish learning the show and run it with the band, but also to bond and come closer together with the people who we might not get to see as much or work with as much during after school rehearsals. On the Friday, we rehearsed the final scene of the show, The Battle of the Bands, which involves every member of cast. It was a really fun scene to do since we don’t normally get to work this closely with the whole cast. We also had our movie night, in which we watched Matilda the Musical, it was so much fun to get to sing along to the songs with everyone. On the Saturday, we ran the entire show. This was the first time we had done this, so it was a really nice feeling seeing something that we have all worked so hard on come together so nicely. We then had our Red Faces Talent Competition. This is a fun way to spend the last night of camp, seeing people come up and do silly acts with their friends, or singing a song by themselves, not to forget the iconic teacher and year 12 acts. On the final day, we did another run through of the show, but this time with the band. This is always a fun part of the production process, getting to work with a live band. While it can start off a bit tricky, making sure the timing of everything is correct, once we get the hang of it, it sounds amazing!!
We open in just under a month now (opening night is July 23rd), and the show is looking AMAZING!! Everyone in the cast, crew, band, and all of the teachers are working so incredibly hard, and it is all paying off. This musical is so upbeat, exciting, and definitely a show you would NOT want to miss. From the teachers of Horace Green to the parents of the children, all the way to the iconic kids and teacher Dewey Finn (also known as Ned Schneebly to the kids), there is something fun for everyone to enjoy within this show (including the talented cast playing live on stage). The show season starts July 23rd and ends August 1st, so make sure to book your tickets now to make sure you don’t miss out on seeing the INSANELY talented School of Rock!!
Charlotte Abrehart
Production Raffle
Production Camp – Staff Report
Alongside Charlotte Abrehart’s wonderful student reflection on Production Camp, I wanted to add a staff perspective on what was a fantastic weekend for our 2026 College Production of School of Rock.
Production Camp is one of the biggest weekends in the production calendar. While most students were enjoying a student-free day on Friday, our cast, crew, band and staff were at school rehearsing in the theatre before heading off to Oasis for the weekend.
It is a significant commitment from everyone involved, especially staff giving up a weekend away from family and friends, but it is also one of the most valuable parts of the production process. It gives students the chance to rehearse with focus, build confidence, strengthen friendships and experience what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Oasis once again looked after us incredibly well. The food was a genuine highlight of the weekend, with poke bowls, soy garlic honey chicken, cheeseburgers, cooked breakfasts, acai bowls, souvlaki wraps and even ice cream sandwiches. It is fair to say this was not your average camp food!
From a staff perspective, one of the best parts of Production Camp is seeing students grow across the weekend. Students supported each other, stepped up in rehearsals, worked hard behind the scenes and brought so much energy, humour and kindness to the experience. Our tech students also spent time working through scripts, cues, lighting and sound, helping prepare the backstage and technical elements that will bring the show to life.
A personal highlight was seeing the leadership of our alumni production team, made up of ex-students Chloe Burley, Sophia Sais, Mia Frazer and 2024 Executive Leader Shay Coxhead. They returned to support directing, choreography and management, and did an outstanding job. It is incredibly rewarding to see past students giving back to the program and helping shape the next generation of performers. Liam Teunnisen, 2025 alumni, also popped in on the Sunday for hair and makeup trials.
A huge thank you must go to Mr Nicholas Gramatakos, our Producer, for the enormous amount of work that goes into organising Production Camp and supporting every student involved. His care, patience, empathy and respect for students and staff are evident in everything he does. He may go by “Mr G”, but he is literally the opposite of the “Mr G”.
Thank you also to all staff and helpers who gave their time across the weekend, including Carolyn Dickinson, Abbey Novak, Kirsty Mechielsen, Caitlin Irwin, Lo Vanguardia and Matt Heard. Camps and productions like this simply do not happen without people giving their time, energy and care.
Most importantly, congratulations to our incredible students. Their talent, effort and positivity made the weekend a joy, and we are so excited for audiences to see what they have been working on.
School of Rock opens on July 23 and runs until August 1. Tickets are now on sale, and we encourage families, friends and members of the school community to book their seats and come along to support what is shaping up to be an outstanding show.
David Gill